Evion Group NL (ASX:EVG, OTC:EVIGF) has become the only African graphite project listed under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) after its flagship Maniry Graphite Project in Madagascar was formally listed as a Strategic Project under the legislation. This major endorsement from the European Union sees Maniry become the only African graphite project among just 13 non-EU ventures recognised by the European Commission. This milestone enhances the project's profile in the EU’s efforts to secure sustainable supplies of key materials needed for energy transition technologies.
Evion managing director David Round said the endorsement validates Maniry’s potential to become a long-term supplier of world-class graphite and downstream materials. The company is now advancing talks with the EU Advisory team on grant funding and introductions to major energy and EV manufacturers.
“The endorsement of our project by the EU and its Advisory team is a testament to the quality of our project and the graphite we can produce,” Round said. “We’ve had very productive meetings with the EU Advisory team recently and we look forward to advancing these discussions and concluding a formal finance plan.
“Recent meetings have focused on the provision of substantial grants that are available to us, funding options and introductions to the world’s leading EV and alternative energy manufacturers. These opportunities, that are uniquely available to us, can position Evion to be a leading producer of world-class graphite and downstream graphite materials for decades to come.”
Strategic Project status to streamline funding and permitting
Strategic Project recognition under the CRMA unlocks several benefits. It enables expedited permitting pathways, easing regulatory bottlenecks and fast-tracking development timelines.
The designation also strengthens access to financing through a dedicated EU taskforce that coordinates with both public and private financial institutions.
It also elevates Maniry’s profile with potential lenders, investors and offtake partners within Europe’s critical minerals supply chain.
Madagascar infrastructure upgrades align with EU goals
Maniry’s development is further supported by key infrastructure initiatives. The rehabilitation of the RN10 national highway, funded by the World Bank and initiated by President Andry Rajoelina, will enhance year-round access to export ports such as Toliara and Port d’Ehoala. Meanwhile, the recently completed EU-funded Kiembe Boulevard in Toliara improves freight access between the port and airport.
These projects directly align with Evion’s EU-facing logistics and development strategy.
Maniry also benefits from the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the European Union and the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) group, of which Madagascar is a member. Provisionally applied since 2012, the EPA offers duty-free, quota-free access to the EU market for eligible Malagasy goods. Europe remains Madagascar’s top export destination, further reinforcing Maniry’s strategic positioning within the EU raw materials framework.
Forward momentum
Evion Group is building an integrated graphite supply chain, with projects in Madagascar, India, and Europe.
The 2022 Definitive Feasibility Study for Maniry outlined a 21-year operation producing up to 60,000 tonnes of graphite concentrate annually, with a pre-tax net present value of US$263 million.
The company is also progressing a downstream battery anode materials facility in Germany and operates an expandable graphite joint venture, Panthera, in India with Metachem Manufacturing Co. Panthera commenced shipments in March 2025.