International Graphite Ltd (ASX:IG6) will head to Washington next week as part of an Australian government–backed US Critical Minerals Delegation, while continuing to progress its integrated graphite developments in Australia and Europe.
The program, commencing September 15, is coordinated by Austrade and aims to strengthen ties between Australian critical mineral producers and the US government. For IG6, it is an opportunity to reinforce its “mine-to-market” vision — linking the Springdale Graphite Project in Western Australia with downstream processing at Collie (WA), in Germany and potentially in the United States.
Tapping US demand for graphite
The US currently imports the majority of its natural graphite needs, leaving supply vulnerable. Washington has identified graphite as strategically important for both its defence base and clean energy transition, with the Department of Defense already awarding International Graphite US$7.5 million to support its Springdale business plan.
During the delegation, IG6 will meet with officials across the Departments of Defense and Commerce, as well as the Export-Import Bank. The week will conclude with investor meetings in New York.
The company has previously flagged interest in developing processing capacity in Savannah, Georgia, modelled on its proposed Collie Battery Anode Materials Facility, to complement its growing international footprint.
Collie and Bitterfeld on track
Back home, IG6 is advancing construction activities for its new commercial micronising facility at Collie. Workstreams include land access negotiations, plant and facility design, development approvals, and utility infrastructure works.
Read more: International Graphite wraps FEED study for Collie graphite micronising facility
In Europe, International Graphite’s landmark joint venture with Arctic Graphite AS is progressing at the Bitterfeld Chemipark in Germany. Site assessments have been completed, while metallurgical test work, engineering and design are being prepared with the support of partners Hensen Carbon and Graphite and ProGraphite GmbH.
Read more: International Graphite forms landmark joint venture for European expandable graphite facility
Together, the Collie and Bitterfeld facilities are targeted to be operational by 2027, with capacity to produce around 10,000 tonnes of high-value graphite products a year and generate US$20 million–30 million in annual revenues. Expansion opportunities under review include purification and expandable graphite in Collie, and micronising and purification in Germany.
Building a Western supply chain
International Graphite’s expansion strategy reflects growing momentum to develop secure, non-Chinese supply chains for critical minerals. The company is positioning itself as a key supplier to global battery and advanced materials markets through a fully integrated production network.
With US policy momentum behind reshoring critical minerals and battery supply chains, IG6’s Washington trip adds another layer of international exposure as it pushes to build out its mine-to-market business.