International Graphite Ltd (ASX:IG6, FRA:H99)'s pilot-scale purification testwork has exceeded its target specifications for producing high-quality expandable graphite, as it advances plans for a Europe-based expandable graphite facility supplying European industrial markets.
The work is being carried out by ALKEEMIA S.p.A in specialist graphite laboratories at its Port Marghera operations near Venice. International Graphite said the program draws on a mix of coarse and fine graphite concentrates sourced from operating mines in multiple jurisdictions, as well as fine graphite concentrates generated from its Springdale Graphite Project.
Initial purification of coarse concentrates (80 mesh) surpassed the target grade of 99.5% graphite, which the company said confirms suitability as feedstock for high-quality expandable graphite production.
Purification Results provided by ALKEEMIA.
LOI underpins planned European processing pathway
In December 2025, International Graphite signed a non-binding letter of intent with ALKEEMIA covering proposed toll-treatment graphite purification services and discussions on potential further integration to deliver capital and operating efficiencies.
The company has been allocated up to 50% of the start-up capacity of ALKEEMIA’s 200 t/y industrial graphite purification plant and said it will seek to increase supply as the facility ramps up to nameplate processing capacity.
ALKEEMIA is targeting a phased expansion of graphite purification capacity, with operations planned to commence in 2026 and scale to 20,000 t/y by 2030.