EcoGraf Ltd’s (ASX:EGR) proposed Kwinana Battery Anode Materials Facility has been granted major project status, which recognises the importance of the development and supports the Australian Government’s Critical Minerals Strategy and Western Australia’s Future Battery Industry Strategy.
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Christian Porter along with the Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt made the announcement.
The state-of-the-art processing facility will produce spherical graphite products for export to Asia, Europe and North America using environmentally responsible purification technology to provide customers with sustainably produced, high-performance battery anode graphite.
“Delighted to receive support”
EcoGraf’s managing director Andrew Spinks said: “We are delighted to receive this support from the Australian Government.
“Our new Battery Anode Materials Facility forms part of Australia’s plans to expand its critical minerals processing and advanced manufacturing industries to provide sustainably produced, high-quality products for the global lithium-ion battery and electric vehicle markets.”
Aligns with Europe policy changes
Spinks said: “EcoGraf’s development strongly aligns with recent legislative policy changes in Europe that require higher standards of environmental and social governance in battery supply chains.
“Unprecedented investment is currently underway globally to establish a self-sufficient and sustainable battery manufacturing supply chains to support the electric vehicle industry.”
“Committed to boosting investment”
Minister Porter said: “The Australian Government is committed to boosting investment in Australia’s critical minerals industry to help build our sophisticated manufacturing capability and deliver new jobs across the country, and particularly to our regional areas.
“This project will make a high-value contribution to the growth of our critical minerals industry and open up opportunities for further project developments.”
Environmentally-friendly process
Minister Pitt said: “EcoGraf is an excellent example of what we want to see more of in Australia – our raw materials being downstream processed right here in Australia, adding value to our exports and creating well paid and sustainable jobs for Australian workers in the process.
“The project will also use EcoGraf’s own purification technology that eliminates the use of hydrofluoric acid leading to a cost-effective and environmentally friendly purification process.”