Comet Resources Limited (ASX:CRL) is pleased with the progress of ongoing test-work assessing the amenability of natural flake graphite from its Springdale Graphite Project in Western Australia to produce battery anode material suitable for use in EVs.
After producing a bulk sample of Springdale graphite concentrate during June at a lab in Perth, Western Australia, the concentrate has arrived at a specialist facility in Germany, been dried and prepared for testing with test-work underway.
In addition to the tests being performed by the specialist lab for Comet, sample concentrate material has also been provided to a third-party producer of anode material for their test work.
Demand expected to grow
Comet managing director Matthew O’Kane said: “We now have material for testing in Germany, both for ourselves and a third-party producer of anode material.
“The results of these test work programs will determine the suitability of Comet’s natural flake graphite from the high-grade zone at Springdale for use in the manufacture of battery anodes for electric vehicles.
“With the continued push towards an electrified transport network, demand for these graphite products is expected to continue to grow.”
Follows initial testing
With excellent grades and recoveries being achieved in initial tests, the company then began producing a concentrated bulk sample for further testing.
The production of concentrated materials was completed last month in a lab in Perth and the material was subsequently air-freighted to a specialist testing provider in Germany.
According to the company, three different processes are to be tested:
- Purification to carbon content above 99.9%, as these carbon levels pave the way for high tech applications like usage in batteries;
- Micronising for products that require well defined small flake graphite particles for their end uses; and
- Spheronisation for usage in lithium-ion battery anodes for the rapidly expanding market for EVs due to the global drive to de-carbonise the transport network.
The test-work streams are designed to confirm the suitability of graphite flake from the high-grade zone at Springdale as a precursor material for these high value-added products.
Assessing properties
The specialist lab in Germany will assess, among other properties, the performance of the graphite during purification, micronisation and spheronisation.
These are the key steps for the processing of natural graphite products for electric vehicle (EV) battery anode markets.
Comet’s German lab partners will simulate these to test Springdale’s product suitability to meet industry standards in these areas.
On list of critical raw materials
Graphite suitable for battery anode production achieves premium pricing in graphite markets, making it a highly sought-after product.
The inclusion of natural flake graphite on the European Union (EU) list of critical raw materials highlights the importance of these products as part of the push to reduce global carbon emissions.
Comet’s Springdale Project in WA, a stable tier-one mining jurisdiction, is strategically well placed to provide such products.