Comet Resources Ltd (ASX:CRL) has established proof-of-concept for its natural flake graphite to be used for lithium-ion battery anodes after successful results from inductively coupled plasma (ICP) assays.
The assays tested spherical graphite sourced from Comet’s Springdale Graphite Project in Western Australia, achieving purity rates of 99.9% with hydrofluoric acid, an improvement over previous alkaline-based tests which achieved 99.96% purity.
All element values assayed in the ash material from the testing were better than the typical specification limits required for use in battery anode material (BAM) for lithium-ion batteries.
Alkaline assay results
Assay of alkaline purified material was also undertaken using the ICP technique. The material presented low levels of problematic elements after purification, especially critical detrimental elements like iron, silicon, chromium and copper.
Three elements, sodium nickel and calcium, were slightly elevated. Comet believes the sodium is likely a by-product of the purification medium and can be reduced significantly with further optimisation of the process.
Similarly, the nickel was likely from the nickel crucible used in the process. Calcium was the only element found in higher concentration than typical for lithium-ion BAM limits. The company will look to solve this issue with a modified alkaline-based treatment that should organically lower calcium levels.
Often a limit of 25 parts per million (ppm) is given for calcium, versus the result from assay of 32.7 ppm. However, a result within the 25 ppm limit should be achievable with future optimisation work.
Further test work
More testing is underway in Germany to determine the ideal balance of concentrate material to optimise the processing of Springdale natural flake graphite into spherical graphite suitable for battery anodes.
These tests will primarily focus on improvements in yield during the process of spheronisation of the graphite.
Once this test program is complete in Germany, which will have exhausted the supply of graphite concentrate, further test work will be paused pending completion of the company's proposed transaction with International Graphite.
It is then expected that International Graphite will continue with further testing post-deal close.
Corporate update
On May 19, 2021, Comet Resources announced it had executed a binding heads of agreement with American International Ventures Inc (AIVN) for the proposed 100% acquisition of the La Sorpressa III tenement in Baja California, Mexico.
The tenement lies to the northwest of Comet’s Santa Teresa Gold Project tenement 223182, sharing a tenement boundary proximate to the area that is host to the JORC-compliant inferred resource.
Comet paid a US$25,000 fee for 90 days exclusivity to conduct due diligence prior to making a decision to complete the proposed transaction.
Despite making multiple requests to AIVN for them to provide material to enable Comet to complete its due diligence, no data was provided.
The company is now assessing legal options for recovery of the US$25,000 fee paid and other potential damages.
About Comet Resources
Comet Resources is a base metals, precious metals and industrial metals exploration and development company.
The company's growing portfolio includes the Santa Teresa Gold Project in Mexico, the Barraba Copper Project in New South Wales and the Springdale Graphite Project in Western Australia.