Gratomic Inc. (TSX-V:GRAT, OTCQX:CBULF) has announced that production has begun on its first batch of samples expected to be representative of the commercial production from its Aukam plant in Namibia as the company works toward completing a feasibility study on the project.
The company said that after it received the bulk sample from the Aukam processing plant, independent laboratory SGS Lakefield performed a series of grinding and flotation stages with the material that replicated the Aukam flowsheet.
Three batches returned a combined concentrate grade of 97.4% C(t), meeting the specifications of Gratomic’s tentative technical data sheets for a 97% product.
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The company said that after sieving, the concentrate was separated into kilogram-sized sample lots which will be forwarded to prospective end-users to start the product qualification process.
Part of the material will be sent to specific development laboratories to proceed with testing and development of value-added processes such as micronization, spheronization, and purification to advance the integrated supply chain process for battery anode material.
Gratomic CEO Arno Brand said: “These results verify that our metallurgical process is adequate for producing the desired grades required by our end-users.”
Gratomic is working towards completing a feasibility study on the Aukam processing plant and said the company expects to file a NI 43-101 resource estimate in 3Q 2022.
The company said it wished to emphasize that no preliminary economic analysis, preliminary feasibility study, or feasibility study has been completed to support any production level at the Aukam project.
Gratomic is focused on becoming a leading global graphite supplier, with projects in Namibia, Brazil, and Canada.
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