Evolution Energy Minerals Ltd (ASX:EV1) has demonstrated the premium quality of graphite sources from its Chilalo Graphite Project in Tanzania with electrochemical testing returning much higher than average yields based on unoptimised test-work, results described by the company as "exceptional".
Chilalo coated spherical graphite produced ‘superior’ electrochemical performance results according to EV1:
- Reversible capacity (the measure of specific capacity rating) of 368 milliampere hours per gram (mAh/g) – this is near theoretical capacity of 372 mAh/g.
- Irreversible capacity loss (essentially demonstrating the retention of specific capacity from charge to charge) is less than 7%.
These results place Chilalo graphite in the super-premium class of active anode materials for lithium-ion batteries – a class of active anode materials that sells for about A$26,450 (US$18,000) – A$32,340 (US$22,000) per tonne.
In essence, Evolution believes the electrochemical results far exceed industry specifications and underline the fact that lithium-ion batteries using Chilalo coated spherical graphite will have exceptional cycle life and very high recharge efficiency compared to competing products.
In addition, unoptimised test-work delivered yields of 64% usable spherical graphite, a 37% increase compared to the industry average of about 40%, a windfall Evolution says will substantially improve the economics of the company’s materials production plant.
Graphite “as good as it gets”
“Evolution is pleased to report the outstanding spheroidisation and electrochemical performance of our Chilalo flake graphite,” Evolution Energy Minerals managing director Phil Hoskins said.
“Our inverted process flow sheet has achieved significantly higher yield into usable spherical graphite compared to traditional particle shaping circuits.
“Following the application of our proprietary surface coatings to spheroidised particles, the resulting coated spherical graphite exceeds the specifications of leading EV battery manufacturers.
“Preliminary battery testing has demonstrated electrochemical performance that is essentially as good as it gets for coated spherical graphite, due primarily to the unique properties of Chilalo flake graphite.
“These factors point toward the suitability of Chilalo graphite to producing the highest quality lithium-ion battery anode materials that attract premium prices and to Evolution’s downstream processing technology providing a leading cost and margin position in the industry.”
Recognising the significance of the results, investors have responded positively, sending shares as much as 15% higher this morning to $0.46. Securities have risen from $0.275 at the market close on June 15.
Toward commercialisation
Evolution will now move to advance a feasibility study and construction of a battery anode materials production facility either in parallel with the development of Chilalo or soon thereafter.
The company has sufficient data to begin qualification initiatives for its coated spherical graphite with leading battery manufacturers and will continue to work with its technology partners in the US to improve results and produce specific sizes and grades for targeted battery manufacturers.
Finally, Evolution is continuing to process and battery test the purified, non-spherical by-product from the spheroidisation process to determine its suitability as a conductivity enhancement in battery cathodes and electrically conductive coatings – successful results would further enhance the economics of the planned battery anode materials plant.