International Graphite Ltd (ASX:IG6) has installed pilot-scale micronising and spheroidising equipment for the production of graphite battery anode material at its downstream processing facility in Collie, Western Australia.
IG6 is developing a fully integrated mine-to-market graphite battery production stream with its Springdale Graphite Project in Western Australia, supported by the downstream processing facility at Collie.
The company has begun the dry commissioning stage for the facility, having already sourced imported graphite concentrate in preparation for the wet stage of commissioning in August and September.
Product samples will be used for market and industry engagement with support from advisors appointed in Germany and the US, while future micronising facilities will be supported by a $2 million grant from the West Australian Government.
“First step towards realising our vision”
“Establishment of this micronising and spheroidising pilot facility at Collie is our first step towards realising our vision of creating a vertically integrated from mine to final battery anode material production facility in Western Australia,” International Graphite founder and executive chair Phil Hearse said.
“That this first step has been accomplished only four months from our IPO is due to the extensive work the team at IG6 did in the years prior to and since our IPO, laying the foundations for our business plan.
“With governments focused on establishing supply chains for critical minerals, such as battery grade graphite, required to support the transition to a carbon neutral economy globally, including the recent announcement by the WA government of approximately $660 million investment into the Collie region to support such endeavours, we feel positive about our strategy and look forward to delivering on more milestones moving forward.”
International Graphite’s metallurgical test-work on its Springdale graphite has so far shown 'excellent' characteristics for producing battery anode materials, giving the company confidence it will be able to deliver battery-grade concentrate when production begins in earnest.