International Graphite (ASX: IG6) has received another set of strong results from purification test work conducted at ALKEEMIA’s specialist graphite laboratories in Porto Marghera, Venice.
All seven concentrate samples tested in the latest program exceeded the target purification level of 99.9% total graphitic carbon (TGC), including material from the company’s Springdale graphite project.
The latest outcomes add to momentum behind the companies’ recently announced plan to build and operate a graphite processing hub at ALKEEMIA’s Porto Marghera industrial facility through a 51:49 joint venture.
The work demonstrates that the process can successfully treat concentrates with varying flake sizes from existing African and European mining operations.
Purification Results Extend Validation
International Graphite reported purification results ranging from 99.91% to 99.98% across samples sourced from East Africa, Europe and Springdale.
The Springdale sample returned a purification result of 99.98% for micronised graphite, while expandable graphite samples from East Africa delivered results as high as 99.98%.
European material also produced high-grade outcomes, with micronised graphite returning 99.96%, and expandable graphite recording 99.93% and 99.91% in separate results.
The company said the results continue to validate ALKEEMIA’s hydrofluoric acid (HF) based purification technology, which it described as the only commercially proven reagent used at scale to purify graphite concentrates.
Targeting Flexible Feedstock Supply
The successful test work and planned pilot plant scale work support a future operation capable of treating graphite concentrates from multiple supply sources.
This flexibility will improve supply chain risk metrics while helping deliver the high-grade specifications needed for higher-value industrial graphite products.
Access to ALKEEMIA’s proprietary technology and planned commercial-scale purification facilities could expand the range of products available from the joint venture.
Building To Commercial Ramp-Up
International Graphite has secured an allocation of up to 50% of the start-up capacity at ALKEEMIA’s 200 tonnes per year industrial graphite purification plant and plans to increase toll treatment usage as the facility ramps toward nameplate capacity.
ALKEEMIA is targeting a phased expansion in graphite purification capacity, with operations set to begin in 2026 and scale to 20,000tpa by 2030.
At the same time, the JV partners are developing site layouts and confirming project design and project cost estimates for the new processing hub.
Key commercial agreements needed to support the start of construction are progressing, while discussions continue with multiple graphite concentrate suppliers to secure feedstock for the venture.
Advanced negotiations are also underway with a leading European graphite sales firm.
