International Graphite (ASX: IG6) has reported pilot-scale purification test work results that have exceeded target specifications for the production of high-quality expandable graphite.
The company engaged Italian manufacturer Alkeemia to conduct the tests in specialist graphite laboratories at Alkeemia’s Porto Marghera operations, near Venice, using fine graphite concentrates from International Graphite’s Springdale project in Western Australia and coarse concentrates from operating mines across Europe.
The purification of initial coarse (80 mesh) samples surpassed the target grade of 99.5%, confirming its suitability as feedstock for high-quality expandable graphite production.
The results support International Graphite’s plans to establish an expandable graphite plant in Germany to service the region’s industrial markets.
Expandable Graphite Plant
Expandable graphite is a high-value product used in flame retardants, thermal insulation, energy storage, and industrial foils.
It is produced by treating natural flake graphite with intercalating agents, enabling the material to rapidly expand when exposed to heat.
The new facility would be one of the most significant plants of its kind at a time when European security of supply is critical to consumers and growth in industrial demand is strong.
International Graphite has signed a co-operation agreement with Arctic Graphite and Graphite Investment Partners to establish the plant, which will target initial production of approximately 3,000 tonnes per annum.
Toll-Treatment Agreement
International Graphite secured an agreement with Alkeemia in December, whereby Alkeemia would provide toll-treatment graphite purification services and explore ways in which the partners could achieve further integration to deliver capital and operating efficiencies.
Alkeemia is one of Europe’s largest producers of hydrofluoric acid and fluoroderivatives and is targeting the start of a new industrial graphite purification plant this quarter.
International Graphite has been allocated up to 50% of the 200 tonnes per annum start-up capacity, and will seek to increase supply as the facility ramps up to 200,000tpa.
At the time of the agreement, managing director Andrew Worland said partnering with Alkeemia could be transformational for the company’s plans.
“High-purity graphite is critical to accessing higher-value micronised and expandable graphite products and essential for anode supply—access to commercial toll treatment services would remove considerable capital expenditure and operational risk for us as we scale our operations and product suite,” he said.
Graphite Expert Appointed
International Graphite has appointed industry expert Aidan Nania to the role of executive director.
Mr Nania is a founder and director of Arctic Graphite, and was previously a director and significant shareholder in large producer Skaland Graphite.
“Our team has worked closely with Aidan over the past 12 months since he outlined his vision for value-added graphite processing facilities in Europe to meet industrial market demand for localised supply sources,” Mr Worland said.
“Aidan was instrumental in securing the processing technology rights for our expandable graphite project in Germany as well as the Alkeemia agreement and he has full alignment with our strategic graphite vision.”
