EcoGraf Advances Epanko Project with Key Resettlement Action Plan Milestone

EcoGraf (ASX: EGR) has achieved a key milestone in its development of the Epanko graphite project in Tanzania, completing the design of a critical community support program.

The company is now preparing to submit an updated Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for Epanko to the local district council and other government authorities after two years of work on the community resettlement project.

As EcoGraf’s prime document for guiding the land access and resettlement planning for the project, finalisation of the RAP is a critical item required prior to debt financing.

Independent Technical Experts

Significant input from independent technical experts provided key inputs for the RAP, which has included asset revaluation for all households affected by the project, as well as extensive engagement with the local community and stakeholders.

The updated RAP features a new resettlement village that will provide replacement houses for all affected households who choose in-kind compensation, as well as a new primary school, health care facility, and church.

In the lead-up to its implementation, EcoGraf has also committed to undertake extensive livelihood restoration programs to ensure that it can re-establish existing sources of income in the resettlement village.

Community Liaison Officers

EcoGraf is now moving to appoint community liaison officers to assist with smooth execution of the RAP, and to act as an interface between the implementation team and the communities.

The officers will come under the guidance of the company’s onsite RAP manager, who has extensive experience implementing these plans for mining and infrastructure developments throughout Tanzania.

EcoGraf expects Epanko will be in operation for more than 40 years, and will deliver billions of dollars to Tanzania via employment, procurement, royalties, taxes, and dividends.

More than 95% of the 300 permanent staff employed during Stage 1 will be Tanzanian, with the Epanko operation to indirectly support an estimated 4,500 jobs.

Natural Flake Graphite Business

EcoGraf is developing Epanko as a major component of its TanzGraphite natural flake graphite business.

The project will provide a long-term, scalable supply of feedstock for EcoGraf battery anode material processing facilities, together with high quality large flake graphite products for specialised industrial applications.

The company has so far invested more than $46 million in a graphite business that also includes a mechanical shaping facility in Tanzania and EcoGraf HFfree purification facilities located in close proximity to EV, battery, and anode manufacturers.