International Graphite presents operational expansion plans at Select USA conference
Fresh off providing a positive update on the company’s integrated graphite processing operations in Western Australia, International Graphite (ASX: IG6) is taking its story to global markets.
At a time when interest in graphite is surging, International Graphite is showcasing the significant value of its Springdale graphite project and Collie graphite micronising plant at the Select USA conference in Washington DC.
North America is seen as a significant potential market for offtake from International Graphite’s fully integrated graphite supply, which would be one of the first of its kind in the western world.
Highly-rated prospect
For its part, International Graphite is making good progress with a definitive feasibility study (DFS) for its WA graphite plans.
Its 100%-owned Springdale graphite resource is considered one of the largest in Australia and ranks in the top 15 worldwide, being named Australian resource discovery of the year in 2023.
The company is currently undertaking a 10-hole diamond drilling program at Springdale to gather important data for geotechnical studies required for mine planning, waste characterisation and resource classification, as well as additional sample material for further metallurgical test work.
International Graphite is also expected to make final investment decisions in the third quarter of this calendar year for a 4,000 tonnes per annum commercial-scale micronising facility at Collie.
Government support
The Collie project, which has attracted significant government backing, is expected to be Australia’s first purpose-built graphite processing facility and will significantly increase the nation’s sovereign supply of critical battery materials.
Commissioned earlier this year, Collie is already producing various flake products that meet a range of technical specifications for end users, suitable for both advanced battery anode materials and other industrial applications.
Product samples are now planned to be available for potential customers to conduct qualification and acceptance assessments.
Growing interest
International Graphite’s strategy has already attracted the attention of potential customers and finance partners from destinations such as North America, Japan and Korea.
Managing director and chief executive officer Andrew Worland has described the current growth in battery and vehicle manufacturing capacity in North America, Europe and Asia as a “once in a generation” market opportunity.
He says global pressures on lithium-ion battery manufacturers and industrial graphite end users are leading to growing demand for graphite from markets.
Supply chain concerns
The Select USA audience was informed that the US has scant domestic natural graphite supply and few prospects at a time when it is looking to diversify and grow its raw material supply chains.
It was also noted that both the US and Australian governments are providing substantial policy support for the development of reliable sources of critical metals such as graphite.
The company told those in attendance that completion of the DFS is expected by the end of calendar year 2024.