Talga Group’s Nunasvaara South set to become Europe’s largest natural graphite resource after court win

Battery materials specialist Talga Group’s (ASX: TLG) perseverance is about to pay off after the company won its court case to operate a prime mining permit in Sweden.

After a drawn-out process, the Swedish government has dismissed all appeals against the company’s 100%-owned Nunasvaara South natural graphite mine exploitation concession.

All major permits are now in force for the Nunasvaara South mine, part of Europe’s largest and highest grade JORC-classified natural graphite resource.

‘Years of dedication’

“The permit success validates years of dedication [and] reflects Talga’s rigorous environmental and operational planning, with over a decade of comprehensive studies, stakeholder engagement and adherence to Sweden’s stringent regulations,” founder and managing director Mark Thompson said.

“We are well-positioned to execute our strategy of delivering sustainable, high-performance anode materials to the global battery market.”

Talga has vertically integrated the Nunasvaara South mine with its fully permitted Luleå anode refinery, which it expects to produce 19,500 tonnes per annum of sustainable high-performance lithium-ion battery anode material for EVs, battery energy storage systems and defence markets.

Responsible development

Talga chief executive officer Martin Phillips said the government approval highlights the company’s commitment to responsible resource development.

“The Swedish government’s positive decision means we now have all major permits in place for both the mine and refinery.”

“We look forward to continuing to work cooperatively and collaboratively with our stakeholders through agreements in the future.”

Key graphite supplier

On the doorstep of Europe’s forecast EV development expansion, Sweden is positioning itself to be a key supplier of graphite into that market.

Swedish Energy, Business and Industry Minister Ebba Busch said the graphite from Talga would be a key material in battery manufacturing and the green transition to a fossil-fuel free society.

The exploitation concession victory follows a series of strategic achievements for Talga and the Vittangi anode project, including the EU designating Strategic Project status on Nunasvaara South and awarding Talga a $124 million grant from its Innovation Fund.