¶ INTERNATIONAL Graphite (IG) aims to have a Germany-based graphite processing facility operating along with its Collie micronising facility by 2027.
The fledgling graphite producer unveiled plans earlier this week to develop an expandable graphite facility in Germany under a 50/50 joint venture with Norwegian critical minerals investor and developer Arctic Graphite.
Arctic shareholder Graphite Investment Partners has committed to arranging at least 50 percent of the facility’s capital cost estimate, seeking to raise up to $10 million in funding.
Expandable graphite is used in products including foils and flame retardants.
IG managing director and chief executive officer Andrew Worland said the deal is an endorsement of the company’s capability and strategy.
The partners have a shared vision to “establish smaller scale, lower capital cost projects in tier one jurisdictions”, Mr Worland added.
“The partnership brings together the highest calibre of graphite technical and operational expertise, corporate and financial capability and graphite market experience,” he said.
“Successful execution of the development, financing, construction and operations phases of the EGF [expandable graphite facility] and our Collie micronising facility, where construction activities have commenced, would see our company operating two production centres capable of producing approximately 10,000 tonnes per annum of graphite products.”
A study released in March confirmed the “strong financial viability” of IG’s Collie micronising facility. The company will develop the facility on adjacent lots to its qualification-scale micronising plant in the Collie Light Industrial Area.