International Graphite Ltd. Successfully Commissions Graphite Micronising Plant in Collie

International Graphite Limited (ASX: IG6) has reached a significant milestone with the successful wet commissioning of its new 200 tonnes per annum graphite micronising plant located in Collie, Western Australia. This cutting-edge microniser, qualifying at scale, stands as the largest of its kind in Australia, marking a pivotal moment in the advancement of the domestic graphite industry. The plant is set to make history by becoming the first in Australia to produce graphite products specifically for customer acceptance testing.

This newly operational plant serves as a precursor to a grander vision—an expansive 4,000 tonnes per annum commercial micronising facility that International Graphite is contemplating for Collie. The proposed construction of this larger-scale operation, estimated to have a capital cost of $12.5 million, could potentially commence as early as mid-2024, contingent upon securing the necessary funding.

Micronised graphite, a finely processed form of graphite, finds diverse applications across various industries. It is a vital component in the manufacturing of lubricants, polymers, plastics, ceramics, lightweight structural materials, and fire-resistant building materials. Beyond these applications, micronised graphite plays a critical role as a conductive additive in the cathodes of lithium-ion batteries, positioning it at the forefront of technologies powering electric vehicles and green energy storage solutions.

International Graphite is hosting over 20 industry and government representatives at the Collie facility to showcase the successful wet commissioning. Andrew Worland, the Managing Director and CEO, conveyed his satisfaction, expressing that they were delighted to have successfully produced commercial grade micronised products from the new facility, which is the first of its kind in Australia. He emphasized the strategic importance of commercial micronising in the company's broader plan to manufacture advanced battery anode materials at Collie, utilizing concentrate feed from their 100% owned Springdale Graphite Project near Hopetoun in Western Australia.

The initial phase of micronising graphite, utilizing third-party concentrates, serves as a strategic move for International Graphite. It provides an avenue to develop a customer base, garner operational experience, establish markets for future by-products, and generate cash flow before the launch of the envisioned integrated Springdale-Collie operations.

With the successful commissioning complete, the company is poised to initiate the production of product samples for testing by potential domestic and international customers. This move aligns with International Graphite's commitment to establishing itself as a key player in the evolving graphite industry, catering to the increasing demand for advanced materials in critical sectors like battery technology.

This announcement, heralding the successful wet commissioning of the graphite micronising plant, has received authorization for release from the Board of Directors of International Graphite Limited. As the company moves forward with its strategic vision, the newly operational plant serves as a testament to the innovative strides being taken in the Australian graphite industry and the role International Graphite is poised to play in shaping its future landscape.