International Graphite Secures Key Mining Lease, Sets Sights on 2025 Exploration Drilling

International Graphite Ltd has secured a critical approval for its Springdale Graphite Project, with the Western Australian Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation, and Safety granting mining lease M47/0253. This significant development applies to the Mason Bay deposit within the company’s 100%-owned Springdale Project, located on Western Australia’s south coast, near Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun. This deposit is central to International Graphite’s growth strategy, with the Springdale Project housing the second-largest graphite resource in Australia, boasting an estimated 49.3 million tonnes of mineral resources at 6.5% total graphitic carbon (TGC).

The granting of this mining lease is a pivotal achievement in the permitting process for the project, marking an important step toward advancing the Mason Bay deposit. With high-potential resources positioned to meet the surging demand for high-purity graphite, particularly for the lithium-ion battery sector, International Graphite is now poised to enhance its standing in the global supply chain for critical minerals.

While this approval represents a major milestone, a second lease application, M47/0252, covering the Springdale Central deposits, is still under review. Once granted, this will further bolster the project’s potential and solidify the Springdale deposit’s long-term development trajectory.

Environmental Responsibility and Sustainable Development

International Graphite has made significant progress in its environmental management efforts for the Springdale Graphite Project. Comprehensive environmental assessments, including flora and fauna mapping, confirm that the land is pre-cleared for agricultural use, meaning the mining operations will have minimal environmental impact. To further support this, the company conducted a LiDAR drone survey and hydrological assessments to optimize water management and ensure sustainable operations. Additional drilling is planned for early 2025 to expand the resource base and refine the development plan.

Optimizing Production for the Battery Market

As the demand for battery-grade graphite escalates with the rise of electric vehicles and energy storage systems, International Graphite is actively advancing its production capabilities. A key focus is on optimizing milling processes to increase the output of graphite concentrate from the Springdale project. In collaboration with renowned graphite specialists ProGraphite GmbH, the company has successfully produced two high-purity spherical graphite products—SpG11 and SpG18—which have achieved 99.99% purity, exceeding the industry standard of 99.97% typically required for lithium-ion battery anodes.

These results underscore the exceptional quality of the Springdale graphite resource and its ability to meet the stringent demands of the battery anode market. The trials also achieved recovery yields of up to 76%, demonstrating the high efficiency of the processing techniques being employed. This success positions the Springdale deposit as an ideal source of premium graphite for use in the rapidly expanding clean energy and electric vehicle industries.

International Graphite’s innovative approach—focusing on a mine-to-market production strategy—further strengthens its position in the lithium-ion battery supply chain. The company's focus on producing high-purity graphite ensures it can meet the global demand for materials critical to the clean energy transition.

Strategic Vision for the Future

With the granting of the Mason Bay mining lease and the pending approval of the Springdale Central lease, International Graphite is progressing towards becoming a key player in the global supply of high-quality graphite. The Springdale Graphite Project, with its large resource base and exceptional potential for high-purity production, will play a pivotal role in supporting the booming lithium-ion battery sector.

Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its exploration efforts with further drilling set for early 2025. The primary objectives are to continue increasing the resource base, optimize processing methods, and further solidify the company’s role as a leading supplier of critical minerals essential for energy storage, electric vehicle batteries, and other clean energy technologies.

International Graphite’s commitment to environmental responsibility, sustainable operations, and high-quality product development will continue to drive its success as it contributes to the global clean energy transition, ensuring a stable and reliable supply of battery-grade graphite for the next generation of lithium-ion batteries. The company’s holistic approach, from resource extraction to battery-grade product production, positions it to capitalize on the growing demand for critical minerals while playing an integral role in shaping the future of energy storage and electric mobility.