Global Li-Ion Graphite Corp. has announced a significant milestone in its strategy to revitalize the Ambato Arana Graphite Mine in Madagascar, securing the processing plant previously utilized for ore from the site.

The processing plant, which includes grinding, flotation, filtering, and drying sections, has a proven track record of producing graphite concentrate with an assay of approximately 94% carbon (C). Global Li-Ion plans to upgrade the facility to achieve a 98% C purity, significantly enhancing the product's market value. The initial production target is set at 5,000 tonnes per year, with plans to scale up to 15,000 tonnes per year in alignment with increased ore extraction. The acquisition price of the plant will be determined by an independent third party, ensuring a fair and transparent transaction.

This acquisition is crucial as it allows the company to rapidly resume production and capitalize on the growing global demand for non-Chinese graphite, in light of the recent US trade policy changes.

"Securing this processing plant is a pivotal step in our mission to restart production at the Ambato Arana Graphite project," stated Chairman Jason Walsh. "The recent US International Trade Commission's decision to impose a 920% tariff on Chinese graphite products underscores the critical importance of developing alternative, non-Chinese supply sources. This development significantly elevates the strategic value of our Madagascan assets in supporting global electrification efforts, especially considering the USGS reports zero natural graphite production in the USA during 2024."

The Ambato Arana Graphite Mine, located near Andasibe in Madagascar's Toamasina Province, comprises three forty-year renewable mining exploitation licenses spanning 4,375 hectares. The site's strategic location, approximately 20 km southwest of Sheritt's Ambatovy nickel/cobalt mine and 15 km northeast of Moramanga, provides excellent logistical access to major transportation routes, including the national highway RN2 connecting to Antananarivo and the port of Toamasina.

Historically, the Ambato Arana site produced graphite for nearly a century, from 1910, albeit at a modest scale due to technological limitations. The deposits, which were only partially mined, are now primed for large-scale exploitation using modern mining techniques. The graphite mineralization occurs within the Manampotsy Formation, characterized by north-south belts of interbedded graphite-rich layers. The shallow dip angle of these layers allows for cost-effective open-pit mining without the need for blasting.

Sample data from the site indicate high-grade graphite deposits, with carbon content reaching up to 10% and some samples approaching 14%. The graphite is also characterized by large flake sizes, consistent with other nearby mines such as Gallois (Elate Graphite), Sahamamy & Vatomina (Tirupati Graphite), and Vohitsara (DNI Metals). This large flake graphite is highly sought after for its superior properties in various industrial applications, including electric vehicle batteries and other advanced technologies.