Renewable energy and sustainable transport are key to a net-zero future and International Graphite is contributing to both by developing a new supply of processed graphite that is essential for clean, battery-powered technologies.
International Graphite was launched in 2018 by our Chairman, leading Western Australian metallurgist Phil Hearse, who foresaw the growing demand for downstream graphite products and the emerging global market for battery anode material.
An early feasibility study was prepared with funding from a small group of private investors. The study focused on establishing a downstream graphite operation in the Middle East using feedstock from mines in East Africa, shipped to a processing facility to be built in the United Arab Emirates.
In 2019, the focus shifted back to Western Australia, as the State Government unveiled its Future Battery Industry Strategy.
Collie was specifically chosen for its strategic location, established infrastructure and desire to attract new industry. Its biggest advantage was potential access to low-cost power, which would drive down the cost of graphite processing for globally competitive production costs. The WA Government endorsed the concept with a A$2 million grant from the Collie Futures Industry Development Fund to support the establishment of a graphite micronising facility at Collie.
International Graphite made an outstanding debut on the Australian Securities Exchange in April 2022 under the ticker IG6. Investors took up A$10 million in an oversubscribed raising demonstrating strong confidence in the company and the future of graphite in the global battery market.
“This is the beginning of downstream graphite anode technology in the Australian battery industry. International Graphite will continue to grow its knowledge and experience in the engineering of battery anode materials as we head towards future commercial operations.”
Phil Hearse, Chairman
International Graphite’s vision for a fully integrated graphite production business, wholly contained in the safe and progressive jurisdiction of Western Australia, was cemented with plans to acquire the Springdale Graphite Project, from Comet Resources (ASX:CRL).
This capital injection enabled International Graphite to undertake drilling and exploration programs at Springdale, to upgrade to bigger premises in Collie, and purchase R&D and pilot plant equipment to commercialise its graphite micronising and spheroidising processes for a precursor battery anode material.
Europe and North America were earmarked as primary markets for battery graphite. In January 2021, International Graphite joined the European Battery Alliance (EBA250) and European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA). In May 2022, the Company listed on the Frankfurt and Tradelink stock Exchanges.
Our story continues…