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Highlights
- International Graphite secures $4.5 million in funding for WA’s first commercial graphite micronising plant.
- Collie plant supports International Graphite’s strategy to export battery materials globally.
- Expansion plans to make Collie one of the largest graphite micronising facilities outside China.
International Graphite (ASX:IG6) has received significant support in its mission to build Australia’s first commercial graphite micronising plant, located in Collie, Western Australia. The company has been awarded $4.5 million in funding from the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (JTSI) on behalf of the WA government. This funding will play a crucial role in advancing International Graphite’s battery materials strategy, focused on exporting graphite from Western Australia to international markets.
The Collie plant is a central component of International Graphite’s vision to establish a fully integrated supply chain, positioning the company as a notable player in the battery industry. As part of this strategic initiative, International Graphite is working towards the production of micronised graphite—a critical material used in battery anodes.
The construction of the Collie plant is already in progress, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth. Chief Executive Officer Andrew Worland expressed enthusiasm for the plant’s potential, stating that it will strengthen the company’s standing within the graphite industry and provide a foundation for technical growth as they implement their Springdale mine-to-market battery anode material strategy.
Adding to this positive development, International Graphite recently received mining approvals for its Mason Bay and Springdale Central deposits in southern Western Australia. These approvals mark a significant step forward in the company's expansion into mining, aligning well with its long-term goals for the Collie project.
International Graphite will be able to access the $4.5 million JTSI grant in stages throughout the initial phase of the project. This funding will complement other financial resources, including the Australian government's Critical Minerals Office grant, the company's existing cash reserves, and further contributions expected during the construction period.
Beyond the initial development phase, International Graphite has ambitious plans to expand the Collie plant's capacity. Once Stage 2 is implemented, the facility is expected to reach an annual production capacity of approximately 10,000 tonnes. This expansion will enable Collie to become one of the most substantial micronised graphite producers outside of China, enhancing the global supply of this critical material.
A qualification plant is already operational in Collie, producing various sizes of flake graphite. Product samples from the plant are now being prepared for testing and assessment by potential customers as part of their qualification and acceptance process. Furthermore, International Graphite is targeting the completion of its definitive feasibility study by the end of the year, a move that will bring the company closer to realizing its comprehensive vision for Collie and beyond.
