Evolution Energy Minerals Ltd (ASX:EV1) has received positive performance results from battery anode and lithium-ion battery test-work conducted by technology partner and strategic shareholder BTR New Material Group Co Ltd on bulk samples from Chilalo Graphite Project in Tanzania.
The test-work marks further progress beyond the due diligence that BTR conducted before signing a binding offtake agreement and investing in Evolution, during which it produced a high-quality spheronised graphite precursor product with competitive yields.
Suitable for EV supply chains
Evolution Energy managing director Phil Hoskins said: “Following the successful due diligence test-work by BTR, this program has sought to advance into the next phase – qualifying Chilalo anode materials into BTR’s premium quality product specifications.
“Results of this test-work will determine the anode specifications most suitable to Chilalo concentrate. Given the promising signs to date and BTR’s expertise in anode processing, we are confident that anodes derived from Chilalo graphite can qualify into the supply chains of major battery and electric vehicle companies.
“With several recent downstream transactions being announced, we are seeing greater interest from battery and car makers in investing further upstream, particularly if a vertically integrated ‘mine to anode’ supply chain can be demonstrated.
"This test-work will be important for end users to confirm that Chilalo-derived anodes meet their requirements.”
Progressing downstream strategy
The results are a positive sign that Chilalo graphite can replicate BTR’s existing premium quality anode materials that are mass-produced by BTR and qualified by the world’s leading lithium-ion battery producers.
Test-work suggests it will be an ideal feedstock for premium quality anode materials to be produced by BTR and Evolution’s proposed joint downstream anode facility.
Ongoing anode product development is an important part of the planned feasibility studies to assess the potential to establish an anode processing facility in North America. Such a facility would utilise BTR’s world-leading technology and its strong marketing access to the world’s Tier-1 leading battery manufacturers.
Demonstrating a vertically integrated supply chain from mine to lithium-ion battery anode is expected to play a crucial role in EV1 securing a strategic investor or partner to progress a downstream anode material processing strategy.
BTR will continue to undertake large-scale testing on ore from Chilalo all the way through to production of natural graphite battery anodes – shortening lengthy qualification timeframes.