International Graphite Ltd (ASX:IG6) says it has reached a significant milestone in the metallurgical testing of ore samples from its Springdale Graphite Project in Western Australia.
Insights into economic viability
The company has entered the next phase of testing, with more than 1.5 tonnes of material undergoing laboratory assessment at ALS Metallurgy's pilot concentrate production facilities in Perth, WA.
This phase of testing marks a critical step forward in International Graphite's efforts to unlock the full potential of the Springdale Project. The company aims to determine the feasibility of producing high-quality graphite concentrate from the ore deposits found within the project area.
A highlight of the ongoing testing is the planned production of 100 kilograms of graphite concentrate from the 1.5-tonne sample material. This significant amount of concentrate will provide valuable insights into the project's economic viability and the potential for commercial-scale production.
Comprehensive understanding of potential
Ore samples used in the testing come from various sources, including the existing Springdale mineral resource, as well as new discoveries at Springdale Central and Masons Bay. By incorporating ore from these different areas, International Graphite aims to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the project's overall resource potential.
The graphite concentrate produced from the testing will play a crucial role in advancing downstream processing trials at Collie. This is a key development, paving the way for evaluating the optimal methods and technologies for processing the graphite concentrate into high-value end products.
Collie is an ideal location for downstream processing trials due to its well-established industrial infrastructure and proximity to the Springdale Graphite Project.
International Graphite plans to leverage the expertise and resources available in the region to conduct extensive testing and analysis, ensuring the development of an efficient and sustainable processing method.
Well-suited for battery anodes
International Graphite director and chief technical officer David Pass said: “Results from the bulk test work will add important data to our Springdale concentrator plant design.
“Preliminary testing has already shown that the Springdale graphite is well suited for battery anode material (BAM). The concentrates produced at ALS will be available for further BAM test-work including at our own Collie BAM R&D facility.”
The bulk ore samples include material taken from within the existing Springdale mineral resource and from recent graphite discoveries at Springdale Central and Masons Bay – two of four new graphite finds identified during an extensive reverse circulation drilling program the company has conducted at Springdale in the past 12 months.
“We are very pleased with the progress we have made at Springdale. Final assays from the Springdale 2022-2023 drilling campaign are expected to be completed by the end of this month with a revised mineral resource estimate for Springdale to follow.”
As the testing progresses and results become available, the company will continue to provide updates to its stakeholders and the market.