Volt Resources Ltd (ASX:VRC) has added a US-based senior advisor - battery materials to the team.
Prashant S Chintawar, who is based in New Jersey, USA, will start in the role today, with a focus on the development of Volt’s rapidly scaling downstream business.
The graphite producer/developer and gold exploration company has a 70% controlling interest in the Zavalievsky Graphite business in Ukraine, which is close to key markets with significant developments in LIB facilities planned to service European-based car makers and the renewable energy sector.
Volt is also progressing the development of its large wholly-owned Bunyu Graphite Project in Tanzania, located near critical infrastructure with sealed roads running through the project area and ready access to the deepwater port of Mtwara 140 kilometres from the project.
In 2018, Volt reported the completion of a feasibility study into the Stage 1 development of Bunyu based on a mining and processing plant annual throughput rate of 400,000 tonnes of ore to produce on average 23,700 tonnes of graphite products.
A key objective of the Stage 1 development is to establish infrastructure and market position in support of the development of the significantly larger Stage 2 expansion project at Bunyu.
Chintawar will oversee assessment of Battery Anode Material business activities in the US and Europe, organisation structure, development plans and studies for small-scale, and producer-level, battery anode material facilities.
Directly relevant skills
Chintawar is an entrepreneurial global business leader with a track record of creating and scaling up new lithium-ion battery material business, growing existing chemical businesses, profit and loss management, negotiating and structuring deals, setting-up production plants, and selling start-up businesses.
He is passionate about creating and scaling businesses using people as well as commercial and operational skills.
“We are very pleased to welcome such a well-regarded and accomplished business leader as Prashant into this role,” non-executive chairman Asimwe Kabunga said.
“The already fast-growing US battery industry has seen added impetus from powerful government initiatives and Prashant’s appointment comes at a time that Volt’s downstream business is quickly emerging as a substantial value driver for Volt’s shareholders.
“Prashant brings directly relevant skills and experience which most recently include leading the US industrialisation strategy for a top 10 global EV and ESS battery producer.
"He has also previously served as director, Global Business Development & Sales for leading global chemical company BASF, where he led a large team creating and scaling-up a new lithium-ion battery cathode (and cathode precursor) business.
On his appointment, Chintawar said, “I am thrilled to be joining Volt at this critical juncture for the company. While shareholders can expect value creation from the recommencement of graphite production at Zavalievsky, the greater value arguably comes from participation in the full supply chain of graphite products.
"In the last year, Volt has entered collaborations with groups including Energy Supply Developers to provide CSPG products for lithium-ion batteries, Urban Electric Power in alkaline batteries and Apollo Energy Systems in lead-acid batteries.
“Not only does this provide a route to monetising high-value end-products, but through this portfolio of partnerships, there could be almost zero wastage from the graphite feed.
"This role fully leverages my experience base and comes at a time that the battery sector is enjoying robust market dynamics as well as strong support from the US government”.