Renascor Resources Limited (ASX: RNU) says it is on track to become the world’s first integrated, in-country mine and Purified Spherical Graphite operation outside of China with its 100%-owned Siviour Battery Anode Material Project in South Australia.
Managing Director, David Christensen, said recent flotation optimisation testwork at Siviour shows improved graphite purities and recovery, validating the flowsheet in preparation of detailed engineering design and presenting opportunities for higher plant productivity and lower unit operating costs for the Graphite Concentrate operation.
Meanwhile, advanced mineral processing trials of Renascor’s eco-friendly, HF-free downstream purification process, which was recently validated in trials by German industrial processing specialists Dorfner Anzaplan, continue, with results to be used for detailed engineering design for the construction of Renascor’s downstream Purified Spherical Graphite (PSG) manufacturing facility.
Meanwhile, final Battery Anode Material Manufacturing Facility Site Selection Assessment has commenced to select and acquire the rights to the site for the PSG downstream processing facility.
Recent developments at the Siviour Battery Anode Material Project place Renascor on track to construct, in Australia, the first integrated, in-country mine and Purified Spherical Graphite operation outside of China,” Mr Christensen said.
“Renascor’s strategy to source Graphite Concentrate from our 100% owned, South Australia- located, Siviour Graphite deposit and then convert that feedstock to Purified Spherical Graphite at our Battery Anode Manufacturing Facility, also located in South Australia, gives rise to significant cost, ESG and security of supply advantages.
“Flotation optimisation trials ongoing at ALS Metallurgy in Perth, WA, have achieved increased recoveries of graphite and improved purities into the concentrate graphite feedstock, and thus reveal opportunities to further lower operating costs and increase project value.
“Furthermore, results from recent purification testwork have been extremely encouraging. German industrial processing specialists, Dorfner Anzaplan, have verified that our eco-friendly, HF-free downstream caustic roasting and leaching purification process has exceeded typical PSG purity specifications with a result of 99.98% carbon,” he said.
Mr Christensen added that the company is in discussions with the Clean Energy Finance Corporation CEFC in relation to the potential provision of financing.
“CEFC’s financial support in the battery metals space in Australia is well known, and its support for the Siviour Project will provide added impetus to Renascor’s successful engagement with international anode manufacturers and lithium-ion battery companies, with respect to offtake agreements for Purified Spherical Graphite.
“On offtake, inbound enquiries from globally recognised battery anode manufacturers and trading companies for Siviour PSG have been strong, and we look forward to providing further updates as we progress these discussions.
“As we advance the development of the world-class Siviour Battery Anode Material Project, we are grateful to have the support of the local community, all levels of government, financing agencies, including the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and Export Finance Australia, and strong potential offtake partners.”