Name of the Project
Epanko graphite project pilot plant.

Location
Tanzania.

Client
Kibaran Resources.

Project Description
Kibaran Resources completed a feasibility study on the downstream processing of graphite from its Epanko graphite project in December 2017. The study concluded that production of battery-grade graphite using Kibaran’s proprietary purification technology, which uses simple chemicals without the need for hydrofluoric acid, would be low cost and environmentally friendly.

The feasibility study was based on the production of 20 000 t/y of spherical graphite, four times the rate originally planned. The decision to increase the production rate was based on strong customer feedback on Kibaran’s ecofriendly processing route and the expected 300% to 400% growth in demand from the battery sector from 2020.

The study proposes a two-stage strategy to meet market demand.

Stage 1 – the establishment of a pilot plant in Germany in early 2018 to conduct further testwork on product qualities, refine the new nonhydrofluoric acid purification technology and complete customer prequalification processes. The pilot plant will allow for the expansion of production rates to 600 t/y to allow for the initial commercial sales of unpurified battery (spherical) graphite.

Stage 2 – the construction of a full commercial-scale operation in 2019, starting with the production and sale of up to 5 000 t/y and ramping up over several years to reach a battery graphite production rate of 20 000 t/y. It is expected that the expansion of the pilot plant and the start of construction of full-scale facilities will be undertaken in parallel to meet the forecast demand growth from customers in Asia and Europe.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The project has a pretax net present value, at a 10% discount rate, of $145-million and an internal rate of return of 34.3%, with a payback of three years.

Value
The project will require an initial investment of $66-million.

Duration
Not stated.

Latest Developments
In light of the feasibility study, Kibaran has decided to establish a pilot plant in Germany, which will be expanded to commercial-scale production to supply premium battery graphite to customers in Europe and Asia.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
GR Engineering, with participation from ProGraphite (feasibility study).

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Kibaran Resources MD Andrew Spinks, tel +61 8 6424 9000 or email info@kibaranresources.com.