Name of the Project
Vidalia natural graphite active anode material (AAM) facility.

Location
Vidalia, Louisiana, in the US.

Project Owner/s
Syrah Resources.

Project Description
A bankable feasibility study (BFS) has confirmed the strong business case for the expansion of the facility.

The facility can produce 5 000 t/y of unpurified spherical graphite and 200 t/y of purified spherical graphite to battery specification.

The installation of a furnace in the first quarter of 2021 will enable it to produce 200 t/y of natural graphite AAM, and will represent the furthest progressed, vertically integrated production of natural graphite AAM ex-China globally.

The BFS confirms that 10 000 t/y of AAM production can be achieved through the expansion of the existing plant and infrastructure within Syrah’s existing 10 ha industrial site.

The BFS includes a review of effluent discharge plans to ensure large-scale AAM production on site will comply with all regulatory requirements.

Syrah has also assessed a larger-scale 40 000 t/y plant.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
The 10 000 t/y facility will cost about $138-million and the proposed 40 000 t/y facility $477-million.

Planned Start/End Date
Not stated.

Latest Developments
Syrah is proceeding with the procurement and fabrication of selected long-lead, critical path items to maintain the project schedule.

The company is also advancing processes to secure customer, strategic partner and financing commitments for the construction of the AAM facility.

A final investment decision is planned for the second half of 2021, subject to customer and financing commitments.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Worley (services contract for detailed engineering and procurement).

Contact Details for Project Information
Syrah Resources, tel +61 3 9670 7264 or email enquiries@syrahresources.com.au.