Name of the Project
Molo graphite project.
Location
Tulear region, south-western Madagascar.
Project Owner/s
Canadian battery materials development company NextSource Materials.
Project Description
The project is at the full feasibility study stage, and ranks as one of the biggest known highest-quality flake graphite deposits in the world; it is the only project with SuperFlake graphite.
NextSource will use an all-modular build approach to build the mine.
Initial production is expected to be 17 000 t/y over the first two years of production, followed by mine expansion in Year 3. The project could be incrementally expanded to provide additional feedstock for the company’s downstream initiatives.
The project also includes the construction of a hybrid solar photovoltaic, battery energy storage system and thermal energy facility.
Potential Job Creation
Not stated.
Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.
Capital Expenditure
$24-million, plus $3-million for working capital.
Planned Start/End Date
Mine commissioning is targeted for 2022.
Latest Developments
NextSource Materials has reported that construction of the processing plant and mining camp for the Molo mine is complete, with the entire mining fleet on site.
“We are now entering the final stages of development of Phase 1 and are fast approaching first production. We look forward to providing a more detailed update as we progress through commissioning,” CEO Craig Scherba has said.
Electrical interconnections between plant modules are in progress, which will be followed by commissioning and the start of mining activities. Plant commissioning will be followed by a ramp-up period of up to three months before achieving commercial production.
Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Erudite Strategies (engineering, procurement and construction management contractor).
Contact Details for Project Information
NextSource Materials, tel +1416364 4911 or executive VP corporate development Brent Nykoliation, email brent@nextsourcematerials.com.