Name of the Project
EcoGraf battery graphite project.

Location
The project will built on Perth’s Kwinana industrial strip, in Western Australia.

Project Owner/s
Kibaran Resources.

Project Description
The project will import natural flake graphite from existing producers and convert it into battery (spherical) graphite using the Kibaran’s patented, environment-friendly EcoGraf process.

The project will be completed in phases.

Phase 1 involves the production of 5 000 t/y of spherical graphite and Phase 2 involves the expansion of production to 20 000 t/y.

Potential Job Creation
The project is expected to employ more than 250 construction workers and more than 125 direct employees during production.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The project has a pretax net present value of $141-million and an internal rate of return of 36.6%.

Capital Expenditure
The project has a forecast upfront capital cost of $22.8-million for an initial 5 000 t/y operation, followed by a further $49.2-million to expand production to 20 000 t/y of battery graphite.

Planned Start/End Date
The company expects to make a final investment decision on the project early next year, with first production scheduled for early 2021.

Latest Developments
The project has been granted lead agency support by the Western Australian government.

The preparation of environmental and development plans is on schedule for submission in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Too early to state.

Contact Details for Project Information
Kibaran Resources, tel +61 8 6424 9002 or email info@kibaranresources.com.