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
EcoGraf, formerly Kibaran Resources.

Project Description
The project will import natural flake graphite from existing producers and convert it into battery (spherical) graphite using 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
EcoGraf has signed a letter of intent with regard to an engineering, procurement and construction contract with GR Engineering Services for the development of a 20 000 t/y battery graphite facility in Australia.

EcoGraf and GR Engineering have been working to complete predevelopment activities for the battery graphite facility as EcoGraf finalises its arrangements with the state government’s land development agency over a proposed site at the Kwinana industrial hub.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
GR Engineering (EPC contract).

On Budget and on Time?
Too early to state.

Contact Details for Project Information
EcoGraf, tel +61 8 6424 9000 or email info@ecograf.com.au.