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 and 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.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
A $29.5-million strategic investment by Vision Blue is expected to fully fund the construction of the project.

Planned Start/End Date
Mine commissioning is targeted for 2022.

Latest Developments
Construction crews have mobilised to the Molo graphite mine site, starting civils and earthworks in preparation for the delivery and installation of the processing plant.

NextSource Materials  said in April 2022 that the Covid-19 travel restrictions and cyclone activity in Madagascar had delayed the start of earthworks and civils work at the mine.

NextSource expects to receive the processing plant, which passed factory acceptance testing in February, at the mine site in the second quarter, followed by the installation and commissioning in the third quarter.

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.