TSX-V-listed Graphite One has appointed Kevin Torpy as VP operations of its Alaskan subsidiary and promoted Andrew Tan to VP, advanced graphite materials.
Both appointments are effective immediately.
"Graphite One is fortunate to add an experienced mining executive of Kevin's caliber, and is pleased to recognise Andrew's contribution to the company,” said CEO and founder Anthony Huston.
"Kevin has brought mines through permitting, construction and into production – a skill set that's going to make our team even stronger. Andrew's skill, experience and relationships in the industry are instrumental in developing our anode manufacturing capability."
Torpy is a mining engineer with 26 years of experience developing, building and operating mines, primarily in remote northern locations. Prior to joining Graphite One he was VP, operations at Ambler Metals, another Arctic exploration project in Alaska.
Graphite One is planning to complete a US supply chain for advanced graphite materials, anchored by its Graphite Creek, north of Nome, Alaska.
The project is proposed as a vertically integrated enterprise to mine, process and manufacture anode materials primarily for the lithium–ion electric vehicle battery market. Graphite mineralisation mined from the Graphite Creek property will be processed into concentrate at an adjacent processing plant. Natural and artificial graphite anode materials and other value–added graphite products will be manufactured from the concentrate and other materials at the company's proposed advanced graphite materials manufacturing facility expected to be located in Washington state.
The company intends to make a production decision on the project upon the completion of a feasibility study.