EcoGraf Ltd (ASX:EGR) has successfully trialled its proprietary graphite purification technology to recycle lithium-ion battery anode material in Germany, with the EcoGraf process delivering outstanding results to increase the carbon purity of the recycled material by over 200% and achieving a carbon content of over 99%.
The EcoGraf purification process was trialled on recycled material extracted from lithium-ion batteries, which included anode material which consists of natural battery graphite, synthetic graphite and silicon.
As graphite comprises almost 50% of the mass of a typical lithium-ion battery, the successful trial represents a major step forward to support electric vehicle and battery manufacturers achieve sustainable, closed-loop manufacturing processes.
EcoGraf purification facility
Electric vehicle and lithium-ion battery manufacturers are moving rapidly to establish recycling
opportunities that will improve the sustainability of their supply chains and EcoGraf is evaluating the potential to commercialise this opportunity as it proceeds to develop the new EcoGraf purification facility in Kwinana, Western Australia.
The Kwinana facility will be the first facility of its kind to be constructed outside of China and will provide a new supply of high quality and cost competitive purified spherical graphite for the lithium-ion battery market.
Following a review of EcoGraf’s proposed plant in Kwinana, Australian government agency Export Finance Australia has confirmed that subject to completing a detailed assessment of the project, it will consider the provision of debt finance for the new US$72 million development.
A detailed financial model has been prepared for the Kwinana funding process that incorporates proposed terms for a US$35 million debt funding package, representing about 50% of the total construction cost.
