Vertically integrated graphite‍-‍to‍-‍anode facility opened in Townsville

Australia’s first vertically integrated graphite-to-anode demonstration facility is now operational in Townsville, according to the Queensland Government.

Graphinex is turning raw graphite into battery-ready anodes using graphite mined and processed from its Esmeralda project, which hosts the world’s second-largest deposit of natural graphite, located near Croydon in North West Queensland.

The Queensland Government declared the Esmeralda Graphite Project a Prescribed Project last year to streamline approvals and unlock investment. The declaration followed the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) issuing a Letter of Interest for $1.3 billion.

The future supply chain will deliver battery anodes to be used in lithium-ion batteries.

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said Graphinex’s milestone demonstrates Queensland’s ability to lead the next generation of critical minerals and manufacturing.

“Queensland is not just exporting raw materials, we are turning them into high-value products that are in demand around the world and strengthening the state’s position as a world leader in critical minerals,” he said.

Graphinex Managing Director Art Malone said the milestone reflected Queensland’s unique position at the forefront of the global critical minerals supply chain.

“This is a defining moment for Graphinex and for Queensland, with Townsville now home to Australia’s first fully integrated graphite-to-anode demonstration facility producing battery-grade material,” he said. “Queensland has the resources, the processing capability, and the international sovereign financial backing to place this state at the centre of the global critical minerals supply chain.”

Image credit: iStock.com/FactoryTh