Kingsland Minerals has achieved a breakthrough with 99.97% purified spherical graphite from its Leliyn project, advancing its position in the EV battery supply chain. The company is on track to complete its scoping study next month, with downstream processing partnerships underway.
- 99.97% purified spherical graphite produced using low temperature alkaline bake and acid wash
- Metallurgical bulk sample and detailed drillhole assay data confirm resource quality
- Partnership with Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners for downstream processing in Darwin
- Leliyn Scoping Study scheduled for completion in September 2025
- Ongoing optimisation of processing flowsheet to ensure consistent concentrate grade and particle size
A Milestone in Australian Graphite Production
Kingsland Minerals Limited (ASX – KNG) has announced a significant metallurgical achievement at its Leliyn Graphite Project in the Northern Territory, producing purified spherical graphite (PSG) with a purity of 99.97%. This level of purity meets and exceeds the stringent requirements for battery anode materials, a critical component in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.
The testwork employed conventional processing techniques, notably low temperature alkaline baking combined with a dilute acid wash, to elevate the graphite concentrate grade from 93.4% to nearly 100%. This result is particularly notable given it was achieved on the first attempt, underscoring the quality of the Leliyn deposit and the effectiveness of the processing methods.
From Drillhole to Battery-Ready Material
The company provided comprehensive details on the metallurgical bulk sample, which was derived from a series of diamond and reverse circulation drillholes across the Leliyn deposit. These drillholes have been assayed extensively, confirming consistent graphite grades and recovery rates. The bulk sample achieved a total graphitic carbon grade of 93.7% with a recovery of 68.9% during flotation testing, forming a robust foundation for downstream processing.
Following flotation, the concentrate was sent to ProGraphite GmbH in Germany for micronising and spheronising, processes that homogenise flake size and shape the graphite into spherical particles. This step is crucial for battery anode applications, where particle size and shape directly impact performance.
Strategic Partnerships and Next Steps
Kingsland’s off-take partner, Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, is actively engaged and will receive core samples to inform the design of a proposed downstream processing facility in Darwin. This collaboration aims to establish a local Australian supply chain for high-value spherical graphite, reducing reliance on imports and supporting the country’s clean energy ambitions.
The company is also progressing its Leliyn Scoping Study, expected to be completed in September 2025. This study will integrate the latest metallurgical data and drilling results to refine project economics and development pathways.
Broader Implications and Outlook
With an inferred mineral resource of nearly 195 million tonnes at 7.3% total graphitic carbon, Leliyn stands as one of Australia’s most significant graphite deposits. The ability to produce battery-grade spherical graphite domestically positions Kingsland Minerals as a potential key supplier in the rapidly growing electric vehicle and renewable energy markets.
While the results are promising, the company acknowledges that further optimisation of the processing flowsheet is required to ensure consistent concentrate quality and particle size. Additionally, ongoing metallurgical testwork and drilling will support the advancement of the project towards feasibility and production.
Bottom Line?
Kingsland’s breakthrough in producing near-pure spherical graphite sets the stage for a new Australian battery materials supply chain, with market and technical milestones ahead.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Kingsland optimise processing to maintain consistent PSG quality at scale?
- What are the timelines and investment plans for the proposed Darwin downstream facility?
- Could the Leliyn project’s gallium by-product potential add significant value?