Kingsland Minerals has initiated a Pre-feasibility Study for its Leliyn Graphite Project, partnering with Quinbrook to test graphite concentrate for battery anode applications. This marks a significant step toward developing a world-scale graphite operation in the Northern Territory.
- Pre-feasibility Study (PFS) approved and underway for Leliyn Graphite Project
- Binding offtake agreement with Quinbrook for downstream processing in Darwin
- Metallurgical drilling program completed to support test work
- Environmental studies and mining lease application progressing
- $2.1 million capital raised to fund development activities
Leliyn Project Enters Critical Development Phase
Kingsland Minerals Ltd (ASX, KNG) has taken a pivotal step in advancing its Leliyn Graphite Project in the Northern Territory by commencing a Pre-feasibility Study (PFS). This follows a series of encouraging results from earlier scoping studies and metallurgical drilling programs, positioning Leliyn as one of Australia's most significant graphite deposits.
The PFS approval by the Kingsland Board signals a transition from exploration to detailed project evaluation, focusing on producing high-quality graphite concentrate. The study will include an infill drilling program in 2026 aimed at upgrading a substantial portion of the inferred mineral resource to indicated status, which is essential for confirming the project's economic viability.
Strategic Partnership with Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners
A key highlight of the announcement is the binding offtake agreement with Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners. Quinbrook plans to test Leliyn graphite concentrate as feedstock for producing purified spherical graphite, a critical component in battery anodes. This downstream processing is expected to take place at a proposed facility in Darwin, aligning with Australia's growing battery materials industry.
The collaboration with Quinbrook not only provides Kingsland with a committed customer but also validates the quality and potential of Leliyn graphite for advanced battery applications. Test work on the diamond drill core supplied to Quinbrook is underway, and favorable results could accelerate project development and enhance market confidence.
Robust Resource Base and Exploration Upside
The Leliyn project boasts an Indicated Mineral Resource of 12.3 million tonnes at 7.9% total graphitic carbon (TGC) and an Inferred Resource of 180.2 million tonnes at 7.2% TGC, containing approximately 14 million tonnes of graphite. Notably, only 23% of the graphitic schist strike length has been drilled, suggesting significant potential for resource expansion with further exploration.
Recent metallurgical drilling has refined processing parameters, and ongoing test work aims to optimize crushing, grinding, and flotation techniques. Additionally, Kingsland is investigating the extraction of valuable by-products such as gallium and rutile from the graphitic schist, which could add further value to the project.
Environmental and Regulatory Progress
Alongside technical studies, Kingsland is advancing environmental assessments, including flora, fauna, and hydrological surveys, essential for securing mining approvals. The company has initiated dialogue with the Northern Land Council, representing Native Title claimants, and is progressing its mining lease application, critical steps toward project development.
Financially, Kingsland recently raised $2.1 million through a capital raise and share purchase plan, ensuring adequate funding to support the PFS, environmental studies, and drilling programs. This financial backing underscores investor confidence in the project’s prospects.
With a clear development pathway and a strategic downstream partner, Kingsland is positioning Leliyn to become a cornerstone supplier in the battery materials supply chain, leveraging Australia's rich mineral resources to meet global demand.
Bottom Line?
Kingsland’s progress with Leliyn and Quinbrook’s downstream test work sets the stage for a potential battery materials hub in the Northern Territory.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Quinbrook’s test results confirm Leliyn graphite’s suitability for spherical graphite production?
- How quickly can Kingsland upgrade inferred resources to indicated status through infill drilling?
- What are the timelines and potential hurdles for environmental approvals and mining lease grants?