International Graphite’s Growth Hinges on Alkeemia Partnership Risks and Rewards
International Graphite Limited has signed a non-binding letter of intent with Alkeemia S.p.A to access graphite purification tolling services at a new Italian plant starting early 2026, aiming to boost its high-purity graphite supply while minimizing capital costs.
- Non-binding LOI signed with Alkeemia for graphite purification tolling
- Access to up to 50% of initial 200 t/y processing capacity from Q1 2026
- Alkeemia plans to scale purification capacity to 20,000 t/y by 2030
- Partnership reduces capital expenditure and operational risks for International Graphite
- High-purity graphite critical for advanced graphite products and anode supply
Strategic Partnership for Graphite Purification
International Graphite Limited (ASX, IG6) has taken a significant step toward strengthening its position in the graphite supply chain by signing a non-binding letter of intent with Alkeemia S.p.A. The agreement grants International Graphite access to toll treatment services at Alkeemia's new industrial graphite purification plant in Port Marghera, Venice, scheduled to commence operations in the first quarter of 2026.
This partnership is notable because it allows International Graphite to secure up to half of the plant's initial 200 tonnes per year processing capacity, with ambitions to increase throughput as the facility scales. Alkeemia, a major European producer of hydrofluoric acid and fluoroderivatives, plans a phased expansion of its graphite purification capabilities, targeting a substantial 20,000 tonnes per year by 2030.
Reducing Capital and Operational Risks
For International Graphite, the deal represents more than just access to processing capacity. CEO Andrew Worland highlighted that partnering with Alkeemia could be transformational, particularly by enabling the company to access high-purity graphite, a critical input for producing higher-value micronised and expandable graphite products, as well as essential anode materials for battery applications.
Importantly, using toll treatment services means International Graphite can avoid the heavy capital expenditure and operational risks typically associated with building and running purification facilities themselves. This approach allows the company to scale its operations and diversify its product suite more efficiently and with greater flexibility.
Looking Ahead, Integration and Growth Potential
Beyond the initial agreement, both companies are exploring deeper integration opportunities to enhance capital and operating efficiencies. Such collaboration could further strengthen International Graphite’s supply chain resilience and cost competitiveness as global demand for high-purity graphite intensifies, especially driven by the electric vehicle and energy storage sectors.
While the letter of intent is non-binding and subject to future agreements, the strategic alignment with Alkeemia positions International Graphite well to capitalize on the growing market for advanced graphite products. Investors will be watching closely for the plant’s commissioning progress and any binding contracts that follow.
Bottom Line?
This partnership could redefine International Graphite’s growth trajectory by unlocking scalable, cost-effective access to high-purity graphite.
Questions in the middle?
- Will International Graphite secure binding agreements to expand beyond the initial 50% capacity?
- How will Alkeemia’s planned capacity ramp-up impact International Graphite’s production timelines?
- What financial implications will this tolling arrangement have on International Graphite’s cost structure?
