Lincoln Minerals has entered a collaboration with SCN Canada to explore the use of its high-purity graphite in small modular nuclear reactors, aiming to tap into emerging clean energy markets.
- Collaboration agreement signed between Lincoln Minerals and SCN Canada
- Focus on using Kookaburra Project graphite in small modular reactors (SMRs)
- SMRs designed with high-temperature gas-cooled reactor technology
- Potential commercial pathway for graphite in nuclear energy applications
- 12-month collaboration to define work programs and feasibility studies
A Strategic Partnership for Clean Energy
Lincoln Minerals Limited (ASX – LML) has announced a significant collaboration with SCN Canada Inc, trading as StarCore Nuclear, to jointly investigate the use of graphite from Lincoln’s Kookaburra Graphite Project in South Australia within small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). This partnership aligns with a growing global push towards clean, reliable energy sources that can complement intermittent renewables like solar and wind.
SCN specializes in designing SMRs using high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) technology, which relies on high-purity graphite blocks to moderate nuclear reactions safely and efficiently. The collaboration aims to explore how Lincoln’s graphite, known for its ultra-high purity and high-grade resource, can meet the stringent requirements of these advanced reactors.
Unlocking Value from Kookaburra’s Graphite
The Kookaburra Graphite Project boasts a 12.8 million tonne resource at an average grade of 7.56% total graphitic carbon (TGC), with demonstrated capability to produce battery-grade graphite exceeding 99.95% purity. While the project has been positioned primarily for battery anode material markets, this new collaboration opens a promising avenue for high-value applications in nuclear energy.
Lincoln’s CEO Chris Wilcox highlighted the strategic importance of this partnership, noting that SMRs offer a stable, carbon-free energy source that can fill gaps left by renewables. He emphasized the potential to commercialize Lincoln’s graphite assets without diverting focus from other key projects like Minbrie Copper.
Next Steps and Commercial Outlook
The agreement sets a framework for a 12-month period of joint work, including metallurgical testwork to confirm graphite suitability for SMRs, alignment on project development parameters, and exploration of commercial structures. Should both parties agree, scoping and feasibility studies could be completed by the end of 2026.
Importantly, the collaboration is non-binding and contingent on successful due diligence and definitive agreements. Nonetheless, it represents a strategic move by Lincoln to diversify the potential end-uses of its graphite resource amid a global energy transition.
Broader Implications for Critical Minerals and Clean Tech
This partnership underscores the evolving role of critical minerals like graphite in emerging clean technologies beyond batteries, extending into nuclear power innovations. Lincoln’s portfolio, which includes copper, uranium, and magnetite projects, positions the company well to capitalize on multiple fronts of the electrification and decarbonization trend.
As the world seeks scalable, low-carbon energy solutions, collaborations such as this could enhance the commercial viability of mineral projects by linking them directly to advanced technology markets.
Bottom Line?
Lincoln’s collaboration with SCN could redefine graphite’s role in clean energy, but commercial success hinges on upcoming testwork and feasibility outcomes.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Lincoln’s graphite meet all technical specifications required for SMR applications?
- What commercial terms and volumes might underpin a future graphite supply agreement?
- How will this collaboration impact Lincoln’s development timeline and capital allocation?