IG6 and ALKEEMIA Confirm Ultra-High Purity Graphite Ahead of Processing Hub Launch
International Graphite Limited (ASX:IG6) and ALKEEMIA have achieved graphite purification exceeding 99.9% total graphitic carbon across diverse concentrate samples, reinforcing their joint venture plans to build a major processing hub in Italy.
- Seven graphite concentrate samples surpass 99.9% purity
- Hydrofluoric acid purification technology validated at scale
- Joint venture to operate 200 t/y plant with 50% capacity for IG6
- Expansion target of 20,000 t/y graphite purification by 2030
- Supply chain flexibility improved by multi-source concentrate processing
Purification Breakthrough Validates ALKEEMIA Technology
International Graphite Limited (ASX:IG6) has reported a significant milestone in graphite processing, with all seven concentrate samples tested by ALKEEMIA’s specialist laboratories in Venice exceeding the 99.9% total graphitic carbon (TGC) purity benchmark. This includes samples from IG6’s Springdale Graphite Project alongside African and European sources, demonstrating the robustness of ALKEEMIA’s hydrofluoric acid (HF) based purification technology, the only commercially proven reagent at scale for graphite purification.
Joint Venture Poised to Scale Industrial Graphite Production
The purification results underpin the joint venture between IG6 and ALKEEMIA to establish a graphite processing hub at Porto Marghera, Italy. IG6 has secured up to 50% of the initial 200 tonnes per year capacity of ALKEEMIA’s Industrial Graphite Purification Plant, with plans to ramp up toll treatment volumes as the facility moves towards its nameplate capacity. ALKEEMIA targets a phased expansion to 20,000 tonnes per year by 2030, positioning the JV as a significant player in European graphite supply chains.
Supply Chain Resilience and Product Flexibility
By successfully purifying concentrates from various flake sizes and geographic sources, the JV aims to mitigate supply chain risks that have long challenged graphite producers. This flexibility allows for the production of high-value industrial graphite products and supports emerging markets such as lithium-ion battery anode materials. The onsite access to ALKEEMIA’s proprietary technology and integrated chemical infrastructure further enhances the JV’s ability to diversify product offerings.
Advancing Commercial Agreements and Feedstock Supply
With commercial agreements progressing, IG6 is actively negotiating with multiple graphite concentrate suppliers and a leading European graphite sales firm to secure feedstock for the JV. Concurrently, site layouts and project cost estimates are being refined, signaling momentum towards construction commencement. These developments build on the recent announcement of the JV formation, which outlined plans for a state-of-the-art graphite processing facility targeting production by late 2027 and leveraged ALKEEMIA’s existing chemical infrastructure and purification technology IG6 and ALKEEMIA Forge JV to Launch European Graphite Processing Hub.
Strategic Positioning in a Critical Materials Market
ALKEEMIA’s Porto Marghera site, one of Western Europe’s most advanced hydrofluoric acid production platforms, offers a unique advantage through integrated chemical supply and proprietary purification processes. This positions the JV to meet increasing demand for high-purity graphite amid tightening regulatory frameworks such as the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act. IG6’s Managing Director Andrew Worland highlighted the significance of these results in validating the technology and advancing the commercial scale-up of graphite purification.
Bottom Line?
The JV’s ability to scale purification capacity while securing diverse feedstock sources will be critical to its success as it seeks to establish a foothold in Europe’s strategic graphite market.
Questions in the middle?
- How swiftly can the JV scale from 200 t/y to 20,000 t/y purification capacity?
- Will feedstock supply agreements secure consistent volumes and quality from multiple sources?
- How will evolving regulatory pressures in Europe impact the JV’s operational and commercial strategies?
