Renascor Advances PSG Plant Commissioning Targeting Battery-Grade Graphite

Transition to Full-Plant Commissioning Marks Key Milestone

Renascor Resources Limited (ASX:RNU) has successfully transitioned its Purified Spherical Graphite (PSG) Demonstration Plant in Adelaide to full-plant commissioning, following completion of construction and pre-commissioning system verification. The company confirmed that commissioning is progressing on schedule and within budget, with graphite processing under operating conditions expected to commence this quarter. This phase aims to validate process performance and produce battery-grade graphite alongside initial customer samples, a critical step in Renascor’s downstream Battery Anode Material (BAM) strategy.

The demonstration facility is designed to convert spherical graphite sourced exclusively from Renascor’s 100%-owned Siviour Graphite Deposit in South Australia into purified spherical graphite suitable for lithium-ion battery anodes. Notably, Renascor is employing an HF-free purification process, which avoids hydrofluoric acid traditionally used in PSG production. This innovation positions the company as a potential globally competitive alternative to China’s dominant PSG supply chain, aligning with recent government-backed initiatives to secure critical minerals supply chains domestically.

Government Support and Financial Backing

The project benefits from a $5 million grant awarded under the Australian Government’s International Partnerships in Critical Minerals Program, facilitating the construction of the demonstration plant. Additionally, Renascor maintains a robust financial position with approximately A$97 million in cash as of December 2025 and a conditionally approved $185 million loan facility from the government’s $4 billion Critical Minerals Facility. This financial backing underpins the company’s ability to advance commissioning and subsequent commercial-scale development.

Following the current commissioning phase, Renascor plans a series of operating runs to optimise parameters and scale production volumes, supporting process validation and larger sample production. The company has secured sufficient graphite feedstock for initial commissioning and production but awaits export approvals for additional shipments required for the full program later this year. These approvals could influence the timing of ramp-up activities.

Advancing Vertically Integrated Battery Anode Material Strategy

Renascor’s vertically integrated BAM project encompasses the Siviour Graphite Deposit, the graphite mine and processing operation, and the PSG production facility. The demonstration plant’s learnings will inform the detailed design and construction of a full-scale commercial PSG facility aimed at upgrading Siviour graphite concentrates for battery anode markets. This integrated approach aims to deliver cost-effective, environmentally friendly battery materials from mine to market.

Commissioning progress builds on recent milestones, including the completion of construction in March 2026 and pre-commissioning activities such as system verification, control system integration, and water commissioning. These developments follow earlier stages where major equipment installation and hydrotesting were completed, positioning Renascor well ahead in its downstream development pathway. The company’s Managing Director David Christensen highlighted the importance of this phase in producing material to support product qualification and advancing the project’s next stages.

While Renascor advances its PSG facility, it continues broader exploration and development activities, including significant cobalt and copper intersections at Bulloo Creek and expanding exploration footprints in South Australia. These upstream efforts complement the downstream PSG development, reinforcing Renascor’s strategic positioning in the critical minerals sector. The company’s progress can be contextualised alongside its strong cash reserves and government support, which provide a runway for further project milestones.