International Graphite Advances European JV and Australian Micronising Facility for 2027 Production

• Joint venture signed with Alkeemia for Italian processing hub
• Purification testwork exceeds 99.9% purity on diverse graphite concentrates
• Collie Micronising Facility development on track for 2027 start-up
• Springdale mine drilling deferred to focus on processing hubs
• Cash position at $1.1 million with ongoing government support

European Processing Hub JV Targets 10,000 Tonnes Annual Output

International Graphite (ASX:IG6) has taken a significant step toward becoming a global supplier of value-added graphite products by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Italian chemical manufacturer Alkeemia S.p.A. The joint venture will establish a graphite processing hub at Alkeemia’s Porto Marghera site near Venice, leveraging existing chemical infrastructure and transport links. Under the deal, Alkeemia will own 51% and IG6 49%, with profits split equally. The facility aims for an initial annual production of around 10,000 tonnes of processed graphite products by late 2027.

This partnership offers a strategic advantage by using Alkeemia’s hydrofluoric acid production, the only proven reagent for large-scale graphite purification to battery-grade standards. This arrangement reduces capital costs and execution risks, accelerating IG6’s entry into high-specification graphite markets. The JV is advancing site layout and cost estimation, with talks underway to secure European sales and distribution channels. The timing aligns with the EU’s push for domestic critical mineral processing.

Purification testwork at Alkeemia’s Porto Marghera labs has surpassed 99.9% total graphitic carbon (TGC) purity across seven concentrate samples from diverse sources, including IG6’s own Springdale project in Western Australia. This confirms the JV’s ability to process a wide range of graphite feedstocks, enhancing supply chain flexibility and product quality. Alkeemia plans to scale purification capacity to 20,000 tonnes per year by 2030, with IG6 allocated up to half of the pilot plant’s start-up capacity. These results build on earlier pilot-scale successes and reinforce the JV’s commercial potential ultra-high purity graphite.

Collie Micronising Facility Progresses Toward 2027 Commissioning

Back in Western Australia, IG6 is advancing its Collie Micronising Facility, which will be the country’s first commercial-scale plant producing ultra-fine graphite powders. The facility, designed for an initial 4,000 tonnes per year capacity with potential expansion to 7,500 tonnes, is on track for a 2027 start-up. Project designs are complete, building permits are progressing, and jet milling equipment has been ordered with vendor testwork underway to finalise equipment selection.

The micronised graphite produced will cater to higher-value applications such as lubricants, conductive coatings, advanced polymers, and battery materials. The project benefits from support through Western Australia’s Collie Industrial Transition Fund and Investment Attraction Fund, underscoring its importance to the state’s manufacturing transformation. The facility’s location in Collie’s Light Industrial Area maximises operational efficiencies by proximity to IG6’s existing R&D plant.

IG6 is also collaborating on a pilot-scale carbon coating program with CarboPhite Pty Ltd, showing promising battery anode performance improvements in electrochemical testing at the University of Melbourne. These developments highlight IG6’s focus on downstream processing and product innovation to capture value beyond raw graphite supply Collie Facility Development.

Expandable Graphite and Supply Chain Expansion in Europe

Further upstream, IG6 continues to develop its expandable graphite processing flowsheet, targeting completion of process development and cost studies by June. The company’s European partner, Leonhard Nilsen & Sønner (LNS), recently acquired the Skaland mine in Norway; a key source of fines and coarse graphite feedstock suitable for micronising and expandable graphite markets. Alkeemia’s purification technology has successfully upgraded Skaland concentrates to over 99.9% purity, reinforcing the potential of IG6’s integrated European supply chain.

Springdale Mine Focus Shifts to Processing Hubs

IG6 has deferred further resource, exploration, and hydrological drilling at its Springdale Graphite Project to prioritise the establishment of processing hubs in Collie and Porto Marghera. Springdale remains a multi-decade source of graphite feedstock, with metallurgical testwork confirming the quality of concentrates for downstream processing. The project holds an indicated and inferred mineral resource totaling 49.3 million tonnes at 6.5% total graphitic carbon, offering a solid foundation for IG6’s mine-to-market strategy.

Financial Position and Corporate Developments

At quarter-end, IG6 reported cash on hand of A$1.1 million, supported by government grants and financing facilities totaling A$4 million, with A$1.585 million drawn. Operating activities generated a modest net cash inflow of A$57,000 for the quarter, while investing activities reflected continued capital expenditure on property, plant, and equipment. Payments to related parties, including directors and associated entities, amounted to approximately A$357,000, covering salaries, fees, and consultancy services.

The company strengthened its board with the appointment of Aidan Nania, who brings extensive graphite industry experience and capital markets expertise. IG6 continues active engagement with investors and government agencies across its key markets in Australia, Europe, and North America, including participation in critical minerals trade missions and industry conferences.

Community and research partnerships remain a priority, with IG6 supporting STEM education programs, local industry development initiatives, and collaborative research efforts such as the Edith Cowan University–Fraunhofer Ideas to Industry Lab in Western Australia.

Bottom Line?

IG6’s dual focus on European JV development and Australian processing infrastructure positions it to meet growing graphite demand, but execution risks and modest cash reserves warrant close monitoring.

Questions in the middle?

• Will the joint venture with Alkeemia secure binding agreements and final investment decisions by mid-2026 as planned?
• How will the Collie Micronising Facility perform operationally once commissioned, particularly in scaling production beyond initial capacity?
• What impact will deferring Springdale drilling have on feedstock supply timing and overall project economics?