Proactive Investors - Gratomic Inc (TSXV:GRAT) reported positive lithium-ion battery application results from an independent lab for Aukam vein graphite concentrate from its flagship Aukam project in Namibia.
The Toronto-based company with projects in Namibia, Brazil, and Canada explained that its aim is to determine whether the graphite is suitable for lithiumion (Li-ion) battery anode applications.
According to the company, the test results are “critical” in establishing if Gratomic and Graphex Technologies (NYSE:GRFX) can enter the next phase of their collaboration. This phase would be aimed at incorporating Aukam Vein graphite in lithium-ion battery applications that utilize Graphex's competitive technology and expertise in mid-tier processing of graphite for anode materials.
"Gratomic looks forward to starting up its processing plant at the Aukam Vein Graphite Mine this month to provide Graphex with the required product to advance our commercial relationship on the back of these positive test results,” said Gratomic CEO Arno Brand.
“Consummating the partnership will signify an even greater achievement: diversifying supply chains in a very troubled graphite market," he added.
Gratomic is currently gearing up to bring its 100% owned Aukam Vein Graphite processing plant on line by the end of June. Initially, Gratomic will produce 100 tons of graphite concentrate as it optimizes its operations for commercial readiness.
Encouraged by initial test results
Meanwhile, deliveries of 100 tons of concentrate will be targeted at multiple parties across the world to roll into their applications, said the company. The majority will be sent to Graphex's existing full-scale processing facilities to further validate original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) using the material in Li-ion batteries.
"We are encouraged by these initial test results on the Aukam material," said Graphex Technologies CEO John DeMaio. "To further validate the material for use in Li-ion batteries, we will process several tons of concentrate from Aukam into battery anode material at our existing full-scale processing facilities for qualification by OEMs."
The company said that X-Ray Difraction (XRD) analysis on an Aukam graphite concentrate sample evaluated key technical aspects of the graphite material such as interlayer spacing, graphite layer thickness, number of graphite monolayers in the flake, average width of the graphite crystal along the a-axis, and degree of graphitization.
The results were compared with graphite concentrate from other sources Graphex currently uses for the high value-added processing of anode material. The data shows the positive potential for processing Aukam Vein graphite into battery-grade graphite.
Most importantly, Gratomic and Graphex said they will proceed with due diligence discussions on their proposed joint venture to produce coated spherical graphite anode material for the electric vehicle (EV) battery market.
Gratomic is focused on becoming a top global graphite supplier and aims to secure a strong position in the EV battery supply chain. With the continued development of its flagship Aukam project and further exploration of the company's Capim Grosso property, Gratomic is seeking out top-quality assets around the world.