Renascor Resources on track to commission graphite demonstration plant this quarter

• RNU on schedule to commission graphite demonstration plant this quarter
• Plant co-funded by $5m grant from Australian Government
• Company targeting Siviour graphite concentrates for use in lithium-ion battery anodes

Special Report: Renascor Resources is advancing construction of its Australian Government co-funded purified spherical graphite (PSG) demonstration facility in Adelaide, South Australia.

The facility will convert graphite concentrate from the Siviour graphite deposit into PSG through a continuous production process, enabling the company to test, demonstrate and optimise the purification process. 

Renascor Resources (ASX:RNU) said its purification process offered potential advantages over conventional purification methods used for PSG by avoiding the use of hydrofluoric acid. 

The plant recently secured a $5m grant under the Federal Government’s International Partnerships in Critical Minerals Program and is on schedule to begin on-site commissioning this quarter. Recent key milestones include: 

• Major steelwork and structural framing complete and the filter presses and scrubber installed; and
•  All major mechanical and electrical equipment for the demonstration facility (excluding the kiln,) has arrived on site.

Site works including installation of process piping, tanks, cable tray, ducting and insulation is underway, with the fit-out of the motor control centre and auxiliary systems scheduled to begin next week. 

Establishing secure ex-China supply

The company said learnings obtained from the demonstration facility would be utilised in the detailed design stage and carried through into the construction and operation of the full-scale commercial PSG facility designed to upgrade Siviour graphite concentrates for use in lithium-ion battery anodes.

Once operational, the facility will demonstrate Renascor’s HF-free purification process, positioning the company as a sustainable and globally competitive alternative to China’s PSG supply chain.

“We are very pleased with the momentum achieved since construction began,” MD David Christensen said. 

“Major structural works are now complete, and key processing equipment is either installed or in transit. 

“The project continues to track to schedule, and we look forward to the commencement of on-site commissioning of the facility this quarter. 

“With recently announced Chinese export restrictions underscoring the risks of overreliance on Chinese graphite supply, the demonstration plant positions Renascor, and Australia more broadly, to play a leading global role in establishing secure, sustainable ex-China supply chains for battery anode materials.”

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.