Renascor Resources has entered into a licensing agreement with leading German battery mineral consultancy group Dorfner ANZAPLAN which will permit the company to use an eco-friendly purification process for its planned Purified Spherical Graphite (PSG) manufacturing facility in South Australia.

Rather than using hydrofluoric acid (HF) – the method commonly adopted in Chinese PSG plants – the HF acid free purification process creates operating efficiencies by reducing the number of leaching steps required to achieve lithium-ion battery grade PSG.

New locked cycle purification trials completed in 2022 on Renascor’s (ASX:RNU)

Siviour natural flake graphite using the improved process confirmed the process continues to meet or exceed lithium-ion battery anode purity specifications, with results of up to 99.99% carbon, versus anode industry standard of 99.95%.

Reduces operational risk and boosts ESG outcomes

The new purification process also enhances environmental efficiency by reducing water consumption.

“The optimisation trials conducted with Dorfner ANZAPLAN have resulted in the development of a process that we expect will result in both greater operational efficiency and positive ESG outcomes by reducing water consumption,” MD David Christensen said.

“This improved purification process has been incorporated in the engineering and design for our recently completed Battery Anode Material Study, with the results delivering a globally competitive estimated operating cost for producing PSG.

“We look forward to our continuing collaboration with Dorfner ANZAPLAN as we advance into construction and operation of an important new supply line for the lithium-ion battery industry.”

Process incorporated into BAM study

Renascor’s recently completed Battery Anode Material Study (BAM Study) has incorporated the new purification process into the engineering design for the proposed PSG facility.

Notably, the results of the BAM Study estimate a globally competitive PSG gross operating cost of US$1,782 per tonne over the first 10 years and US$1,846 per tonne over 40-year mine life.

As part of the licensing agreement, Dorfner ANZAPLAN has applied to the German Patent and Trademark Office for patent protection.

Under the terms of the licensing agreement, Renascor will acquire a non-exclusive, perpetual licence to use the modified purification process in exchange for a nominal licence fee.

 

 

 

This article was developed in collaboration with Renascor Resources, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

 

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

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