Mineral Resources managing director Chris Ellison says the...

Mineral Resources managing director Chris Ellison says the company could be producing synthetic graphite for the energy storage and electric vehicle battery markets within 15 to 18 months.
The mining and resources processing company yesterday signed a non-binding heads of agreement with the ASX-listed Hazer Group to develop a plant capable of producing 1000tpa of ultra-high purity, battery-grade synthetic graphite.
Synthetic graphite and its natural alternative are used in the anode components of lithiumion batteries.
MinRes has already signalled its intention to exploit the growing demand for the raw materials used in lithium-ion batteries with its involvement in the Mt Marion lithium project near Kalgoorlie and its direct shipping ore operation at Wodgina in the Pilbara.
The initial focus of the two companies’ collaboration will be on building a 1tpa pilot plant targeted for commissioning by the middle of next year. MinRes will then turn its attention to a commercial-scale 1000tpa production facility, which could be increased to a capacity of 10,000tpa, depending on market demand.
Mr Ellison said while investors were focused on the electric vehicle battery market, MinRes saw bigger opportunities for lithium-ion batteries in the domestic and industrial energy storage market over the next three to five years.
He said test work with Hazer at MinRes’ Kwinana workshop was being finalised in the next three to four months with commercial production of synthetic graphite expected in 15 to 18 months.
Hazer’s low-cost, low-emission technology uses natural gas and unprocessed iron ore to produce hydrogen that can be used as a clean fuel and synthetic graphite as a by-product.
The company will be paid a royalty on the graphite produced and also be allowed to offer licences to third parties for the hydrogen production component of its technology.
Hazer was founded in 2010 to commercialise the technology developed at the University of WA. The company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange in 2015 with MinRes as a founding 13.5 per cent shareholder.
Synthetic graphite and its natural alternative are used in the anode components of lithium-ion batteries.

https://www.pressreader.com/australia/the-west-australian/20171004/28205480223