Exciting times ahead...
Kibaran has successfully produced expandable graphite through a leading producer of superior quality graphite foil.
Kibaran delivered purified +50 mesh flake (Carbon content >99.5%) which was then converted at the foil manufacturer’s facilities with their standard process to expandable graphite. The graphite was subsequently expanded.
The test showed exceptional characteristics, with the producer impressed by the very low content of halogens of the purified graphite,
which is a key requirement for high-tech graphite foils.
The advantage of Kibaran’s graphite from the Epanko deposit is that naturally it has a very low content of halogens and other undesirable elements.
Kibaran has been invited to deliver larger quantities of +50 mesh grade but also other grades to the hi-tech foil producer in larger quantities to conduct processing tests in their foil production plant.
Expanded graphite commands a higher price and Kibaran expects this market to grow over the next decade due to its use in emerging technologies.
The ability of Epanko graphite to cater to a wide range of applications from traditional markets such as refractory and friction to growth markets such as graphite foil and lithium-ion batteries provides Kibaran with a significant competitive advantage and the opportunity to add significant value through downstream processing.
Kibaran MS Andrew Spinks said: “Kibaran is capitalising on the strong forecast growth in demand for battery-grade graphite from the booming lithium-ion battery industry. With a focus on production of realistic quantities of high-quality battery-grade graphite at competitive costs, paired with environmental sustainability, Kibaran can be a leading non-Chinese supplier.”
One cant help but get excited about the future possibilities of downstream processing abilities Kibaran has at hand ,particulary with Cristoph Frey's knowledge and networks in an industry in which he is highly respected ;-)
