Renascor Resources is on track to deliver its purified spherical graphite (PSG) demonstration facility, with commissioning planned for the fourth quarter of 2025.
Most of the preparation works for the Adelaide site have been completed, including civil groundwork and services installation. Renascor has also awarded the primary installation contract, covering structural, mechanical, and piping works, with construction work to begin in September.
Overseas equipment has been tested and initial pieces are now in Adelaide, ready for installation. The first shipments of bulk graphite sample material, which will be used as the plant’s feedstock, is being transported to the site.
The demonstration facility is part of Renascor’s vertically-integrated battery anode material operation in South Australia. The downstream plant will convert graphite concentrate to PSG, which can then be exported to lithium-ion battery anode manufacturers.
The demonstration facility provides an economical vehicle for Renascor to test, demonstrate and optimise its purification process, avoiding the use of hydrofluoric acid. The company said this has potentially significant advantages over conventional purification methods.
Learnings obtained from the demonstration facility will be utilised in the design, construction and operation of a full-scale commercial facility that will upgrade graphite concentrates for use in lithium-ion battery anodes.
Renascor received a $5 million grant to construct the demonstration facility under the Federal Government’s International Partnerships in Critical Minerals Program, and received SA Government construction approval in June this year.
Renascor managing director David Christensen said the company was thrilled with the project’s progress since that go-ahead was granted.
“We are very pleased with the excellent progress at the PSG demonstration facility, with design, site preparation, procurement and equipment testing now complete,” he said.
“This facility will allow us to showcase and optimise our hydrofluoric acid-free purification process and deliver a globally competitive Australian alternative to China’s current monopoly on PSG production.
“As the project moves into the construction phase this quarter, we are positioning Renascor to deliver value-added processing in South Australia and secure a role as a strategic supplier of high-purity battery anode material to international markets.”