Metallurgical tests on iTech Minerals’ (ASX: ITM) Campoona project samples have achieve high purity fine flake graphite, which is suitable for processing into purified spherical graphite for use in lithium-ion batteries.
iTech revealed test work generated an average purity exceeding 94% total graphitic carbon (TGC) from Campoona ore, with estimated recoveries of 84%.
This was achieved using an industry standard flotation circuit – making it cost-effective.
The test work was completed on a 600kg sample of run-of-mine ore collected from reverse circulation and diamond drilling of the project’s Campoona Central deposit.
With spheroidization of flakes requiring small to fine flake graphite, iTech noted more than 98% of the ore from the sample tested was suitable for purified spherical graphite production.
iTech managing director Mike Schwarz said the results confirm the potential of Campoona ore to produce a high-quality graphite concentrate for the lithium-ion battery sector.
“Ongoing test work will aim to establish an environmentally friendly spherical graphite production process, which can be used to add significant value to the Campoona graphite concentrate,” he added.
Campoona graphite project
iTech’s Campoona project has a JORC resource of 8.55 million tonnes at 9% TGC. The project comprises a granted mining lease and multipurpose licences for processing infrastructure and ground water extraction.
The project is located in South Australia close to Renascor Resources’ (ASX: RNU) Siviour graphite project, which is also looking to create a purified spherical graphite product for lithium-ion batteries.
Siviour hosts the world’s largest graphite reserves outside of Africa.
At Campoona, iTech is investigating the best pathway to generate a green graphite for the battery industry, including using the state’s available renewable energy.
“The company is confident that ongoing optimisation test work will continue to improve concentrate grade and recoveries,” iTech stated.
The company’s next step for the project is generate a 50kg bulk sample for chemical purification and spherical graphite production.
From this program, results are anticipated in late August.
