EcoGraf (ASX: EGR) has announced it will collaborate with Taiwanese battery materials and anode company Long Time Technology (LTT) on the development of its patented hydrofluoric acid-free purification (HFfree) technology.
Under the terms of a non-binding memorandum of understanding, LTT will leverage HFfree into its anode supply chains in south-east Asia and Taiwan and evaluate EcoGraf’s natural graphite anode products for use in its global ex-China battery facility supply chain.
LTT will investigate offtake and investment opportunities to support the expansion of downstream developments related to EcoGraf’s flagship Epanko graphite project in Tanzania, where an updated bankable feasibility study outlined a US$516 million Stage 1 development with a 21.7% increased throughput of 73,000 tonnes per annum (from an initial 60,000tpa) utilising an 850,000tpa crushing, grinding and flotation plant.
The update was based on an updated ore reserve of 16.7 million tonnes grading 8.2 % total graphite carbon (TGC) (7.1Mt proven and 9.6Mt probable) from Africa’s largest graphite resource of 290.8Mt at 7.2 % TGC for 21Mt contained mineral.
Natural Graphite Evaluations
EcoGraf and LTT will also jointly evaluate natural graphite material performance, conduct comparative benchmarking against market alternatives, and discuss possible joint venture structures for proposed purification facilities.
The partnership has the potential to accelerate the adoption of EcoGraf’s natural graphite products and purification technology in commercial lithium-ion battery applications.
It could also enhance supply chain resilience and support the growth of sustainable anode solutions worldwide.
LTT boasts the world’s largest electronics manufacturer and Apple supplier Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) as a major shareholder.
Tier 1 OEM Access
Managing director Andrew Spinks said the relationship would leverage LTT’s position within the battery industry ecosystem and provide EcoGraf with potential access to Tier 1 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and battery supply chains.
“This agreement marks a significant step in advancing our global anode strategy using LTT’s ex-China battery platform and, when combined with its potential connection to the Foxconn supply chain, it offers a highly-attractive route into Tier-1 OEM markets,” he said.
“By integrating HFfree technology into LTT’s supply chain and exploring joint global facilities, we aim to establish a competitive, sustainable anode supply solution for international markets.”
LTT chief executive officer Wayne Yen said the collaboration on HFfree natural graphite products would provide an opportunity to strengthen supply chain solutions and explore synergies in battery materials development.
“EcoGraf’s technology aligns with the needs of our global customer network services, including but not limited the partners in the battery industry ecosystem, and we look forward to progressing technical evaluations and potential future commercial discussions,” Mr Yen added.
