Despite graphite being listed as a ‘critical mineral’ by global leaders, it is not currently produced in Australia. However, that could soon change with Archer Materials (ASX: AXE) confirming testing from its Campoona Prospect to be of the high quality required to produce coated spherical graphite for use in lithium-ion batteries. 

The testing was conducted on graphite from Archer’s 100% owned Eyre Peninsula Graphite Project (EPGP) in South Australia where the tests confirmed that Archer’s coating process was successful and that the anode performance was in line with industry benchmarks. 

‘Graphite is a mineral categorised by many world economies as ‘critical’ and important to their long-term economic growth and supply-chain security,’ said Archer CEO, Dr Mohammad Choucair. 

‘We have demonstrated high-value graphite materials can be developed from Campoona and are relevant to the growing global markets serviced by lithium-ion batteries, including electric vehicles and portable electronics.’

‘As a materials technology company, we believe securing critical mineral assets in Australia, like our 100% owned EPGP graphite resource, is a good economic decision, and through successful development could return maximum benefit to shareholders and the community.’

Following the receipt of their coated spherical graphite (CSG) testing, Archer will commence pursuing commercial opportunities for end-use integration in the Li-ion battery supply chain where partners will be sought to assist in developing the EPGP. 

Listed as critical minerals by Australia, the United States, European Union and Japan, the global graphite market is valued at more than USD $1 billion annually, with it being a crucial input in the production of Lithium-ion batteries. At present, there are no graphite producers in Australia with the majority of global supply currently being produced in Asia and Africa. 

In December 2019, Archer submitted an application to the South Australian government to commence drilling and mining operations at Campoona and is awaiting approval.