WATCH: In this iTech Explainer (4min), MD Mike Schwarz and Prof Bill Skinner cover:
• The challenges of processing fine graphite for the battery market
• The breakthrough technologies that have emerged since Archer Materials last conducted tests on the Sugarloaf Prospect
• The potential cost savings from developing a new processing flowsheet at Sugarloaf
DETAILS
iTech has a strong commitment to conducting high-quality scientific research alongside our exploration efforts. We are currently undertaking metallurgical test work on graphite samples from both the Lacroma and Sugarloaf Prospects.
MD Mike Schwarz recently visited our scientific partners at UniSA to drop off another round of samples. He took that opportunity to catch up with world-renowned scientist and researcher at the Future Industries Institute, Professor Bill Skinner.
They discussed the latest in metallurgy, particularly with reference to the collaboration on unlocking the code for refining battery-grade material from the Sugarloaf Graphite Prospect. Sugarloaf has a significant exploration target of 158 – 264 Mt at 7 – 12 % TGC and represents a substantial opportunity for iTech. But the simple flotation techniques we used successfully at our nearby Campoona Deposit have proven less effective at Sugarloaf, primarily due to the microcrystalline nature of the graphite flakes. This test work is being partially funded from the CRC-Projects grant we were awarded in 2023.
