HIGHLIGHTS
- Bulk scale metallurgical tests have achieved high purity fine flake graphite suitable for purified spherical graphite (PSG) production
- 94% graphite concentrate achieved with excellent recoveries of ~93%
Results were achieved through a conventional graphite flotation process (non-chemical, non-thermal) with potential for improvement with further optimisation test work - Lacroma’s metallurgical properties are conducive to a potential low-cost operation
- Planning progressing for purification and spheroidization test work
The bulk flotation test work was undertaken to determine if the small-scale bench scale processes used to create a 94% graphite concentrate could be scaled up towards industrial scales and maintain the excellent recovery rates. The bulk-scale test work has now shown that the excellent metallurgical properties at Lacroma are consistent at larger scales of operation.
iTech Minerals Ltd (ASX: ITM) and metallurgical consultants, METS Engineering, have achieved another significant milestone at the Lacroma Graphite Project with the production of a bulk concentrate of 3.4kg of 94% graphite concentrate and exceptional recoveries of ~93%.
This result was achieved in bulk floatation scale tests using conventional graphite flotation processes, without the need for additional chemical or thermal purification techniques. It has been achieved using the conditions determined in the first round of bench scale optimisation test work with potential for improvement in future optimisation tests. The use of an industry standard, conventional flowsheet, with such high recoveries, is conducive for a potential low-cost graphite processing operation.
NEXT STEPS
The 3.4kg of bulk flotation concentrate will now be used to undertake the next stages of spheroidization and purification test work with the aim of producing a purified spherical graphite product that meets all industry standards for battery anode material in lithium-ion batteries.
If successful, iTech will be able add substantial new graphite mineralisation to its growing inventory of resources that can produce high quality purified spherical graphite.
RECENT NEWS FROM THE EYRE PENINSULA GRAPHITE PROJECT
iTech Launches Share Purchase Plan (SPP)
iTech Expands Graphite Mineral Resource By Over 300%
