Total Graphite plc announced the commencement of its downstream graphite development programme, representing the next phase of the Company's strategy to build an integrated graphite materials business. The programme will focus on the development of three higher-value graphite product streams from the Company's graphite concentrates produced in Madagascar and, in due course, Mozambique: High Purity Graphite (HPG), Expandable Graphite (EG), Active Anode Material (AAM). The downstream development programme is focused on High Purity Graphite, Expandable Graphite and Active Anode Material.
Bench-scale purification programme targeting graphite purity levels of approximately 99.95% carbon for premium industrial and technical applications. Bench-scale intercalation and expansion studies targeting fire protection, sealing, gasket and specialist industrial markets. Bench-scale spheroidisation, purification and coating studies designed to produce material capable of customer qualification for lithium-ion battery applications.
Initial programme to comprise laboratory test work, process flowsheet development and production of representative customer qualification samples. Programme intended to advance the Company further up the graphite value chain and establish the technical foundations for future commercial-scale downstream processing. Downstream development currently being evaluated as two complementary projects: (i) HPG&EG facility and (ii) AAM facility.
The downstream development programme is intended to utilise graphite concentrate produced from the Company's operations in Madagascar together with concentrate expected to be sourced from its advanced Mozambique development projects, providing flexibility over future feedstock supply. The programme will be undertaken in collaboration with appropriately qualified technical specialists and will include laboratory-scale metallurgical test work, process optimisation, engineering studies, product qualification, customer sample production and commercial feasibility assessment. The Company's objective is to complete the technical studies and engineering necessary to achieve Final Investment Decision for downstream development project by end of 2026 /early 2027, with construction targeted thereafter, subject to Board approval, financing and regulatory approvals.
In parallel with the technical programme, the Company intends to evaluate potential project locations, including Madagascar, India and the United States, taking into account customer proximity, logistics, operating costs, incentives and broader supply chain considerations. Completion of laboratory purification, expansion and spheroidisation test work, with the first set of results, expected over the next 2-3 months. Development and optimisation of process flowsheets.
Engineering studies and commercial feasibility assessment. Design and testing in a pilot-scale demonstration facility. Engagement with prospective customers and offtake partners.
Publication of feasibility study results and Final Investment Decision end of 2026 /early 2027. Commencement of construction, subject to successful completion of the preceding stages.
