NVX - Graphite Miners News For The Month Of March 2023

2023-03-29 10:40:44 ET

Summary

• Flake prices were slightly lower and spherical graphite prices were lower over the past month. EU Commission wants 10% of critical raw materials mined in Europe by 2030.
• Graphite market news - Fastmarkets forecast a weak H1 2023; but stronger demand and restocking activity to propel graphite prices higher in H2 2023, graphite deficits in 2024.
• Graphite company news - NextSource Materials announces Global Anode Expansion Strategy. Westwater Resources has entered into an agreement with a Tier 1 battery manufacturer for EVs.
• NMG files PEA for their 500,000tpa Uatnan Mining graphite Project in Quebec, Canada with an indicative after-tax NPV8% of C$2,173 million. Metals Australia achieves premium battery grade 99.96% spherical graphite purity for Lac Rainy Graphite Project in Quebec.

Welcome to the March edition of the graphite miners news.

March saw depressed flake graphite prices not helped by China's Q1 seasonal slowdown in EV sales. It also saw a busy month with lots of good news from the graphite miners, especially the juniors.

Graphite price news

During the past 30 days, the China graphite flake-194 EXW spot price was down 1.31%. The China graphite flake +195 EXW spot price was down 0.89% . Note that 94-97% is considered best suited for use in batteries; it is then upgraded to 99.9% purity to make “spherical” graphite used in Li-ion batteries. The spherical graphite 99.95% min EXW China price was down 5.40% the past 30 days.

Fastmarkets’ latest price assessment for graphite flake, 94% C, -100 mesh, fob China , was $750-770/t on March 2, 2023; down by 8.43% in 2023 ( source )

Note: You can read about the different types of graphite and their uses here .

Graphite demand and supply forecast charts

BMI graphite-market-balance benchmarkweek-2022 ( source )

Trend Investing v IEA demand forecast for EV metals ( Trend Investing ) ( IEA )

2021 IEA forecast growth in demand for selected minerals from clean energy technologies by scenario, 2040 relative to 2020 - Increases Of Lithium 13x to 42x, Graphite 8x to 25x, Cobalt 6x to 21x, Nickel 7x to 19x, Manganese 3x to 8x, Rare Earths 3x to 7x, And Copper 2x to 3x

2022 - BMI forecasts graphite deficits to begin from 2022 as demand for graphite grows strongly

2022 - BMI forecasts we need 330+ new EV metal mines from 2022 to 2035 to meet surging demand - 97 new 56,000tpa natural flake graphite mines

Graphite market news

On March 8, Euractiv reported : "LEAK: EU Commission wants 10% of critical raw materials mined in Europe."

On March 9, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence reported :

Madagascar to boost supply of ex-China graphite for batteries. Madagascar is set to become a key supplier of graphite for electric vehicles, with supply set to double in the next six years from new mining projects.......

On March 13, Fastmarkets reported :

Graphite anode market: A rocky road, but brighter skies ahead.... China’s natural graphite anode market has been under pressure since capacity for synthetic graphite production rose in the second half of 2022, with cuts in the subsidy for electric vehicle (EV) purchases then hitting demand. But the market will revert to deficit in the second half of the year, according to Fastmarkets research......The outlook for spherical and natural flake graphite will remain weak in the second quarter of 2023, according to Fastmarkets’ principal battery raw materials consultant, Amy Bennett...... As a result, Fastmarkets research has reduced its 2023 price forecasts for -100 mesh material, FOB China , to an average of $875 per tonne, and uSPG prices to an average of $3,100 per tonne. But Fastmarkets research expects stronger demand and that restocking activity will propel prices higher in the second half of the year. “With demand for graphite from the battery sector forecast to rise by 37% year-on-year in 2023, we expect the current pricing lull to prove temporary. We see demand growth outpacing supply in the second half of 2023,” Bennett said......the market is expected to tighten further in 2024, with continuing growth in demand exceeding the likely increases in supply. “Deficit conditions will worsen in 2024".....

On March 16, the European Commission announced :

Critical Raw Materials: ensuring secure and sustainable supply chains for EU's green and digital future...... The Regulation sets clear benchmarks for domestic capacities along the strategic raw material supply chain and to diversify EU supply by 2030:

• At least 10% of the EU's annual consumption for extraction ,
• At least 40% of the EU's annual consumption for processing ,
• At least 15% of the EU's annual consumption for recycling ,
• Not more than 65% of the Union's annual consumption of each strategic raw material at any relevant stage of processing from a single third country.............

The proposed Regulation will be discussed and agreed by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union before its adoption and entry into force.

On March 17, Fastmarkets reported : "EC names critical, strategic raw materials under proposed new act." All the battery metals were included.

Graphite miners news

Graphite producers

I have not covered the following graphite producers as they are not typically accessible to most Western investors. They include - Aoyu Graphite Group, BTR New Energy Materials, Qingdao Black Dragon, National de Grafite, Shanshan Technology, and LuiMao Graphite.

Note: AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N.V. [AMS:AMG] [GR:ADG] ( OTCPK:AMVMF ) is also a "diversified producer", producing graphite, vanadium, and lithium. SGL Carbon (SGLFF) is a synthetic graphite producer and Novonix [ASX:NVX] ( NVNXF ) is commercializing their synthetic graphite product. Graphex Group Limited [HK:6128] ( GRFXY ) makes spherical graphite.

Syrah Resources Limited [ASX:SYR][GR:3S7]( OTCPK:SYAAF )( OTC:SRHYY )

Syrah Resources Limited owns the Balama graphite mine in Mozambique. Syrah is also working to become a vertically integrated producer of natural graphite Active Anode Material (“AAM”) at their Vidalia facility, Louisiana, USA.

No significant news for the month.

You can view the latest investor presentation here .

Catalysts:

• September 2023 quarter - First Stage 11.25ktpa AAM Vidalia facility targeted to start production.

Ceylon Graphite [TSXV:CYL] [GR:CCY] ( OTC:CYLYF )

Ceylon Graphite has 'Vein graphite' production out of one mine in Sri Lanka with 121 square kilometers of tenements.

On March 2, Ceylon Graphite announced :

Ceylon Graphite achieves new outstanding full cell performance of its anode for lithium-ion batteries.....Ceylon Graphite’s vein graphite anode material exceeded comparable anodes made with industry standard commercial synthetic graphite and were able to achieve excellent reproducibility in the tests carried out from 2021 through to 2023. This is the first time that spherodized vein graphite materials were tested in a lithium-ion battery full cell. The tests were conducted at a leading global, independent test facility, Warwick Manufacturing Group ((WMG)), part of University of Warwick’s Energy Innovation Centre.

On March 7, Ceylon Graphite announced :

Ceylon Graphite announces approval of amended and restated agreement for acquisition of Sarcon Development......Sarcon holds 116 high-grade graphite grids in the country of Sri Lanka, which grids represent the Company’s primary focus for exploration and development.

Mineral Commodities Ltd. ("MRC") [ASX:MRC]

Skaland Graphite is 90% owned by MRC. Skaland is the highest grade flake graphite operation in the world and largest producing mine in Europe; with immediate European graphite production of up to 10,000 tonnes per annum with regulatory approval to increase to 16,000. MRC plans to demerge its Norwegian graphite assets into a newly incorporated Norway company branded as Ascent Graphite.

On February 28, Mineral Commodities Ltd. announced :

2022 full year results summary..... Total revenue of US$44.5 million. EBITDA loss of US$3.6 million. NLAT of US$11.5 million. Net Assets US$47.2 million. Company secured AU$11.7 million from a placement and rights issue.....

Tirupati Graphite [LSE:TGR]

No news for the month.

Northern Graphite [TSXV:NGC][FRA:ONG] ( OTCQX:NGPHF )

Northern Graphite purchased from Imerys the Lac des Iles producing graphite mine in Quebec and the Okanjande graphite deposit/Okorusu processing plant in Namibia. They also own the Bissett Creek graphite project located 100km east of North Bay, Ontario, Canada and close to major roads and infrastructure. The Company has completed an NI 43-101 Bankable final Feasibility Study and received its major environmental permit.

On March 14, Northern Graphite announced :

Northern Graphite increases size of Mousseau West Project.....by an additional 101.64 hectares to a total of 590.54 hectares by the Québec ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts (the “Minister”) through an automatic procedure under the Mining Act (Québec) due to the lapse of certain adjoining claims previously held by an arm’s length third party.....

You can view the latest investor presentation here and the very recent Trend Investing article on Northern Graphite here or a Trend Investing CEO interview here .

Graphite developers

NextSource Materials Inc. [TSX:NEXT] [GR:1JW] ( NSRCF )

NextSource Materials Inc. is a mine development company based in Toronto, Canada, that's developing its 100%-owned, Feasibility-Stage Molo Graphite Project in Madagascar. The Company also has the Green Giant Vanadium Project on the same property. The Molo mine is fully-funded and scheduled to commission in Q1 2023.

On February 28, NextSource Materials Inc. announced : "NextSource Materials announces Global Anode Expansion Strategy and economic results of first Battery Anode Facility." Highlights include:

• "Plans to construct, in stages, multiple BAFs globally in key jurisdictions that would be capable of producing commercial scale graphite anode material for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicle (EV) applications.
• The Company’s planned series of BAFs will leverage exclusive access to well-established proprietary anode processing technology currently supplying coated, spherical and purified graphite (CSPG) to major EV automotive companies (OEMs).
• First BAF (BAF1) to be located in Mauritius, in close proximity to the Company’s Molo Graphite Mine in Madagascar and on a strategic shipping route that supplies Asian markets.
• Lease for BAF1 signed on existing industrial premises, accelerating the development timeframe to first production and enabling supply of CSPG for qualification with OEM customers.
• BAF1 initial production (Line 1) of 3,600 tpa of CSPG to be advanced on an accelerated timeframe, targeting production in Q2 2024.
  • Post-tax NPV _8% of US$106.9 million, IRR of 42.7%, and payback within 2.2 years.
  • Capital costs of US$23.5 million and working capital of US$4.9 million.
  • Annual forecasted revenues of $33.7 million and EBITDA of $13.2 million.
• BAF1 facility capable of housing 3 additional production lines of 3,600 tpa each, resulting in total production capacity (lines 1-4) of 14,400 tpa of CSPG.
  • Post-tax NPV _8% of US$439.7 million and IRR of 45.8%, and payback within 3.2 years.
  • Incremental capital cost of US$74 million, potentially financeable from Line1 cash flows."

Investors can view the latest company presentation here or the latest Trend Investing article here .

Talga Group [ASX:TLG] [GR:TGX] ( OTCPK:TLGRF )

Talga Group is a technology minerals company enabling stronger, lighter and more functional materials for the multi-billion dollar global coatings, battery, construction and carbon composites markets using graphene and graphite. Talga 100% owned graphite deposits are in Sweden, proprietary process test facility is in Germany.

On March 3, Talga Group announced : " S&P Dow Jones Indices announces March 2023 Quarterly Rebalance of the S&P/ASX Indices."

On March 16, Talga Group announced : " Half year report 31 December 2022."

On March 17, Talga Group announced :

Talga and Mit s ui MOU update. Since entering into the MoU (ASX:TLG 20 March 2020), Talga’s financing model for its 100% owned Vittangi Anode Project in Sweden has evolved with the support of multiple EU and commercial financial institutions (ASX:TLG 23 November 2022). As such, Talga and Mitsui have mutually agreed not to extend the MoU related to a potential joint venture beyond 31 March 2023.

You can view the latest investor presentation here .

Westwater Resources (NYSE: WWR )

Westwater Resources Inc. is developing an advanced battery graphite business in Alabama. The Coosa Graphite Plant (2023 production start) plans to source natural graphite initially from non-China suppliers and then from the USA from 2028.

On March 7, Westwater Resources announced :

Westwater Resources announces FY 2022 results and significant strategic, operational and financial updates." Highlights include:

• Agreement with Global Electric Vehicle Battery Manufacturer.
• Announces increased throughput and significantly enhanced project economics for Kellyton Graphite Processing Plant.
• $150 million non-binding term sheet for Private Debt that would fund the balance of Phase I capital requirements.

Westwater Resources has entered into an agreement with a Tier 1 battery manufacturer for electric vehicles. Under the agreement, the parties will work together to ensure that the Coated Spherical Purified Graphite (“CSPG”) that is expected to be produced at the Kellyton Graphite Processing Plant can be used as a high-performance anode material for the customer’s batteries. Subject to those efforts, the parties expect to negotiate another agreement that will allow for the sale of potentially all graphite anode material from the Kellyton Graphite Processing Plant for those batteries.

You can view the latest investor presentation here .

Magnis Energy Technologies Ltd. [ASX:MNS] ( MNSEF )

Magnis is an Australian based company that has rapidly moved into battery technology and is planning to become one of the world's largest manufacturers of lithium-ion battery cells. Magnis has a world class graphite deposit in Tanzania known as the Nachu Graphite Project.

On March 16, Magnis Energy Technologies Ltd. announced : "Financial report for the half-year ended | 31 Dec 2022."

On March 17, Magnis Energy Technologies Ltd. announced : " Magnis receives funding proposal from US Fund ." Highlights include:

• "Magnis receives A$25 million (with the potential for the provision of an additional A$25 million) binding Funding Proposal from SBC Global Investment Fund.
• Funding Proposal to be structured as an equity-linked “pre-paid” share subscription facility agreement with the provision of the first A$25 million pre-payment by SBC subject only to customary conditions .
• The Funding Proposal follows the recent announcement by Magnis of a binding offtake agreement with a tier-1 OEM to supply 17,500 tonnes per annum of AAM over a minimum term of 3 years."

On March 24, Magnis Energy Technologies Ltd. announced : " Magnis completes funding from Investors." Highlights include:

• "Magnis completes A$25 million facility (with the potential for the provision of an additional A$25 million).
• Funding structured as an equity-linked “pre-paid” share subscription facility agreement.
• The completion of the funding strengthens the Company’s balance sheet and places it in a strong position to accelerate development of its vertically integrated AAM business."

Gratomic Inc. [TSXV:GRAT] [GR:CB82 ] ( CBULF )

Gratomic’s Aukam Graphite Project is located in Namibia, Africa. The Project is undergoing ' operational readiness '. Gratomic also 100% own the Capim Grosso Graphite Project in Brazil. Gratomic is also collaborating with Forge Nano to develop a second facility for graphite micronization and spheronization.

On March 9, Gratomic Inc. announced : "Gratomic announces closing of second tranche of $6 million non-brokered private placement."

Black Rock Mining [ASX:BKT]

On March 14, Black Rock Mining announced : " Half-year report for the half-year ended 31 December 2022."

On March 23, Black Rock Mining announced : " Black Rock signs MOU for rail transport from Mahenge." Highlights include:

• " Black Rock has signed a non-binding MOU with Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) to collaborate for the transportation of graphite from the Mahenge Graphite Project by existing railway to the Port of Dar es Salaam. ..."

Nouveau Monde Graphite [TSXV:NOU] ( OTCQX:NMGRF ) (NYSE: NMG ) and Mason Graphite [TSXV:LLG] [GR:M01] ( OTCQX:MGPHF )

Nouveau Monde Graphite ("NMG") own the Matawinie Graphite Project, located in the municipality of Saint-Michel-des-Saints, approximately 150 km north of Montreal, Canada. NMG (51%) and Mason Graphite (49%) have agreed to JV (subject to approvals) on the Lac Guéret Project.

On February 27, Nouveau Monde Graphite announced : "NMG files Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Uatnan Mining Project amidst positive market conditions and strengthens its Management Team." Highlights include:

• "Preliminary economic assessment of the Uatnan Mining Project demonstrates attractive economics with an indicative NPV of C$ 2,173 million for a targeted production of approximately 500,000 tonnes of graphite concentrate per annum over a 24-year life of mine, making it one of the world’s largest graphite projects in development.
• As lithium-ion battery production points to 8 TWh of capacity by 2030, the Uatnan Mining Project provides NMG with a robust and sizeable expansion plan for its Phase 3 in line with the Company’s commercial discussions with EV and battery manufacturers."

Uatnan Mining Project PEA highlights ( source )

On March 24, Nouveau Monde Graphite announced : "NMG provides operational update and files 2022 financial reports: Progress in developing what is planned to be North America’s Largest Integrated Source of natural graphite materials for the energy transition." Highlights include:

• "Advancement of technical and commercial parameters for a definitive multi-year offtake agreement with Panasonic Energy covering a significant portion of NMG’s active anode material production from the Company’s “ore-to-anode-material” Phase-2 facilities.
• 2022 groundwork at Matawinie Mine completed, with key environmental infrastructures built in preparation for the start of civil work.
• Continued advancement of Phase-2 project financing activities through export credit agencies’ due diligence exercises and engagement with governmental branches.
• Preparation for construction of NMG’s Phase-2 sites through the development of an execution and contracting strategy, a hiring plan and advancement of engineering.
• Active engagement towards offtake agreements with other potential tier-1 customers in the EV and battery sector via the production of battery-grade samples, site visits, quality checks, commercial discussions, and environmental reviews.
• Publishing of a preliminary economic assessment of the Uatnan Mining Project demonstrating strong returns for a production of approximately 500,000 tpa of graphite concentrate over a 24-year life of mine, in line with NMG’s Phase-3 plans.
• Securing of CA$3.6 million in grants from the Government of Québec to support advanced graphite transformation and R&D projects.
• Deployment of NMG’s Climate Action Plan through reduction efforts, proactive disclosure, and compensation for 2022 emissions in line with the Company’s commitment to transition to Net Zero by 2030.
• Rapid development of the lithium-ion battery value chain totaling record 8.1 TWh of production capacity projected by 2030, driving demand for graphite up to 10,363,000 tpa (Benchmark, March 2023).
• Continued focus on the safe conduct of operational and construction activities with a year-end OSHA rate of 2.25 at the Company’s facilities and 0 at contractors’ work sites, with no major environmental incidents.
• Year-end cash position of $59.9 million."

You can view the latest investor presentation here .

Greenwing Resources Limited [ASX:GW1] ( BSSMF )

On March 16, Greenwing Resources Limited announced : " Half-year report f or the period ended 31 December 2022."

You can view the latest company presentation here .

Triton Minerals [ASX:TON][GR:1TG]

Triton Minerals Ltd. engages in the acquisition, exploration and development of areas that are highly prospective for gold, graphite and other minerals. The company was founded on March 28, 2006 and is headquartered in West Perth, Australia. Triton has two large graphite projects in Mozambique, not far from Syrah Resources Balama project.

On March 7, Triton Minerals announced :

Ancuabe Graphite Project update. DFS update progressing, commencement of project execution planning and early contractor involvement, March site-visit with Shandong Yulong......

You can view the latest investor presentation here and the latest article on Trend Investing here .

SRG Mining Inc. [TSXV:SRG] [GR:18Y] [Formerly SRG Graphite Inc.]

SRG is focused on developing the Lola graphite deposit, which is located in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa. The Lola Graphite occurrence has a prospective surface outline of 3.22 km2 of continuous graphitic gneiss, one of the largest graphitic surface areas in the world. SRG owns 100% of the Lola Graphite Project.

On February 27, SRG Mining Inc. announced : "SRG announces positive economic results of updated Feasibility Study for Lola Graphite Project." Highlights include:

• "Annual production doubled to 94,000 tpa graphite in concentrate.
• Modest increase in capital costs of US$185 million compares favourably to industry average capital intensity.
• After-Tax NPV8% of US$218 million and IRR of 25% over 17 years.
• Financing, offtake and strategic partnership discussions progressing."

You can view the latest investor presentation here .

Leading Edge Materials [TSXV:LEM] ( LEMIF )

Leading Edge Materials Corp. is a Canadian company focused on becoming a sustainable supplier of a range of critical materials. Leading Edge Materials’ flagship asset is the Woxna Graphite Project and processing plant in central Sweden. The company also owns the Norra Karr REE project, and the 51% of the Bihor Sud Nickel-Cobalt exploration stage project in Romania.

On March 22 Leading Edge Materials Corp. announced : "Leading Edge Materials reports quarterly results to January 31, 2023."

Investors can view the latest company presentation here .

Renascor Resources [ASX:RNU]

Renascor Resources Ltd. is an Australian exploration company, which focuses on the discovery and development of economically viable deposits containing uranium, gold, copper, and associated minerals. Its projects include graphite, copper, precious metals, and uranium.

On March 3, Renascor Resources announced : " S&P Dow Jones Indices announces March 2023 Quarterly Rebalance of the S&P/ASX Indices."

On March 14, Renascor Resources announced : " Financial report - 31 December 2022.....For the half-year ended 31 December 2022...."

You can view the latest investor presentation here .

EcoGraf Limited [ASX:EGR] [FSE:FMK] ( ECGFF )

On March 2, EcoGraf Limited announced :

38% increase in Epanko Mineral Resource. Increased Mineral Resource positions Epanko for expansion to become a major supply of graphite for the Global Lithium-ion Battery Market.....Epanko total Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) increased to 128.2Mt at 7.4% Total Graphitic Grade (‘TGC’) for 9.48Mt of contained graphite which is a 38% increase from the March 2017 MRE.....

On March 8, EcoGraf Limited announced : "EcoGraf interim financial report for the half year ended 31 December 2022."

You can view the latest investor presentation here .

Lomiko Metals Inc. [TSXV:LMR] ( LMRMF )

Lomiko has two projects in Canada - La Loutre graphite Project (flagship) (100% interest) and the Bourier lithium Project (70% earn in interest).

On March 3, Lomiko Metals Inc. announced :

Lomiko announces Definitive Agreement for acquisition of the Carmin Natural Flake Graphite Property in Southern Quebec.......subject to customary closing conditions expected to be completed within the next 3 to 4 weeks (the “Closing Date”). These claims cover 678 hectares (6,780 Sq km). The agreement was signed on March 2, 2023.

Focus Graphite [TSXV:FMS][GR:FKC] ( OTCQB:FCSMF )

On March 6, Focus Graphite announced :

Focus Graphite announces Benchmark Feasibility Study update for its Lac Knife Graphite Project, Québec.....The FSU is based on a 27-year mine life and produced a Pre-tax Net Present Value (“NPV”) of $500.9 million calculated at a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) rate of 8%. Pre-tax, the financial model has an Internal Rate of Return (“IRR”) of 28.7% and a capital payback period of 2.8 years. The after-tax financial model has an NPV of $285.7 million calculated at a DCF rate of 8%, and with an IRR of 22.4% and a capital payback of 3.3 years.....

Metals Australia [ASX:MLS]

On February 28, Metals Australia announced :

Premium Battery Grade 99.96% spherical graphite purity achieved for Lac Rainy Graphite Project in Quebec. Outstanding results elevate Lac Rainy to top-tier of high-quality graphite projects for supply of premium product to lithium-ion battery anode manufacturers.....

On March 14, Metals Australia announced : " Interim financial report for the half year ended 31 December 2022."

You can view an August 2022 Metals Australia update video here .

Sovereign Metals [ASX:SVM] [GR:SVM][LSE:SVML] - Plan to demerge graphite assets to a 100% owned subsidiary NGX Limited

On March 3, Sovereign Metals announced : " S&P Dow Jones Indices announces March 2023 Quarterly Rebalance of the S&P/ASX Indices."

On March 14, Sovereign Metals announced : "Interim financial report for the half year ended 31 December 2022."

On March 15, Sovereign Metals announced :

Kasiya’s graphite global warming potential to be amongst lowest in the world..... The cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment [ LCA] was carried out by Minviro comparing current natural graphite production from China which produces almost 80% of the world’s natural graphite, and proposed near-term production from Tanzania, which offers a regional benchmark against Kasiya in Malawi.......

You can view the latest investor presentation here .

Sarytogan Graphite [ASX:SGA]

Sarytogan Graphite has a 209mt @ 28.5% TGC Inferred Resource (60mt contained graphite) in Central Kazakhstan.

On February 27, Sarytogan Graphite announced : "Bulk graphite concentrate manufacture commences." Highlights include:

• " Following the breakthrough 99.87% graphite purity1 achieved last year, the next step towards battery anode material is to make Uncoated Spheroidized Graphite (USpG).......
• The bulk graphite concentrate manufacture is scheduled to be run in Q2. Spheroidization is planned in Q3 to enable battery anode performance tests in Q4 2023.
• Any optimisation of product pricing due to positive results of the testwork may substantially enhance the economics of the planned Pre-Feasibility Study ."

On March 14, Sarytogan Graphite announced : "In terim report - 31 December 2022."

On March 27, Sarytogan Graphite announced : "Indicated Mineral Resource heralds the commencement of pre feasibility study."

Evion Group NL [ASX:EVG] - (Formerly BlackEarth Minerals [ASX:BEM])

On March 27, Evion Group NL announced : "Expandable graphite plant fully funded to production."

Zentek Ltd. [TSXV:ZEN] ( ZTEK )

On March 22, Zentek Ltd. announced : "Zentek announces new antimicrobial testing results." Highlights include:

• "......The ZenGUARD™-coated mask fabric demonstrated over 99.99%. antibacterial effectiveness after 1 hour where 260,000 Escherichia Coli (E. coli) Colony Forming Units (CFU) was reduced to under 100 CFU.....
• The ZenGUARD™-coated mask fabric demonstrated 86.7% antiviral effectiveness after 1 hour against H ₁ N ₁ and 99.7% after 8 hours.
• These meaningful reductions in bacterial and viral load may have an impact in the reduction of infectious disease in high-risk environments."

Other graphite juniors

Armadale Capital [AIM:ACP], DNI Metals [CSE:DNI] ( DMNKF ), Eagle Graphite [TSXV:EGA] [GR:NJGP] ( OTC:APMFF ), Elcora Advanced Materials Corp. [TSXV:ERA] ( ECORF ), Electric Royalties [TSXV:ELEC], Graphite One Resources Inc. [TSXV:GPH] [GR:2JC] ( GPHOF ), Green Battery Minerals Inc. [TSXV:GEM] ( GBMIF ), Infinity Stone Ventures [CSE:GEMS] ( GEMSF ), International Graphite [ASX:IG6], New Energy Metals Corp. [ASX:NXE], Volt Resources [ASX:VRC] [GR:R8L], South Star Battery Metals [TSXV:STS] ( STSBF ), Walkabout Resources Ltd [ASX:WKT].

Synthetic Graphite companies

• SGL Carbon
• Novonix Ltd [ASX:NVX]( NVNXF )

Graphene companies

• Archer Materials [ASX:AXE]
• Black Swan Graphene Inc. [TSXV:SWAN]
• Elcora Advanced Materials Corp. [TSXV:ERA]( ECORF )
• First Graphene [ASX:FGR] ( FGPHF )
• Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd [TSXV:GMG]
• NanoXplore Inc. [TSXV:GRA] ( NNXPF )
• Strategic Elements Ltd [ASX:SOR]
• Zentek Ltd. [TSXV:ZEN] ( ZTEK )

Conclusion

March saw slightly lower flake graphite prices and lower spherical graphite prices.

Highlights for the month were:

• Madagascar to boost supply of ex-China graphite for batteries.
• EU Critical Raw Materials Act wants 10% of critical raw materials mined in Europe by 2030. Graphite is included in the list of critical raw materials.
• Fastmarkets forecasts weak graphite prices to continue in H1, 2023; but stronger demand and restocking activity to propel prices higher in H2, 2023.....graphite deficits in 2024.
• Ceylon Graphite achieves new outstanding full cell performance of its anode material for lithium-ion batteries.
• NextSource Materials announces Global Anode Expansion Strategy.
• Westwater Resources has entered into an agreement with a Tier 1 battery manufacturer for EVs.
• Magnis Energy Technologies completes funding (first A$25m, potential for an additional A$25m) from US Fund to accelerate development of its vertically integrated AAM business .
• NMG files Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Uatnan Mining Project, a 500,000tpa project in Quebec, Canada. The indicative after-tax NPV8% is C$2,173 million.
• SRG announces positive economic results of updated Feasibility Study for Lola Graphite Project. After-Tax NPV8% of US$218 million and IRR of 25%.
• EcoGraf Limited announces 38% increase in total Epanko Mineral Resource to 128.2Mt at 7.4% graphite for 9.48Mt of contained graphite.
• Metals Australia achieves p remium battery grade 99.96% spherical graphite purity for Lac Rainy Graphite Project in Quebec.
• Sarytogan Graphite bulk graphite concentrate manufacture commences.

As usual all comments are welcome.

For further details see:

Graphite Miners News For The Month Of March 2023