International Graphite and ALKEEMIA Form 51:49 Joint Venture to Build Graphite Processing Hub

Why It Matters

High‑purity graphite is a critical input for next‑generation batteries and advanced industrial applications; confirming a scalable, commercially proven purification process reduces supply‑chain risk and positions the JV to capture growing market demand.

Key Takeaways

• Purification results hit 99.91‑99.98% TGC across all samples
• Joint venture secures up to 50% of 200 tpa plant start‑up capacity
• Facility aims to scale to 20,000 tpa by 2030
• HF‑based process validates as only proven commercial graphite purifier
• Flexible feedstock reduces supply‑chain risk for high‑grade graphite

Pulse Analysis

The graphite market is undergoing a rapid transformation as electric‑vehicle batteries and renewable‑energy storage demand ever‑higher purity material. International Graphite’s recent test campaign, conducted at Alkeemia’s specialist labs in Venice, demonstrates that the joint‑venture’s hydrofluoric‑acid purification route can consistently deliver above‑99.9% total graphitic carbon, regardless of flake size or geographic origin. By achieving these benchmarks on concentrates from East Africa, Europe and the Springdale project, the partners prove the technology’s robustness and its readiness for commercial scaling.

Alkeemia’s HF‑based process is unique in that it remains the only reagent‑based method proven at scale to strip impurities without compromising graphite’s crystalline structure. This chemistry enables the treatment of diverse feedstocks, giving the JV a strategic advantage in mitigating supply‑chain disruptions that have plagued the graphite sector. Flexible feedstock handling also opens doors to sourcing from multiple mines, lowering logistics costs and enhancing resilience against geopolitical or environmental shocks.

Commercial rollout begins in 2026 with a 200‑tonne‑per‑year pilot plant, of which International Graphite has secured up to half the start‑up capacity. The roadmap targets a phased expansion to 20,000 tpa by 2030, positioning the hub as a premier source of high‑grade graphite for battery manufacturers, aerospace composites, and high‑temperature industrial components. Investors will watch the JV’s ability to lock in long‑term supply contracts and convert the purified product into higher‑margin value‑added offerings, a move that could reshape the competitive landscape of the global graphite value chain.

Deal Summary

International Graphite (ASX: IG6) and ALKEEMIA announced a 51:49 joint venture to develop a graphite processing hub at ALKEEMIA’s Porto Marghera facility. The partnership secures up to 50% of start‑up capacity at a 200‑tonne‑per‑year purification plant for International Graphite, with plans to scale to 20,000 tpa by 2030. Recent test results showed purification levels exceeding 99.9% total graphitic carbon, validating the JV’s technology.