EcoGraf (ASX:EGR) has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) and Betolar for cooperative studies exploring the utilisation of mineral tailings in the mass production of low-carbon construction products.
GTK is a government agency providing independent research, data, and services in geology, mineral resources, and sustainable materials. Betolar is a circular economy and materials technology company, specialising in the transformation of industrial waste and by-products into high-performance, low-carbon materials.
EcoGraf expects to generate an average of 0.9 million tonnes per annum of tailings in the first ten years of the stage one production of 73,000 tonnes per annum from its Epanko Graphite Project in Tanzania.
If the studies prove successful, the work could potentially lead to the productive reuse and progressive removal of significant amounts of tailings and waste rock from mine sites.
The model also has the potential to improve site safety, reduce long-term environmental damage, lower carbon emissions, decrease water usage, ,and more.
The parties involved in the MoU intend to pursue grant funding and other support as they undertake these studies. Any commercial agreements under the arrangement are subject to agreed conditions by all parties.
This announcement comes after EcoGraf secured a cooperation agreement for the Epanko Graphite and Midstream Mechanical Shaping Facility in Tanzania with the European Investment Bank (EIB), enabling the integration of the project into the European Union battery anode value chain.
EcoGraf is focused on building a vertically integrated battery anode materials business.
Write to Amy Rotman at Mining.com.au
Images: EcoGraf
