Evolution Energy Minerals (ASX:EV1) reports graphite from its Chilalo Graphite Project in Tanzania demonstrates potential for ‘high‑value’ fuel cell applications.
The company notes that 58% of the resource contains coarse flakes suitable for separator plate manufacturing.
American Energy Technologies Company (AETC) has identified the Tanzanian deposit’s coarse and thick graphite flakes as ideal for fuel cell separator plates. These plates are critical in data centre power, electric vehicles, backup power, and specialty applications.
The assessment highlights flake size, increased thickness, oxidation resistance, and low halogen content as key attributes.
The company says AETC’s evaluation identifies 95–97% carbon concentrate from the planned Chilalo concentrator as suitable feedstock for the fuel cell market.
The Definitive Feasibility Study distribution shows 58% of the graphite is coarse flake (larger than 80 mesh), with 31.1% classified as extra‑coarse flake (larger than 50 mesh).
Managing Director Craig Moulton says Chilalo’s value extends well beyond battery anodes.
“With 58% of the DFS concentrate mix in the coarse-flake sizes, identifying applications that reward the quality of those flakes is central to capturing the value of the project,” Moulton notes.
AETC Business Development and Project Manager Emily Schmidt says Chilalo’s coarse and thick flakes provide an additional benefit for oxidation resistance.
“The fact that Chilalo flake is not only coarse but also contains very thick particles provides an additional benefit that leads to greatly enhanced oxidation resistance in this graphite,” Schmidt says.
AETC found Chilalo’s 95% carbon concentrate an ideal candidate for graphite separator plates, with flakes sized larger than 50 mesh resisting oxidation at temperatures as high as 900°C.
Evolution Energy Minerals is targeting first graphite concentrate production in October 2027, subject to funding and approvals.
Write to JC Villarba at Mining.com.au
Images: Evolution Energy Minerals
