Lincoln Minerals (ASX:LML) has signed a collaboration agreement to uncover opportunities for graphite sourced from the Kookaburra Project in South Australia for modular nuclear reactors designed and optimised by SCN Canada.
The parties will work together to develop key project parameters including determining the optimal flowsheet and product mix. This will determine the project scale, staging and development plan, and the definition of a commercial structure for the collaboration.
The agreement has a 12-month term, intending to achieve a completed Scoping Study and Feasibility Studies by the end of 2026 if the companies agree to progress the joint development concept.
Lincoln CEO Chris Wilcox says investment in the nuclear energy sector is growing globally to meet energy demands and reduce reliance on carbon emitting sources.
“Small modular reactors offer a reliable, always-on source of clean energy that can fill the gaps when solar and wind fall short, helping to prevent shortages and stabilise prices,” Wilcox says.
“There is substantial potential value in Lincoln’s 100% owned graphite at Kookaburra.
“We are excited to be partnering with SCN to explore a pathway to commercialising these assets by leveraging the detailed studies previously completed.”
As reported by Mining.com.au, the company deemed the Kookaburra Project as a “genuine opportunity” to be one of the circa 30 new natural graphite mines the world needs by 2030.
Benchmark Mineral Intelligence predicts demand for natural graphite to increase 140% by 2030, developing the need for 30 new natural graphite mines as well as 12 new synthetic graphite plants.
The Kookaburra Project holds a resource of 12.8 million tonnes @ 7.56% total graphite content.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: Lincoln Minerals
