Sovereign Metals (ASX:SVM) has confirmed the Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project’s key features required for use in refractory applications, after completing its testwork program in Malawi’s Central Region.
The project which contains very low sulphur levels and the absence of other impurities of concern is what is considered a positive for such assets.
Natural flake graphite is added to refractories to improve performance. Refractories are used to line furnaces and vessels to support high-temperature processing across a wide range of industries, including iron and steel production, non-ferrous metals, cement and lime, glass, and chemicals.
As a result, Sovereign says this provides a competitive advantage over other current and potential sources of graphite supply.
CEO Frank Eagar says nearly 70% of Kasiya’s graphite meets the size requirements for refractory applications.
“Today’s results confirm that our graphite product also meets or exceeds the key chemical and physical properties required to sell into the refractory market,” Eagar says.
“Combining these results with the excellent results for anode materials testing highlights the premium quality of Kasiya graphite concentrate and provides a very strong foundation for sales and marketing discussions.”
The company plans to use the testwork results for customer engagement and potential offtake discussions.
Sovereign Metals reports the global refractory market is an estimated €20 billion ($32.89 billion) worldwide industry — the largest traditional market for natural flake graphite.
Together, refractory applications and anode material for use in lithium-ion batteries, account for over three-quarters of global natural graphite demand.
Graphite products for refractory applications require larger flake sizes that the smaller graphite flake products used to produce battery anode materials.
Sovereign Metals is focused on developing its Kasiya Project to become a global supplier to the titanium and graphite industries.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Sovereign Metals
