iTech Minerals (ASX:ITM) progresses testwork for PSG production at Campoona

• iTech Minerals (ITM) produces a 42-kilogram bulk sample of total graphitic carbon (TGC) concentrate from its Campoona project in South Australia
• The sample had an average purity of 94 per cent with an estimated recovery of 80 per cent and confirms the Campoona project can produce purified spherical graphite (PSG)
• iTech is carrying out a seven-stage testwork program to produce PSG for use in lithium-ion battery anodes using a more eco-friendly process
• The fourth stage is currently underway and involves screening of alternative chemical purification routes and a scoping study is targeted for completion by the end of the year
• ITM shares are up 1.52 per cent to trade at 33.5 cents at 3:41 pm AEST

iTech Minerals (ITM) has produced a 42-kilogram bulk sample of total graphitic carbon (TGC) concentrate from its Campoona project in South Australia.

The 42-kilogram graphite concentrate had an average purity of 94 per cent with an estimated recovery of 80 per cent.

This sample came from 407 kilograms of run-of-mine (ROM) graphite ore which was processed in Germany by ANZAPLAN.

The sampling is part of a seven-stage metallurgical testwork program to produce purified spherical graphite (PSG) for use in lithium-ion battery anodes using a more eco-friendly process.

iTech Minerals believes the Campoona spherical graphite project could potentially produce a high-quality and cost-competitive flake graphite concentrate suitable to produce PSG for the lithium-ion battery sector.

So far, the company has reviewed historical data, developed a beneficiation process and completed flake graphite sample production. The next four stages of the testwork program are yet to come with screening of alternative chemical purification routes currently underway.

Once this fourth stage has wrapped up, the optimisation and graphite sample production stages will begin with results expected in late August.

“With successful bulk sample tests complete, the company is progressing to the final purification and spheronisation test work. This will pave the way for a scoping study on a vertically integrated PSG operation at the Campoona project,” Managing Director Mike Schwarz said.

The company has commissioned M.Plan International to undertake a scoping study at the Campoona project and results are expected near the end of the year.

ITM shares were up 1.52 per cent to trade at 33.5 cents at 3:41 pm AEST.