- BlackEarth has received test results which show high-quality concentrate from its Madagascar Maniry Project. It is expected the concentrate will be used in the production of high-value graphite foil
- An independent report showed the largest expansion volume at 400 centimetres cubed per gram
The mining company, BlackEarth Minerals, has received test results which show the company’s concentrate from the Maniry Project, Madagascar, is suitable for the production of “high demand expandable graphite.”
According to the company, the concentrate at Maniry can be used in the production of graphite foil and similar high-value products.
The report carried out by independent graphite specialist, NGS Trading and Consulting, showed the largest expansion volume at 400 centimetres cubed per gram. According to the company, in comparison the industry benchmark is 250 centimetres cubed per gram. The report adds it is likely “even larger expansion volumes should be possible.”
The elements required to produce an expandable product were all identified as positive in the report. These include, moisture, portion of volatile matter, loss on ignition, carbon content and ash content.
The report identified a low amount of hard minerals in the concentrate, which is expected to result in a simple purification process of flake graphite. Which will be used in the production of graphite foil. Additionally, due to very low amounts of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) it is expected the flake graphite can be used in the refractory industry.
The report concluded being unable to identify any variable from the flake graphite which may hinder the production of expandable graphite.
The Managing Director of BlackEarth, Tom Revy, said the report results are “extremely pleasing and potentially add a further high-value market for concentrate.”
The company will be looking to be a large supplier to China, who annually requires two million tonnes of graphite for the nations large production of fire-retardant building materials.