Australia-based Syrah Resources Ltd has completed installation of a graphite furnace in Louisiana as it works toward becoming the first vertically integrated producer of natural graphite advanced anode material (AAM) outside of China, Kallanish reports.

The company is using graphite from its Balama operation in Mozambique in East Africa and getting the furnace operational at a commercial scale was the final step in processing of natural graphite for use in lithium-ion batteries. The $25 million plant in Concordia Parish will mill and refine graphite from Africa into high-purity spherical graphite for use in battery anodes.

The company says a final investment decision for the construction of a 10,000 tonne/year facility at Vidalia, Louisiana, is planned in second half 2021, subject to partnerships and customer commitments. It could be enlarged to 40,000 t/y, depending on market demand.

“In our view, this milestone further positions Syrah as the most progressed ex-China option for vertically integrated supply of natural graphite AAM for USA and European battery makers and OEMS,” says managing director and ceo Shaun Verner in a statement. “We have been very encouraged by initial feedback from in-progress product testing and qualification processes. Syrah remains on track to become an important supplier of natural graphite AAM to ex-Asia markets.”

The Louisiana project will create 25 jobs, says the company with headquarters in Melbourne, Victoria.