Kingsland Achieves 99.97% Purity in Spherical Graphite Production
Kingsland Minerals (ASX:KNG) has achieved a significant milestone in its journey to become a major graphite supplier to the EV and renewable energy markets, with testwork at its Leliyn project producing purified spherical graphite (PSG) with an exceptional 99.97% purity – exceeding the minimum 99.95% required for battery anode material.
Outstanding Purification Results Mark Critical Development
The initial testing program at the Leliyn Graphite Project in the Northern Territory has delivered exceptional results on the company's first attempt, demonstrating the project's potential to supply high-value, Australian-made spherical graphite products to the growing battery market.
Testing conducted by ProGraphite GmbH in Germany used conventional processing methods to achieve these impressive results:
| Sample | Process | Graphite Purity |
|---|---|---|
| Flotation concentrate | Initial material | 93.4% |
| Sample a | NaOH @250°C + HCL | 99.96% |
| Sample a1 | Additional acid wash | 99.97% |
| Sample b | NaOH @500°C + HCL | 99.91% |
| Sample b1 | Additional acid wash | 99.97% |
Most encouragingly, the low-temperature alkaline bake method (250°C) achieved 99.96% purity, which was further increased to 99.97% with a dilute acid wash – demonstrating that Leliyn graphite can be effectively processed using conventional and cost-effective methods.
"These are clearly exceptional results which show our strategy to be a leading graphite provider to the EV and renewable energy sectors is well on track," said Richard Maddocks, Kingsland Minerals Managing Director. "To obtain results as good as these on our first attempt is exceptional."
Next Steps: Optimization and Scale-Up
With the confirmation that high-purity spherical graphite can be produced from Leliyn concentrate, Kingsland will now focus on optimizing the entire process chain. This includes:
- Comprehensive assessment of optimal comminution (crushing and grinding) parameters
- Optimization of the flotation process to produce consistent grade and particle size for the micronizing and spheronizing process
- Providing samples to off-take partner Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners for assessment of its proposed downstream processing facility in Darwin
The Leliyn Scoping Study is on track for completion in September 2025, with core drilling expected during the December 2025 quarter.
Understanding Purified Spherical Graphite (PSG)
Purified spherical graphite is a critical component in lithium-ion battery anodes, representing one of the highest-value graphite products. The production process involves several key steps:
- Micronization: Reducing the graphite flake size to approximately 17 μm
- Spheronization: Shaping the small flakes into rounded spheres
- Purification: Removing impurities to achieve 99.95%+ purity
- Coating: Applying a protective layer to enhance performance
This higher-value processed material is essential for EV batteries, with the market growing rapidly as electric vehicle adoption accelerates worldwide. Kingsland's ability to produce battery-grade material positions it strongly in this expanding market.
Leliyn Project: One of Australia's Most Significant Graphite Deposits
The Leliyn Graphite Project represents one of Australia's largest graphite resources, with an Inferred Mineral Resource of 194.6 million tonnes at 7.3% Total Graphitic Carbon, containing approximately 14.2 million tonnes of graphite.
The project benefits from:
- Proximity to Darwin for export logistics
- Partnership with Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners for downstream processing
- Potential for an integrated mine-to-battery material operation
- Strategic location relative to Asian battery manufacturing centres
Beyond the current resource, Kingsland has identified a significant exploration target that could substantially increase the project's scale.
The Strategic Importance of Graphite in Battery Supply Chains
Graphite is designated as a critical mineral by many countries, including Australia and the United States, due to its importance in battery manufacturing and limited secure supply chains. With China currently dominating global processing capacity, Western nations are actively seeking alternative suppliers like Kingsland.
The successful Kingsland Minerals spherical graphite production results come at a time when battery manufacturers are increasingly concerned about supply chain security. Natural graphite currently accounts for approximately 65% of all graphite used in battery anodes, with the remaining 35% being synthetic graphite, which typically has a higher environmental footprint.
For battery manufacturers, key considerations when sourcing graphite include:
- Purity levels: Battery-grade material requires at least 99.95% purity
- Particle size and shape: Optimized for maximum energy density
- Supply chain security: Reliable, consistent supply from stable jurisdictions
- Environmental credentials: Lower carbon footprint compared to synthetic alternatives
Kingsland's spherical graphite production process demonstrates the potential to meet all these requirements, positioning the company strategically in the battery materials supply chain.
Investment Potential in a Critical Battery Material
For investors, Kingsland offers exposure to:
- A growing battery materials market – Graphite demand is projected to increase significantly as EV adoption accelerates
- Advanced project development – With metallurgical testing confirming product quality and a scoping study nearing completion
- Strategic partnerships – Through the offtake agreement with Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners
- Processing capability – Demonstrated ability to produce battery-grade material meeting strict specifications
Furthermore, the company's advances in graphite processing complement other developments in the critical minerals sector, such as early gold production opportunities and rare earths project advancements occurring elsewhere in the Australian resources landscape.
Why Investors Should Follow Kingsland Minerals
Kingsland's latest results further validate its strategy of becoming a significant player in the battery materials supply chain. With a large resource base, demonstrated processing capability, and strategic location, the company is positioning itself to capitalize on the growing demand for battery-grade graphite.
Key developments to watch include:
- Completion of the Leliyn Scoping Study in September 2025
- Further optimization of the processing flowsheet
- Progress on Quinbrook's proposed downstream facility in Darwin
- Additional drilling to expand the resource base
As the world accelerates toward electrification, companies that can provide high-quality, non-Chinese battery materials will be well-positioned to capture significant market share and potentially command premium pricing. The success of Kingsland Minerals spherical graphite production could represent a significant step toward establishing Australia as a key player in the global battery supply chain, joining other critical mineral developments such as antimony and silver projects that are strengthening the country's resources portfolio.
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