Renascor Boosts High-Value Graphite Output by 60% with New EPC Designs

Engineering Optimizations Drive Production and Cost Gains

Renascor Resources Limited has unveiled material improvements to its proposed graphite mining and processing operation in South Australia, following Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) submissions from leading EPC contractors GR Engineering Services and Primero Group. These engineering refinements are projected to increase the output of higher value, larger flake graphite by approximately 60%, lifting it from 17% to 27% of total production. This is a significant enhancement for the company’s flagship Siviour Graphite Deposit, one of the world’s largest reserves.

Alongside production gains, the updated designs reduce operating costs by eliminating the use of higher-cost reagents and cutting overall reagent consumption in the flotation circuit. The targeted graphite grade and recovery have also improved, with grade rising to 95.3% carbon and recovery to 96.7%, surpassing the 2023 Battery Anode Material Definitive Feasibility Study benchmarks.

Advancing a Safer, Eco-Friendly Purification Process

Renascor’s commitment to sustainability is underscored by successful tests confirming the integration of water treatment into its hydrofluoric acid (HF)-free purification flowsheet. Unlike traditional Chinese purification methods that rely on hazardous HF, Renascor’s process uses sulfuric acid leaching combined with a low-temperature caustic roast, significantly reducing environmental and safety risks. The water treatment circuit effectively recycles reagents and treats process water, positioning Renascor’s purified spherical graphite (PSG) as a competitive, environmentally responsible alternative for battery-grade graphite supply.

Infrastructure and Demonstration Facility Progress

Supporting the mining operation, SA Power Networks has completed critical upgrades to the electrical distribution network near the Siviour site, including a new 33kV transformer and enhanced overhead powerlines. This infrastructure is essential for the planned phase one production, supplemented by renewable and diesel generation onsite.

Renascor has also secured a site and ordered long lead equipment for its co-funded PSG demonstration facility near Adelaide. This facility will enable continuous production testing and optimization of the purification process ahead of full-scale commercial operations. Commissioning of the water treatment circuit is expected next quarter, with full-scale commissioning targeted for late 2025, contingent on overseas equipment delivery.

Exploration Uncovers New Battery Metals Targets

Beyond graphite, Renascor’s exploration at the Bulloo Creek prospect in South Australia’s Curnamona Province has identified three near-surface copper-cobalt-gold targets along a magnetic trend correlated with anomalous cobalt soil geochemistry. These findings open potential new avenues for resource development in a region known for significant base metals deposits. The company is advancing land access negotiations and environmental approvals to commence drilling.

Strong Financial Position Supports Development

Renascor maintains a robust cash position of approximately A$107 million as of 31 March 2025, underpinning ongoing development activities. The company continues to leverage government grants, including a $5 million award for the PSG demonstration facility, to advance its vertically integrated battery anode material project.