Lincoln Minerals’ Kookaburra Graphite Hits 99.97% Purity, Surpassing Industry Benchmarks

Battery-Grade Purity Confirmed

Lincoln Minerals Limited (ASX: LML) has announced a significant milestone for its Kookaburra Graphite Project (KGP) in South Australia, achieving battery-grade graphite purity levels of up to 99.97% total graphitic carbon (TGC) across multiple test runs at independent Australian laboratories. This purity surpasses the industry benchmark of 99.95% TGC required for lithium-ion battery anode materials, positioning Kookaburra graphite as a high-quality feedstock for the rapidly growing battery market.

The tests were conducted by two independent labs, including the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), and involved advanced purification techniques that notably exclude the use of hydrofluoric acid (HF). This HF-free approach is a key differentiator, offering substantial safety, environmental, and cost advantages over conventional graphite purification methods.

Hydrofluoric Acid-Free Processing: A Strategic Edge

Hydrofluoric acid is traditionally used in graphite purification but is highly toxic and corrosive, posing significant health, environmental, and regulatory challenges. Lincoln Minerals’ ability to achieve ultra-high purity without HF reduces occupational hazards, lowers environmental risks, and simplifies regulatory approvals. It also cuts capital and operating costs by eliminating the need for specialized acid-resistant infrastructure.

CEO Jonathon Trewartha highlighted the importance of this breakthrough, stating that the HF-free process aligns with modern environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards and clean technology trends. This positions Lincoln not only as a safer and more sustainable supplier but also enhances the economic potential of the Kookaburra project beyond direct concentrate sales.

Downstream Potential and Value-Added Products

Beyond purity, Lincoln’s test work demonstrated strong potential for producing micronised and spheronised graphite products, critical feedstocks for battery anode manufacturing. The company’s Battery Anode Material (BAM) Scoping Study is now focused on optimising these processes and exploring value-added specialty graphite products such as conductivity additives, dry lubricants, and polymer additives.

These developments could unlock multiple revenue streams and support the establishment of a downstream processing facility in South Australia, further integrating the supply chain and enhancing project returns. The project’s location on the Eyre Peninsula, a premier graphite province, adds logistical and strategic advantages.

Alignment with National and State Battery Strategies

Lincoln’s progress aligns closely with Australia’s National Battery Strategy, which aims to build sovereign battery manufacturing capabilities with low-emission supply chains and ethically sourced critical minerals. The company’s HF-free purification process supports these goals by offering a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable pathway to battery anode material production.

At the state level, South Australia’s focus on green energy and critical minerals development complements Lincoln’s ambitions. The company is actively engaging with government stakeholders to explore collaboration and investment opportunities that could accelerate the project’s downstream vision.

Next Steps in Development

Lincoln plans to continue refining its purification process using fresh concentrate samples from Kookaburra, aiming to optimise key parameters such as Loss on Ignition, tap density, particle size distribution, and yield. Future testing will include battery cell cycle testing to fully qualify the material for commercial use.

As the BAM Scoping Study advances, Lincoln is also investigating specialty graphite applications beyond battery anodes, potentially broadening the project’s market reach and resilience.