Evion begins commissioning activities at expandable graphite facility
Evion (ASX:EVG) has begun commissioning activities at its newly constructed expandable graphite facility in India.
The operation (Panthera Graphite Technologies PGT)) is a 50:50 joint venture between Evion and Metachem Manufacturing Company.
This commissioning process places Evion one step closer to become the first ASX-listed expandable graphite company with production of the expandable graphite expected to begin next month.
A highly experienced team of graphite processing specialists from Metachem’s operational facility and staff have been assembled. All members have a track record in expandable graphite processing, with competence in maintenance, technical aspects and operational analysis.
Commissioning of services areas has begun with the remaining staged commissioning and start up schedule due to be completed in February, coinciding with the completion of the revised effluent treatment plant.
The joint venture decided to install a more advanced effluent treatment plant (ETP) which has proven to be more cost efficient. The new ETP will also result in a lower operating cost, less final waste and a reduction in the carbon footprint.
A range of potential feed stock material has been tested with the expandable graphite products deemed suitable for a variety of potential uses.
Evion will continue to oversee the final development stages of the project and to ensure the delivery approach incorporates high health, safety and environment (HSE) standards.
Evion managing director Tom Revy says the company is delighted commissioning has begun.
“We now enter the important commissioning stage knowing this will be undertaken by an experienced management team, utilising a new and state of the art production facility,” he said.
“The commencement of production and sales will commence shortly thereafter, and we look forward to delivering our world class product to our European buyers.”
Evion has signed an offtake and sales agreement with Austria-based Grafitbergbau Kaisersberg — a company with extensive experience in the development of graphite downstream products.
Under this agreement, the joint venture will supply up to 2500tpa of expandable graphite upon the commencement of operations in India. It’s then expected to expand to 4500tpa from three years.
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