EcoGraf expands patent protections and Tanzanian graphite capacity

EcoGraf Limited has announced significant developments regarding its battery anode materials business, including a new patent and increased production potential at its Epanko Graphite Project in Tanzania.

The Ministry of Intellectual Property in South Korea has granted EcoGraf a 20-year patent for its EcoGraf HFfree purification technology. This patent covers applications for manufacturing battery anode material, high purity graphite, and the recycling of lithium-ion battery anodes. Similar patents have been granted in Australia, the US, India, South Africa, Vietnam, and through the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation.

Additionally, a value engineering review of the Epanko Graphite Project indicates a potential 20% increase in Stage 1 production capacity, raising output to 87,600 tonnes per annum. This expansion is projected to coincide with a 5.8% reduction in operating costs. The company plans to advance engineering studies for this expansion, supported by a technical assistance grant of up to EUR 2 million from the European Investment Bank.