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Metals Australia Ltd (ASX:MLS) has a proven track record of battery minerals discovery and has a high-quality portfolio of advanced battery minerals and metals projects in the highly ranked and well-established mining jurisdictions of Quebec, Canada and Western Australia.
- Major new metallurgical test-work programs are set to commence at the high-grade Lac Rainy flake graphite project in the tier-one Canadian mining jurisdiction of Quebec. The test-work will utilise bulk samples of existing drill-core from the following Mineral Resource1 zones (see Figure 1):
- Southeast Carheil: A 220kg bulk sample grading 13% graphitic carbon (Cg). Sample of predominantly fine to medium flake will be split into several variability samples representing the first 10 years of the mining schedule detailed in the previously completed Scoping Study 2.
- Northwest Carheil: A 200kg bulk sample grading 8%Cg. Examination of drill core from Northwest Carheil indicates a high proportion of large (>180 micron) flake. The metallurgical test-work program for this portion of the Mineral Resource will assess the recovery characteristics of higher value, large flake graphite concentrate.
- Metallurgical test-work will be carried out in two stages:
1. Generation of flake graphite concentrate (>95%Cg) using modified flow-sheet conditions designed to optimise recovery of fine to medium flake for downstream spherical graphite production as well as generation of large flake concentrate that can attract premium pricing.
2. Generation of premium battery grade coated spherical graphite (SpG), trialling chemical and thermal purification options to assess the preferred techno-economic method for production of premium battery grade SpG, followed by lithium-ion battery anode charging and durability testing. This work will expand on the outstanding purification (to 99.96%Cg) and battery test results achieved in 20233 and will result in the optimum SpG production method being adopted for more advanced development studies.
- The Metallurgical test-work results will feed directly into the flake-graphite concentrate Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) as well as the Options Assessment and Scoping Study into downstream spherical graphite- battery anode material production. Additionally, the results will guide the preferred location for that production facility.
- Latest workstreams will be advanced as the Company finalises discussions with First Nations groups in Quebec to secure the necessary approvals to launch a major new drilling program aimed at significantly expanding and upgrading the existing Lac Rainy Mineral Resource. The program will also test new regional targets where high-grade rock chips of up to 64.3% Cg4 have been generated (see Figure 1). The company is aware of changes to the permitting application process in Quebec that come into effect on May 6th this year. More formal stakeholder engagement is a requirement as part of the revised process.
Figure 1: Lac Rainy Graphite Project high-grade sample locations, drilling areas planned with inset of Carheil zone
Metals Australia CEO Paul Ferguson, commented:
“These new metallurgical test-work programs at Lac Rainy represent another important step forward along the very clear pathway we have mapped out to develop what we believe has the potential to be a world-class flake-graphite project in the tier-one Canadian mining jurisdiction of Quebec.”
“The US$50 million equity investment and a future construction commitment of US$275 million5 announced only last month by General Motors and Panasonic Energy to advance the development of Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc’s graphite project in Quebec is another sign of the global rush to secure sources of high-grade flake graphite and downstream products outside China.”
“Building on our Scoping Study which indicates potential for an initial 14-year production mine life, we are committed to accelerating our pre-feasibility studies (PFS) for the production and downstream processing of Lac Rainy’s high-grade flake-graphite product.”
“Other critical work programs being advanced in parallel with our metallurgical test-work include environment and social impact studies, hydrogeological and geotechnical assessments, Mineral Resource estimation work and finalising key inputs to mine planning and engineering design for the concentrate plant PFS and the proposed downstream upgrading facility to produce battery anode material.”
“We have also finalised our drilling plans and contract and look forward to our drilling permit applications being approved by the government authorities in Quebec. The Company has been advised that no adverse comments were provided by stakeholders during the initial public review period for that drilling program and we look forward to our upcoming discussions with representatives of the Innu Council of Uashat Mak Mani- Utenam First Nations group to outline our planned program as part of the approval process.”
“The Company is fully committed to working respectfully and productively with all stakeholders to demonstrate the significance and potential benefits of developing this important critical minerals project, while understanding and accommodating the expectations of stakeholders throughout the development phases.”
“Our drilling program aims to extend and further define the Mineral Resource to allow expansion of the mining plan, as well as testing new regional targets where high-grade rock chips of up to 64.3% Cg4 have been generated. The fact we still have 35km of mineralised zones at Lac Rainy to drill test adds to our confidence that we will be able to significantly grow the existing Mineral Resource.”
“Critically, the recent $3.5 million placement we made through Canadian investors leaves the Company well- funded to accelerate our exploration and development studies with cash reserves of more than $18 million. The fact that Metals Australia’s market capitalisation is less than our cash balance makes us more determined than ever to demonstrate the value of our flagship Lac Rainy project, which we believe will result in a significant re-rating of the Company’s share price.”Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Metals Australia, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
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Metals Australia
Overview
Metals Australia (ASX:MLS) is a mineral exploration company with a high-quality portfolio of advanced battery minerals and metals projects in Tier 1 mining jurisdictions of Western Australia and Canada. The portfolio comprises two critical minerals projects in Quebec, Canada — the Lac Carheil flake graphite project and the Corvette River lithium (and gold) project. The Australian portfolio comprises four projects: Tennant Creek (copper-gold) in the Northern Territory and Warrambie (lithium, nickel-copper, gold), Murchison (gold) and Manindi (lithium, vanadium-titanium, zinc) – all in Western Australia.
The push for net zero targets and the call from policymakers to transition to cleaner energy has intensified the focus on electric vehicles (EVs) and battery storage. The EV automakers and battery manufacturers, rely on essential materials such as graphite and metals, including lithium, nickel, copper and cobalt, to manufacture the batteries that are used in these vehicles and storage batteries generally. This has driven carmakers and battery manufacturers to partner with battery material suppliers under direct off-take agreements. Further, some automakers/battery manufacturers are buying equity stakes in miners, involving them directly in financing decisions for the development of mining projects. This is encouraging for companies such as Metals Australia as it actively advances its projects towards development.
Figure 2 – Graphite is a Critical Mineral required for the mass electrification of auto transportation.
Metals Australia is focused on progressing its flagship Lac Carheil flake graphite project in Quebec, Canada. The project is well-positioned to supply high quality graphite products, including battery-grade graphite to the North American market – including for lithium-ion and EV battery production in the future. The company announced positive sampling results across a 36-km strike length of identified graphite trends at Lac Carheil, including many values over 20% Cg and an exceptionally high-grade sample containing over 63% Cg. The company has planned a drilling program to test new high-grade zones identified from the sampling program, which will form the basis for upgrading the existing Lac Carheil Mineral Resource. An application for the drilling program is progressing with the Quebec regulator. Additionally, the company has recently commenced a Flake Graphite concentrate prefeasibility study with Lycopodium in Ontario and a downstream battery anode plant design with ANZAPLAN in Germany.
Metals Australia is also advancing its lithium, gold and silver exploration project at Corvette River, which is adjacent to Patriot Battery Metals’ world-class lithium project. Further, the company carries out aggressive exploration programs at its other projects, including Manindi, Warrambie & the Murchison in Western Australia and Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory region of Australia.
Metals Australia is well-funded to complete all its planned exploration and project studies. The cash position at the end of Q1 2024 was AU$17.86 million, which we note was higher than the company’s market capital at current share price. Metals Australia benefits from a team of professionals boasting extensive expertise in geology and mining. The appointment of experienced mining executive Paul Ferguson as the CEO is positive for the company. Since joining in January 2024, he has significantly advanced planning and preparation for the exploration, metallurgical test work programs, and design studies required to move its flagship Lac Carheil high-grade graphite project towards development. The Corvette Project has also completed exploration planning and is now fully permitted for drilling and trenching work during the northern hemisphere summer.
Company Highlights
- Metals Australia is rapidly advancing its flag ship Lac Carheil Graphite Project in Quebec, Canada. In addition, the company has a suite of high-quality exploration projects – including Lithium, Gold and Silver in Quebec, Canada and Lithium, Gold, Copper & Vanadium in Western Australia (WA) and the Northern Territory (NT).
- All projects are in Tier-1 mining jurisdictions (Canada and Australia) with world-class prospectivity and stable geo-politically.
- The company has six key exploration and development projects:
- two in Canada: the Lac Carheil high-grade flake graphite project and the Corvette River lithium and gold-silver-copper exploration project, and,
- four in Australia: Warrambie (lithium, nickel-copper, gold), Murchison (gold) and Manindi (lithium, vanadium-titanium, zinc-silver) in WA, and Tennant Creek (Warrego East copper-gold) in the NT.
- The focus is to rapidly advance its flagship Lac Carheil Graphite Project towards development. A drilling program is already contracted to substantially increase the existing JORC 2012 Mineral Resource of 13.3 Mt @ 11.5 percent graphitic carbon (Cg) and test the potential of the many other identified high-grade graphite trends.
- The 2020 Scoping Study on Lac Carheil based on the existing resource, representing only 1km of drilling out of the total 36kms of identified graphite trends, indicates a 14-year mine life with a production of 100,000 tons per annum and a pre-tax NPV @ 8 percent of US$123 million (~AUD$190 million).
- There are multiple catalysts at Lac Carheil in the near term including a pre-feasibility study (PFS) (underway), a scoping study on downstream battery (anode) - grade graphite production, and planned drilling aiming to at least double the resource as well as test other identified high-grade graphite trends.
- Furthermore, other projects in Canada including the Corvette River lithium and gold targets, and exploration in Australia at Manindi, Warrambie, Murchison and Warrego – are all seeing active progress.
- The company is well-funded to complete all its planned exploration and project studies. The cash position at the end of Q1 2024 was AU$17.86 million.
- Metals Australia is led by a seasoned board and management team possessing extensive mining sector experience and a proven track record of successful discoveries and project developments. With funding in place, the company is well-positioned to capitalise on growth prospects.
Key Projects
Canada
Lac Carheil Flake Graphite Project (MLS 100%)
Conceptual 3D Mining layout from February 2021 Scoping Study (Lac Carheil Project formerly named Lac Rainy Project)
The Lac Carheil Graphite Project is located in eastern Quebec, Canada, a tier 1 mining jurisdiction with access to excellent infrastructure, including hydroelectric power facilities. The project hosts an existing JORC 2012 mineral resource of 13.3 million tons (Mt) @ 11.5 percent graphitic carbon, which was announced in 2020 and a scoping study was completed and reported on in early 2021. Battery test work followed, in Germany, and this demonstrated the Lac Carheil Graphite concentrate could be shaped, purified, coated and used in battery applications with excellent results. Given the above work, the company carried out further field work, recently announcing exceptionally high-grade sampling results from 80 samples on 10 identified graphitic trends across the property. This included a sample containing 63 percent graphitic carbon, and 10 samples containing over 20% Cg. The average grade of the sampling was 11% Cg, which is comparable to the current high-grade resource. The combined strike length of the identified high-grade graphitic zones is over 36 kms. This compares to just 1 km of drilling on 1.6 kms of graphite trend that was utilised to obtain the existing resource. The potential for expanding and upgrading the existing resource remains enormous.
Figure 4 –Lac Carheil Graphite Project - Electromagnetic imagery outlining graphite trends and the resource
Additional drilling and development studies are either planned or are already underway, including a pre-feasibility study for a high grade Flake graphite concentrate product – which has commenced and a downstream purification options assessment and a scoping study for a battery anode facility in North America, which has been contracted. The company also announced it is contract ready for its planned drilling program and will fast-track the program as soon as permits are received from the Quebec regulator.
Corvette River Lithium Project (MLS 100%)
Corvette River Lithium, gold and silver Project is located in Quebec’s James Bay region Metals Australia recently announced that it is fully permitted to advance an extensive field exploration program across its holdings which include the wholly owned East Pontois, Felicie and West Pontois projects, situated within Patriot Battery Metals' (ASX:PMT) CV Lithium Trend, as well as tenements at West and East Eade in the company's parallel Corvette River South Trend. A field mapping and sampling program concluded last year and identified large, potentially lithium-bearing pegmatites immediately along strike from Patriot Battery Metals’ world-class lithium pegmatite discoveries. Additionally, the company has flagged significant gold and silver samples from its review of work previously completed across the field as is illustrated in the diagram below.
Figure 5 – The Corvette Projects in the James Bay region of Canada. Prospective for Lithium, Gold & Silver
Australian Projects
Warrambie Project (MLS 80%)
The Warrambie project is located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. It is 20 kms west of the Andover Lithium discovery (Azure Minerals (ASX:AZS). Metals Australia has completed geophysical surveys across the area and is identifying targets for further field exploration and drilling.
Warrego East Project (MLS 80%)
Metals Australia acquired the tenements as part of a package purchased from Payne Gully Gold in 2022. The company’s tenements include a granted exploration license (E32725) directly along strike to the east of the Warrego copper-gold deposit, which has a production of 1.45 Million Ounces of gold at 8 grams per tonne and over 90,000 tonnes of Copper at 2%. The Warrego mine operated from the late 1950’s through until 1989. It was found under sedimentary cover. The area and this land package is under detailed review utilizing available geophysical surveys. The company aims to identify further targets hidden under shallow sediment cover.
Big Bell North Project (MLS 80%)
The Murchison tenements were also acquired as part of the Payne Gully Gold transaction. Metals Australia owns exploration licenses at the Murchison gold project, which is adjacent to the >5 million ounces (Moz) Big Bell gold deposit. The company plans to conduct detailed magnetics and gravity surveys to test for extensions and repeats of high-grade gold deposits.
Manindi Project (MLS 80%)
The Manindi project is located in the Murchison District, approximately 500 kms northeast of Perth in Western Australia. The project comprises three mining leases and has an established high-grade zinc mineral resource. The metallurgical test work has located spodumene in samples from a high-grade lithium intersection of 12m @ 1.38 percent lithium oxide, including 3m @ 2.12 percent lithium oxide. The company also made a new vanadium-titanium discovery at the Manindi project.Management Team
Paul Ferguson – Chief Executive Officer
A Mining Engineer, Paul Ferguson has over three decades of experience in the resources and energy sectors across North America, Asia and Australia. He has extensive project development and operational experience working in Canada. He has worked in oil & gas major ExxonMobil across project stages, including feasibility, design, construction, and operation. He has worked in Executive level roles within Australia, including at GMA Garnet and held increasingly more senior roles with BHP (Iron Ore & Coking Coal) and then with Exxon Coal Minerals and Mobil Oil Australia during the early stages of his career.
Tanya Newby – CFO and Joint Company Secretary
Tanya Newby is a finance and governance professional with over 20 years experience in various corporate and commercial roles. She has a strong background in the resources sector and has provided financial advice and assistance to a number of publicly listed entities through exploration, project development through to the production stage. Tanya is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Member of the Governance Institute of Australia and a Graduate Member of the Institute of Company Directors.
Michael Muhling – Joint Company Secretary
Michael Muhling has over two decades of experience in the resources, including 15 years in senior roles with ASX-listed companies. He is a fellow of CPA Australia, The Chartered Governance Institute, and the Governance Institute of Australia.
John Dugdale – Technical Advisor
John Dugdale is a geologist with over 35 years of experience in the discovery and development of graphite, lithium, gold, nickel and copper projects. His corporate experience includes serving as a director and CEO of several junior resource companies focused on nickel-cobalt, graphite and copper-gold projects. Additionally, he has experience in funds management with Lion Selection Group.
Chris Ramsay – General Manager Geology
Chris Ramsay is a geologist and project manager with over 25 years of experience in the global mining industry. He has been involved in exploration, mine development and operations for mining projects in Australasia, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa and North America.
Board
Michael Scivolo – Non-executive Chairman
Michael Scivolo has extensive accounting and taxation experience for corporate and non-corporate entities. He was a partner/director at a CPA firm until 2011 and has since been consulting in accounting and taxation. Scivolo is on the boards of several ASX-listed mining companies, including Sabre Resources, Golden Deeps and Tennant Minerals Ltd.
Alexander Biggs – Non-executive Director
Alexander Biggs has over 20 years of experience in the mining and engineering sector. During his career, he has been involved in various activities, including operations, consulting, finance and capital raising. He is currently the managing director of Lightning Minerals (ASX) and was previously the managing director of Critical Resources (ASX:CRR). Biggs is a member of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and a graduate of the Western Australian School of Mines.
Rachelle Domansky – Non-executive Director
Rachelle Domansky is an ESG specialist and a consulting psychologist for businesses, governments and educational institutions in the Asia-Pacific region. In addition to Metals Australia, Rachelle holds non-executive board positions at Quebec Lithium and Access Plus WA Deaf.
Basil Conti – Non-executive Director
Basil Conti has been associated with the mining industry for over 25 years. He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia & NZ and was a partner/director of a chartered accounting firm in West Perth until 2015.
High-quality graphite project with accelerated development pathway and outstanding portfolio of exploration properties, highly prospective for lithium, gold and copper-gold discoveries.
Altech Batteries
Investor Insight
An innovative technology that promises positive economics places Altech Batteries in a compelling position to take advantage of a booming batteries market driven by global electrification and clean energy transition.
Overview
Altech Batteries (ASX:ATC,FRA:A3Y) is a battery technology company focused on commercialising the revolutionary CERENERGY® Sodium-Chloride Solid State (SCSS) Battery, destined for the renewable energy grid storage market. The SCSS Battery does not require lithium, cobalt, copper, graphite or manganese, bypassing these high-demand and expensive minerals, and leverages a novel sodium-chloride (common table salt) technology to produce a more durable and longer-lasting battery. This new battery uses cheaper and readily available sodium rather than the more scarce, costly and risky lithium. Altech is headed by an experienced team who understands what it takes to bring transformative technology to market.
That's not all Altech has going for it, either. Unlike other energy storage options, the company's new SCSS Battery technology promises to solve many issues associated with traditional lithium batteries, including fire and explosion risks, manufacturing costs, operating temperature ranges and lifespans.
The reality is simple: Lithium-ion batteries have been susceptible to fire and explosions and have even malfunctioned in certain temperatures – all critical issues that must be solved to ensure long-term sustainability.
CERENERGY® batteries solve these challenges. For example, they do not contain any volatile flammable electrolytes or plastic separators, and they use solid-state ceramic tubes. Simply put, the thermal runaway problem that's plaguing lithium-ion batteries is not possible with Altech's new battery technology.
Altech has a joint venture agreement with the German government battery institute Fraunhofer IKTS, which has been developing the CERENERGY® battery over the past eight years and invested over €35 million (~US$39.7 million) in research and development. Altech is commercialising the technology by providing expertise and resources to build a new 120-MWh-per-annum plant in Saxony, Germany, on Altech's land.
In 2024, the pilot line at Fraunhofer IKTS in Hermsdorf, Germany underwent a comprehensive redesign to facilitate the manufacturing of two ABS60 60 kWh battery prototypes. Innovative tools and machinery have been developed and implemented specifically for producing the battery cells required for the 60 kWh prototypes. The first ABS60 battery prototype is now online and operating successfully, passing all physical tests with great results.
As of April 2025, rigorous individual cell stress-testing conducted by Fraunhofer IKTS has confirmed the safety and operational robustness of the CERENERGY® technology under extreme conditions, including over-discharge, overcharge, high C-rates and elevated temperatures of up to 400°C.
Altech Batteries also released the results from a definitive feasibility study (DFS) conducted for the CERENERGY® project with an annual capacity of 120 MWh GridPacks. DFS showed a capital cost estimated at €156 million (US$170.15 million) with excellent project economics.
The CERENERGY® project is being developed by Altech Batteries GmbH (ABG) with 75 percent interest and joint venture partner Fraunhofer IKTS with 25 percent interest. ABG is 75 percent owned by Altech Batteries and Altech Advanced Materials AG (FSE).
Altech Batteries has executed several offtake agreements in 2024:
- Zweckverband Industriepark Schwarze Pumpe will purchase 30 MWh of energy storage capacity annually, consisting of 1 MWh GridPacks, for the first five years of production.
- Referenzkraftwerk Lausitz GmbH (RefLau), a joint venture between utility companies Enertrag SE and Energiequelle GmbH. RefLau will purchase 30 MWh of CERENERGY® energy storage capacity in the first year, then 32 MWh per year thereafter for the next four years of production. It was further agreed that Altech will purchase green electricity at competitive prices directly from the partners in the region for the planned production plant.
- Axsol GmbH (Axsol) is a leading, award-winning integrated renewable energy solutions provider. Altech has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Axsol to supply the western defence industry with CERENERGY® battery technology.
To address funding requirements, the company has executed a binding Bond Note Subscription Deed with major shareholder Deutsche Balaton AG, under which it candraw down up to €2.5 million (US$2.8 million) in cash in the form of interest-bearing Bearer Bonds. Altech is also in the process of selling its land in Johor to provide additional funding.
Company Highlights
- Altech Batteries is a battery technology company commercialising its revolutionary CERENERGY® Sodium-Chloride Solid State (SCSS) Battery that uses common table salt technology.
- Altech's proprietary technology does not require lithium, cobalt, copper or graphite, eliminating cost, ethical, safety and supply chain issues.
- Compared to lithium-ion batteries, the CERENERGY® battery is fire and explosion-proof, is cheaper to manufacture, suitable in any temperature range (-40°C to +60°C) and provides a greater lifespan (over 15 years).
- Altech has a joint venture agreement with Fraunhofer IKTS, the German Government's Battery Institute that has been developing the SCSS technology for eight years with significant financial investment.
- The joint venture is building a new 120 MWh plant in Saxony, Germany to manufacture the new SCSS 1 MWh GridPack, designed for the lucrative and growing grid storage market.
- Rigorous testing of individual CERENERGY® battery cells has confirmed their safety and operational robustness under extreme conditions, including over-discharge, overcharge, high C-rates, and elevated temperatures.
- Additionally, Altech has successfully made its Silumina Anodes™ pilot plant in Germany operational, designed to improve lithium-ion batteries by providing a higher capacity anode for the EV market. This patented technology involves coating silicon and graphite with high-purity alumina, increasing the capacity of lithium-ion batteries compared to traditional graphite-only anodes.
- Recent breakthroughs in the Silumina Anodes™ technology include spherifying coated silicon particles, which has achieved a 50 percent capacity performance improvement in battery applications compared to traditional graphite-only anodes.
- Through a definitive feasibility study, Altech expanded the Silumina Anodes™ project output eightfold, increasing the capacity from 15 gigawatt-hours (GWh) to 120 GWh.
Key Projects
CERENERGY® Sodium-Chloride Solid State Battery Project
Altech Batteries and Fraunhofer IKTS are currently commercialising the Sodium-Chloride Solid State (SCSS) battery technology, which uses sodium over lithium. It is a solution geared toward the renewable energy grid storage market, an often overlooked but significant market for the transition to renewable energy.
Project Highlights:
- Solves Major Issues with Lithium-Ion Batteries: We've seen challenges with lithium-ion batteries become news stories as these batteries experience thermal runaway or cannot operate outside an ideal temperature range. CERENERGY® battery technology does not use combustible liquid electrolytes and has a significantly improved temperature range of 40 to 60 degrees Celsius.
- Impressive Shelf Life and Operating Life: Unlike lithium-ion batteries, the CERENERGY® battery does not use a liquid electrolyte, meaning it does not deteriorate over time; there is no loss of sodium. CERENERGY® batteries have extended shelf life compared to lithium-ion and an operating lifespan of over 15 years, which also exceeds lithium batteries.
- Pilot Plant and New GridPack Underway: Altech Batteries and Fraunhofer IKTS are now commercialising the technology with a new 120 MWh plant in Saxony. Additionally, Altech recently announced its new 1 MWh GridPack designed for grid storage. The new GridPack is suitable for all weather conditions, has low maintenance costs, and has a long battery life.
- Highly Positive DFS: The DFS excellent economics include:
- Capital cost estimated at €156 million with excellent project economics
- Pre-tax Net Present Value (NPV9) of €169 million
- Attractive Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 19 percent
- Steady state payback period is 3.7 years, with annual revenue of €106 million per annum
- EBITDA of €51 million or margin of around 47 percent
- Altech Board Decision to Proceed to Funding Phase
- Low lifetime levelised cost of storage €0.06/kWh vs lithium-ion batteries at €0.149/kWh
- Grid energy storage market projected to grow by 28 percent CAGR
- Grant funding applications underway
- Equity and mezzanine financing discussions in progress
- Proven Safety Under Extreme Conditions: Recent rigorous testing of individual CERENERGY® cells has confirmed their safety and operational robustness. Tests included:
- Long-term cycling showing consistent performance across the full capacity range
- Over-discharge tests demonstrating exceptional resilience and ability to recover without damage
- Overcharge tests (up to four times higher than nominal voltage for 15 hours) confirming robust safety features
- C-rate flexibility tests validating performance across various charge/discharge rates
- Thermal stability testing at temperatures up to 400°C (50°C above maximum expected operational temperature)
- Cell failure testing showing continuous system operation without significant risk or performance degradation even when individual cells fail
Silumina Anodes™ Project
Altech Batteries has purchased the land in Saxony, Germany, for its 8,000-tpa proprietary Silumina Anodes™ battery materials plant. The plant has a completed pre-feasibility study with outstanding economics. The company strategically selected the plant's location to serve the European battery market. The pilot plant has now been successfully built and is operational.
Project Highlights:
- Plant Designed for Minimal Environmental Impact: The Centre of International Climate and Environmental Research (CICERO), located in Norway, has reviewed the plant's design and awarded it the rating of "Medium Green." This rating indicates that the project achieves 'green' financing.
- Feedstock Supply of Battery-Grade Anode Materials Secured: Altech Batteries has executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two European suppliers of battery-grade materials: SGL Carbon and Ferroglobe.
- Breakthrough in Silumina Anodes™ Technology: Altech's latest development involves spherification of silicon particles coated with nanolayers of alumina. These spherical particles are distributed within the voids of graphite, minimizing long-term damage to the electrode layer caused by expansion.
- Optimized Silicon Content: The company's R&D laboratory has optimized silicon content to a 5 percent addition, which has delivered a 50 percent capacity performance improvement in battery applications.
- Pilot Plant Now Operational: Despite initial technical challenges related to equipment delivery delays and handling difficulties with ultra-fine silicon powders, the pilot plant is now fully operational and producing high-quality coated silicon particles ready for customer evaluation.
Management Team
Luke Frederick Atkins - Non-executive Chairman
Luke Frederick Atkins is a lawyer by profession and one of the founders of the company. Atkins brings to the board extensive experience in the areas of mining, exploration and corporate governance. Atkins is also non-executive director of the successful ASX-listed mining and exploration company, Bauxite Resources (BRL) (now Australian Silica Quartz). Atkins formerly held the role of executive chairman of BRL after co-founding the company in 2007. He has played a key role in BRL third party negotiations to successfully access funding, joint venture partnerships, land and infrastructure. Atkins has had extensive experience in capital raising and has held some executive and non-executive directorships of private and publicly listed companies including several mining and exploration companies.
Iggy Tan - Managing Director
Iggy Tan is a highly experienced mining and chemical executive with several significant achievements in commercial mining projects such as capital raising, funding, construction, start-ups and operations. Tan has over 30 years of chemical and mining experience and has been an executive director of some ASX-listed companies. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern Cross, a Bachelor of Science from the University of Western Australia, and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Tan is responsible for managing and implementing the next stage of Altech's strategic business objectives. Having been involved in the commissioning and start-up of seven resource projects in Australia and overseas, including high-purity technology projects, Tan is an accomplished project builder and developer.
He was the managing director of Nickelore, Galaxy Resources and Kogi Iron. At Galaxy, Tan was responsible for capital raising, construction and start-up of the company's Mt Cattlin spodumene mine ($80 million) and the Jiangsu lithium carbonate plant ($100 million), which resulted in Galaxy becoming the world's leading producer of high-purity lithium carbonate. The Jiangsu plant was eventually sold for $260 million in 2014.
Uwe Ahrens - Alternate Director
Uwe Ahrens is the executive director of Melewar Industrial Group Berhad and managing director of Melewar Integrated Engineering Sdn Bhd. He is also on the board of other private limited companies. Ahrens holds masters in both mechanical engineering and business administration from the Technical University Darmstadt, Germany. Upon graduation, Ahrens joined the international engineering and industrial plant supplier, KOCH Transporttechnik GmbH in Germany, now part of FLSmidth Group, where he held a senior management position for 12 years, working mainly in Germany, the USA and South Africa.
In 1997, Ahrens was the general manager of KOCH in Southeast Asia and became its managing director in 1999. He joined Melewar Group in 2002 and is also currently chief technical officer of the Melewar group of companies responsible for engineering, upgrading, modification and extension of machinery and plant, as well as the overall maintenance.
Martin Stein - Chief Financial Officer & Company Secretary
Martin Stein is a finance and corporate executive with over 20 years of international experience. Stein has been the chief financial officer and company secretary for several ASX-listed companies. In these roles, he was responsible for all aspects of capital raising, financial management, shareholder liaison and corporate governance.
Before this, Stein held senior positions with Anvil Mining as well as with PwC at its London office. Whilst with PwC, he provided corporate services for companies listed on the LSE, NYSE and AIM, including Colgate-Palmolive, Sony, Heinz, DHL Express and Bosch.
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