EcoGraf has mandated KfW IPEX-Bank to arrange a debt facility of up to US$105 million for the development of Epanko via the Untied Loan Guarantee (UFK) program. The UFK program is provided by the German Government through credit insurer Euler Hermes to incentivise the development of key projects that can provide a long-term supply of critical minerals for German industry.

Following a detailed project submission, EcoGraf has received a positive UFK Preliminary Review decision from the German Government Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) and KfW IPEX-Bank has appointed independent consultants to prepare the required due diligence reports to support an application for IMC Preliminary Approval for a binding offer of cover. The Environmental & Social Due Diligence Report and Action Plan have been prepared and the Independent Engineers’ Report is currently being finalised.

Once these key reports and the supporting due diligence programs are completed, the Independent Expertise report is prepared, which accompanies the submission to the IMC. The UFK program is rigorous and intensive but can result in loan funding on competitive terms and over a longer period, which provides Epanko with increased financial flexibility during ramp-up and operation. EcoGraf has appointed technical, financial and legal advisors to assist with completion of the UFK funding program.

Epanko Graphite Project
• Completion of due diligence programs
• Approval of the UFK US$105m loan
• Final Investment Decision
• Additional sales offtake to support expansion planning

Mechanical Shaping Facility
• Tanzanian site selection
• Site engineering and design
• Project execution planning

EcoGraf HFfree® Purification
• Product qualification facility testing
• Strategic partnership arrangements for commercial scale production
• Development planning for key global battery markets

Battery Anode Recycling
• Testwork programs with feedstocks supplied by OEMs and lithium battery manufacturers
• Collaboration with battery market participants

The use of solid-state battery technology involves replacing the liquid electrolyte with a solid material, such as glass ceramic or plastic polymer. It can theoretically increase energy density and reduce flammability but is more costly to produce and the solid structure can develop cracks and/or delamination defects with use and vibration.

Graphite used as the anode in solid-state batteries provides a stable structure for battery charging and so industry analysts do not foresee solid-state batteries having an adverse impact on the rapidly growing demand for graphite in lithium batteries.

POSCO is one of many parties that have expressed interest in partnering with EcoGraf in the commercial development of HFfree® purification facilities and the industry leading cost efficiency demonstrated through the Product Qualification Facility optimisation program has attracted strong interest across the battery sector.EcoGraf has developed the HFfree® process through 10+ years of research, development and rigorous testing and analysis using many graphite feedstocks. Combined with the grant of patents to protect its valuable intellectual property rights, EcoGraf is confident that HFfree® will transform the future of high performance, sustainably produced battery anode material.