Gratomic Inc. is poised to significantly increase production at its Aukam mine, aiming to reach an output of 22,500 tonnes per annum (tpa) of vein graphite by 2026, a fivefold increase compared to Sri Lanka’s current production levels.
The Aukam mine is anticipated to commence operations within the current year, with initial production targets ranging from 7,600 to 12,000 tonnes.
By 2025, production volumes are projected to escalate to between 12,000 and 16,000 tonnes, before further ramping up to a range of 16,000 to 22,500 tonnes.
Renowned for its high-grade graphite deposits, the Aukam mine boasts graphite ore grades ranging from 3% to 81% Carbon Graphite (Cg).
This high-grade ore facilitates efficient processing to achieve a purity level of 98% Cg through specialized grinding, polishing, and flotation techniques, all accomplished without the use of chemical additives.
Following processing, the graphite is refined to battery-grade standards, exceeding 99% Cg.
Gratomic commenced its commercial commissioning phase in late 2023 and has since stockpiled sufficient resources to produce 12,000 tonnes by November 2024.
During this commissioning phase, Gratomic successfully processed 300 tonnes of graphite, yielding approximately 80 tonnes at a compacted graphite purity of 94%.
Test processing revealed an average concentrate grade of 98.37% Cg post-flotation, with the potential to achieve even higher concentrations (>99.9%) through air classification.
Vein graphite, found in only four known countries including Namibia, Sri Lanka, Great Britain, and the US, boasts a graphitic content ranging from 94% to 99%.
It finds application in various industries including brake linings, lubricants, refractory materials, battery cells, carbon brushes, lithium-ion batteries, and the plastics industry.
Sri Lanka stands as the sole producer of vein graphite globally, with a purity exceeding 98% carbon.
Situated in southern Namibia near the port city of Luderitz, the Aukam Graphite Project encompasses five underground adits historically mined between 1940 and 1974.
Operating under license 215, the Aukam mine is located approximately 189km from Luderitz Bay Port.
Gratomic acquired the Aukam mine in 2020 as part of its acquisition of Next Graphite 37% in Gazania 242.
In a November 2023 investor presentation, Gratomic’s CEO, Arno Brand, indicated that the company’s full rollout is anticipated within the next three to five months, placing the expected timeline in either the first or second quarter of the subsequent year.
