Evion’s Maniry Graphite Project Gains Strategic EU Backing Under Critical Raw Materials Act
Australia-listed Evion Group has initiated formal collaboration with European Union (EU) advisers and funding institutions to fast-track development of its Maniry graphite project in Madagascar.
This move follows the project’s recent recognition under the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act.
The Maniry project stands out as the only graphite development in Africa to receive this prestigious designation, elevating its importance within Europe’s push for energy transition and battery supply chain resilience.
“Maniry is the only graphite project in Africa recognised by the EU’s Critical Resource Development Programme,” said Evion Managing Director David Round.
“This recognition has significantly enhanced the project’s local and international profile. We are encouraged by recent engagement with EU officials, and the EU Critical Minerals Advisory team is playing a vital role in accelerating our progress through a range of substantial commitments.”
Evion executives recently held a series of meetings with EU-preferred funding partners. Discussions are also underway regarding potential grant funding to support early-stage community training and employment initiatives in the Maniry region.
A comprehensive development plan, currently being prepared in collaboration with EU advisers, is expected to be submitted before the end of the month.
The company is in the final stages of securing mining and development permits from the Malagasy government. Evion also maintains active engagement with the Maniry community to ensure inclusive development.
Infrastructure improvements are also progressing. A new bypass road connecting the RN7 highway to the port city of Toliara is under construction and scheduled for completion by mid-2026.
Simultaneously, EU officials are evaluating the feasibility of a major new port on Madagascar’s west coast.
If approved, this development could provide Evion with preferred export access and reduce logistical costs significantly.
The project further benefits from favorable trade relations between Madagascar and the EU. Under the interim Economic Partnership Agreement signed in 2007, Malagasy goods—including graphite—enjoy duty-free and quota-free access to European markets, provided they comply with rules-of-origin requirements.
“The EU is Madagascar’s leading trading partner, making Europe the primary destination for Malagasy exports,” the company noted.
“This long-standing partnership creates a strong platform for integrating the Maniry project into the EU’s critical raw materials supply chain.”
With Madagascar now ranking as the world’s largest graphite producer outside China, Evion anticipates growing demand from global manufacturers seeking diversified and geopolitically stable supply sources.
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