Syrah Resources has produced its first saleable flake graphite from Balama project and targets production of 160 000 t to 180 000 t next year.
The company’s first bagged saleable flake graphite production was produced within an expected grade range of more than 95% fixed carbon and follows the intermediate concentrate produced in late October.
Shaun Verner, the Managing Director for Balama project said the first shipment of flake product is set to depart the Nacala port.
The development comes after Syrah completed all construction work at the $205-million project and moved into operations.
On the other hand remaining commissioning activities will focus on the fines circuit and further optimisation works.
Meanwhile the Balama operation is expected to produce an average of 365 000 t/y of graphite concentrate during its first ten years of production, to deliver free cash flow of $160-million a year.
The mine’s production will be sold to traditional industrial graphite markets and emerging technology markets.
In addition, Syrah is developing a downstream battery anode material plant in Louisiana.