The graphite processing plant to be used by NextSource Materials has been built and is now undergoing factory testing.
The processing plant will be able to process 240,000 tonnes per annum, with an annual production of 17,000 tpa of graphite concentrate.
NextSource chief executive Craig Scherba credits the company's adoption of a modular construction approach for the swift construction of the plant in COVID times.
The factory test will determine whether all design specifications and functions have been verified. Following this test, the plant will be shipped to the Molo graphite mine in Madagascar.
The process flow sheet was designed by Montreal-based SGS, which was based on the 200-bulk sample pilot plant.
The plant will be delivered to the Madagascar mine in the January quarter of 2022, with installation and commissioning planned for the March quarter.
The plant will then undergo Site Acceptance Testing before being fully commissioned.
