Multinational graphite supplier Gratomic has produced its first batch of processed graphite at its Aukam plant in Namibia.

Gratomic is completing the wet conditioning process at the plant.

The one-tonne graphite product is the first to be produced at the plant since 1974.

The Toronto-based company will send the processed graphite to SGS Lakefield. Some portions of the graphite product will be transformed into anode material development and spheronisation, while other portions will be targeted for other applications.

Aukam-produced graphite can be used in refractories, powder metallurgy, lubricants, and friction elements. Additional micronising and spheronising will allow the graphite to be used in lithium-ion batteries, the company said.

Gratomic used historic stockpiles at the Aukam site to develop this batch. The company plans to further optimise the processing plant as it moves into full production.

The company initially expected to produce its first processed graphite at the end of March.

It is working to complete a feasibility study, but has no set date by which this is expected to be completed.

Gratomic also has projects in Capim Grosso, Brazil and Buckingham, Quebec.

The company signed a deal with UK-based investor platform Technology Metals Market to supply graphite from Aukam.