Battery materials company Talga Group announced today that on Monday 11 September, it commenced early works and construction of its 19,500 tonne per annum graphite anode refinery in a groundbreaking ceremony in Luleå, Sweden.
The company said the refinery is projected to be the first commercial anode production in Europe for electric vehicle Li-ion batteries.
Talga added that Luleå was selected due to its proximity to Talga’s natural graphite resources and “access to low-cost renewable electricity, road-rail-ship transport hub, advanced local economy and skilled workforce.”
According to the company, stage one refinery groundworks will be completed by local contractor NYAB. The initial work plan includes fencing, site clearance, earthworks, excavation, underground utilities, backfill/road cover and drainage.
Talga said its agreement with NYAB includes an option, intended to be exercised no later than Q2 2024, to recommence in European spring to complete detailed infrastructure and groundworks.
Managing Director Mark Thompson commented on the milestone, “As we break ground at our Swedish anode refinery, we mark a major milestone in Talga’s journey to build Europe’s first domestic supply of sustainable graphite anode for EV batteries.
“I am immensely proud of the global Talga team and our joint achievements as we progress towards becoming a leading producer of Li-ion battery materials with high ESG standards. I thank our stakeholders and the Luleå community for their support.”
Talga Group is building a European battery materials supply chain to offer products critical to the green transition. The company develops its Vittangi anode project, which is an integrated graphite mine and anode refinery operation in northern Sweden.
Source: Kitco
