Magnis Resources Shows Need for Graphite Quality Guideposts

Magnis Resources has reported the equivalent of a 20-30% mileage boost for an electrical vehicle without any change in battery size in laboratory research using a combination of natural graphite from its Nachu project and a silicon additive. Despite its importance in battery technology, graphite has lost prominence to lithium among investors. Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently described lithium as ‘salt on the salad’ as an indication of its relative importance as a battery material. According to Simon Moores of the Benchmark Materials consultancy, graphite accounts for about 15% of a cost of a cell while lithium represents about 20%. Tesla’s wish to use natural graphite in its batteries highlights the importance of graphite miners demonstrating their products’ relative impact on battery productivity. While mining industry investors and analysts are used to digesting references to grades, tonnages and JORC compliance, the technical jargon being used in the context of battery testing is unfamiliar. One of the tasks for companies engaged in this space will be to convey meaningfully how their technology contributes to project viability and eventual investment outcomes.