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Epanko Graphite Proj ect in Tanzania: EcoGraf Chooses Vermeer as a New Companion to Assess Sur- face Mining Technology
ecogrAf lTd, A diversified BATTery Anode mATeriAls compAny, hAs signed A non-Binding memorandum of Understanding with Vermeer Equipment Suppliers to research low-emission mining technologies at Tanzania's Epanko Graphite Project. Vermeer Equipment Suppliers (Pty) Ltd is the Sub-Saharan African distributor of Vermeer Manufacturing Company, which was formed in the year 1948 in the United States and now employs over 4,000 people worldwide. Vermeer is a well-known manufacturer of underground construction, surface mining, agricultural, and environmental machinery.
EcoGraf is developing a battery anode material business that will create high-purity graphite for the lithium-ion battery and advanced manufacturing markets. To date, almost $30 million has been invested in the development of two highly appealing graphite enterprises.
Vermeer and EcoGraf have agreed to test the feasibility of a new and alternative surface mining concept using one of Vermeer's surface miners to mine, load, and convey Epanko ore with a lowered environmental impact and carbon footprint compared to traditional mining techniques.
THE CONTINUOUS MINER IS EXPECTED TO HAVE THE FOLLOWING INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND COST BENEFITS:
increased slope stability and slope angles, leading to smaller mine footprints, reducing waste volume and surface area impacts; elimination of drilling and blasting; reduced haul truck emissions through increased payload; and reduced mining equipment and the need for primary crushing.
EcoGraf will give Epanko's substantial geotechnical, geological, structural, and mining data to Vermeer under confidentiality agreements in order to conduct an initial study to provide technical and economic data on surface miner performance. If the study's findings are promising, EcoGraf and Vermeer will collaborate to develop a realistic onsite test. Following the encouraging steps taken by the Government of Tanzania to attract increased foreign investment and positive progress in relation to the debt financing arrangements for the construction of the new Epanko Graphite Mine, EcoGraf has entered into an agreement with Vermeer as part of its Epanko enhancement studies.
The business also plans to complete its study of the massive 'fresh rock' graphite zone inside the Epanko Mineral Resource, with the goal of determining the ability to provide high purity 99 percent carbon graphite without further processing. The extensive metallurgical testing carried out as part of the Independent Engineer's Review for debt financing indicates that this material will be an excellent longterm feedstock for the EcoGrafTM HFfree Battery Anode Material Facilities, resulting in lower purification reagent consumption rates and lower production costs.
"We are enhancing Epanko's sector-leading ESG Credentials and leveraging off the bankable feasibility study social and environmental planning programs that have been conducted in compliance with the Equator Principles, a globally recognized risk management framework adopted by leading financial institutions for assessing and managing social and environmental risks in new developments," according to EcoGraf. The Epanko development will help the regional community near Mahenge, Tanzania, in terms of intergenerational economic and social benefits, as well as supporting Tanzania's positive industrialization progress."
In recent weeks, TanzGraphite (TZ) Ltd, EcoGraf's in-country project development business, has had a series of meetings with representatives from all levels of the Tanzanian government to discuss plans for the Epanko Graphite Project's growth. Epanko was featured at the 4th International Minerals and Mining Investment Conference in Dar es Salaam on February 22-23.
TanzGraphite was honored to be recognized as the conference's 'first runner,' with the award given in acknowledgment of the Epanko Graphite Project's interest and TanzGraphite's support for the government's efforts to boost Tanzania's minerals industry. EcoGraf is excited to collaborate with the Vermeer team and provide the preliminary findings.
