Graphite purification through mineral processing and aqueous processing routes

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With the reduction in vehicles powered by fossil fuels, lithium ion batteries have become more prevalent, with many automobile manufacturers pushing to produce highly efficient electric vehicles. This has pushed the production of lithium to the forefront of peoples' minds; however, another component of these batteries is just as vital. Carbonaceous materials have always been the most important aspect of the anode of rechargeable lithium ion batteries, because of their higher specific charges and lower redox potentials than other candidate materials. Graphite is the most common anode material, and as such should not be neglected. In addition to batteries, graphite is used in brake linings, lubricants, powdered metals, refractory applications, and steelmaking. This Collaborative Research and Development (CRD) Grant proposal aims at generating new knowledge related to processing of graphite from its ores, and the purification through sustainable aqueous processing routes. It is in collaboration with SRG Graphite, to be undertaken in the Department of Mining and Materials Engineering at McGill University. This project will be headed by Prof Kristian Waters and Prof Sidney Omelon, and will encompass mineral processing and aqueous processing routes to produce a high-grade concentrate to be used in different applications, including battery anodes. SRG Graphite will be active in all aspects of this collaborative research project, which will place Canadian companies at the forefront of this growing market, and enable the sustainable development of a mineral resource that has important economic value to Canada.