Black Rock Minings alliance partner POSCO progresses graphite due diligence with battery performance tests underway

By Deputy Chief EditorSeptember 8, 2020

203 1 minute read

Black Rock Mining Ltd's (ASX:BKT) strategic alliance and development partner POSCO Ltd is making meaningful progress on due diligence for the Mahenge Graphite Project in Tanzania, with battery manufacture and extended battery performance testing work.

POSCO has so far completed work which includes performance testing of lithium-ion batteries produced using coated anode made from spheronised Mahenge graphite.

It has also undertaken reversible capacity testing on test cells manufactured from Mahenge graphite which showed equivalent level of performance to POSCOs optimised commercial reference anode; and the initiation of long-term cycle testing of the cells.

Validating product[hhmc]

Black Rocks managing director and chief executive officer John de Vries said: “Black Rock is the only graphite development company that has been able to put product into the hands of a battery major.

“The fact we now have customer data validating our product for first cycle efficiency is a very significant milestone.

“Based on the 300-cycle battery testing Black Rock performed in the US, we are confident of the performance characteristics of Mahenge graphite heading into long-term cycle testing now underway with POSCO.”

COVID-19 impact[hhmc]

Black Rock has also agreed to extend POSCOs completion date of the due diligence period to November 20, 2020.

Due diligence is being conducted by POSCO, supported by external subject matter experts, including SRK Consulting for technical aspects.

However, COVID-19 related travel restrictions and logistics constraints have impacted the ability for POSCO to achieve timely site access and sample logistics.

De Vries added: ”The revised due diligence schedule will accommodate for the impact from ongoing COVID-19 related restrictions and allow POSCO to complete their remaining work under a sensible timeframe.”