International Graphite is advancing plans to enter the European graphite market through a joint venture with Alkeemia to develop a processing facility in Italy. The company states that most graphite consumed in Europe is currently sourced from China, creating demand for alternative suppliers. Managing Director Andrew Worland said the company is engaging with European customers seeking to diversify supply.
Under the agreement, Alkeemia will hold 51 percent of the joint venture and International Graphite 49 percent, with profits shared equally. The project will focus on processing graphite concentrate sourced from existing producers rather than developing new mining assets. Current work includes site selection, infrastructure planning and capital cost estimates, alongside development of an economic model.
The company is targeting near term milestones including commercial agreements by May and a final investment decision by June. It is also working to secure offtake agreements with potential customers. International Graphite indicates the project is designed as a lower capital processing operation, aligned with its focus on near term cash flow rather than upstream mining.
For European graphite producers, the project adds potential new processing capacity within the region, which may increase competition for planned refining projects, particularly those without secured feedstock. For European buyers, an Italy-based processor using imported concentrate could provide an additional supply option outside China, though it does not address upstream raw material dependence.
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