FEED Study Completed

The Australian graphite company EcoGraf (ASX EGR / WKN A2PW0M) continues to work on bringing its Epanko project in Tanzania towards financing and then production. Now, the company has reported the completion of an important study on the way there.

As the company announces today, the so-called Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) – essentially a technical design for thorough project planning and cost control – has now been completed. The study, completed by METC Engineering and Construction (METC), or rather their joint venture partner METC-PaulSam, includes designs for all disciplines and developed the scope of work, schedule, and control budget for the process plant.

This also updated the design for the processing plant, which is based on proven metallurgical processes that maximize recovery rates and minimize operating costs. EcoGraf has selected the equipment based on test results, vendor advice, BFS recommendations, as well as the METC database and experience. Additionally, the plant layout was optimized to improve the plant’s operability and maintenance access while minimizing capital costs.

Now, EcoGraf continues, the results of the FEED study are being evaluated as part of the due diligence for the project’s debt financing. This follows the completion of the final design for the layout of the first stage of the graphite processing plant, which is designed for 73,000 tonnes per year.

Geotechnical Drilling Program Completed

Additionally, EcoGraf announced that the engineering geotechnical drilling program, which began in August, has been completed. This allowed the company to collect crucial samples and data that should enable the finalization of geotechnical parameters for the processing plant planned at Epanko, as well as the tailings and water retention facilities. This is intended to ensure that the final design of the tailings retention facility meets the engineering standards as set out in the new 2020 Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM).

EcoGraf had engaged the leading consulting firm Knight Piésold to conduct the drilling program. It included the completion of 19 holes for geotechnical drilling and 68 geotechnical test pits. This complemented the work done in this regard last year, so that all geotechnical field programs are now completed prior to potential construction.