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EcoGraf Advances Epanko Financing and Expands Downstream Battery Strategy

EcoGraf (ASX: EGR) reported significant progress across its vertically integrated battery anode materials strategy during the December 2025 quarter, highlighted by the completion of a key independent engineering milestone for the Epanko Graphite project in Tanzania.

Earlier this week, EcoGraf completed the Independent Engineers’ Report required to support senior debt financing of up to US$105 million being arranged by KfW IPEX-Bank under the German Untied Loan Guarantee scheme.

The report follows extensive technical, environmental, and social due diligence, clearing a key hurdle toward securing a binding financing offer for Epanko’s Stage 1 development, with an updated Bankable Feasibility Study expected in February 2026.

The company simultaneously finalised studies supporting a staged expansion of Epanko to underpin large-scale downstream purification facilities and make the project the largest planned graphite operation in Africa.

Study Confirms Long-Term Scale

An independent expansion study confirmed Epanko’s potential to grow from initial production of 73,000 tonnes per annum natural flake graphite to 390,000tpa through staged development over 10 years.

The expansion pathway is fully covered under the existing Special Mining Licence and is based on the current Measured and Indicated mineral resource, providing confidence in long-term supply.

EcoGraf also advanced plans for its commercial-scale HFfree purification facilities in major battery manufacturing hubs, with strong financial metrics demonstrated for an initial 25,000tpa facility in the US.

Preliminary engineering for a comparable European facility, with Germany as the primary focus, indicates similar economics supported by lower capital intensity.

Product qualification programs and anode recycling initiatives continued with battery manufacturers and EV original equipment manufacturers.

Golden Frontier Portfolio

Prospecting licences were granted for the Golden Eagle Project in Tanzania, triggering the commencement of a US$9m farm-in agreement with AngloGold Ashanti.

Golden Eagle forms part of EcoGraf’s newly consolidated Golden Frontier gold portfolio, which spans more than 3,000 sq km and includes 21 identified gold prospects.

Maiden exploration at the Southern Frontier Hazina prospect delivered high-grade gold results, supporting the potential to unlock value from non-core assets alongside the flagship Epanko development.

Returns from the program at Hazina included a gold rock chip sample 4.45 of grams per tonne, along with stream sediment results including 8,820 parts per billion gold.

Healthy Balance Sheet

EcoGraf closed the quarter with cash of $8.1m, positioning it to progress development, qualification and partnership initiatives through 2026, not including a payment of $490,000 received from AngloGold Ashanti subsequent to the rule date.

The company received a $1.7m research and development tax incentive during the quarter, related to its proprietary HFfree purification technology.

The appointment earlier this month of John Ciganek as general manager of corporate development strengthened the leadership team as EcoGraf advances Epanko towards development and accelerates its downstream HFfree battery anode material strategy internationally, while participation in the EU-hosted Raw Materials Week in Brussels further widened industry awareness of the company.

With financing pathways advancing and multiple development streams underway, EcoGraf is positioned to pursue key construction, qualification, and partnership milestones over the coming year.

Source: SmallCaps