NextSource Materials Advances Battery Anode Facility Development in Mauritius

NextSource Materials Inc. has marked significant progress in the establishment of its first Battery Anode Facility (BAF) in the Freeport Zone of Port-Louis, Mauritius. The Toronto-based company, renowned for its involvement in battery material development, highlighted the crucial steps taken towards this endeavor, including the finalization of a long-term lease for the BAF site. This location is strategically chosen for its operational advantages including efficient logistics due to direct port access, minimal structural modifications needed for the existing building, and fiscal benefits attributed to its Freeport Zone positioning.

The company is in the process of pre-ordering process equipment designed for an annual production capacity of 3,600 tonnes of spheronized and purified graphite (SPG) and coated SPG (CSPG). This equipment, currently under assembly offshore, is expected to be transported to Mauritius upon completion of the environmental permitting process. Moreover, NextSource has already initiated on-site preparations by delivering SuperFlake® graphite concentrate from its Molo Mine alongside equipment for a pilot production line, setting the stage for sample productions for key OEM customers.

An updated economic assessment for the BAF site is underway, with results anticipated to be shared soon. This marks a significant milestone in NextSource Materials Inc.'s strategy to become a vertically integrated global supplier of critical battery materials, moving closer to operationalization of its Mauritius BAF and reinforcing its supply chain capabilities outside the predominant Asian markets.