Sarytogan Graphite Limited reported a breakthrough in the metallurgical test work for the Sarytogan Graphite Deposit in Central Kazakhstan. Its German laboratory partners Pro-Graphite GmbH (Pro-Graphite) has reported metallurgical test work results for the Sarytogan Graphite Project. A composite sample was blended from samples collected from six diamond drill holes; three from the Northern Graphite Zone and three from the Central Graphite Zone of the Sarytogan Graphite Deposit.

The composite sample was subjected to the same flotation and grinding steps as used by Independent Metallurgical Operations Pty Ltd. (IMO) in Perth which achieved a premium micro-crystalline sizing of approximately 10 micron. The graphite purity achieved at this stage by Pro-Graphite was similar to IMO at 84% TGC, with a slight improvement due to the measurement method only. The flotation concentrate was then upgraded by alkaline roasting at low-temperature with caustic soda and a weak sulphuric acid wash.

A graphite purity of 99.70% TGC was achieved at this step, which is a significant improvement on the 92.1% TGC previously achieved by alkaline roasting. Separately, the flotation concentrate was upgraded by chemical purification (without the alkali roasting step), also to 99.70% TGC. Despite the identical purity results achieved by alkaline purification and chemical purification separately, the different methods target different diluent minerals more effectively.

Combining both methods in series has been even more effective with 99.87% TGC achieved so far. These results are another step towards Sarytogan's strategy to target the rapidly growing battery anode materials market. The product to support this strategy will be Uncoated Spherical Graphite (USpG).

USpG presently trades at more than USD 3,000/t, which is approximately triple the price of traditional flake graphite products. To achieve the specification of USpG, the Sarytogan concentrates will require milling to make spherical graphite balls of 5-20 micron in size and further purification to 99.95% TGC. IMO are continuing to optimise the flotation process, experimenting with different grind methods and sizes, desliming, and alternative reagents all aimed at designing the most economic method to generate flotation concentrate at similar purities to that already achieved.

Pro-Graphite continue to optimise the purification process. The residue from these tests is being assayed to assess its mineralogy and devise further process improvements, such as alternative acids, aimed at achieving even high purities. Pro-Graphite are also planning initial spheroidization tests to determine the product yield and physical properties of Sarytogan USpG.

This will require additional flotation concentrate to be manufactured, a requirement that is expected to grow as the project advances and for future customer samples. To get ahead of this demand, Sarytogan is in discussions with several laboratories to upscale the production of flotation concentrate. The HQ drilling program on site has now been efficiently and safely completed.

Further drilling results announcements are planned as assays become available. The planned Mineral Resource upgrade targeting Indicated classification is on track for first quarter 2023.