Tirupati Graphite begins full-scale operations at Vatomina site

Tirupati Graphite has successfully launched full-scale mining operations at its Vatomina site as of July 28, 2024. The company’s strategic emphasis on extracting higher-grade flake graphite highlights its dedication to enhancing production efficiency and revenue generation. This development signifies a major step forward in Tirupati Graphite’s ambition to become a significant contributor to the global graphite supply chain, especially within the rapidly growing energy transition sector.

Processing activities at Vatomina commenced on August 2, 2024, following the accumulation of sufficient feed stock at the ore pads for the two pre-concentrate units. Although minor issues arose during the initial days of operation, they were promptly addressed between August 2 and 5, 2024. During this period, the facility successfully produced 59 tons of flake graphite with a purity level exceeding 96%, achieving the target head grade of 3%. Since August 6, 2024, the facility has maintained a consistent 24/7 production schedule, resulting in a total output of 165 tons over seven consecutive days.

Operating with a designed capacity for 330 days per year, Vatomina’s current run rate projects an annual production of 7,778 tons, achieving more than 97% of the facility’s rated capacity at a 3% head grade. The company remains focused on producing exclusively higher-grade graphite, with all products manufactured thus far exceeding a 96% grade. Tirupati Graphite is optimistic about reaching its annual production goal of 8,000 tons at Vatomina, assuming smooth operations without financial disruptions. By August 10, 2024, the company had already shipped 140 tons of finished product, with an additional 240 tons in transit, keeping it on track to meet its goal of shipping over 600 tons by the end of August 2024. These shipments are being delivered to customers globally, and the company plans to provide updates on the realised basket price soon.

Shishir Poddar, the CEO and Managing Director, confirmed the successful initiation of full-scale operations at Vatomina, with a focus on high-grade flake graphite to ensure premium pricing. This approach has allowed the company to reduce its overall cost structure while achieving a solid annual production rate of 8,000 tons. By prioritising high-grade material, Vatomina is expected to significantly boost its operating margins, positively impacting the Group’s financial performance.

Simultaneously, Tirupati Graphite is working on reactivating its Sahamamy project while addressing both immediate and long-term capital needs. Poddar also noted that the company is collaborating with auditors to finalise and publish the Annual Report, which is a crucial step towards resuming share trading. He extended his gratitude to shareholders and stakeholders for their continued support during this critical phase of transition and growth.

Tirupati Graphite PLC (LON:TGR) is a fully integrated specialist graphite and graphene producer, with operations in Madagascar and India. The Company is delivering on this strategy by being fully integrated from mine to graphene. Its global multi-location operations include primary mining and processing in Madagascar, hi-tech graphite processing in India to produce specialty graphite, and a state-of-art graphene and technology R&D center to be established in India. 

Click to view all articles for the EPIC:
Or click to view the full company profile:
Facebook
X
LinkedIn
Tirupati Graphite plc

More articles like this

Tirupati Graphite plc

The nature and formation of Graphite

Graphite is a naturally occurring crystalline form of carbon, found primarily in metamorphic and igneous rocks. Characterised by contrasting properties, graphite is both extremely soft—breaking with little pressure—and has a low specific gravity, yet it withstands

Tirupati Graphite plc

Graphite’s impact on modern technology and industry

Graphite, the most stable form of carbon in its natural crystalline state, appears as an opaque, black substance with a metallic lustre. Composed of carbon atoms arranged in hexagonal layers, it is found in various forms

Tirupati Graphite plc

Graphite’s impact across modern technology

Graphite, a naturally occurring carbon form, is known for its notable properties, including conductivity, resistance to high temperatures, and lubricating ability. These characteristics make it an invaluable material in various fields, each benefitting from graphite’s adaptability

Tirupati Graphite plc

Africa’s strategic role in global graphite supply

Mozambique, Madagascar, and Tanzania collectively hold an impressive 69 million tonnes of graphite reserves, representing 21% of the world’s total reserves. In 2021, Mozambique and Madagascar were significant players in graphite production, ranking as the third-largest

Tirupati Graphite plc

Graphene in everyday life

The discovery of graphene, a Nobel Prize-winning material, marks its 20th anniversary today, on Tuesday, 22 October. This groundbreaking material, isolated by Professor Sir Andre Geim and Professor Sir Kostya Novoselov at the University of Manchester

Tirupati Graphite plc

Graphite mining and its future prospects

Graphite mining plays a critical role in various industries due to the unique properties of graphite, a form of carbon that exhibits excellent electrical conductivity, high thermal resistance, and strength. These characteristics make graphite an essential

Tirupati Graphite plc

Graphite shaping modern technologies

Graphite is one of the three natural forms of carbon, alongside diamond and coal. It is essential in various industries, from lithium-ion batteries and nuclear reactors to its common use as the “lead” in pencils. Its

Tirupati Graphite plc

Critical minerals and their increasing role in defence

The global energy transition and rapid digitalisation have placed critical minerals at the forefront of investor and policymaker attention. However, less is discussed about their role in military defence, especially as concerns grow over supply chain

Tirupati Graphite plc

Africa’s growing role in the global Graphite market

Graphite has emerged as a key metal for the renewable energy sector, and its importance is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. The global graphite market has experienced a steady rise, with a compound

Tirupati Graphite plc

Graphite powder in modern life

Graphite powder is a versatile and widely utilised material that has become integral to many industries. From high-tech batteries to everyday items like lubricants, it plays a crucial role in countless applications. While it might seem

Tirupati Graphite plc

Tirupati Graphite achieves steady production milestone at Vatomina

Tirupati Graphite has successfully launched full-scale mining operations at Vatomina, Madagascar, starting on July 28. By August 2, processing operations were also initiated after essential supplies were delivered and sufficient feedstock was accumulated at the ore

Tirupati Graphite plc

Graphite’s growing appeal as a strategic investment opportunity

Graphite is increasingly catching the eye of investors as a versatile mineral with wide-ranging applications, offering a unique opportunity for those seeking alternative investments. With its potential for long-term growth, graphite’s diverse uses in various industries

Tirupati Graphite plc

Rising demand for Graphite fuels future innovations

The demand for graphite is experiencing a notable surge as industries worldwide recognise its crucial role in advancing technologies. This once-underappreciated mineral is now at the forefront of discussions about future energy solutions, particularly due to

Tirupati Graphite plc

A crucial element for modern industry and technology

Graphite is an essential material that plays a significant role in numerous industries and technological advancements. Known for its exceptional properties, such as high thermal and electrical conductivity, lubricity, and stability at high temperatures, graphite has