Tirupati Graphite plc (LON:TGR), the specialist flake graphite company and supplier of the critical mineral for the global energy transition, has announced an update in continuation to its RNS of 31 July.
Operations
● | Full scale mining operations were commenced at Vatomina from 28 July 2024, following successful delivery of fuel and other supplies by 27 July 2024; |
● | Processing operations at Vatomina were commenced from 2 August 2024, following building up of threshold feed stock at the ore pads of the two pre concentrate units; |
● | Minor issues were addressed between 2 – 5 August 2024 during which 59 tons of >96% grade flake graphite was produced and head grade met the target of 3%; |
● | Steady state 24/7 production has been ongoing since 6 August 2024, with production of 165 tons in seven (7) consecutive working days; |
● | With the 330 days per annum operational design, this run rate equates to 7778 tons per annum production being >97% of the rated capacity of Vatomina at 3% head grade; |
● | The Company decided to produce only higher grade products and is happy to report that all products manufactured have tested >96% product grade; |
● | The Company remains confident that it is well positioned to achieve the 8,000 tons per annum production run rate from Vatomina, subject to there being no disruptions or inefficiencies caused by financial limitations; |
● | 140 tons finished product has been shipped upto 10 August while 240 tons are in the process of being shipped; the Company’s target of >600 tons shipped in August 2024 remains on track. |
● | Goods are being shipped to customers across the globe and the Company will provide further updates on the realised basket price in due course. |