Leading Edge Materials and Graphmatech have independently produced graphene as proof of concept from Woxna graphite. Following additional research, the Joint Venture envisages co-investment in the scale up of graphene production using Woxna graphite, to supply both Graphmatech and third parties should surplus material be available. It is anticipated that the Woxna mine site will be the operating location, using proprietary graphite pre-treatment and exfoliation technology from Graphmatech.
The volume of material contemplated under the LOI is commercially significant to both parties. The prospective Joint Venture will provide Graphmatech with a secure graphene source from a local, environmentally sustainable supplier. For Leading Edge Materials, the Joint Venture delivers the opportunity for additional very high value add products manufactured from the Company's natural graphite.
Mamoun Taher, CEO and Co-Founder of Graphmatech stated: "Woxna, one of Europe's few fully built and permitted graphite mines, is remarkably close to our research base in Uppsala. The proposed Graphmatech – Leading Edge Materials Joint Venture will construct a commercial graphite to graphene facility and provide Graphmatech with the secure, sustainable, competitively priced graphene supply we will need for our business in commercial graphene-containing products."
Mark Saxon, Leading Edge Materials' co-founder and Director commented: "We are excited to partner with Graphmatech. Their proprietary technology and close industrial partnerships are key to the Joint Venture's success. The Joint Venture has potential for another very high value add product from Woxna graphite in addition to battery anode materials."