I think EcoGraf is the new X-factor in the Kibaran business. Consider this development for a moment; there’s a new flotation method developed by Kibaran (Frey – we’re all aware of his history, and importance) which is not only a 'competitive' alternative to the current HF acid process, but the SPG fines (probably because acid makes graphite brittle), typically a waste product, can be re-floated (probably not the technical term) to achieve graphite with a carbon content of 99.97% for ‘high value markets’.
We are talking about a cost 'competitive' and environmentally friendly flotation process – applied to 8 samples sourced from around the world with results later indicating ‘Carbon purity of 99.95% delivered by from all samples’ - which results in increased graphite yields (enhanced by the re-flotation of fines after SPG processing) and I believe this IP will be worth more than Epanko (~US$211m NPV) and the SPG Plant (~US$145m NPV) combined. Why? Because every SPG producer has an incentive to seek out Kibaran and sign up to some type of technology leasing arrangement – royalties for KNL - because it is cost 'competitive', environmentally friendly, and you increase your graphite yields and therefore profits as a result.
Also important to Kibaran, and us, is the fact this technology puts a little distance, a comfortable chair push backwards from our dependence upon Tanzania. The value of this technology is independent of the proposed mine (~US$211m), and even the SPG plant (~US$145m). It is a new and as yet unvalued asset of KNL and similar to the SPG plant (~US$145m), independent of Tanzania.
I believe this is the type of technology that attracts strong backers, Kibaran said as much ‘significant interest and discussions in progress with several groups about collaboration and partnership on business’, and my expectation is we’ll see increased volumes as larger players enter the register as a result.
And just in case anyone thinks someone big will sit back expecting a CR because of the shortfall in Epanko funding, I put to you;
- You are assuming there’s nothing left over from this 3rd party SPG plant investment; ‘significant interest’, ‘several groups’, ‘hosting a tour to the major electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers in Germany (Daimler, BMW and Volkswagen)’ and my favourite, ‘Preliminary funding support received from the German Government’ – we received $100,000 which goes with ‘The German Government has announced on 18 September that it will develop lithium-ion battery manufacturing (Gigafactory) capability in Germany, providing a critical source of additional battery supply to complement existing Asian battery production. German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated that “As part of our strategic capabilities, we should also work together with other European countries on our own battery cell production.”’
- There’s also Epanko – Equity position?
- And, EcoGraf – IP lease. It is cost 'competitive' and environmentally friendly to produce SPG through the EcoGraf process, and, as a result you receive increased yields. You do not receive IP plans without payment up front, and a lot of ongoing payments as well.
EcoGraf
http://imagesignal.commsec.com.au/d...nZXNpZ25hbC9lcnJvcnBhZ2VzL3BkZmRlbGF5ZWQuanNw
Annual Report – NPV
http://imagesignal.commsec.com.au/d...nZXNpZ25hbC9lcnJvcnBhZ2VzL3BkZmRlbGF5ZWQuanNw
EcoGraf Breakthrough;
http://imagesignal.commsec.com.au/d...nZXNpZ25hbC9lcnJvcnBhZ2VzL3BkZmRlbGF5ZWQuanNw
