International Graphite (ASX: IG6) believes its Springdale project in Western Australia can become a significant critical mineral source for the US and Europe. Geopolitical events during the March quarter have reinforced this belief, as the company aims to secure continuity of graphite supply for defense and energy storage applications. Managing director Andrew Worland stated that Australia, particularly Western Australia, offers a stable jurisdiction for graphite sourcing, free from the civil and political instabilities affecting other global production sources.
Recent policy announcements, including an executive order by former US President Donald Trump titled *Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production*, highlight the global opportunities for International Graphite. The US has also exempted graphite from general tariffs applied to Australia, signaling the importance of natural graphite imports for US defense and commercial sectors. International Graphite’s planned $12.5 million graphite micronising facility at Collie, expected to commence operations before year-end, will play a crucial role in the company’s strategy. This 4,000-tonnes-per-annum commercial plant will initially use third-party fine flake graphite as feedstock until the Springdale graphite mine commences production. The company is also collaborating with Marubeni Corporation to potentially supply spheroidised graphite from Springdale.
