Graphex Technologies, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Graphex Group Limited (collectively “Graphex”) (NYSE American: GRFX | HKSE: 6128) and a global leader in mid-stream processing of natural graphite for use in Lithium-ion (Li-ion) powered batteries, today shared updates on its Warren processing facility and other developments in Michigan, highlighting its progress in creating a stable domestic supply chain to meet unprecedented national demand for graphite.
Graphex’s Warren site has secured the necessary environmental permit from the Air Quality Division of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, allowing this project to move forward with final design and equipment orders for the Warren site. The permit award is another milestone and is indicative of the local community’s endorsement of Graphex’s presence in Warren, supporting the company’s efforts to establish Warren as a key player in the refinement and production of battery materials for the Detroit area’s emerging electric vehicle (EV) industry.
“Graphex’s plant in Warren will bring an influx of new jobs to the area along with training for the necessary skills and expertise in the fast-growing category of electric vehicle production and the batteries that power them,” said James R. Fouts, Mayor of Warren. “We’re happy to work closely with Graphex to secure local incentives to establish operations in the state of Michigan.”
In addition to greenlighting further development of the Warren facility, the permit enables Graphex to continue evaluation of potential locations in and around Warren for a shaping and purifying plant to correspond with its pitch coating plant. As major car manufacturers continue to make investments in Michigan to expand electrification, a localized end-to-end battery mineral supply chain nearby will be invaluable to reduce potential logistical challenges. Transforming raw material to finished product, Graphex will provide ready battery anode material for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and gigafactories as they ramp up production and meet nearly 400,000 tons of projected yearly demand for graphite.
“Our discussions and negotiations with OEMs and automakers have demonstrated the imminent and yet enormous supply/demand mismatch for graphite, and securing this permit is another milestone in our plans to bring needed end-to-end capabilities to the Detroit area and beyond,” said John DeMaio, CEO of Graphex Technologies. “We stand by our commitment to building out a robust domestic battery mineral supply chain in support of an electrified future and Warren is just the first step of many to come.”
Mayor Fouts continued, “We look forward to supporting Graphex’s efforts in continuing development of its graphite processing plants and embrace Warren’s status as a home for the evolving auto industry.”
Graphex has received offers of state and local incentives for the planned graphite processing plant in Warren and will be seeking additional financial support to bring robust economic benefits and to support job creation in the City of Warren and the state of Michigan.
