Federal Assistant Minister for Resources and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm will join Queensland Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Dale Last in Townsville today to officially open Graphinex’s new Battery Anode Demonstration Facility.

Backed by both the Federal and Queensland Government, the new facility combines Australian science with local industry expertise to develop advanced graphite materials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries.

The new facility is set to process graphite ores sourced from the Graphinex Esmeralda Graphite deposit, located approximately 500 kilometres west of Townsville, and will position the Australian company to become an ultra-high-performance Battery Anode Material (BAM) supplier to the global battery manufacturing market.

Graphite is a critical component not only in electric vehicles, but also in high-performance defence applications, and with global demand for natural graphite forecast to rise 140% by 2030, regional Queensland is in a prime position to service that demand.

Graphinex’s new facility was supported by a $3 million Federal Government grant through the International Partnerships for Critical Minerals (IPCM) Program, alongside a $2 million Queensland Government grant through Queensland Critical Minerals and Battery Technology Fund (QCMBTF).

The Albanese Government has funded $40 million in projects since the International Partnerships in Critical Minerals (IPCM) Program opened in February 2024. The program is also part of Australia’s broader Critical Minerals Strategy 2023-30 which sets out the government’s vision to grow Australia’s critical minerals sector.

In 2024, the Albanese Government launched the National Battery Strategy, which sets out the government’s plan for building a diverse and competitive domestic battery industry that will improve Australia’s economic resilience and security.

Graphinex is also backed by international institutional shareholders Idemitsu and Baramulti, reflecting strong global confidence in its strategic direction.

Further information on Graphinex’s battery anode manufacturing operations is available here, and information on the Federal Government’s Critical Minerals Strategy and National Battery Strategy is available here and here.

Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Resources and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm:

“Australia has the resources and skilled workforce needed to lead the world in capitalising off the critical minerals boom. At Graphinex’s Townsville facility, we see that vision in action – from research and development to real-world manufacturing capability.

“We’re not just focused on extraction, we’re also building value here in Australia – creating more jobs, stronger supply chains, and advanced technologies that will power the next generation of clean energy systems.

“Through this new battery manufacturing facility, Graphinex is showing what’s possible when government, industry, and research institutions come together with shared vision and purpose.”

Quotes attributable to Graphinex Managing Director, Art Malone:

“Graphinex today officially opened the Townsville Battery Anode Hub, a key development in Australia’s critical minerals and clean energy landscape.

“The facility will produce 300 tonnes per annum of ultra-high energy graphite anode material, supporting qualification with global battery cell manufacturers at commercial scale.

“This milestone has been made possible with support from the Australian Federal and Queensland State Governments and institutional backing from our international partners, Idemitsu and Baramulti.

“We thank both tiers of government for their continued leadership and investment in critical minerals, which have helped to create local jobs, strengthened international partnerships, and advanced Australia’s position as a global leader in sustainable battery materials. Together, we are powering the future.”

Quotes attributable to Graphinex Chairman, Tom Northcott:

“Today’s opening reflects our long-term commitment to building sovereign capability across our critical minerals and battery materials supply chains.

“By combining our Australian critical minerals resources with advanced downstream processing for high performing products, we’re creating the foundation for globally competitive, future-facing industries.

“This is about more than graphite or vanadium – it’s about delivering value-added manufacturing, regional jobs, and national resilience in the clean energy transition. We’re proud to be leading that charge.”

Quotes attributable to Idemitsu Chief Executive Officer, Steve Kovac:

“We are proud to support Graphinex and their role in driving the growth of the battery materials sector. 

“Graphinex's cutting-edge facility and high-performance anode technology is leading the charge in the global clean energy transition and shaping the future of energy storage solutions. Idemitsu Australia Pty Ltd is committed to energy stability and carbon neutrality.”