Urbix, Inc (Urbix)., a leading US-based developer of graphite processing technology, has been selected as a recipient to enter into award negotiation of funding by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Manufacturing And Energy Supply Chains. The funds, provided under the U.S. government’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aim to expand domestic manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and other applications.
Highlights
The U.S. Department of Energy selects Urbix to enter into award negotiation for $125 million of funding to advance the construction of its commercial-scale graphite processing facility after a highly competitive application process
The manufacturing facility will sustainably produce high-quality Coated Spherical Purified Graphite (“CSPG”), a critical material for lithium-ion batteries and create high-paying jobs
Once complete, the facility will be a part of a fully integrated and secure graphite anode material supply chain for US based battery makers
Urbix has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) for final negotiations for an award of up to $125 million towards the construction of a commercial- scale graphite processing facility utilizing its proprietary methods and technologies. The Company’s technology uses a cost-effective, efficient and environmentally friendly approach to producing high-quality Coated Spherical Purified Graphite (“CSPG”), the predominant anode material used in lithium-ion batteries.
The overall scope of the project includes the construction and operation of one commercial module capable of producing approximately 10,000 tonnes of CSPG per year at a facility that may be expanded for additional modules in the future. The long-term goal is to continue constructing commercial projects strategically located throughout the U.S. to strengthen battery manufacturing and CSPG supply chains, maximize the benefits of the clean energy transition, and reduce reliance on foreign competitors for processed critical minerals. The facility is expected to create 200 high-paying full-time jobs and 300 direct construction jobs. The project includes a community benefits plan focused on workforce development, impactful employee benefits and opportunities for career advancement in STEM disciplines tailored to the clean energy sector.
Powered anodes store charge in lithium-ion batteries, representing a critical component of battery manufacturers’ supply chains. China is currently responsible for nearly all CSPG supply and produces over 90% of the world’s anodes for lithium batteries. The project directly aligns with the goals of MESC’s Battery Materials Processing and Battery Manufacturing grant program to grow a more sustainable, resilient and equitable economy by investing in the domestic battery supply chain.
In October 2023, Urbix signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with Appian Capital Advisory, the leading private capital investor in metals and mining, to help fund the development of the commercial-scale downstream graphite processing facility. As part of the JDA, Urbix’s planned facility will receive a consistent source of high-quality natural graphite concentrate feed from Graphcoa, a Brazilian graphite producer owned by Appian. This will strategically establish a fully integrated and secure graphite anode supply chain in the Americas to support gigafactories.
Nico Cuevas, Founder and CEO of Urbix, commented: “This achievement is a testament to the critical role that our innovative and sustainable processing technology can play in the growth and strengthening of the U.S.’ domestic battery manufacturing capabilities. We are committed to using this grant to accelerate the development of our facility serving as a first step in providing a robust and secure end-to-end supply chain of premium graphite anode material that is vital to the industry’s ambitions.”
For further information:
About Urbix, Inc.
Urbix is a US-based developer of graphite processing technology. The Company’s proprietary technology utilizes a sustainable, environmentally friendly approach for the production of high quality CSPG, a key anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Urbix’s low-cost method avoids the use of hydrofluoric acid and results in yields that surpass industry standards.
The Company operates in Mesa, AZ and Research Triangle Park, NC with more than 65 employees. Its pilot scale facility and electrochemical laboratory in Mesa has been instrumental to the development and refinement of the Urbix technology and its CSPG products for over 7 years. The team is currently completing its first commercial scale demonstration module with state-of-the-art quality control capabilities developed out of Research Triangle Park, NC through the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques. Urbix maintains an active research and development pipeline focused on the development of enhanced battery component products and advanced critical mineral processing technologies.
Urbix media contact:
For questions or other requests, please contact: Patrick Ahlm (952) 567-0943 / patrick@urbixinc.com
About Appian Capital Advisory LLP
Appian Capital Advisory LLP is the investment advisor to long-term value-focused private capital funds that invest solely in mining and mining-related companies. Appian is the anchor investor in Urbix, Inc.
Appian is a leading investment advisor in the metals and mining industry, with global experience across South America, North America, Australia and Africa and a successful track record of supporting companies to achieve their development targets, with a global operating portfolio overseeing nearly 5,000 employees.
Appian has a global team of 85 experienced professionals with presences in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Lima, Belo Horizonte, Montreal, Dubai, Johannesburg and Perth.
For more information, please visit www.appiancapitaladvisory.com, or find us on LinkedIn, Instagram or Twitter/X.
Appian Capital Advisory LLP:
Andrew Todd, Head of Communications: +44 7990416759 / atodd@appiancapitaladvisory.com.
+44 (0)20 7004 0951 / info@appiancapitaladvisory.com
About DOE’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains
MESC plays a critical and unique role in catalyzing investments in America’s energy future to support the re-shoring, skilling, and scaling of U.S. manufacturing across energy supply chains. MESC serves as the frontline of clean energy deployment and accelerates America’s transition to a resilient, equitable energy future through data-driven investments in manufacturing capacity and workforce development. Learn more at: www.energy.gov/mesc or LinkedIn.