Investments in graphite exploration and production are backed by Appian and are expected to exceed R$ 2 billion by 2028.
Graphcoa’s Managing Director, Ricardo Alves, spoke exclusively with Minera Brasil and explained how the company is standing out in Brazil’s energy transition process. He explained that in December 2024, Graphcoa began operations at its first integrated graphite production facility in Itagimirim, southern Bahia. “Combining a mine and concentration unit, the facility will undergo an eight-month ramp-up period, with the goal of reaching its full annual capacity of 5,500 tonnes by August 2025,” said Alves. “In parallel, studies are progressing for the implementation of two new production units, which are expected to add 60,000 tonnes to the company’s total capacity.” These projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
Minera Brasil: How is construction progressing at the Boa Sorte mine plant?
Ricardo Alves: Operations at Graphcoa’s first plant began in December 2024. It is an integrated unit (mine + concentration) located in Itagimirim, Bahia. The next phases are currently in the development stage (feasibility studies).
Minera Brasil: Will the unit have a capacity to produce 5.5 thousand tonnes per year of graphite concentrate?
Ricardo Alves: Yes, an eight-month ramp-up is planned. That is, production will increase gradually until August 2025, when the plant is expected to reach its projected production capacity of 5,500 t/year. In addition to this first operational unit, Graphcoa will complete the feasibility study this year for two more units which, combined, could add another 60,000 t/year of graphite concentrate capacity.
Minera Brasil: Is the company already considering expanding production?
Ricardo Alves: Graphcoa holds 15 mining rights with high potential for high-purity natural graphite production. The feasibility study to reach the target 65,500 t/year scale will be completed by the end of 2025.
Minera Brasil: What is the projected investment amount?
Ricardo Alves: Appian’s investment in exploration and production assets for graphite concentrate at Graphcoa could exceed R$ 2 billion by the end of 2028. In this first phase, R$ 350 million was invested to implement the Boa Sorte mine in Itagimirim, southern Bahia.
Minera Brasil: What new technologies is Graphcoa adopting in its beneficiation plant?
Ricardo Alves: Graphcoa’s plant was designed with a focus on efficiency, technology and environmental responsibility. One of the main innovations is the graphite concentration process, which includes up to seven stages of sequential flotation, optimizing graphite recovery across different liberation ranges.
From the start, the operation was structured with a high level of instrumentation and automation. All process stages are remotely monitored and controlled from a control room, ensuring operational stability and real-time traceability.
Another key point is the environmental commitment: the Itagimirim plant does not require a tailings dam, using a filtration system that allows for safe stacking and compaction of waste, reducing environmental impact.
Minera Brasil: What products does the company intend to offer the market?
Ricardo Alves: Graphite has become an essential material for several industrial sectors, and is now a critical mineral for decarbonization and the energy transition. In line with its business strategy, Graphcoa is launching a portfolio of concentrated graphite products to serve various market segments.
With this in mind, Graphcoa developed three standard product lines, each tailored to graphite characteristics and market demands:
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Graphcoa Flakes
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Graphcoa Fine Flakes
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Graphcoa Powders
Minera Brasil: In your view, what is Brazil’s role in the energy transition?
Ricardo Alves: Brazil plays a strategic role in the global energy transition, both due to its natural potential and its technological progress in key sectors. We already have a mostly renewable electricity matrix, which is a major advantage compared to most countries.
In addition, Brazil has significant reserves of critical minerals like lithium, nickel, copper, and of course, graphite. These are fundamental for battery production and other green technologies. This positions Brazil not just as a raw material supplier, but as a potential key player in strategic value chains for decarbonization.
Graphite, as mentioned, is a strategic mineral essential for the energy transition. Thus, projections for increased graphite demand are promising, especially for EV battery applications. There is also focus on organic demand growth in sectors like refractories, carburants, and agriculture.
Beyond the domestic market, Graphcoa plans to export its graphite, positioning itself as a strategic supplier of essential raw materials for the global energy transition.
Printed with permission from Minera Brasil. This article was first published on 3 April 2025.
