Critical Resources Ltd (ASX:CRR) has invested C$1 million in Canadian battery technology company, Volt Carbon Technologies Inc (VCT), which is focused on high-performance solid-state lithium-ion battery development and scalable air classification technologies for natural graphite beneficiation.
Critical Resources non-executive chairman Robert Martin said: “The investment in Volt Carbon Technologies demonstrates a clear strategy to pursue downstream opportunities that leverage off our asset base and expertise.
“We look forward to working with VCT to develop synergies that add value to both businesses.”
The resources company took the plunge via placement of 8 million units at C$0.125 per share including a free attaching 0.5 common share purchase warrant – like an option – with an exercise price of C$0.25, which expires on February 28, 2024.
Critical Resources will own 5.2% of VCT on completion of the placement.
Prototyping enviro-friendly natural graphite
VCT has patent pending technology in solid-state lithium batteries for major automotive, aerospace and consumer electronics applications.
The battery company completed construction of an Ontario-based battery prototyping facility in December 2021 and is advancing proprietary graphite air-classification technology, which aims to deliver more efficient and environmentally friendly natural graphite beneficiation.
The investment provides Critical Resources with exposure to emerging downstream lithium battery and graphite technologies.
CRR continues to pursue opportunities with downstream battery material producers, battery manufacturing and associated technology participants.
Next-gen, low-carbon batteries
VCT, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Solid Ultrabattery Inc, is developing a solid-state battery that exceeds current battery performance in key areas of energy density, charge rate, safety and cost.
The next-generation battery is designed to have a lower carbon footprint and higher recyclability.
Solid Ultrabattery Inc was founded by Professor Zhongwei (Wei) Chen, a global expert in battery and fuel cell technologies, who has published more than 380 scientific papers and holds more than 30 patents and provisional patents.
VCT has developed a proprietary air classification system for separating out large-flake graphite, leveraging the difference in the aerodynamic properties of flake graphite and the denser, more spherical surrounding material.
The result is an effective, energy-efficient, mobile means of extracting natural graphite after the initial primary crushing processes.
VCT also owns 100% of the Lochaber Graphite Project in Quebec, Canada.
“We welcome the investment from Critical Resources, at a time where Volt Carbon is rapidly advancing its solid-state battery development and disruptive graphite processing technology,” VCT CEO and president William Pfaffenberger said.
“Given Critical Resources’ growing footprint in Canadian lithium, we believe there are additional opportunities to explore in the refining of battery-grade materials for North American markets.”
Gloss