Evolution Energy Minerals (ASX:EV1) Identifies Fuel-Cell Applications for Chilalo Coarse Flake Graphite

Sonal Goyal

02 September 2026 10:01 AM AEST

Evolution Energy Minerals (ASX:EV1) Identifies Fuel-Cell Applications for Chilalo Coarse Flake Graphite

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Key Highlights

Fifty-eight percent of the material available at the Chilalo deposit falls into coarse flake categories suited to fuel-cell separator plate manufacturing
Technology partner AETC found Chilalo flakes above 50 mesh resist oxidation at temperatures up to 900°C, well above typical fuel-cell operating temperatures of 70-80°C
The planned Chilalo concentrator is expected to produce a 95-97% carbon concentrate suitable as feedstock for fuel-cell and data-centre power markets
Company continues to target first graphite concentrate production from Chilalo in October 2027, subject to funding, approvals and execution risk

Evolution Energy Minerals Limited (ASX:EV1) has announced results from test work examining natural graphite from its Chilalo deposit in Tanzania, reporting that a substantial proportion of the material is suited to value-added applications beyond battery anodes, including the manufacture of graphite separator plates used in low-temperature fuel cells.

Test Work Findings

The company's assessment found that 58% of the material available at Chilalo consists of coarse flakes, a characteristic identified as valuable for fuel-cell separator plate production. Testing by American Energy Technologies Company, EV1's US-based technology partner, found that Chilalo flakes sized above 50 mesh resist oxidation at temperatures as high as 900°C. Given that PEM-type fuel cells used in data centre power applications typically operate between 70°C and 80°C, the company said this represents a substantial thermal buffer relative to actual operating conditions. Supporting microscopy recorded selected coarse flakes at approximately 50 to 75 microns thick, with low fluorine and chlorine content identified in total-solids analysis of the tested fractions.

The company's previously disclosed Definitive Feasibility Study distribution showed 58.0% of Chilalo's concentrate mix falling into the plus-80 mesh category and coarser, including 31.1% at plus-50 mesh and coarser, underpinning the Volume of coarse material potentially available for these applications.

Market Applications

Evolution Energy Minerals pointed to several existing and emerging markets for fuel-cell technology, including data centre back-up power, fuel-cell electric vehicles and specialty applications. The company referenced a Department of Energy-approved megawatt-scale fuel-cell installation involving Microsoft, Caterpillar and Ballard Power, along with a cumulative 10 megawatts of Ballard Power fuel-cell installations since 2025 and a further 15 megawatts under way. The company also noted that PEM-type fuel cells are used in electric vehicles sold in Japan, a market it considers geographically favourable for direct graphite concentrate shipments from Tanzanian ports. The company was careful to clarify that these industry examples illustrate the broader market opportunity and do not represent existing customer relationships or offtake commitments for EV1.

Company Outlook

Evolution Energy Minerals continues to progress a staged development strategy for the Chilalo Graphite Project, targeting first graphite concentrate production in October 2027, subject to funding, permitting and execution risks. The company noted this fuel-cell focused work complements a separate battery-materials work stream, under which its partner AETC previously produced 280 kilograms of 99.99% carbon purified graphite from Chilalo concentrate as part of an EU-funded programme. The company is also advancing its Chikundo Copper Project within its broader Tanzanian tenure.

Conclusion

Evolution Energy Minerals' latest test work broadens the potential application base for its Chilalo graphite beyond battery anode markets, identifying fuel-cell separator plates as a further avenue for its coarse flake material. With first concentrate production still targeted for October 2027 and subject to a range of funding and execution risks, the company's near-term focus remains on progressing both its battery-materials and value-added product development streams alongside its broader Tanzanian project portfolio.

FAQs

Q: What is the Chilalo Graphite Project?

A: Chilalo is Evolution Energy Minerals' flagship graphite project in Tanzania, targeting first concentrate production in October 2027 subject to funding and approvals.

Q: What proportion of Chilalo's material is coarse flake graphite?

A: The company's Definitive Feasibility Study distribution shows 58.0% of the concentrate mix falls into the plus-80 mesh category and coarser.

Q: Why is coarse flake graphite relevant to fuel cells?

A: Coarse, thick flakes with high oxidation resistance and low halogen content are identified as key attributes for manufacturing durable graphite separator plates used in fuel cells.

Q: What temperature resistance did testing identify for Chilalo flakes?

A: AETC's testing found Chilalo flakes above 50 mesh resist oxidation at temperatures up to 900°C, well above typical fuel-cell operating temperatures of 70-80°C.

Q: Does this announcement represent confirmed customer orders for EV1?

A: No, the company clarified that the industry examples referenced illustrate the broader fuel-cell market opportunity and do not represent existing customer relationships or offtake commitments with EV1.

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