EcoGraf Epanko expansion: Africa’s next major graphite producer

Join James Whelan as he chats with EcoGraf Managing Director Andrew Spinks about Epanko graphite expansion and EcoGraf's strategy to become Africa’s largest planned graphite producer. We dive into the financing pathway with KFW IPEX Bank for stage one, how Epanko feeds downstream HF-free purification, and why Tanzania is a pivotal piece of a globally connected battery materials supply chain. The conversation also covers ESG best practise, policy tailwinds from Europe and the United States, and how EcoGraf plans to meet rising graphite demand with a responsible, localised approach. You’ll also hear how recycling fits into the circular battery economy and what this means for customers and governments worldwide. Timestamps provide a clear roadmap through the discussion, from the Epanko expansion study to downstream purification, financing progress, and future milestones in the six to twelve month horizon. Timestamps: 00:01 – Introduction and guests 00:27 – James Whelan and Andrew Spinks background and iMarc recap 01:45 – Epanko expansion study overview 03:08 – Financing progress with KFW IPEX Bank and near-term close 04:21 – Downstream HF-free purification and cost position 05:41 – Tanzania mechanical shaping facility and its role in the supply chain 07:18 – HF-free purification cost dynamics vs traditional HF process 08:56 – ESG advantages and policy alignment (EU/US) for critical minerals 09:18 – US tariffs and EU Critical Raw Materials Act context 11:03 – Tanzania partnerships and government recognition 12:00 – Graphite demand outlook and supply dynamics 14:11 – How partnerships and policy tailwinds support expansion 16:04 – Battery recycling and circular economy initiatives 18:13 – Tanzanian ESG initiatives and social licence 19:22 – What investors should watch next 6–12 months 20:40 – Closing remarks If you want more on EcoGraf’s Epanko journey and the move to diversified, climate-friendly graphite supply chains, hit subscribe and turn on notifications so you won't miss future updates on financing milestones, downstream expansion, and circular economy initiatives. ⚠️ IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. All investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always conduct your own research and consider seeking advice from a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The creator may hold positions in securities discussed. 📌 Articles: https://smallcaps.com.au/ecograf-advances-epanko-project-key-resettlement-action-plan-milestone https://smallcaps.com.au/ecograf-begins-search-epanko-funding-receipt-key-mining-licence https://smallcaps.com.au/ecograf-farm-in-deal-anglogold-ashanti-golden-eagle-project https://smallcaps.com.au/ecograf-jump-resource-estimate-epanko-graphite-project https://smallcaps.com.au/graphite-stocks-look-oversold-diverge-lithium-cousins 🔎 More on this company: https://smallcaps.com.au/stocks/asx-egr/ ⸻ Small Caps is Australia’s #1 site for market news & information on ASX-listed small cap companies. 🌐 WEBSITE https://smallcaps.com.au/ 🎧 PODCAST https://smallcaps.com.au/podcast/ 📱 SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmallCapsASX Twitter: https://twitter.com/SmallCapsASX LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/small-caps/ 📬 NEWSLETTER https://smallcaps.com.au/subscribe/