Mining exploration firm South Star Battery Metals has signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Alabama (UA) at Tuscaloosa on behalf of its Alabama Mobility and Power (AMP) Center to support a battery anode materials program in the US.

The program would encompass research and development, pilot-scale demonstration, commercial demonstration and commercial-scale manufacturing.

South Star would be the primary supplier of natural-flake graphite concentrate, from its Santa Cruz project in Brazil, which is ramping up commercial production.

“We are excited to announce this important strategic initiative with our UA/AMP partners to advance a concrete, integrated solution to developing high-quality battery anode testing, development and manufacturing expertise in the United States,” said Richard Pearce, CEO of South Star. “UA/AMP and the State of Alabama are creating a unique critical materials ecosystem to support the rapid advancement of a resilient, more diversified technology and battery supply chain.”

Source: South Star Battery Metals