Following successful completion of its detailed feasibility study on its Vittangi Anode project, Talga Group Ltd has extended and expanded its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ABB.

Talga is constructing an ultra-low emission battery anode production facility and integrated graphite mining operation in northern Sweden, using 100% renewable electricity to supply greener anode for lithium-ion batteries.

According to a recent Life Cycle Assessment prepared by Hitachi ABB Power Grids, the production process of Talga’s flagship anode product Talnode®-C emits 96% less CO2 equivalent than the anode material most commonly used in electric vehicle batteries today. This is equal to a reduction of approximately 2.9 million tonnes of CO2-eq per million electric vehicles, according to the company.

Talga says it aims to electrify its underground mining operations when it reaches the expansion phase of its Swedish battery anode operations. This electrification strategy will be explored by ABB and Talga under the expanded MoU, focusing on the ABB Ability™ eMine portfolio of solutions that ABB launched last week.

Under the MoU, ABB will also extend its industrial automation and electrification expertise to include next-level production and process control solutions for Talga’s initial operation. In addition, ABB will work with Talga on front-end engineering and design (FEED) for the development and construction of commercial 100,000 t/y graphite concentrator operations at Vittangi, a 19,500 t/y anode production plant at Luleå and earlier ramp-up stages/production qualification modules.

The commercial FEED stages are due for completion June 2022, with the intent to execute binding agreements with ABB for subsequent construction and operations.

Commenting on the ABB agreement, Talga Managing Director, Mark Thompson, said: “We are very pleased to deepen our relationship with ABB in the development of what will be the largest integrated lithium-ion battery anode production facility in Europe. The pursuit of innovation towards zero-emission mining is a goal we share with ABB, and we are excited to continue the expanded partnership towards construction of the Vittangi Anode project and future expansions.”

Björn Jonsson, Hub Division Manager North Europe, Process Industries, ABB, said: “Following a detailed planning phase, we had the opportunity to collaborate with Talga on all aspects of the Vittangi Anode project. Now, we can extend our industrial automation and electrification expertise to production and process control solutions, for a successful FEED stage. Together, we will explore the role of ABB Ability eMine, our portfolio of solutions that will help accelerate the move towards a zero-carbon mine, in Talga’s future expansions.”