”We are incredibly happy about the successful completion of the environmental permit process. The anode project that Talga is now establishing in northern Sweden is crucial for Europe's energy transition", says Talga's CEO Martin Phillips in a press release.
But not everything is clear. The Municipality of Kiruna has said no to the mining company's detailed plan – the graphite mine is simply unwanted by the governing majority. Talga hopes to change that. A request for a planning decision is on the government's table.
As we have good hopes of getting through, says Cen Rolfsson, Talga's communications manager.
If Talga receives final approval, the company expects, from the moment it can press the button, to be able to start an anode factory in Luleå where the graphite will be transported within 18-24 months.
About half of the active material in an electric vehicle battery consists of graphite.
The fact that battery manufacturer Northvolt has problems plays a minor role for Talga's plans. According to Cen Rolfsson, the company has negotiations with about 40 different potential customers.
