Kibaran's "ground-breaking" graphite purification method utilises non-toxic chemicals that eliminate the use of the highly toxic hydrofluoric acid currently used by all of producers of battery spherical graphite globally

"The eco-friendly process is a result of significant testwork and the favourable mineralogy of the Epanko deposit," Kibaran told the market.

The new purification process flowsheet is being optimised to finalise operating costs, with low capital and operating costs expected, and patenting of the purification process also being investigated.

Kibaran said it is also now in discussions with leading major anode manufacturers in China, Japan and Korea.

Kibaran is one of the more advanced graphite juniors on the ASX, having undertaken extensive work programs over the past few years.

Much of its attention was previously given to traditional offtake parties in the graphite sector, though the burgeoning EV and battery storage sectors that have emerged strongly in more recent times are now a key focus.

An unwanted complication in the past few months for Kibaran and others in Tanzania has been the emergence of a government making investment-unfriendly noises.

Kibaran started the current quarter with $2 million cash.

Shares in Kibaran were unchanged at 19c in late trade, capitalising the company at $46 million.