US Graphite Processor Urbix Inc. Secures Significant Strategic Investment

Urbix, Inc., a US-based developer of graphite processing technology, has secured a significant strategic investment from funds managed by Appian, an investment advisor to capital funds that invest solely in mining and mining-related companies. The two parties have also announced plans to advance a commercial scale graphite processing facility.

In addition, Urbix intends to make the facility eligible for US investment and production tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. 

Urbix’s proprietary technology utilises a sustainable, environmentally friendly approach for the production of CSPG, a necessary anode material for lithium-ion batteries. 

The company's approach to graphite processing eliminates the use of hydrofluoric and hydrochloric acid, and records yields of over 70% - more than twice that of the industry standard.

Nico Cuevas, Founder and CEO of Urbix, says: “Appian’s significant investment and world class technical capabilities supercharge the momentum we have to become the go-to supplier of graphite anode materials for the EV industry. By establishing a strategic collaboration with Appian, we continue progressing the deployment of a US developed graphite processing technology towards commercial scale, that we expect to supplant Chinese supply of battery grade graphite. Combining Urbix’s innovation with Appian’s construction and operational expertise in the mining industry will accelerate Urbix’s ability to provide CSPG to gigafactories as domestic battery manufacturing rapidly expands.”

Eduardo Gonzalez, CFO of Urbix, adds: “This transaction will play an important part in accelerating a defined commercialization strategy to de-risk, demonstrate and deploy the most advanced graphite processing facilities in the world. Urbix has developed a unique proprietary process and the recent announcement that China will curb graphite exports further enhances Urbix’s value proposition, providing battery makers with a domestic supply chain of reliable and sustainable battery grade graphite.”

Urbix operates facilities in Mesa, Arizona and Research Triangle Park, North Carolina with more than 55 employees.