Battery-Grade Graphite Extraction Project at "Baia de Fier"

1. Technical Description of the Project

The project proposed by Societatea Națională a Sării S.A. (SNS S.A.), to be implemented at the Baia de Fier site in Gorj County, Romania, involves the extraction and primary processing of graphite-bearing schists to produce high-purity graphite, primarily intended for use in the electric vehicle (EV) battery and energy storage industries.

The project has been classified as being of strategic interest at EU level, as it contributes to reducing dependence on imports of critical raw materials.

The project is planned for a lifespan of approximately 20 years, with an implementation phase of 2 years before reaching commercial production. The estimated annual capacity is at least 15,000 tonnes of battery-grade graphite with a carbon purity exceeding 90%.

2. Project Outcomes

Through the implementation of this project, SNS S.A. will produce:

  • Battery-grade graphite, a key raw material for the production of lithium-ion battery anodes;
  • Mineral co-products resulting from the processing of graphite-bearing schists;
  • Technological consulting services for the integration of graphite into industrial manufacturing processes for end-users.

3. Estimated Job Creation

The project will have a significant economic and social impact at the local and regional level. It is estimated that the project will generate:

  • Over 300 new jobs during the operational phase;
  • Employment opportunities in mining engineering, industrial chemistry, automation, logistics, and project management;
  • Professional training programs for both new employees and upskilling of existing staff.

4. Project Timeline by Year

2025: Completion of feasibility studies, obtaining all necessary permits and authorizations

2026: Launch of infrastructure works and equipment procurement, installation completion, equipment testing, start of pilot production, technological process adjustments

2027: Start of full-capacity production, delivery of first commercial batches, expansion of commercial partnerships

2028 and beyond: Ongoing monitoring, research & development activities, potential capacity expansion, and exploration of new graphite resources (further project development phase)

5. Final Product

The end product of the project will be battery-grade graphite with the following technical and commercial characteristics:

  • Form: fine powder, granules, or flakes depending on customer requirements;
  • Particle size: 10–150 microns;
  • Purity: over 90% carbon;
  • Packaging: sealed bags (1–25 kg) or industrial containers for bulk transport;
  • Applications: lithium-ion battery manufacturing, energy storage systems, electronics, and other advanced technology sectors.

6. Investment Value and Funding

The total estimated investment value exceeds EUR 198 million, of which:

  • A significant share is allocated to advanced extraction, processing, and purification equipment;
  • Additional costs are associated with infrastructure (platforms, buildings, industrial halls), R&D, workforce development, and environmental compliance activities.

7. Strategic Impact for the European Union

The project supports the goals of the European Green Deal and the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) by contributing to:

  • The target of extracting at least 10% of the EU’s annual demand for critical raw materials;
  • The target of processing at least 40% of EU internal consumption of critical raw materials;
  • Reducing reliance on external suppliers, particularly China.

8. Conclusion

The Baia de Fier project is a model of sustainable industrial transformation with the potential to become a benchmark for the European critical raw materials value chain. By leveraging Romanian mineral resources and integrating advanced technologies, SALROM is actively contributing to the EU’s energy and technological sovereignty.

This is a strategic project for Romania, an EU Member State, with a major impact both at European and regional levels by creating new employment opportunities and stimulating local economic development.