Renascor Resources (RNU) RIU Explorers Conference 2026 summary

Market trends and industry context

• Graphite demand is rising due to its critical role in lithium-ion battery anodes, with energy storage and EV growth as major drivers.

• China maintains a near monopoly on purified spherical graphite and anode production, but export controls and new US/EU tariffs are accelerating the shift to ex-China supply.

• The U.S. has imposed a 160% tariff on Chinese anode material and is incentivizing domestic and allied production to reduce reliance on China.

• Australia is mobilizing financing, policy, and international partnerships to build secure, ex-China critical mineral supply chains.

• Major Asian anode manufacturers are expanding ex-China operations, increasing demand for secure graphite sources.

Project strategy and competitive positioning

• The vertically integrated project combines mining and downstream processing to produce purified spherical graphite for battery anode makers, using HF-free purification technology.

• The Siviour deposit in South Australia is the world's second-largest proven graphite reserve and the largest outside Africa, with 61.8 Mt at 7.0% TGC and low operating costs.

• All major technical work and regulatory approvals are complete, with land and native title agreements secured.

• Strong cash position (A$97m as of Dec 2025), a conditional A$185m government loan, and a A$5m grant underpin project development.

• Strategy includes expanding PSG and graphite concentrate production, developing downstream processing, and building global leadership in battery anode materials.

Operational progress and next steps

• PSG demonstration facility construction is nearing completion, supported by government and international partners, and will soon enter commissioning.

• The facility aims to validate efficient production of purified spherical graphite at scale.

• Non-binding offtake agreements are in place with major anode makers in South Korea and Japan, including POSCO, Mitsubishi Chemical, and Hanwa, with ongoing discussions to finalize pricing and partnerships.

• Near-term value drivers include finalizing offtake, securing financing, and progressing to final investment decision, targeting significant activity through 2026.

• Early site works, grid upgrades, and procurement are underway; bulk sample production achieved 96.8% graphite grade and 96.5% recovery.