Green Critical Minerals Limited’s McIntosh Graphite Project Delivers A$235M Post‑Tax NPV, 25.3% IRR, and 5.7‑Year Payback in Robust Feasibility Study
Monday, June 30, 2025
at
8:58 am
Green Critical Minerals’ pre‐feasibility study for the McIntosh Graphite Project outlines an open-pit mine with a 33‐year life, robust resource estimates, and detailed engineering, environmental and social assessments. The project shows strong economics—with a post-tax NPV of A$235M, a 25.3% IRR, and a 5.7‑year payback period.
Green Critical Minerals Limited has released a detailed announcement outlining the outcomes of its Pre‐Feasibility Study for the McIntosh Graphite Project. The study, covering every aspect from resource estimation to process engineering and infrastructure planning, reveals promising technical and financial metrics that support the project’s viability and long‐term profitability.
At the heart of the announcement, the Project is projected to have a life of 33 years with an annual processing rate of roughly 380,000 tonnes of ore. From this feed, the plant is designed to produce approximately 13,500 tonnes per annum of high‐purity graphite product. The output will be split into two main products: about 55% micronised graphite, targeting finely ground applications like batteries and lubricants, and 45% graphite flake concentrate intended for traditional markets. The pilot work and extensive metallurgical test work have confirmed consistent recovery rates of around 96% and a concentrate product that meets a high purity threshold of 95% total graphitic carbon.
Financially, the study indicates robust economic returns with a post‐tax net present value at an 8% discount rate of approximately A$235 million and an internal rate of return of 25.3%. The projected payback period is just under six years, highlighting a quick return on capital. The construction capital expenditure required is estimated at around A$55.2 million, with sustaining capital costs amounting to roughly A$52 million over the life of the mine.
The technical section of the announcement describes resource estimation in compliance with JORC Code guidelines. Both the Emperor and Wahoo deposits have been modelled using state‐of‐the‐art techniques such as ordinary kriging, with a revised cut‐off grade of 2% total graphitic carbon applied to the McIntosh deposits. The resource model, based on detailed reverse circulation and diamond drilling data, underpins the projected ore tonnages and grades while also accounting for dilution and ore loss in the mining process.
Additionally, the announcement outlines comprehensive process plant design details—from primary jaw crushing and SAG milling to multi‐stage flotation circuits—which ensures efficient recovery and minimal flake degradation. Sensitivity analysis shows that the Project’s economic results are most responsive to graphite price fluctuations and inflation rates, while capital expenditure variations have a relatively minor impact on the overall project economics.
In summary, Green Critical Minerals Limited’s comprehensive study of the McIntosh Graphite Project presents strong technical fundamentals and favorable economic indicators. With its robust resource base, proven processing techniques, and promising financial metrics, the Project is positioned to generate significant cash flows for over three decades, providing an attractive opportunity for investors looking at long‐term returns from critical mineral projects.