Groundbreaking for Talga
In the factory, which is the first of its kind in Europe, almost 100 people will work to manufacture battery anodes from graphite that will be mined in a future mine outside Vittangi in northern Norrbotten.
The factory in Luleå plans to produce 19,500 tons of anode material per year. This corresponds to the amount of graphite needed for about 200,000 new electric cars every year. The investment is estimated at just over SEK 3 billion. Production will start in spring 2025.
Australian mining company Talga's founder and CEO Mark Thompson spoke at the event:
"Twelve years ago, we could choose anywhere in the world to locate our operations. We chose to come here to northern Sweden."
The reasons for choosing Luleå were partly that one of the world's best deposits of graphite is in Vittangi, and partly that Luleå has access to green electricity, a large port and the expertise of a university.
Talga AB's chairman Per-Erik Lindvall, Minister of Labor and Integration Johan Persson, County Governor Lotta Finstorp and Luleå's municipal council Carina Sammeli also participated in the groundbreaking ceremony.
The main contractor for the groundwork that is now beginning is Luleå-based Nyab, which is starting the work immediately. This involves excavation, filling, pipe laying and paving for plant installations and construction within the property.
Lennart Håkansson
editor@northswedenbusiness.com