Emerging Canadian miner NextSource Materials has received the first shipment of equipment for its inaugural battery anode facility in Abu Dhabi. 

The equipment delivery marks a significant milestone in advancing the company’s downstream value‑add strategy.

NextSource plans to build a $291-million battery anode facility to position itself as the largest anode producer outside of Asia and a key supplier to Mitsubishi Chemical under a binding offtake deal.

The initial equipment, which consists of long-lead items for anode processing, will be installed in the pre‑existing industrial building the company secured within the industrial city of Abu Dhabi.

This ready‑to‑use facility provides a substantial schedule advantage by minimising the need for extensive construction.

NextSource will now focus on front-end engineering to finalise plant design, capital requirements and execution planning. These technical inputs will form the key inputs of the final investment decision (FID).

Following a successful FID, the company will proceed with full equipment procurement, installation, commissioning and ramp‑up in accordance with its phased development plan.

The strategic materials development company aims to become an integrated, global supplier of critical battery and technology materials.

Phase 1 production is ramping up at NextSource’s Molo mine in Madagascar, which is producing high-quality graphite called SuperFlake.

The company is ultimately focused on developing a significant downstream graphite value-add business through the staged rollout of battery anode facilities capable of large-scale production of coated, spheronised and purified graphite for direct delivery to battery and automotive customers. 

The Abu Dhabi facility is expected to produce 30 000 t/y of anode active material, with the first phase delivering 14 000 t/y late in 2026 before full capacity is targeted for early 2028.