Gratomic, a multinational graphite supplier, has announced it will launch Operational Readiness initiatives at its graphite processing plant in Aukam, Namibia, as the hub nears completion.

The company said it has deployed "a tentative schedule" for all activities required for Operational Readiness. It is now preparing to assign task operators, identify required resources and obtain management approvals.

Additionally, it said the primary purpose of Operational Readiness is to "reduce operational risks," which is specifically defined as "the risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people and systems or external events."

Armando Farhate, chief operating officer and Head of Graphite and Sales at Gratomic, said Operations Readiness is "the only way to ensure a safe and smooth start of the new plant."

The company's schedule indicates that the first Product In Bag (PIB), exhibiting commercial characteristics, is expected to be delivered by the end of March 2022.

Arno Brand, chief executive officer and president of Gratomic, said the Aukam Graphite Project would be "online in Q1" of 2022" and that the company had overcome "hurdles encountered by the global pandemic and all the struggles that entails."

Earlier in January 2021, Gratomic began constructing air classification units for the Aukum graphite processing plant. The air classification system is designed to eliminate the ore screening process and separate ore by size, weight, and shape.