SLOCAN – Eagle Graphite will receive $290,000 to further develop B.C.’s clean energy vehicle (CEV) sector, create good jobs and support low-carbon innovation.

“Under our CleanBC plan, we are building a low-carbon economy that will reduce climate pollution and create good jobs across our province,” said Michelle Mungall, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and MLA for Nelson-Creston. “To get there faster, we are supporting innovative companies like Eagle Graphite to develop made-in-B.C. technology that will put us on the path to a cleaner, better future.”

Eagle Graphite will produce silicon/graphite battery anodes using its quarry in Passmore. This project has the potential to establish B.C. as a global leader in anode production, as well as bringing new jobs to the Kootenays. Eagle Graphite is one of five B.C. companies receiving a total of $1,190,856 through the Province’s Advanced Research and Commercialization (ARC) Program for the CEV sector.

“Our government is supporting made-in-B.C. innovation that will help drive clean-vehicle technology into the future,” said Katrine Conroy, MLA for Kootenay West. “The Eagle Graphite project has the potential to bring new jobs and economic growth to the Kootenays, while positioning this region on the leading edge of clean technology.”

“We’re excited to have our advanced lithium-ion graphite development selected for support under the Advanced Research and Commercialization Program,” said Jamie Deith, president and CEO of Eagle Graphite. “Although transition to a sustainable energy economy is still in its infancy, this will be the change that defines our time. Investments made today will determine who prospers in the new economy and who will fall victim to obsolescence. Hats off to the Government of British Columbia for recognizing that for the sake of ourselves and future generations, we must take a leadership role in developing and commercializing cleaner energy technologies.”

The ARC Program is part of the government's CleanBC plan. CleanBC is a pathway to a more prosperous, balanced and sustainable future. CleanBC was developed in collaboration with the BC Green Party caucus and supports the commitment in the Confidence and Supply Agreement to implement climate action to meet B.C.’s emission targets.

Quick Facts:

• The CEV sector includes battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. The sector includes companies and organizations involved in all aspects of the CEV supply chain — from raw materials to final consumer products — related to vehicles or vehicle components, fuel and infrastructure, and transferable technologies and services.
• British Columbia’s CEV sector is already delivering jobs and significant economic opportunities in the province, including:
  • an estimated 198 companies and organizations involved in all aspects of the sector;
  • 3,850 full-time equivalent jobs in total direct employment associated with CEV-related activities;
  • $702 million in total economic output; and
  • $373 million direct contribution to provincial gross domestic product.
• The ARC Program provides funding to eligible companies operating across all aspects of the CEV supply chain. The funding is provided to:
  • showcase B.C. CEV technologies with export potential;
  • support pre-commercial CEV technologies that are made or designed in B.C.;
  • demonstrate commercial success for B.C.-based CEV technologies; and
  • support companies in the CEV sector that wish to locate or invest in B.C.

Learn More:

Advanced Research and Commercialization Program: https://arcbc.ca

A backgrounder follows with information on Eagle Graphite, the successful funding applicant.

Eagle Graphite is one of five British Columbian companies receiving a total of $1,190,856 aimed at developing advanced technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells, batteries and other hydrogen fuelling equipment.

This will help the Province move towards the ultimate goal of zero-emission vehicles — cars, trucks and other transportation machines that do not produce any pollution at all.

Eagle Graphite owns and operates one of only two flake graphite production facilities in Canada and the only graphite quarry in western North America. The quarry is located in Passmore, near Castlegar. Eagle Graphite’s application includes partners the University of British Columbia Okanagan and E-One Moli Energy Limited, a local battery supplier.

The Eagle Graphite project will produce silicon/graphite battery anodes using the Eagle Graphite quarry resource. The intention is to produce a commercialized anode with a capacity that would surpass the benchmark graphite anodes currently produced. The benefits of this project include the potential to establish B.C. as a global leader in anode production and the production of batteries that are lighter and offer greater range. The project is expected to be complete by August 2021.

Amount funded: $290,256
Total project cost: $731,640