Commissioned by BGV Management Group, GTK Mintec, with the participation of Metso Finland Oy, conducted laboratory and pilot tests of graphite ore from the Balakhivske deposit. The studies took place at the GTK Mintec laboratory and pilot plant in Outokumpu in January 2026.

For the tests, 13.5 tonnes of graphite ore samples in the form of split drill cores were delivered from Ukraine to Finland. The testing program included sample preparation and characterization, laboratory confirmation studies, and pilot beneficiation tests using flotation methods.

The purpose of the work was to validate the graphite ore beneficiation process flowsheet, previously developed under laboratory conditions, at a semi-industrial scale. The tests were also intended to confirm the qualitative and quantitative performance indicators of the beneficiation products, as well as the engineering parameters required for further technology scale-up within the future project.

The pilot testing flowsheet involved ore grinding in a ball mill operating in a closed circuit, followed by rougher flotation. The froth product from rougher flotation then underwent five cleaning stages and four regrinding stages.

As part of the study, specialists focused on producing a high-quality graphite concentrate with a carbon content exceeding 95%. This product is required for further research testing and potential use in high-tech industries.

As a result of the tests, a high-quality bulk graphite concentrate was produced, confirming the effectiveness of the selected ore beneficiation process flowsheet.