Battery materials and technology company Talga Group has appointed engineering services company Worley as the preferred contractor to deliver engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) services for the Vittangi graphite anode project in Sweden.

A non-binding letter of intent (LOI) has been signed between Talga and Worley, outlining the approach to a binding EPCM contract, contingent on a positive final investment decision (FID) by Talga's Board of Directors.

The LOI specifies key workstreams and the alignment towards commercial terms and is set to expire by 10 April 2026 unless mutually extended.

Talga's board is expected to approve an FID on the Vittangi anode project upon completion of key milestones including customer supply agreements and financing structures.

Talga Group CEO Martin Phillips said: “This partnership marks a major milestone in Talga’s mission to become Europe’s leading sustainable anode producer, combining Worley’s engineering excellence with Talga’s integrated, low-emission graphite solutions.

“Their expertise will complement the Talga project delivery team and we look forward to working together to finalise pre-FID activities towards execution.”

Worley has been involved with the Vittangi anode project since 2019, contributing engineering services to various study phases.

Additionally, Worley's ability to facilitate financing solutions could play a crucial role in supporting the project's funding, according to Talga.

The project has already secured a €70m ($79.7m) grant from the EU Innovation Fund and a debt consortium anchored by a €150m cornerstone investment from the European Investment Bank.

Recently, Talga’s graphite mine gained Strategic Project status under the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act, and the battery anode plant received the status under the EU's Net-Zero Industry Act. These designations strengthen the project's significance to Europe’s battery supply chain.

Worley CEO Chris Ashton said: “This agreement reflects our shared vision and commitment to delivering innovative, future-focused sustainable solutions. Our global teams supporting this project bring deep technical knowledge and experience in critical minerals, with benefits for Europe’s battery supply chain.”

In October 2024, Talga Group secured an exploitation concession for its Nunasvaara South natural graphite mine, part of its Vittangi anode project.