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Showing posts with label Grafoid. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Grafoid. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Focus Graphite Reports Lac Knife Pilot Flotation Plant Tests Yield Large Flake Graphite Concentrate (+ 80 mesh) Grading 98.3% Carbon



OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Marketwired – Aug. 21, 2013) - Focus Graphite Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FMS)(OTCQX:FCSMF)(FRANKFURT:FKC) (“Focus” or the “Company”) is very pleased to report pilot plant test results from its flagship Lac Knife high grade flake graphite project located in the Grenville Geological Province of northeastern Québec. This work was performed as part of the ongoing Lac Knife concentrator flowsheet design process. The graphite concentrates generated from the pilot flotation plant will be subjected to further purification tests as part of ongoing metallurgical studies.
Highlights:
  • The average grade of the coarse size fraction (+ 80 mesh) was 98.3% Total Carbon* (“Ct”) compared with 97.4% Ct in the Phase 2 Locked Cycle Tests** (“LCTs”)
  • The average grade of the medium size fraction, less than 80 mesh and greater than 150 mesh in size, was 98.2% Ct compared with 97.4% Ct in the Phase 2 LCTs
  • The average grade of the size fraction greater than 200 mesh was 98.0% Ct compared with 97.2% Ct in the Phase 2 LCTs
  • The average carbon content of the pilot plant campaign was 96.6% Ct compared to 96.4% Ct reported in the Company’s July 9, 2013 press release on the final results of the Phase II LCTs. It is important to note that these results were achieved despite the fact that the less than 200 mesh fraction was not subjected to another cleaning circuit in the pilot plant run as was done in the LCTs, meaning the carbon content of the overall sample would likely have been even higher.
  • These results indicate that all three concentrate size fractions may be easier and more cost effective to beneficiate into technology grade graphite due to the high grade carbon content obtained from the pilot plant testing. Higher concentrate grades translates into reduced levels of impurities that have to be removed in the thermal or hydrometallurgical purification processes.




*All carbon analyses were performed by SGS Canada Inc. (“SGS”) and are reported as total carbon (“Ct”). The analytical methods that were used to determine the metallurgical results included total carbon analysis by Leco on the final concentrates. The lower grade tailings products were analyzed by the graphitic carbon (“Cgr”) method to discount the organic carbon and carbonate carbon in the samples.



The fact that the medium and large graphite flakes could be upgraded to purity levels ranging between 98% Ct and 98.3% Ct by flotation suggests that the impurities are attached to the surface of the graphite flakes in the flotation concentrate and have the potential to be upgraded even further, to purity levels required by battery grade graphite manufacturers. The objective of the pilot plant testing was to produce the highest quality large flake graphite concentrate.
The pilot plant metallurgical testing was completed by SGS on a 23.3 tonne composite of drill core samples collected from the massive, semi-massive and low grade mineralization zones of the Lac Knife graphite deposit. The average total carbon (Ct*) head grade of the bulk sample was lower than the deposit average grade at 11.8% Ct in order to be able to increase the amount of mineralized material available for pilot plant testing at that time. Even with the lower head grade the metallurgical results were excellent confirming the robustness of the concentrator flowsheet design.
Overall, the graphite concentrate recovery decreased slightly from 92.5% in the Phase 2 LCTs to 91.0% in the pilot plant tests, while the amount of large flake graphite concentrate greater than 80 mesh recovered in the pilot plant test was 33.5% by weight compared with 42.5% in the LCTs. The decrease in large graphite flake recovery is attributable to the decision to employ aggressive polishing techniques that successfully improved the quality and increased the carbon content of the large flake graphite concentrate during the pilot plant tests. The assumption that the aggressive polishing conditions led to a breakage and/or folding of the graphite flakes is supported by the fact that the medium sized flake concentrate recovery with a size range of less than 80 mesh and greater than 150 mesh, increased to 29.8% from 21.2% in the LCTs.




** A locked cycle test (LCT) is a repetitive batch flotation test conducted to assess flow sheet design. It is the preferred method for arriving at a metallurgical projection from laboratory testing. In a LCT the intermediate products are incorporated in the following cycles, thus simulating a continuous flotation circuit on a laboratory scale.



Focus President and CEO Gary Economo said: “The pilot plant test results confirm once more the overall quality of our flake graphite resource at Lac Knife; a level of excellence that helps to further de-risk the project. More importantly, the results indicate that all of Lac Knife’s future production holds the potential for purification to premium-priced technology-grade graphite.
“Lac Knife,” he added, “provides the foundation for our mine-to-market to value-added technology business strategy. We anticipate no impediments to the successful execution of our mining and related corporate objectives.”
Dr. Joseph Doninger, Director of Manufacturing and Technology for Focus Graphite, stated: “The +98% Ct purity level and high recoveries achieved on the greater than 200 mesh flake size of graphite during the pilot plant tests confirm the robustness of the Lac Knife concentrator flowsheet design developed by SGS Inc. in the Phase I & II LCTs conducted in 2012 and 2013.”

About SGS Metallurgical Services (Lakefield)
SGS Canada Inc. (“SGS”) is recognized as a world leader in the development of concentrator flowsheet design and pilot plant testing programs. SGS’ Metallurgical Services division was founded over half a century ago. Its metallurgists, hydro-metallurgists and chemical engineers are experienced in all the major physical and chemical separation processes utilized in the recovery of metals and minerals contained in resource properties around the world.
The information pertaining to the metallurgical test program completed by SGS that is presented in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Oliver Peters, M.Sc., P.Eng, MBA, SGS Canada Inc. Consulting Metallurgist. Mr. Peters has extensive experience in the development of metallurgical processes and has managed the majority of the graphite testing programs conducted at SGS in recent years.
This news release has been reviewed by Mr. Jeff Hussey, P.Geo (Québec), VP-Project Development for Focus Graphite and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101 guidelines.

About Focus Graphite
Focus Graphite Inc. is an emerging mid-tier junior mining development company, a technology solutions supplier and a business innovator. Focus is the owner of the Lac Knife graphite deposit located in the Côte-Nord region of northeastern Québec. The Lac Knife project hosts a NI 43-101 compliant Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate of 4.9 million tonnes grading 15.8% graphitic carbon (Cgr) as crystalline graphite with an additional Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate of 3.0 Mt grading 15.6% Cgr of crystalline graphite. Focus’ goal is to assume an industry leadership position by becoming a low-cost producer of technology-grade graphite. On October 29th, 2012 the Company released the results of a Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) of the Lac Knife Project which demonstrated that the project has an excellent potential to become a graphite producer. As a technology-oriented enterprise with a view to building long-term, sustainable shareholder value, Focus also invests in the development of graphene applications and patents through Grafoid Inc.

Forward Looking Statements – Disclaimer
This news release may contain forward looking statements, being statements which are not historical facts, and discussions of future plans and objectives. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove accurate. Such statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those anticipated or projected. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations are in our documents filed from time to time with the TSX Venture Exchange and provincial securities regulators, most of which are available at www.sedar.com Focus Graphite disclaims any intention or obligation to revise or update such statements.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contact Information

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Graphene news - Grafoid raises USD $3.5M through a private financing


OTTAWA — (Marketwire – July 8, 2013) – Grafoid Inc. (“Grafoid”) is pleased to announce the close of part of a private financing with qualified US investors for aggregate  gross proceeds of USD $3,532,000 (the  ‘’Offering’’) by issuing a total of 7,064,000 common shares at a price of USD $0.50 per share.  Grafoid engaged a New York-based broker-dealer to act as a non-exclusive placement agent in connection with the Offering.
In addition, during the first half of 2013, Grafoid raised an aggregate of CAN$1,663,530 by issuing a total of 3,327,060 common shares at a price of CAN$0.50 per share  in a non-brokered private offering  with various business partners, collaborators and qualified investors in Canada.
Grafoid President and CEO Gary Economo said the financing represented a major step towards Grafoid’s future growth in the global technology market.
“This closing is the next corporate step in Grafoid’s development.  The interest expressed by U.S. and Canadian investors at this time bodes well for our company,” Mr. Economo said.
“Our strategy is to create a world-leading graphene research, development and investment company.  Coupled with the rollout of our global platform in Singapore and launch of Grafoid’s MesoGraf™, this financing round moves us a step closer to the construction of our MesoGraf™ production facilities,” he said.
“As evidenced by today’s announcement, Grafoid’s leadership in the graphene space is gaining attention in global markets,” Mr. Economo said.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.  The securities offered have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”), or any applicable state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States absent registration or an exemption from such registration requirements.
About Grafoid Inc.
Grafoid is a privately-held graphene research, development and investment company partnered with Focus Graphite Inc., owner of the high-grade Lac Knife, Quebec graphite deposit.
Grafoid invests in, manages, and develops markets for processes that produce economically scalable, pristine graphene that is used in graphene development applications by leading corporations and institutions.
The company’s leading investment produces high-energy bilayer and trilayer graphene from a safe, non-destructive extraction process leaving the lowest possible ecological footprint.
The game-changing process results in a new global standard for economically scalable graphene products – trademarked under the MesoGraf™ trade name – that can be tailored to both industrial and commercial applications.
Management believes MesoGraf™ sets the global standard for graphene from a top-down process.
Grafoid brings knowledge in graphene, resolves scalability issues, adapts graphene to unique applications, and; provides solutions for achieving success.

For more information, please contact:
Gary Economo
President and Chief Executive Officer
613-691-1091 Ext.101
geconomo@grafoid.com
This news release may contain forward looking statements, being statements which are not historical facts, and discussions of future plans and objectives. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove accurate. Such statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those anticipated or projected.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Focus Graphite Reports Commissioning and Start Up of Lac Knife Project Pilot Plant

Focus Graphite Inc.Focus Graphite Inc.

TSX VENTURE : FMS
OTCQX : FCSMF
FRANKFURT : FKC

April 17, 2013 08:30 ET



OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 17, 2013) - Focus Graphite Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FMS)(OTCQX:FCSMF)(FRANKFURT:FKC) ("Focus" or the "Company") is pleased to report the commissioning of its pilot plant and the start-up of circuit testing for the production of high-grade graphite concentrates from the Company's wholly-owned Lac Knife, Québec graphite project.

The principal objectives of the pilot plant testwork are to confirm the results from Phase II bench scale Locked Cycle Tests (LCT)*; to assess the technical viability and operational performance of the processing plant design; to generate tailings for environmental testing, and; to produce a range of graphite raw materials for customer assessments and for further upgrading.

The Lac Knife project pilot plant was designed and built and is being operated by SGS Canada Inc. ("SGS") in Lakefield, Ontario. The testing is expected to last 4-6 weeks.

Dr. Joseph Doninger, Focus Graphite's Director of Manufacturing and Technology said the pilot plant tests are a critical component of the Lac Knife project development program.

"The testwork will provide us with the information we need to refine and optimize the design our mineral processing flow sheet and adjust individual circuits. They'll also generate data needed for scale up of relevant processing equipment and to identify those critical controls required to maintain consistency of graphite concentrate recovery and purity.

"At the end of the day," Dr. Doninger said, "the pilot plant campaign will provide us with the knowledge and the ability to adjust our processes to produce high purity graphite concentrates to fit individual customers' needs and technical requirements."

On March 4, 2013, the Company published its preliminary Phase II LCT* results which confirmed the high purity of the concentrates generated from four composite core samples comprised of low-grade and semi-massive graphite with a head grade ranging between 6.0% C and 20.7% C.
The highlights of those tests conducted by SGS confirmed:
  • The average amount of graphite flake recovered from the core samples in the Phase II LCT increased to 92.2% compared with a recovery of 84.7% graphite flake in the Phase I LCT;

  • The proportion of large flakes (+80 mesh) in the graphite concentrates ranged between 35% and 58%;

  • The carbon content of graphite concentrates produced from the four (4) composites averaged 96.6 %C, including the fine flake fraction (-200 mesh), a 4.6% increase over Phase I LCT completed in mid-2012.

Final results for Phase II LCT including for the two composite drill core samples of massive graphite mineralisation are pending.

* A locked cycle test is a repetitive batch flotation test conducted to assess flow sheet design. It is the preferred method for arriving at a metallurgical projection from laboratory testing. The final cycles of the test are designed to simulate a continuous, stable flotation circuit.

Lac Knife Pilot Plant Testing Program
The pilot plant was designed, built and is being operated by SGS Canada Inc. ("SGS") in Lakefield, Ontario. The flow-sheet design for the pilot plant is based on the results of Phase II bench top LCT at SGS and on the findings of experimental test work conducted at Metchib Metallurgical Laboratories of Chibougamau, Québec. The pilot plant is designed to operate in continuous mode at a feed rate of 200 kg per hour and it includes grinding mills, mechanical flotation cells, magnetic separator, flotation columns, classification devices, dewatering and other ancillary equipment such as power generation, electrical components, internal piping, a water distribution system and flotation reagent distribution. The grinding and floatation components of the circuit have been configured specifically to minimize flake wear and breakage and ensure maximize flake size preservation.

Two bulk graphite composites were provided to SGS by the Company to use as feed material for the pilot plant. The first is a bulk 21.6t sample of weathered semi-massive grade graphite mineralisation collected from surface that will be used for mechanical and metallurgical commissioning of the pilot plant circuit. The second bulk composite sample was assembled from drill core and consists of a 23.3t blend of core samples from the massive, semi-massive and low-grade mineralisation zones from the deposit. Both composites were crushed and homogenized by SGS prior to the pilot plant campaign to ensure consistent feed. Once the pilot plant circuit is dialed-in using the surface bulk sample, the composite core sample will be introduced into the circuit. The results from the processing of the bulk drill core sample will be used to establish the processing plant flow-sheet design. Graphite flake samples produced from the pilot plant will be submitted to potential customers for quality evaluations and purification trials designed to generate final saleable products.
Testing at SGS is expected to last 4-6 weeks.

About Focus Graphite
Focus Graphite Inc. is an emerging mid-tier junior mining development company, a technology solutions supplier and a business innovator. Focus is the owner of the Lac Knife graphite deposit located in the Côte-Nord region of northeastern Québec. The Lac Knife project hosts a NI 43-101 compliant Measured and Indicated mineral resource of 4.972 Mt grading 15.7% carbon as crystalline graphite with an additional Inferred mineral resource of 3.000 Mt grading 15.6% crystalline graphite. Focus' goal is to assume an industry leadership position by becoming a low-cost producer of technology-grade graphite. On October 29th, 2012 the Company released the results of a Preliminary Economic Analysis ("PEA") of the Lac Knife project which demonstrates the project has excellent potential to become a producer of graphite. As a technology-oriented enterprise with a view to building long-term, sustainable shareholder value, Focus invests in the development of graphene applications and patents through Grafoid Inc.

About SGS Canada's Metallurgical Services (Lakefield)
SGS Canada Inc. ("SGS") is recognized as a world leader in the development of flow sheets and pilot plant programs. SGS' Metallurgical Services division was founded over half a century ago. Its metallurgists, hydrometallurgists and chemical engineers are experienced in all the major physical and chemical separation processes utilized in the recovery of metals and minerals contained in resource properties around the world.
The technical information presented in this press release has been reviewed by Marc-André Bernier, M.Sc., P.Geo. (Québec and Ontario), Focus Director and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101.
Forward Looking Statements - Disclaimer
This news release may contain forward looking statements, being statements which are not historical facts, and discussions of future plans and objectives. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove accurate. Such statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those anticipated or projected. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are in our documents filed from time to time with the TSX Venture Exchange and provincial securities regulators, most of which are available at www.sedar.com Focus Graphite disclaims any intention or obligation to revise or update such statements.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contact Information


Mr. Gary Economo
President and Chief Executive Officer
613-691-1091, ext. 101
geconomo@focusgraphite.com
www.focusgraphite.com

High Performance Graphene Electrochemical Energy Systems in development at Grafoid Inc.

Focus Graphite Inc.Focus Graphite Inc.

TSX VENTURE : FMS
OTCQX : FCSMF
FRANKFURT : FKC


April 16, 2013 09:00 ET

Grafoid Inc. and the University of Waterloo Announce a JV Agreement to Develop High Performance Graphene Electrochemical Energy Systems



OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 16, 2013) - Focus Graphite Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FMS)(OTCQX:FCSMF)(FRANKFURT:FKC) on behalf of Grafoid Inc. ("Grafoid") is pleased to announce the signing of a two-year R&D agreement between Grafoid Inc. and the University of Waterloo to investigate and develop a graphene-based composite for electrochemical energy storage for the automotive and/or portable electronics sectors.

Gary Economo, President and CEO of Focus Graphite Inc. and Grafoid Inc., said the objective of the agreement is to research and develop patentable applications using Grafoid's unique investment which derives graphene from raw, graphite ore to target specialty high value graphene derivatives ranging from sulfur graphene to nanoporous graphene foam.

Some of the new graphene materials will contribute positively as a powerful next generation composite for fuel cell/electrochemical supercapacitor applications, he said.

Those applications include but are not limited to: electrodes, nanocatalyst support, electrolyte membranes and bipolar plates, transparent electrodes and other potential applications which create high-efficiency solutions in electrochemical energy systems and portable electronics.

"Today's announcement marks Grafoid's fifth publicly declared graphene development project with a major academic or corporate institution, and the third related directly to a next generation green technology or renewable energy development project," Mr. Economo said.

This follows R&D partnering projects announced with Rutgers University's AMIPP, CVD Equipment Corporation, with Hydro-Quebec's research institute, IREQ, and with British Columbia-based CapTherm Systems, an advanced thermal management technologies developer and producer. Mr. Economo said Grafoid's investment in highly conductive graphene, combined with the University's advanced catalyst technologies could advance the science "by opening the door to a realistic, cost-competitive option to other energy solutions." 

"Given our growth agenda for 2013, we expect to be in a position to announce a number of additional application development projects throughout the course of 2013," Mr. Economo added.

Dr. Aiping Yu, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Waterloo will be the lead investigator of the project. Dr. Gordon Chiu, Research Scientist, Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Waterloo will be working on the project.

Dr. Chiu said that research and discovery on graphene sulfur and nanoporous graphene is well documented and is a cornerstone for a wide range of applications"The technology for tailoring graphene for energy storage systems must be developed. This will lead to unique intellectual property assets.

"Our group's approach for targeting graphene derivatives that powerfully impact next generation energy storage systems adds significant value to commercial applications while providing invaluable knowledge and insight about the engineering of graphene and certain graphene metamaterials," Dr. Chiu said.

Dr. Yu said that graphene without proper porosity and polarity remain "a constant roadblock for entry into next generation energy storage applications.

"My group will focus on solving the specific tailoring and design of graphene to enable entry into these energy storage areas" she said. "

"Grafoid's decision to invest in reducing or removing such a roadblock is a brilliant approach of enhancing graphene for impacting fuel cells, electrochemical supercapacitors and/or other portable energy storage systems," Dr. Yu added.

Background
Alternative Energy & Graphene:
The quest for alternative energy sources is one of the most important and exciting challenges facing science and technology in the 21st century. Environmentally-friendly, efficient and sustainable energy generation and usage have become large efforts for advancing human societal needs. Graphene is a pure form of carbon with powerful characteristics which can bring about success in portable, stationary and transportation applications in high energy demanding areas in which electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices such as batteries, fuel cells and electrochemical supercapacitors are the necessary devices.

Electrochemical Supercapacitors:
Supercapacitors, a zero-emission energy storage system, have a number of high-impact characteristics, such as fast charging, long charge-discharge cycles and broad operating temperature ranges, currently used or heavily researched in hybrid or electrical vehicles, electronics, aircrafts, and smart grids for energy storage. The US Department of Energy has assigned the same importance to supercapacitors and batteries. There is much research looking at combining electrochemical supercapacitors with battery systems or fuel cells.

Fuel Cells:
A fuel cell is a zero-emission source of power, and the only byproduct of a fuel cell is water. Some fuel cells use natural gas or hydrocarbons as fuel, but even those produce far less emissions than conventional sources. As a result, fuel cells eliminate or at least vastly reduce the pollution and greenhouse gas emissions caused by burning fossil fuels, and since they are also quiet in operation, they also reduce noise pollution. Fuel cells are more efficient than combustion engines as they generate electricity electrochemically. Since they can produce electricity onsite, the waste heat produced can also be used for heating purposes. Small fuel cells are already replacing batteries in portable products.

Toyota is planning to launch fuel cell cars in 2015, and has licensed its fuel cell vehicle technology to Germany's BMW AG. BMW will use the technology to build a prototype vehicle by 2015, with plans for a market release around 2020.

By 2020, market penetration could rise as high as 1.2 million fuel cell vehicles, which would represent 7.6% of the total U.S. automotive market. Other fuel cell end users are fork lift and mining industries which continuously add profits to this growing industry.

Proton or polymer exchange membranes (PEM) have become the dominant fuel cell technology in the automotive market.The U.S. Department of Energy has set fuel cell performance standards for 2015. As of today, no technologies under development have been able to meet the DOE's targets for performance and cost.

About Focus Graphite Inc.
Focus Graphite Inc. is an emerging mid-tier junior mining development company, a technology solutions supplier and a business innovator. Focus is the owner of the Lac Knife graphite deposit located in the Côte-Nord region of northeastern Québec. Focus' goal is to assume an industry leadership position by becoming a low-cost producer of technology-grade graphite. As a technology-oriented enterprise with a view to building long-term, sustainable shareholder value, Focus Graphite is also investing in the development of graphene applications and patents through Grafoid Inc.

About Grafoid Inc.
Grafoid, Inc. is a privately held Canadian corporation investing in graphene applications and economically scalable production processes for pristine bilayer and trilayer graphene and its graphene derivatives from raw, unprocessed, graphite ore.
Focus Graphite, Inc. holds a principal interest in Grafoid on behalf of its shareholders. 

About the University of Waterloo
In just half a century, the University of Waterloo, located at the heart of Canada's technology hub, has become one of Canada's leading comprehensive universities with 35,000 full- and part-time students in undergraduate and graduate programs. Waterloo, as home to the world's largest post-secondary co-operative education program, embraces its connections to the world and encourages enterprising partnerships in learning, research and discovery. In the next decade, the university is committed to building a better future for Canada and the world by championing innovation and collaboration to create solutions relevant to the needs of today and tomorrow. For more information about Waterloo, please visit www.uwaterloo.ca.

Contact Information


Gary Economo
President and CEO
Focus Graphite Inc.
613-691-1091 ext. 101
geconomo@focusgraphite.com
www.focusgraphite.com

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Grafoid Inc. and CapTherm Systems Inc. Joint Venture to Develop Next-Generation Graphene Cooling Systems for EV and LED Applications

Focus Graphite Inc.Focus Graphite Inc.

TSX VENTURE : FMS
OTCQX : FCSMF
FRANKFURT : FKC


April 09, 2013 12:07 ET


OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 9, 2013) - Focus Graphite Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FMS)(OTCQX:FCSMF)(FRANKFURT:FKC) on behalf of Grafoid Inc., announced today Grafoid's joint venture development agreement with Coquitlam, British Columbia-based CapTherm Systems Inc. to develop and commercialize next generation, multiphase thermal management systems for electric vehicle (EV) battery and light emitting diode (LED) technologies.

CapTherm Systems Inc - Progressive Thermal Management is a thermal management/cooling company specializing in personal computer, server, LED, and electric vehicle cooling systems. It develops and commercializes proprietary, next-generation high-power electronics cooling technologies.
Its multiphase cooling technologies represent the core of its products that harness the power of latent heat from vaporization.

Under the terms of the agreement, Grafoid Inc., a company invested in the production of high-energy graphene and the development of graphene industrial applications will supply both materials and its science for adapting graphene to CapTherm's existing EV and LED cooling systems.


"This alliance represents a milestone for both companies in their pursuit of cutting edge, energy-saving, green technology graphene applications," said George Economo, Grafoid's business development manager.

"Integrating graphene's superior thermal conductivity to CapTherm's existing EV and LED cooling applications goes to the core of Grafoid's IP development strengths," he said.
CapTherm Systems CEO & Technical Director Timo Minx said next generation cooling technologies require next generation materials. "Graphene and its properties as a superconductor will enable CapTherm to position itself well for future thermal challenges," Mr. Minx said.


"Making our products even more competitive by taking advantage of graphene's lateral and vertical heat spreading capabilities is a logical step in advancing our science to meet those future challenges," Mr. Minx added.He said graphene is a novel 21st century material that has the potential to revolutionize a multitude of markets.



About Grafoid Inc.
Grafoid, Inc., is a privately owned graphene investment and graphene business development company establishing international standards for the production of economically scalable graphene.
Focus Graphite Inc. holds a major interest in Grafoid on behalf of its shareholders.

About CapTherm Systems Inc.
CapTherm specializes in the development and commercialization of proprietary next-generation high-power electronics cooling technologies. Solid state multiphase technology represents the core of CapTherm's products and harnesses the raw power of latent heat of vaporization. The CT Fusion line of products is the only commercially available electronics cooling product in the market that takes advantage of a phase change (from liquid to vapor) in combination with a thermal pump to create a pumped cooling loop with no moving parts requiring no additional electric power offering increased reliability and performance over contemporary cooling systems. Our technology enables the creation of a broad range of industry applications that require smaller but higher performance, higher reliability and more energy efficient products - all at a lower cost.

About Focus Graphite Inc.
Focus Graphite Inc. is an emerging mid-tier junior mining development company, a technology solutions supplier and a business innovator. Focus is the owner of the Lac Knife graphite deposit located in the Côte-Nord region of northeastern Québec. Focus' goal is to assume an industry leadership position by becoming a low-cost producer of technology-grade graphite. As a technology-oriented enterprise with a view to building long-term, sustainable shareholder value, Focus Graphite is also investing in the development of graphene applications and patents through Grafoid Inc.
Forward-Looking Statements - Disclaimer
This news release may contain forward-looking statements, being statements which are not historical facts, and discussions of future plans and objectives. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove accurate. Such statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those anticipated or projected. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are in our documents filed from time to time with the TSX Venture Exchange and provincial securities regulators, most of which are available at www.sedar.com Focus Graphite disclaims any intention or obligation to revise or update such statements.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contact Information


Focus Graphite Inc.
Mr. Gary Economo
President and Chief Executive Officer
613-691-1091, ext. 101
geconomo@focusgraphite.com
www.focusgraphite.com

CapTherm Systems Inc.
Mr. Philipp Fuhrmann
Chief Operating Officer
778-284-7691 ext 102
philipp@captherm.com
www.captherm.com

Focus Graphite has top quality graphite needed for the burgeoning Graphene market

Focus Graphite Releases Infill and Deposit Margin Drilling Results at Lac Knife Deposit : 42.8 m grading 20.43% Cgr in Hole LK-12-1282 minutes ago by Marketwire Canada

Focus Graphite Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FMS)(OTCQX:FCSMF)(FRANKFURT:FKC) ("Focus" or the "Company") is pleased to report the results of the summer 2012 infill and deposit margin drilling program on the Company's 100%-owned Lac Knife graphite Property (the "Property"), located in the Grenville Geological Province of northeastern Quebec. Fifty-six (56) large diameter (PQ-sized) core holes (total: 5,638 m) were drilled with the aim to upgrade the current Inferred mineral resources in the southeastern part of the Lac Knife deposit to the Indicated category; to map the limits of the deposit; and to provide sufficient mineralised feed material for phase II lock cycle metallurgical testing and for the pilot plant testing program currently scheduled to commence this month.

Hole LK-12-128 drilled on Line 500 S targeted the western zone of the deposit and returned one of the best graphitic carbon (Cgr) intersections of the program (Table 1):
     Hole LK-12-128: 42.8 m grading 20.43% Cgr (from 60.7 to 103.5 m),
     including 11.8 m grading 36.08% Cgr (from 79.7 to 91.5 m)


Most of the drill holes intercepted significant graphite intersections(i) along the strike length of West, Central and East zones of the deposit as evidenced by the following Holes:

     Hole LK-12-135 drilled on section 675 S: 60.5 m grading 17.88% Cgr
     (from 61.0 to 121.5 m), including 13 m grading 32.33% Cgr (from 70
     to 83 m) and 11.8 m grading 26.39% Cgr (from 106.7 to 118.5 m)

     Hole LK-12-147 drilled on section 375 S: 42.8 m grading 17.59% Cgr
     (from 12.4 to 55.2 m), including 5.4 m grading 39.56% Cgr (from
     15.4 to 20.8 m)

     (i) Significant intercepts are defined as Cgr greater than 5%
     over a minimum of 6 m; maximum internal dilution of 6 m; maximum
     external dilution of 0 m.


All 40 significant intercepts are summarized in Table 1. Sectional views of the drilling on lines 375 S, 500 S and 675 S are available on the Company's website at www.focusgraphite.com).

Focus Graphite President and CEO Gary Economo states: "We are extremely pleased with the results of our infill resource drilling program at Lac Knife which continue to deliver high graphite grades over significant thicknesses in both the West and Central zones of the deposit. The 2012 drilling was primary designed to improve our current understanding of the limits, geometry, and continuity in thickness and grade of the graphite mineralisation, key elements required to upgrade our current mineral resource estimate and map additional resources. Our summer 2013 exploration program at Lac Knife will include additional resource drilling to consolidate the size and limits of the deposit".

Table 1: Summary of significant graphitic carbon drill core intersections (Cgr greater than 5% and minimum intersection of 6 m) from the 2012 infill and deposit margin drilling program at the Lac Knife property.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           Total                       Core
                          Length    From      To Length(ii)  Cgr(iii)      S
Hole       Azimuth  Dip      (m)     (m)     (m)        (m)       (%)    (%)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-116     N078  -45       56    35.7    48.8       13.1     10.11   3.62
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-117     N075  -50      135    64.5    79.5       15.0      7.08   3.18
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-119     N081  -47      147    49.5    72.8       23.3     13.10   7.42
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   112.8   129.9       17.1     13.43   7.03
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-120     N080  -47      138    54.7    68.2       13.5     12.60   5.30
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   114.5   126.7       12.2     10.45   5.47
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-121     N081  -47      146    71.6    88.5       17.0     12.52   4.32
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-123B    N073  -47      171    23.3    41.8       18.5     15.84   5.18
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-124     N089  -47      141    33.4    48.8       15.4     21.69   5.90
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   100.5   117.7       17.2     13.12   6.12
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-125     N080  -47      159     6.9    18.0       11.2     17.93   5.22
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    24.2    31.4        7.2     15.62   4.22
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    84.0   102.5       18.5     12.63   7.81
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-126     N078  -47      146    66.0    85.5       19.5      9.09   7.52
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-127     N062  -69      131    16.6    33.1       16.5     19.08   4.98
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    90.2   112.3       22.1     12.19   6.29
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-128     N075  -52      125    60.7   103.5       42.8     20.43   5.25
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-129     N051  -47      111    75.0    93.0       18.0     20.97   6.72
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-130     N059  -45      156    31.5    43.4       11.9     20.48   6.17
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    61.5    72.0       10.5     21.19   6.92
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   117.2   153.2       36.1     12.98   5.39
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-131     N099  -48      215    22.6    92.3       69.7     15.81   5.44
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   112.0   130.8       18.8     12.04   4.45
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   147.6   214.5       66.9     17.89   9.46
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-131-B   N099  -48       59    17.8    58.5       40.7     12.37   4.03
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-132     N073  -46      116    60.7    74.1       13.4     16.25   5.12
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    80.2   108.3       28.1     20.20   7.12
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-133     N090  -65      101    32.5    58.3       25.8     13.73   4.56
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    68.2    92.0       23.8     18.19   5.96
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-134     N065  -46      118    36.3    87.0       50.7     18.53   5.13
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-135     N087  -53      125    61.0   121.5       60.5     17.88   5.40
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-141     N076  -45       77    38.7    73.8       35.1     13.98   3.61
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-142     N080  -45       75     0.0    13.5       13.5     10.62   2.88
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    26.0    41.2       15.2     20.28   4.13
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-143     N079  -47      120    11.0    25.0       14.0     17.09   3.80
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    84.8    92.1        7.3     17.05   6.50
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-144     N080  -45       96    27.6    92.2       64.6     17.70   7.96
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-145     N104  -49       90    59.4    74.0       14.6     18.16   6.50
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-146     N077  -45       81    44.3    61.9       17.6     16.84   8.20
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-147     N085  -45       60    12.4    55.2       42.8     17.59   8.50
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-149     N084  -55      108    67.1    78.9       11.8     14.11   3.86
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-150     N078  -45       89    46.5    59.2       12.7     18.94   3.43
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-153     N074  -45       78    19.0    40.2       21.2     13.17   3.07
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    52.1    72.0       19.9     17.05   8.05
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-154     N077  -45       59    21.1    28.6        7.5     17.26   7.88
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-156     N077  -45       90     9.8    18.2        8.4     19.85   3.96
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    56.0    70.2       14.2     19.51   7.80
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-157     N077  -45       81    26.3    36.5       10.2     11.22   3.16
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    54.8    67.4       12.6     19.73   7.14
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-158     N075  -45       41    17.5    34.0       16.5     17.79   7.38
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-159     N036  -45       44    23.6    39.9       16.3     16.38   8.40
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-160     N259  -50      110    10.5   109.5       99.0     26.21   6.81
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-161     N098  -64      131    37.6    60.9       23.3     15.86   5.88
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    80.9    88.9        8.0     12.69   7.47
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-162     N076  -45       92     7.5    49.0       41.5     14.23   5.20
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    63.7    72.0        8.3      8.07   3.91
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-163     N081  -50      156     7.6    24.8       17.2     18.49   6.45
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    49.5    63.8       14.3     13.48   4.81
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    82.8   115.5       32.7     11.09   4.86
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   123.3   140.6       17.3     11.89   9.05
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-164     N059  -45      182     2.0    21.6       19.6      9.50   2.98
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    74.5    88.5       14.0     16.06   6.79
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   114.9   124.5        9.6     15.96   8.54
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   164.4   181.5       17.1     10.85   4.08
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LK-12-165     N077  -45      131    29.5    55.5       26.0      9.46   3.43
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   108.0   122.6       14.6      5.74   3.06
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(ii) Significant Cgr intersections are expressed as core length because the
host rocks are highly metamorphosed and locally migmatized and folded.
However, the mineralization envelope interpreted from the historical data
cross-cuts the drill holes at a high angle.

(iii) All core sample carbon analyses performed by COREM and delivered as
graphitic carbon (Cgr), internal analytical code LSA-M-B10, LECO high
frequency combustion method with infrared measurement.


The mineralization at Lac Knife is hosted in biotite-quartz-feldspar paragneiss and schist of the Nault Formation, in association with iron formations of the Wabush Formation. These are equivalent to the lower Proterozoic Labrador Trough rocks affected by the late Proterozoic Grenvillian orogeny. Metamorphism associated with the Grenvillian orogeny has resulted in the formation of economic grade concentrations of graphite dominated by value-enhanced large flakes.

The Lac Knife property comprises 57 map-designated claims covering 2,986.31 ha located in Esmanville Township (NTS map sheet 23B/11), 27 km south-southwest of the iron-mining town of Fermont, in the Cote-Nord administrative district of Quebec. Focus acquired a 100% interest in the property in October 2010. Maps showing the location of the Lac Knife property as well as drill holes locations are available on the company's website at www.focusgraphite.com.

2012 Infill and Deposit Margin Drill Program, Methodology and QA/QC
The summer 2012 infill and deposit margin drilling program at Lac Knife comprised 56 large diameter (PQ-sized, 4-inch) core holes for a total of 5,628 m. The drilling program was designed to map the limits of the Lac Knife graphite deposit and provide sufficient additional data and control on mineralisation to be useful for in a new resource estimate. The drilling was also designed to provide enough mineralised material for phase II metallurgical testing (see Focus' press release dated March 4th) and for subsequent pilot plant trials.
The 2012 drilling campaign was managed by IOS Services Geoscientifiques ("IOS") of Chicoutimi, Quebec. The infill and deposit margin drilling program started on July 1st and ended on September 17th 2012. The drilling was performed by G4 Drilling of Val-d'Or, Quebec under the supervision of IOS.

The 56 holes were spread over the western, central and eastern zones of the deposit (see drill holes location map available on the Company's website at www.focusgraphite.com).

Two slabs of about 1/4 of the 4 inch diameter PQ core were sawed parallel on each side of the central axis of the core. One of the slabs was earmarked for geochemical analysis while the other slab was kept as a witness sample. Center parts of the core were used as graphite-bearing material for the phase II metallurgical testing and for the subsequent pilot plant testing program.

A total of 2,076 sub-sample slabs of the PQ drill core were collected from all 56 holes and shipped to IOS for sample preparation (crushing and grinding). Once prepared, the samples were sent to the Consortium de Recherche Appliquee en Traitement et Transformation des Substances Minerales ("COREM"), an ISO/IEC 17025:2005 certified facility in Quebec-City, for graphitic carbon (Cgr) analysis using LECO high frequency combustion method with infrared measurement (internal analytical code LSA-M-B10 for graphitic carbon; ISO 9686:2004). For the measurement of graphitic carbon, the sample is pre-treated with nitric acid, placed in a LECO capsule and introduced in the furnace (1,380 degrees C) in an oxygen atmosphere. Carbon is oxidized to CO2. After the removal of moisture, gas (CO2) is measured by an infrared detector and a computerized system calculates the concentration of graphitic carbon (Cgr). Total sulphur was also analyzed by LECO (code LSA-M-B41) (Table 1). For sulphur determinations, the sample is placed in a LECO capsule and introduced in the furnace (1,380 degrees C) until sulphur is oxidized to SO2. After the removal of moisture, gas (SO2) is measured by an infrared detector and a computerized system calculates the concentration of total sulphur (%).

Under the QA/QC program, about 10% of the samples were analyzed by COREM for total (code LSA-M-B45), organic (code LSA-M-B58), inorganic (code LSA-M-B11) and graphitic (code LSA-M-B10) carbon as well as for total sulphur (a total of 191 core samples). Duplicates of the same 191 samples were also sent to ACTLABS Laboratories of Ancaster, Ontario (ISO/IEC 17025:2005 with CAN-P-1579) for graphitic carbon (code 5D - C Graphitic) and total sulphur (code 4F - S Combustion infrared detection) determinations and for 35 multi-element analysis using ICP methods (code 1E2 - Aqua Regia). IOS introduced 181 standards, 173 duplicates and 159 blank samples into the batch of core sample as part of the QA/QC program.

Summer 2013 Drilling Program
Focus is currently working on the design of a two-phase follow-up drilling program on the Lac Knife property for the summer of 2013. Phase I of this program will include additional infill drilling within the limits of the deposit defined by the NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate (see Lac Knife PEA Technical Report available on Focus' website or at www.sedar.com). Phase II will consist of an exploration drilling program in order to test geophysical anomalies identified during last fall's ground magnetic and horizontal loop electromagnetic (HLEM) survey done by G.L. Geoservice Inc. and interpreted by Geophysique Camille St-Hilaire Inc., both located in Rouyn-Noranda.

About Focus Graphite
Focus Graphite Inc. is an emerging mid-tier junior mining development company, a technology solutions supplier and a business innovator. Focus is the owner of the Lac Knife graphite deposit located in the Cote-Nord region of northeastern Quebec. The Lac Knife project hosts a NI 43-101 compliant Measured and Indicated mineral resource of 4.972 Mt grading 15.7% carbon as crystalline graphite with an additional Inferred mineral resource of 3.000 Mt grading 15.6% crystalline graphite.

Focus' goal is to assume an industry leadership position by becoming a low-cost producer of technology-grade graphite. On October 29th, 2012 the Company released the results of a Preliminary Economic Analysis ("PEA") of the Lac Knife project which demonstrates that the project has an excellent potential to become a producer of graphite. As a technology-oriented enterprise with a view to building long-term, sustainable shareholder value, Focus invests in the development of graphene applications and patents through Grafoid Inc. 
                                                                                          Graphene - the "wonder" material

The technical information presented in this press release has been reviewed by Benoit Lafrance, Ph.D., geo (Quebec), Focus Vice-President of Exploration and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101.
Forward Looking Statements - Disclaimer
This news release may contain forward looking statements, being statements which are not historical facts, and discussions of future plans and objectives. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove accurate. Such statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those anticipated or projected. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are in our documents filed from time to time with the TSX Venture Exchange and provincial securities regulators, most of which are available at www.sedar.com Focus Graphite disclaims any intention or obligation to revise or update such statements.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Mr. Gary Economo President and Chief Executive Officer 613-691-1091, ext. 101 geconomo@focusgraphite.com www.focusgraphite.com
SOURCE: Focus Graphite Inc.

Friday, March 8, 2013

Focus Graphite Reports Preliminary Phase II Locked Cycle Tests from Lac Knife Yield High Purity 96.6% C Flake Graphite

Focus Graphite Inc.Focus Graphite Inc.

TSX VENTURE : FMS
OTCQX : FCSMF
FRANKFURT : FKC


March 04, 2013 09:58 ET


OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 4, 2013) - Focus Graphite Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FMS)(OTCQX:FCSMF)(FRANKFURT:FKC) ("Focus" or the "Corporation") is pleased to report preliminary Phase II Locked Cycle Test* (LCT) results for its Lac Knife, Québec high-grade graphite deposit.

SGS Canada Inc. ("SGS") has completed Phase II LCTs on four (4) composite core samples comprised of low-grade and semi-massive graphite with a head grade ranging between 6.0% C and 20.7% C. Highlights are as follows:
  • The average amount of graphite flake recovered from the core samples in the Phase II LCTs increased to 92.2% compared with a recovery of 84.7% graphite flake in the Phase I LCTs

  • The proportion of large flakes (+80 mesh) in the graphite concentrates ranged between 35% and 58%

  • The carbon content of graphite concentrates produced from the four (4) composites averaged 96.6 %C, including the fine flake fraction (-200 mesh), a 4.6% increase over Phase I LCTs completed in mid 2012
* A locked cycle test is a repetitive batch flotation test conducted to assess flow sheet design. It is the preferred method for arriving at a metallurgical projection from laboratory testing. The final cycles of the test are designed to simulate a continuous, stable flotation circuit. 

All carbon analyses were performed by SGS and are reported as total carbon (C). The analytical methods that were used to determine the metallurgical results included double loss on ignition analysis (double LOI) and total carbon analysis by Leco on the final concentrates. The lower grade tailings products were analyzed by the graphitic carbon method to discount the organic carbon and carbonate carbon in the samples.
Final Phase II LCT results including for the two (2) composite core samples comprising of massive graphite are pending.

"The findings from the Phase I and Phase II metallurgical testing program have been incorporated into the design of the flow sheet for the pilot plant scheduled for start-up in late March or early April," said Dr. Joseph Doninger, Director of Manufacturing and Technology for Focus Graphite.
The purpose of the pilot plant is to confirm the results from Phase II LCTs, produce graphite flake samples for customer evaluations and generate graphite raw materials for further upgrading.

Focus President and CEO Gary Economo said "These latest results continue to confirm Lac Knife's status as an exceptional flake graphite project.
"The very high carbon content of our fine (-200 mesh ) graphite flake could provide a low cost raw material that could be upgraded to the high purity carbon levels that lithium-ion battery manufacturers require.
"It supports our technology focus on the lithium-ion battery market for transportation and energy applications," Mr. Economo said. "It allows us to assign the much higher-priced large flake to other high-technology projects.
"Ultimately, it ends a misconception in the marketplace that only large flake graphite is suitable for battery-grade materials."

These results will also allow Focus to advance its discussions with potential customers, Mr. Economo said.

About SGS Metallurgical Services (Lakefield)

SGS Canada Inc. ("SGS") is recognized as a world leader in the development of flow sheets and pilot plant programs. SGS' Metallurgical Services division was founded over half a century ago. Its metallurgists, hydrometallurgists and chemical engineers are experienced in all the major physical and chemical separation processes utilized in the recovery of metals and minerals contained in resource properties around the world.

About Focus Graphite
Focus Graphite Inc. is an emerging mid-tier junior mining development company, a technology solutions supplier and a business innovator. Focus is the owner of the Lac Knife graphite deposit located in the Côte-Nord region of northeastern Québec. The Lac Knife project hosts a NI 43-101 compliant Measured and Indicated mineral resource of 4.972 Mt grading 15.7% carbon as crystalline graphite with an additional Inferred mineral resource of 3.000 Mt grading 15.6% crystalline graphite. Focus' goal is to assume an industry leadership position by becoming a low-cost producer of technology-grade graphite. On October 29th, 2012 the Company released the results of a Preliminary Economic Analysis ("PEA") of the Lac Knife project which demonstrates that the project has robust economics* and excellent potential to become a profitable producer of graphite. As a technology-oriented enterprise with a view to building long-term, sustainable shareholder value, Focus invests in the development of graphene applications and patents through Grafoid Inc.

* Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
The information pertaining to the metallurgical test program completed by SGS that is presented in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Oliver Peters, M.Sc., P.Eng, MBA, SGS Canada Inc. Consulting Metallurgist.

This news release has been reviewed by Mr. Marc-Andre Bernier, M.Sc., P.Geo. (Ontario and Québec), Focus Graphite Director and Technical Advisor and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101.

Forward Looking Statements - Disclaimer
This news release may contain forward looking statements, being statements which are not historical facts, and discussions of future plans and objectives. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove accurate. Such statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those anticipated or projected. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are in our documents filed from time to time with the TSX Venture Exchange and provincial securities regulators, most of which are available at www.sedar.com. Focus Graphite disclaims any intention or obligation to revise or update such statements.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contact Information


Focus Graphite Inc.
Mr. Gary Economo
President and Chief Executive Officer
613-691-1091, ext. 101
geconomo@focusgraphite.com
www.focusgraphite.com

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Focus Graphite Announces R&D Agreement Between Grafoid Inc. and Hydro-Quebec's IREQ for Next Generation LFP-Graphene Batteries

20 hours ago by Marketwire Focus Graphite Inc (TSX VENTURE: FMS)(OTCQX: FCSMF)(FRANKFURT: FKC) is pleased to announce that Grafoid Inc. - in which Focus Graphite holds a 40% ownership stake - has executed a three-year research and development agreement with Hydro-Quebec's Research Institute for the development of next generation rechargeable batteries using graphene with lithium iron phosphate materials.

Focus Graphite President and CEO Gary Economo, who holds the same position with Grafoid, announced the signing of the joint R&D agreement with Dr. Karim Zaghib, Director Storage and Conversion of Energy at Hydro-Quebec's research and development division, l'Institut de recherche d'Hydro-Quebec (IREQ).
The 50-50 collaborative agreement sets out terms with the objective of creating patentable inventions by combining graphene, supplied by Grafoid, with Hydro-Quebec's patented lithium iron phosphate technologies.

Two key, specific commercial target markets - the rechargeable automobile battery sectors and batteries for mobile electronic devices used in smartphones, computing tablets and laptop computers - were identified in the agreement. 

Hydro-Quebec will study Grafoid's graphene conductivity, electrochemical performance and its effects in electrode formulations, electrolyte and separator optimizations. Detailed characterizations of Grafoid's supplied materials will be undertaken at IREQ's cutting edge facilities using its advanced electron microscopy, spectrographic and other in-house technologies.

Hydro-Quebec will also supply lithium iron phosphate materials and its electrochemistry know how which it acquired under license from famed American inventor Dr. John Goodenough.

Grafoid, in addition to providing graphene materials, brings knowledge acquired during its own development of functionalized graphene and its experience in proving graphene's economic scalability.

"This agreement is noteworthy for numerous reasons," said Mr. Economo.

"This is our first major graphene collaboration with a Quebec and a Canadian global giant in renewable energy research and development. And the source of our graphene is Focus Graphite's Lac Knife, Quebec technology graphite deposit.

"Commercially, and ultimately, our technology development partnership with Hydro-Quebec aims to produce high capacity, LFP-graphene batteries with ultra short charging times and longer recyclable lifetimes," Mr. Economo said. 

He said the parties chose to focus their collaboration on LFP-graphene batteries and materials because of their short-term-to-market potential.

About Focus Graphite
Focus Graphite Inc. is an emerging mid-tier junior mining development company, a technology solutions supplier and a business innovator. Focus is the owner of the Lac Knife graphite deposit located in the Cote-Nord region of northeastern Quebec. The Lac Knife project hosts a NI 43-101 compliant Measured and Indicated mineral resource of 4.972 Mt grading 15.7% carbon as crystalline graphite with an additional Inferred mineral resource of 3.000 Mt grading 15.6% crystalline graphite Focus' goal is to assume an industry leadership position by becoming a low-cost producer of technology-grade graphite. On October 29th, 2012 the Company released the results of a Preliminary Economic Analysis ("PEA") of the Lac Knife project which demonstrates that the project has robust economics and excellent potential to become a profitable producer of graphite. As a technology-oriented enterprise with a view to building long-term, sustainable shareholder value, Focus Graphite is also investing in the development of graphene applications and patents through Grafoid Inc.

About Grafoid Inc.
Grafoid, Inc. is a privately held Canadian corporation investing in graphene applications and economically scalable production processes for graphene and graphene derivatives from raw, unprocessed, graphite ore. Focus Graphite Inc., holds a 40% interest in Grafoid Inc.
 
About IREQ
Hydro-Quebec's research institute, IREQ, is a global leader in the development of advanced materials for battery manufacturing and creates leading edge processes from its state of the art facilities. IREQ holds more than 100 patent rights and has issued over 40 licenses for battery materials to some of the world's most successful battery manufacturers and materials suppliers. Its areas of expertise include energy storage and IREQ is a lead partner with private sector companies in Quebec to build EV and HEV charging stations in support of its technology developments. Its material development contributions are helping to develop safe, high-performance lithium ion batteries that can be charged more quickly and a greater number of times. IREQ promotes open innovation and partners with private firms, universities, government agencies and research centers in Quebec and abroad. Its partnerships allow IREQ to develop, industrialize and market technologies resulting from those innovation projects.
About Hydro-Quebec
Hydro-Quebec is Canada's largest electricity producer among the world's largest hydroelectric power producers and a public utility that generates, transmits and distributes electricity. Its sole shareholder is the Quebec government. It primarily exploits renewable generating options, in particular hydropower, and supports the development of wind energy through purchases from independent power producers. Its research institute, IREQ, conducts R&D in energy efficiency, energy storage and other energy-related fields. Hydro-Quebec invests more than $100 million per year in research.
Contacts:
Focus Graphite Inc.
Mr. Gary Economo
President and CEO
613-691-1091 ext. 101
geconomo@focusgraphite.com


SOURCE: Focus Graphite Inc.
mailto:geconomo@focusgraphite.com
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