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

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 29^th, 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

Focus Graphite and SOQUEM Confirm the High Content of Critical Rare Earth Elements

Focus Graphite Inc.

TSX VENTURE : FMS
OTCQX : FCSMF
FRANKFURT : FKC

February 06, 2013 11:52 ET

 Focus Graphite and SOQUEM Confirm the High Content of Critical Rare Earth Elements at Kwyjibo with 2.95% TREO and 1.44% Cu Over 10 m at Surface

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 6, 2013) - Focus Graphite Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FMS)(OTCQX:FCSMF)(FRANKFURT:FKC) ("Focus" or the "Corporation") and partner SOQUEM Inc. ("SOQUEM") are pleased to provide an update of their 2012 exploration program at the Kwyjibo polymetallic Iron-Rare Earth Elements-Copper-(Gold) (Fe-REE-Cu-(Au)) Property ("Kwyjibo" or the "Property"), located in the Côte-Nord administrative district of Québec. The 2012 exploration program at Kwyjibo comprised of surface showing and trench re-sampling, core drilling and ground geophysical surveying.
Highlights of the Josette showing and trench re-sampling program include:

• Josette showing: 2.95% TREO, 37.35% REOc* and 1.44 % Cu over 10 m, including a high-grade sub-zone of: 4.59% TREO, 35.58 % REOc*, and 2.62 % Cu over 2m.

• Trench TR-95-30: 4.13% TREO, 36.08% REOc* and 0.23 % Cu over 2 m.

• Trench TR-95-29: 3.58% TREO, 39.90% REOc*and 0.17% Cu over 1.5 m.

*The ratio of critical rare earth elements ("REOc") is defined by The U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE") as the sum of Nd+Eu+Tb+Dy+Y oxides divided by total rare earth oxides (TREO) : REOc = ((Nd2O3+Eu2O3+Tb2O3+Dy2O3+Y2O3)/TREO)*100. The REOc ratio is the expression of the importance of those REEs sought by the industry without considering the technological challenge to recover the REE and all the costs related to a mine development.

The new 2012 analytical results highlight the increasing total rare earth content of the mineralization related to the assaying of heavy rare earth elements in comparison to the 1995 analytical results. In 1995, only La, Ce and Sm were analyzed out of the suite of 17 rare earth elements at the Josette showing and in trenches TR-95-30 and TR-95-29.

In 2012, 10 new channel samples were collected at the Josette showing, two new channel samples were collected from trench TR-95-30 and one chip sample was taken from trench TR-95-29. The 13 samples were analyzed for the complete range of rare earth elements (Table 1). The 2012 results confirm the high heavy rare-earth elements ("HREE") content of the mineralization at Kwyjibo as well as the high ratio of critical rare earth elements (REOc) which ranges from 32.34% to 41.14%.

A map of the Kwyjibo property showing the location of Josette showing, trench TR-95-30 and trench  TR-95-29 is available on the Company's website at www.focusgraphite.com.
Table 1. Results of the re-sampling program at the Josette showing and at Trenches TR-95-30 and TR-95-29:

Sample	Length	TREO	HREO	REOc	Nd2O3	Eu2O3	Tb2O3	Dy2O3	Y2O3	Fe2O3	P2O5	Cu	F	Mo	Au
	m	%	%	%	%	%	%	%	%	%	%	%	%	ppm	g/t
Josette showing
181151	1	3,55	33,37	41,14	0,518	0,013	0,019	0,117	0,794	69,30	4,50	0,66	1,43	283	0,02
181152	1	4,55	27,42	37,54	0,722	0,024	0,021	0,124	0,819	52,40	3,51	3,40	4,49	791	0,18
181153	1	4,64	22,43	33,63	0,729	0,019	0,016	0,099	0,695	43,30	2,95	1,84	7,33	2820	0,14
181154	1	2,79	29,81	39,56	0,440	0,008	0,012	0,077	0,569	65,60	3,55	1,22	2,04	227	0,08
181155	1	3,48	29,77	39,29	0,538	0,014	0,016	0,098	0,703	51,50	2,92	1,44	6,79	775	0,10
181156	1	1,99	32,13	40,65	0,296	0,005	0,009	0,059	0,440	69,50	3,24	1,19	2,43	136	0,08
181157	1	1,97	19,28	32,34	0,342	0,004	0,006	0,038	0,246	78,50	2,52	0,48	1,14	28	0,03
181158	1	1,99	26,45	36,83	0,312	0,008	0,008	0,050	0,353	53,00	1,99	1,67	5,10	217	0,15
181159	1	2,68	24,90	35,59	0,426	0,009	0,011	0,065	0,443	50,80	2,55	1,78	5,20	363	0,08
181160	1	1,86	26,58	36,97	0,301	0,006	0,008	0,049	0,325	70,90	2,46	0,76	1,75	23	0,07
Composite	10	2,95	27,21	37,35	0,462	0,011	0,013	0,077	0,539	60,48	3,02	1,44	3,77	566	0,09
Composite 2*	2	4,59	24,93	35,58	0,725	0,021	0,019	0,112	0,757	47,85	3,23	2,62	5,91	1805	0,16
TR-95-30
181163	1	5,49	21,34	34,06	0,956	0,016	0,019	0,114	0,765	58,30	4,31	0,18	1,44	151	n.a.
181164	1	2,78	26,92	38,11	0,472	0,009	0,012	0,074	0,491	66,60	4,27	0,28	0,96	40	n.a.
Composite	2	4,13	24,13	36,08	0,714	0,013	0,016	0,094	0,628	62,45	4,29	0,23	1,20	96	n.a.
TR-95-29
181166	1,5	3,58	29,30	39,90	0,611	0,012	0,017	0,105	0,683	66,80	4,86	0,17	0,79	16	n.a.

n.a. = not analyzed

(*) Composite of 2 meters from samples 181152 and 181153

TREO : Total rare earth oxides = La2O3+Ce2O3+Pr2O3+Nd2O3+Sm2O3+Eu2O3+Gd2O3+Tb2O3+Dy2O3+Ho2O3+Er2O3+Tm2O3+Lu2O3+Y2O3

HREO : Relative content (%) of heavy rare earth oxides = ((Tb2O3+Dy2O3+Ho2O3+Er2O3+Tm2O3+Lu2O3+Y2O3)/TREO)*100

REOc : Ratio of critical rare earth elements = ((Nd2O3+Eu2O3+Tb2O3+Dy2O3+Y2O3)/TREO)*100

The results of the rare earth elements assay program are expressed as total rare earth oxides (TREO), including yttrium oxide and ratio of critical rare earth elements (REOc*). Values of TREO (REE₂O₃) presented are the sum of all rare earth oxides of the lanthanide series and yttrium oxide; strictly not a rare earth element, yttrium is included in the total amount of REE because of the chemical behaviour and uses that are similar to the lanthanides.

The Josette showing was re-sampled in a composite of ten (10) one-meter long channels, cut parallel to the 1995 channels. For trench TR-95-30, a new two-meter long channel was cut parallel to the trench blasted in 1995 while for trench TR-95-29, chips samples were taken over 1.5 meters intervals. The total length of the 2012 sampling channels in both trenches (TR-95-29 & TR-95-30) is less than in 1995 by 5.4 m due to destruction of portions of the original outcrops caused by the blasting done in 1995, and also because of the subsequent infilling of the trenches by blocks of rocks and dirt and the strong weathering of the outcrop in trench TR-95-29.

Quality assurance / Quality control
The channels were cut with a rock saw perpendicular to the main foliation of the iron-rich rock (magnetitite). All the channels are one meter long by 2.5 cm wide and vary in depth from 10 to 15 cm. For each channel, the rock samples were broken into pieces and then placed into a plastic bag. In the case of Trench TR-95-29, chips samples of 5 to 10 cm long, by 5 to 10 cm wide and 1 to 5 cm thick were collected from the weathered outcrop over 1.5 m intervals and then placed into a plastic bag. A numbered tag from the ALS laboratory was inserted into the bag prior to the sealing of the bag with a tie-wrap. The sample bags were carried to the camp by helicopter then loaded onto a float plane to Sept-Îles and sent by a carrier to ALS Laboratories ("ALS") in Val-d'Or (a certified laboratory; ISO 9001:2008 and ISO/IEC 17025:2005 for standards).

The samples were analyzed for all rare earth elements, most traces and major elements. Due to the limited number of channel samples analyzed, no standard or blank were introduced except the one used by the laboratory. Rare earths and trace elements were analyzed using lithium borate fusion of the sample prior to acid dissolution and analyzed by ICP-MS (Induced-Couples Plasma Mass Spectrometry). This method is best suitable for minerals resistant to acid digestion, like some REE-bearing silicates. For REE high grades samples, a re-analysis of the pulp was performed using high sample to volume ratios in addition to Class A volumetric glassware. ALS laboratory used certified high grade rare earth reference materials as part of their standard protocol. Major elements were analyzed using a lithium borate fusion of the sample prior to acid dissolution and analyzed by ICP-AES (Induced-Couples Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry). REE, traces and major elements were analyzed at ALS laboratories in Vancouver. For sulphide-bearing samples, copper, lead, silver, zinc and sulphur were digested in aqua regia, then analyzed by AAS technique (Atomic Absorption Spectrometry). Gold was analyzed by fire assay and AAS with a 50g nominal sample weight. Base metals and precious metals were analyzed at ALS in Val-d'Or.

2012 core drilling program
Thirty-one (31) holes (4,207 m) were drilled at Kwyjibo in 2012 with the aim of validating grades, thicknesses and continuity of the REE-Fe-Cu mineralization in the northeastern portion of the Josette horizon, where the best drilling intersections were obtained in 2011 from hole 10885-11-57 with 2.40% TREO over 48.8m and hole 10885-11-60 with 3.61% TREO over 33.1m (see Focus Metals press release dated March 13^th 2012).

A map of the Kwyjibo property showing the location of the 31 drill holes is available on the Company's website at www.focusgraphite.com.

A total of 1,333 samples (1,249 half NQ drill core samples; 23 duplicates; 29 standard samples and 32 blank samples) were sent to ALS in Val-d'Or and Vancouver, for total rare earth elements, base metals, major elements and trace element analysis. The results from the 2012 core drilling program are pending.

Surface and borehole TDEM geophysical surveys
A ground time-domain electromagnetic ("TDEM") geophysical survey and a borehole Pulse-EM survey were completed by Abitibi Geophysic Inc. from Val-d'Or (Québec) in early October. A total of 75 km of lines were surveyed on five different loops that covered all significant VTEM anomalies from the 2006 survey and all known occurrences of the iron formation on the Kwyjibo Property.
Thirty (30) drill holes (5.492 m), were surveyed with borehole Pulse-EM on three loops. Eight (8) holes from the 1994 to 2011 core drilling programs were also surveyed for a total of 1,219 m for the most northeastern Grabuge - Gabriel showings loop. A total of 2,089 m from 11 drill holes (1994 to 2012) were surveyed on loop that straddled the Fluorine and Josette showings grids. Finally, 2,184 m from 11 holes (1995 to 2012) were surveyed in the loop that covers most of the Josette horizon and the Josette grid.
The new ground and borehole geophysical data are currently being processed and interpreted by MB Geosolution of Québec City. High-priority geophysical targets from the 2012 surveys will be followed-up though drilling in 2013.
Metallurgical tests and mineralogical study
A first round of metallurgical tests is planned at Kwyjibo this year. The testing will be performed on two representative samples of the mineralized iron formation (magnetitite) and the mineralized breccia in the aim to produce concentrates for critical rare earths, copper and iron. The first sample will be comprised of 80kg composite of mineralised rock from Josette showing. The second sample will consist of a 230kg composite from quarter-drill core samples from seven holes drilled below trenches TR-95-29 and TR-95-30. The contract to carry out the metallurgical testing has been awarded to COREM of Québec-City. In conjunction with the metallurgical testing, a mineralogical study will be undertaken in order to characterize the distribution of the REEs in the different REE-bearing minerals. Results from both studies are expected in the third quarter of 2013.
Property Location
The Kwyjibo polymetallic Iron-Rare Earth Elements-Copper-(Gold) (Fe-REE-Cu-(Au)) property, totalling 118 mining titles and covering 6,278 ha, is located 125 km northeast of Sept-Îles, in the Côte-Nord administrative district of Québec. The property is also located 25 km east of the Québec North Shore and Labrador railway line and is accessible by air from Sept-Îles.
Terms of the Agreement
On August 3, 2010, the Company announced the signing of an option agreement with SOQUEM Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Société générale de financement du Québec ("SGF") (in April 2011, the SGF merged with Investissement Québec), to acquire a 50% interest in the Kwyjibo property.
Under the terms of the agreement, Focus could acquire a 50% interest in the Kwyjibo property, by spending up to $3 million in exploration work on the property over a period of 5 years of which $1 million had to be spent during the first 2 years. SOQUEM is the operator for the exploration work carried out on the property to date and Focus has the option to become the operator, by paying $50,000 in cash or issuing a block of common shares valued at $50,000. As of the year ended September 30, 2012 Focus had spent $3,244,173 on the Kwyjibo project (net of tax credits and mining duties) and has accordingly earned its 50% interest in the property.
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 29^th, 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 SOQUEM Inc.
SOQUEM Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ressources Québec. Ressources Québec is a new Investissement Québec's subsidiary, specializes in the mining and hydrocarbon industries; it will consolidate and spur government investment in projects carried out by mining companies and the hydrocarbon sector.
The technical information presented in this press release has been reviewed by Benoit Lafrance, Ph.D., Géo (Québec), Focus Vice-President of Exploration and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 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

Graphene News - Focus Graphite Appoints Mr. Benoit Lafrance Vice-President, Exploration

Mr. Gary Economo, President and CEO, Focus Graphite Inc., (TSX VENTURE: FMS)(OTCQX: FCSMF)(FRANKFURT: FKC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Benoit Lafrance, P.Geo, Ph.D., as Vice-President, Exploration. Mr. Lafrance's appointment is effective immediately.
"Mr. Lafrance's addition to Focus Graphite's management, particularly his experience in mineral exploration as well as his strong academic background in metallogenic studies brings additional strength to our core management team to develop new projects and evaluate future domestic and international opportunities with a view to increasing shareholder value," Mr. Economo said.

Mr. Lafrance replaces Mr. Tony Brisson who resigned to pursue other interests.

Mr. Lafrance assumes his responsibilities with Focus Graphite after serving three years as scientific researcher for CONSOREM, an applied research group for mineral exploration. His previous experience includes four years with Cogitore Resources Inc. as senior geologist and five years with the Quebec Government geological survey. 

Mr. Lafrance, a Chicoutimi, Quebec-based geologist holds a Ph.D. degree in Mineral Resources Studies from the Universite du Quebec a Chicoutimi.

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.
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.

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

SOURCE: Focus Graphite Inc.

mailto:geconomo@focusgraphite.com
http://www.focusgraphite.com

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Rodinia Lithium getting on Analysts radar screens!

Rodinia Lithium Inc.

TSX VENTURE : RM
OTCQX : RDNAF

August 2011

Salman Partners Inc. Initiates Analyst Coverage of Rodinia Lithium Inc.

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Aug. 23, 2011) - Rodinia Lithium Inc. ("Rodinia" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:RM)(OTCQX:RDNAF) is pleased to announce that Salman Partners Inc. ("Salman") has initiated analyst coverage of Rodinia. For further information, please contact Mr. Ray Goldie at Salman. Mr. Goldie can be reached by email at rgoldie@salmanpartners.com or by telephone at (416) 214-2749.

About Rodinia Lithium Inc.:

Rodinia Lithium Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company with a primary focus on Lithium exploration and development in North and South America. The Company is also actively exploring the commercialization of a significant Potash co-product that is expected to be recoverable through the lithium harvesting process.

Rodinia's Salar de Diablillos lithium-brine project in Salta, Argentina, contains a resource of 2.82 million tonnes lithium carbonate equivalent and 11.27 million tonnes potassium chloride equivalent. The project contains an inferred resource of 952,553,000 m³ grading 556 mg/L lithium and 6,206 mg/L potassium. Throughout 2011, Rodinia will focus on continuing to develop the Diablillos project by completing additional drilling and advancing through scoping study.

The Company also holds 100% mineral rights to approximately 70,000 acres in Nevada's lithium-rich Clayton Valley in Esmeralda County, and is currently in the process of assessing the size, quality and processing alternatives of this deposit. The Clayton Valley project is located in the only known lithium-brine bearing salt lake in North America, and looks to represent the only new source for domestic lithium carbonate supply.
The Projects are supervised by Ray Spanjers, Rodinia's Manager of Exploration. Mr. Spanjers is considered a Qualified Person, as defined by National Instrument 43‐101 and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this press release.

Please visit the Company's web site at www.rodinialithium.com or write us at info@rodinialithium.com.

Cautionary Notes
Except for statements of historical fact contained herein, the information in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities law. Such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "plans", "proposes", "estimates", "intends", "expects", "believes", "may", "will" and include without limitation, statements regarding the initiation of the analyst coverage, impact of the drill program at the Diablillos property and results of such drill program; the potential of the Diablillos property; anticipated timing with respect to the completion of a preliminary economic assessment, the potential results and timetable for further exploration with respect to the Clayton Valley project and the Diablillos property, the timetable with respect to future acquisitions and exploration developments at Clayton Valley and Diablillos, timetable for further exploration, analysis and development, title disputes or claims; and governmental approvals and regulation. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate; actual results and future events could differ materially from such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others, metal prices, competition, financing risks, acquisition risks, risks inherent in the mining industry, and regulatory risks. Most of these factors are outside the control of the Company. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as otherwise required by applicable securities statutes or regulation, the Company expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

NEITHER THE 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.

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Meet the king of Seabed mining

Nautilus Minerals Inc.

TSX : NUS
AIM : NUS

August 15, 2011 08:16 ET

Nautilus Minerals Reports Solid First Half Results

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Aug. 15, 2011) - Nautilus Minerals Inc. (TSX:NUS)(AIM:NUS) achieved a series of important operational milestones in its pioneering seafloor production project during the first six months of 2011, and ended the period with a healthy cash balance of US$112 million.
The highlights of the half-year were as follows:

• In January, the PNG (Papua New Guinea)  Government granted Nautilus a Mining Lease to enable production at the company's first development project at Solwara 1, in the Bismarck Sea. The lease provides Nautilus with a 20 year license to mine an area of approximately 59 km² surrounding Solwara 1, 50 km north of Rabaul, where Nautilus intends to mine high-grade copper and gold deposits on the seafloor, at depths of approximately 1600 metres. (For the full release see Links section below) 
• In March, the PNG Government confirmed its intention to take a 30% stake in the Solwara 1 project as a joint venture partner. The Government will contribute funds to the project in proportion to its interest, including its share of the exploration and development costs incurred to date. The initial contribution to be made by the Government's nominee, Petromin PNG Holdings Limited, will be approximately US$24 million. The audit of the final amount has recently been completed with payment to be made in accordance with detailed project agreements being finalised by the parties.
• In April, the company announced an agreement to form a joint venture with German shipping company Harren & Partner, to own and operate a production support vessel which will serve as the operational base for Nautilus at Solwara 1. Under the terms of the strategic partnership, Harren will design and construct the vessel at a cost of approximately EUR127 million, with delivery scheduled for the first half of 2013.
• And in May, the company completed a major exploration drilling campaign in the Bismarck Sea, which has delivered an enhanced understanding of the Solwara 1 deposit and identified potential subsequent development sites.

Since the end of the first half, the company has also announced two major advances in exploration.

• Nautilus Minerals' Tongan subsidiary, Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd. (TOML), became one of the first private sector organisations to be granted exploration licences in the highly prospective Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) of the Eastern Pacific in July. Sponsored by the Tongan Government, TOML was granted approximately 75,000 km² of prime exploration territory in the CCZ, which lies in international waters between Hawaii and Mexico. As a result of exploration conducted in the 1980s, the CCZ is known to host hundreds of millions of tonnes of polymetallic nodules, rich in copper, nickel, manganese and cobalt, lying on the seafloor in water depths starting at 4500 metres.
• The Fijian government this month granted Nautilus 14 special prospecting licences in its territorial waters, covering a total of approximately 60,000 km² of highly prospective territory. Nautilus is the first private sector organisation to be granted offshore exploration permits in Fiji.

Following the continued extensive investment in the development phase of the Solwara 1 project during the six months to June, the company today announced a first half loss of US$7.98 million, which was significantly reduced from US$18.75 million in the six months to June 2010.
The reduction in losses was largely a result of the company capitalising exploration and evaluation expenditure at Solwara 1 following receipt of the Mining Lease in January.
The net cash position remained strong at US$112 million at the end of the period, following additional investment of US$42 million in plant & equipment and mineral properties during the six months.
"Nautilus made excellent progress in the first half of 2011, achieving a number of important milestones," said CEO Steve Rogers.
"Our financial position remains healthy and strong global commodity prices continue to enhance the business proposition. Significant value has been added over recent months as our exploration programs have yielded encouraging results, and we have gained additional highly prospective exploration territory in Fiji and International waters.
"We look forward to the delivery of components for our seafloor production equipment and the announcement of a resource update in the second half of the year," he said.
Conference Call
A Conference Call and Webcast will be held on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. EDT (Toronto), 2:00 p.m. BST (London).
Webcast link:
http://www.media-server.com/m/p/b33wpd55
Dial-in numbers:
International Dial In: +61 2 8524 6650
Australia: 1800 148 258
Canada: 18668374489
United Kingdom: 08000569662
United States of America: 18665862813
If your country dial-in number is not included here please email nmd@nautilusminerals.com.
A presentation to support the conference call will be posted on http://www.nautilusminerals.com for download by 8:30 a.m. EDT (Toronto) on Tuesday, August 16, 2011.
Links
Nautilus Granted Mining Lease
http://www.nautilusminerals.com/s/Media-NewsReleases.asp?ReportID=437932
The Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis have been filed on www.sedar.com and are also available on the Company's website www.nautilusminerals.com/s/Investors-Financials.asp.
Nautilus Minerals Inc.
Nautilus is the first company to commercially explore the ocean floor for polymetallic seafloor massive sulphide deposits and is currently developing its first project at Solwara 1, in the territorial waters of Papua New Guinea.
Nautilus is listed on the TSX and AIM stock exchanges, and has among its largest shareholders two of the world's leading international resource companies Anglo American (11.1%) and Teck Resources (6.8%), as well as Metalloinvest, one of the largest and fastest growing mining and metallurgical holding companies in Russia, which beneficially owns 21% of the Company's issued shares through Gazmetall Holding (Cyprus) Limited.
Certain of the statements made in this news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities law. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to statements or information with respect to the formation of a joint venture with Harren & Partner, the delivery of the PSV in the first half of 2013 for a price of US$171 million and the finalisation of project agreements with Petromin PNG Holdings Limited. We have made numerous assumptions about the material forward-looking statements and information contained herein, including among other things, that the joint venture partners will continue to negotiate with Nautilus and the negotiations will be successfully concluded, Even though our management believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statement or information will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others, the risk that the conditions precedent to the agreement with Harren & Partner will not be satisfied, that agreements with Petromin are not successfully concluded or that the exploration and special prospecting licences obtained in the Clarion Clipperton Zone and Fiji respectively are not highly prospective. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements and information. Although we have attempted to identify factors that would cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and information, there may be other factors that cause actual results, performances, achievements or events to not be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Also, many of the factors are beyond our control. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Except as required by law, we do not expect to update forward-looking statements and information as conditions change and you are referred to the full discussion of the Company's business contained in the Company's reports filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada.

Neither the TSX nor the London Stock Exchange accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Contact Information

• 
  
  Nautilus Minerals Inc. (Toronto)
  Investor Relations
  +1 (416) 551 1100
  investor@nautilusminerals.com
  
  Nautilus Minerals Inc.
  Joe Dowling
  Vice President Investor Relations and Communications
  +61 (7) 3318 5544 or Cell: +61 431 365 741
  jjd@nautilusminerals.com
  www.nautilusminerals.com
  
  Numis Securities Limited
  John Harrison
  Nominated Adviser
  + 44(0) 20 7260 1000
  
  Numis Securities Limited
  James Black
  Corporate Broking
  + 44(0) 20 7260 1000
  
  

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Nautilus Minerals Granted more Exploration Tenements, this time in Fijian Waters

Nautilus Minerals Inc.
TSX : NUS
AIM : NUS

August 11, 2011 09:24 ET

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Aug. 11, 2011) - Nautilus Minerals Inc (TSX:NUS)(AIM:NUS) has become the first private sector organisation to be granted offshore exploration licences in Fiji.

The Fijian Government has granted the company 14 special prospecting licences, covering a total of approximately 60,000 km². The territory is considered highly prospective, having been the subject of marine research by Japanese, French and other scientific cruises in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The licences each have an initial term of two years.

Under the terms of a regional area of interest agreement signed with Teck Resources in 2007, Teck holds the right to earn an interest in the Fijian tenements by contributing to exploration spending. Teck has not yet indicated whether it intends to exercise that right.

Following the grant of the Fijian leases, Nautilus holds exclusive exploration tenements covering a total of approximately 230,000 km² in the western Pacific, and has applied for a further 370,000 km², taking the total to approximately 600,000 km² (www.nautilusminerals.com/i/pdf/FijiTenementsAug11.pdf).

Nautilus' CEO, Steve Rogers said the award of the licences was an important step forward for Nautilus and for Fiji.

"The territory is very promising and has the potential to host significant high grade deposits of copper, zinc, silver and gold.

"Following the recent grant of exploration licences by the International Seabed Authority, the Fijian government's decision to select Nautilus as the first private sector, commercial organisation to be granted offshore exploration leases reconfirms the leading status of Nautilus in this new industry," he said.
Nautilus is developing the world's first deepwater seafloor resource development project at Solwara 1, in the Bismarck Sea of Papua New Guinea. The project is well advanced, with all permitting in place and construction of remote-controlled seafloor production equipment having commenced.

About Nautilus Minerals Inc.
Nautilus is the first company to commercially explore the ocean floor for polymetallic seafloor massive sulphide deposits and is currently developing its first project at Solwara 1, in the territorial waters of Papua New Guinea in the western Pacific Ocean. Nautilus is listed on the TSX and AIM stock exchanges, and has among its largest shareholders two of the world's leading international resource companies Anglo American (11.1%) and Teck Resources (6.8%), as well as Metalloinvest, one of the largest and fastest growing mining and metallurgical holding companies in Russia, which beneficially owns 21.0% of the Company's issued shares through Gazmetall Holding (Cyprus) Limited. 

Neither the TSX nor the London Stock Exchange accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Contact Information

• 
  
  Nautilus Minerals Inc.
  Investor Relations
  +1 (416) 551 1100
  investor@nautilusminerals.com
  
  Nautilus Minerals Inc.
  Joe Dowling
  Vice President Investor Relations and Communications
  +61 (7) 3318 5544 or Cell: +61 431 365 741
  jjd@nautilusminerals.com
  www.nautilusminerals.com
  
  Numis Securities Limited
  John Harrison
  Nominated adviser
  + 44(0) 20 7260 1000
  
  Numis Securities Limited
  James Black
  Corporate broking
  + 44(0) 20 7260 1000

Related articles

• Nautilus Minerals is leading the undersea mining business of the 21st century. (retirefunds.blogspot.com)
• Lets try this again boys...Deepwater Digging for Minerals and Ore, take 2. (gcaptain.com)
• Canadian resource companies looking like winners (business.financialpost.com)
• Seabed mining on Pacific agenda (bbc.co.uk)