"Patience is a Super Power" - "The Money is in the waiting"
Showing posts with label graphene supplier. Show all posts
Showing posts with label graphene supplier. 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.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Flinders Resumes Graphite Sales From the Woxna Graphite Project, Sweden

Flinders Resources LimitedFlinders Resources Limited

TSX VENTURE : FDR
PINKSHEETS : FLNXF



July 09, 2013 08:30 ET



VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - July 9, 2013) - Flinders Resources Limited ("Flinders") (TSX VENTURE:FDR)(PINKSHEETS:FLNXF) announces that the first truckload for 2013 of reprocessed graphite from Flinders' Woxna Graphite Mine in Sweden was recently delivered to Germany.
The drying, screening and packing circuits of the Kringel processing plant were successfully restarted in May after the winter break and production of graphite from stockpiled material is underway. Several hundred tonnes of graphite remain from a stockpile that was built up when Woxna was last mined up to 2001.
So far this year, Flinders has delivered commercial volumes of graphite to Swedish and German customers and has orders for the balance of Woxna's stockpiled graphite.
Mr. McFarlane states: "The resumption of graphite processing and sales has reinstated awareness of the Woxna Graphite brand in Europe. Discussions are underway with customers about secure future graphite supply from Woxna once mining resumes. Feedback from customers is that the Woxna brand invokes positive recognition for its consistent performance and close proximity of the mine to customers, supporting the view that Woxna graphite will find a receptive European market."

On behalf of the Board
Martin McFarlane, President and CEO

About Flinders Resources
Flinders Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:FDR) owns 100% of the Woxna Graphite Mine, a unique and strategic European graphite project in central Sweden. The Woxna Mine, with rated capacity of 10,000+ tonnes per year of flake graphite, operated from 1996 to 2001 when production was halted due to falling graphite prices. Since then, the Woxna Project has been held on care and maintenance.

Today graphite prices are significantly higher than in 2001 underpinned by strong growth in graphite demand driven by a combination of steady growth in traditional uses such as steel production, lubricants, brake linings and batteries as well as double digit growth from new applications, in particular batteries for portable electronics and hybrid and electric vehicles.

Materially better graphite price today and forecast growth in graphite demand is why Flinders is evaluating re-starting the Woxna graphite mine. Flinders' Woxna mine is substantially funded, fully permitted, constructed and with moderate capital investment is ready to be brought back to production. The Woxna Project is unique due to its high quality large graphite flake, long life expandable resource, first class existing infrastructure, potential to upgrade to value added lithium battery graphite and its strategic position within the European Union.

Certain information set out in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "Forward-Looking Statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are Forward-Looking Statements. Forward-Looking Statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "can", "should", "could", or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. Forward-Looking Statements are based upon the opinions and expectations of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Forward-Looking Statements are subject to a number of factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the Forward-Looking Statements including, among other things, the Company has yet to generate a profit from its activities; there can be no guarantee that the estimates of quantities or qualities of minerals disclosed in the Company's public record will be economically recoverable; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; competition with other companies within the mining industry; the success of the Company is largely dependent upon the performance of its directors and officers and the Company's ability to attract and train key personnel; changes in world metal markets and equity markets beyond the Company's control; mineral reserves are, in the large part, estimates and no assurance can be given that the anticipated tonnages and grades will be achieved or that the indicated level of recovery will be realized; production rates and capital and other costs may vary significantly from estimates; unexpected geological conditions; delays in obtaining or failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals from government authorities; all phases of a mining business present environmental and safety risks and hazards and are subject to environmental and safety regulation, and rehabilitation and restitution costs; the Company does not maintain insurance against environmental risks; and management of the Company have experience in mineral exploration but may lack all or some of the necessary technical training and experience to successfully develop and operate a mine.

Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the Forward-Looking Statements, and the assumptions on which such Forward-Looking Statements are made, are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which the Forward-Looking Statements are based will occur. Forward-Looking Statements herein are made as at the date hereof, and unless otherwise required by law, the Company does not intend, or assume any obligation, to update these Forward-Looking Statements.
NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS SUCH TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE

Contact Information


Flinders Resources Limited
Jim Powell
+1 647-478-5806
info@flindersresources.com
www.flindersresources.com

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

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

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.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Brigus Gold reports more high grade drilling results at new Grey Fox site!

Company News Alert
High Grade Drilling Results to Expand the Resource at Grey Fox (bwire)

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (Business Wire) -- Brigus Gold Corp. (“Brigus” or the “Company”) (NYSE MKT: BRD; TSX: BRD) is pleased to report additional drilling results from its ongoing drill program at the 147 Zone, including high grade gold intercepts of 8.7 grams per tonne over 21 metres and 6.2 grams per tonne over 25 metres. 

“It is clear that the Grey Fox resource is more significant than initially reported,” said Howard Bird, Brigus' Senior Vice President of Exploration. “These high grade drill results are located outside of our current resource estimate and will expand the gold resource on the Grey Fox property.” 

Next quarter, the Company plans to release an updated NI 43-101 resource estimate on the Grey Fox property followed by a full feasibility study in Q3 2013.

Highlights from the 147 Zone which remains open for expansion:
Hole Number      
From
(m)
     
To
(m)
     
Core Length
(m)
     
Gold Grade
grams/tonne
      Grams X Width
                                 
Open Pit Potential
GF12-510       149.30       163.00       13.70       1.98       27
GF12-514       168.00       195.25       27.25       2.97       81
including       168.00       173.00       5.00       11.88       59
GF12-527       138.00       148.00       10.00       1.77       18
GF12-533       167.00       175.00       8.00       2.92       23
        190.00       211.00       21.00       8.72       183
Underground Potential
GF12-566       218.30       223.00       4.70       12.42       58
GF12-574       203.00       211.80       8.80       2.25       20
        265.00       290.00       25.00       6.17       154
GF12-575       279.00       294.00       15.00       6.48       97
GF12-639       434.00       445.00       11.00       5.35       59
All assays are capped at 100 gpt gold, average gold grades over core length widths.
 
“Currently we have four drill rigs turning on the 147 Zone and one rig on the Contact Zone,” said Bird. “Drill results are demonstrating excellent potential for both an open pit and underground mine on the Grey Fox property.”
Brigus' 2013 Grey Fox drilling program is designed to extend and expand both the 147 and Contact zones through systematic drilling along strike and below the 200m level. Recent drilling results from below the 200m level prove strong continuity in the down-dip especially with hole GF12-639 intersecting 5.35 grams per tonne gold over 11 metres at a vertical depth of 380 metres below surface.

Details of the most recent 147 Zone drill holes, the 147 Zone drill-hole location map and a long section map can be found on the Company's website at www.brigusgold.com.

Surface drilling was conducted by Norex Drilling and was supervised by the Brigus exploration team. All sample analyses reported herein were performed by Polymet Labs of Cobalt, Ontario, which is ISO 9001:2000 certified in North America using standard fire assay procedures. Intercepts cited do not necessarily represent true widths, unless otherwise noted. Brigus Gold's quality control checks include insertion of blanks, standards and duplicates to ensure laboratory accuracy. Senior Exploration Project Manager John A. Dixon, P. Geo., reviewed the technical exploration information in this release as the Qualified Person for the Company.

About Brigus Gold
Brigus is a growing Canadian gold producer committed to maximizing shareholder value through a strategy of efficient production, targeted exploration and select acquisitions. The Company operates the wholly owned Black Fox mine and mill in the Timmins Gold District of Ontario, Canada. The Black Fox Complex encompasses the Black Fox mine, the new Grey Fox property and adjoining properties in the Township of Black River-Matheson, Ontario, Canada. The Black Fox mine is in production and the Grey Fox mine, located four kilometres from Black Fox is in development. Brigus is also advancing the Goldfields Project located near Uranium City, Saskatchewan, Canada, which hosts the Box and Athona gold deposits. In Mexico, Brigus owns the Ixhuatan Project located in the state of Chiapas. In the Dominican Republic, Brigus has signed an agreement to sell its remaining interests in three mineral exploration projects.

Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this news release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements that involve risk, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements regarding the Company's ability to successfully expand the Black Fox Complex gold resource, add to Black Fox resources, advance new discoveries to production, convert resource estimates into near-term production, release of an updated mineral resource estimate in 2012 and the Black Fox underground mine exploration drilling program and continue to obtain positive down dip continuity of significant gold mineralization are forward-looking statements and estimates that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include environmental risks and other factors disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Brigus Gold's most recent Annual Information Form and Management Discussion and Analysis filed under the company's name at www.sedar.com and annual report on Form 40-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and elsewhere in Brigus Gold's documents filed from time to time with the Toronto Stock Exchange, the NYSE Amex, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory authorities. All forward-looking statements included in this news release are based on information available to the Company on the date hereof. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities laws. Source: Brigus Gold Corp.


Brigus Gold Corp.
Kate Wood, 902-442-7184
Manager, Investor Relations
kwood@brigusgold.com