Showing posts with label nanotech. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nanotech. Show all posts
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Friday, March 8, 2013
Focus Graphite Reports Preliminary Phase II Locked Cycle Tests from Lac Knife Yield High Purity 96.6% C Flake Graphite
Focus Graphite Inc. 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:
All carbon analyses were performed by SGS and are reported as
total carbon (C). The analytical methods that were used to determine
the metallurgical results included double loss on ignition analysis
(double LOI) and total carbon analysis by Leco on the final
concentrates. The lower grade tailings products were analyzed by the
graphitic carbon method to discount the organic carbon and carbonate
carbon in the samples.
Final Phase II LCT results including for the two (2) composite core samples comprising of massive graphite are pending.
"The findings from the Phase I and Phase II metallurgical testing program have been incorporated into the design of the flow sheet for the pilot plant scheduled for start-up in late March or early April," said Dr. Joseph Doninger, Director of Manufacturing and Technology for Focus Graphite.
The purpose of the pilot plant is to confirm the results from Phase II LCTs, produce graphite flake samples for customer evaluations and generate graphite raw materials for further upgrading.
Focus President and CEO Gary Economo said "These latest results continue to confirm Lac Knife's status as an exceptional flake graphite project.
"The very high carbon content of our fine (-200 mesh ) graphite flake could provide a low cost raw material that could be upgraded to the high purity carbon levels that lithium-ion battery manufacturers require.
"It supports our technology focus on the lithium-ion battery market for transportation and energy applications," Mr. Economo said. "It allows us to assign the much higher-priced large flake to other high-technology projects.
"Ultimately, it ends a misconception in the marketplace that only large flake graphite is suitable for battery-grade materials."
These results will also allow Focus to advance its discussions with potential customers, Mr. Economo said.
About SGS Metallurgical Services (Lakefield)
SGS Canada Inc. ("SGS") is recognized as a world leader in the development of flow sheets and pilot plant programs. SGS' Metallurgical Services division was founded over half a century ago. Its metallurgists, hydrometallurgists and chemical engineers are experienced in all the major physical and chemical separation processes utilized in the recovery of metals and minerals contained in resource properties around the world.
About Focus Graphite
Focus Graphite Inc. is an emerging mid-tier junior mining development company, a technology solutions supplier and a business innovator. Focus is the owner of the Lac Knife graphite deposit located in the Côte-Nord region of northeastern Québec. The Lac Knife project hosts a NI 43-101 compliant Measured and Indicated mineral resource of 4.972 Mt grading 15.7% carbon as crystalline graphite with an additional Inferred mineral resource of 3.000 Mt grading 15.6% crystalline graphite. Focus' goal is to assume an industry leadership position by becoming a low-cost producer of technology-grade graphite. On October 29th, 2012 the Company released the results of a Preliminary Economic Analysis ("PEA") of the Lac Knife project which demonstrates that the project has robust economics* and excellent potential to become a profitable producer of graphite. As a technology-oriented enterprise with a view to building long-term, sustainable shareholder value, Focus invests in the development of graphene applications and patents through Grafoid Inc.
* Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
The information pertaining to the metallurgical test program completed by SGS that is presented in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Oliver Peters, M.Sc., P.Eng, MBA, SGS Canada Inc. Consulting Metallurgist.
This news release has been reviewed by Mr. Marc-Andre Bernier, M.Sc., P.Geo. (Ontario and Québec), Focus Graphite Director and Technical Advisor and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101.
Forward Looking Statements - Disclaimer
This news release may contain forward looking statements, being statements which are not historical facts, and discussions of future plans and objectives. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove accurate. Such statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those anticipated or projected. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are in our documents filed from time to time with the TSX Venture Exchange and provincial securities regulators, most of which are available at www.sedar.com. Focus Graphite disclaims any intention or obligation to revise or update such statements.
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
Final Phase II LCT results including for the two (2) composite core samples comprising of massive graphite are pending.
"The findings from the Phase I and Phase II metallurgical testing program have been incorporated into the design of the flow sheet for the pilot plant scheduled for start-up in late March or early April," said Dr. Joseph Doninger, Director of Manufacturing and Technology for Focus Graphite.
The purpose of the pilot plant is to confirm the results from Phase II LCTs, produce graphite flake samples for customer evaluations and generate graphite raw materials for further upgrading.
Focus President and CEO Gary Economo said "These latest results continue to confirm Lac Knife's status as an exceptional flake graphite project.
"The very high carbon content of our fine (-200 mesh ) graphite flake could provide a low cost raw material that could be upgraded to the high purity carbon levels that lithium-ion battery manufacturers require.
"It supports our technology focus on the lithium-ion battery market for transportation and energy applications," Mr. Economo said. "It allows us to assign the much higher-priced large flake to other high-technology projects.
"Ultimately, it ends a misconception in the marketplace that only large flake graphite is suitable for battery-grade materials."
These results will also allow Focus to advance its discussions with potential customers, Mr. Economo said.
About SGS Metallurgical Services (Lakefield)
SGS Canada Inc. ("SGS") is recognized as a world leader in the development of flow sheets and pilot plant programs. SGS' Metallurgical Services division was founded over half a century ago. Its metallurgists, hydrometallurgists and chemical engineers are experienced in all the major physical and chemical separation processes utilized in the recovery of metals and minerals contained in resource properties around the world.
About Focus Graphite
Focus Graphite Inc. is an emerging mid-tier junior mining development company, a technology solutions supplier and a business innovator. Focus is the owner of the Lac Knife graphite deposit located in the Côte-Nord region of northeastern Québec. The Lac Knife project hosts a NI 43-101 compliant Measured and Indicated mineral resource of 4.972 Mt grading 15.7% carbon as crystalline graphite with an additional Inferred mineral resource of 3.000 Mt grading 15.6% crystalline graphite. Focus' goal is to assume an industry leadership position by becoming a low-cost producer of technology-grade graphite. On October 29th, 2012 the Company released the results of a Preliminary Economic Analysis ("PEA") of the Lac Knife project which demonstrates that the project has robust economics* and excellent potential to become a profitable producer of graphite. As a technology-oriented enterprise with a view to building long-term, sustainable shareholder value, Focus invests in the development of graphene applications and patents through Grafoid Inc.
* Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
The information pertaining to the metallurgical test program completed by SGS that is presented in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Oliver Peters, M.Sc., P.Eng, MBA, SGS Canada Inc. Consulting Metallurgist.
This news release has been reviewed by Mr. Marc-Andre Bernier, M.Sc., P.Geo. (Ontario and Québec), Focus Graphite Director and Technical Advisor and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101.
Forward Looking Statements - Disclaimer
This news release may contain forward looking statements, being statements which are not historical facts, and discussions of future plans and objectives. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove accurate. Such statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those anticipated or projected. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are in our documents filed from time to time with the TSX Venture Exchange and provincial securities regulators, most of which are available at www.sedar.com. Focus Graphite disclaims any intention or obligation to revise or update such statements.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its
Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of
the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.
Contact Information
Focus Graphite Inc.
Mr. Gary Economo
President and Chief Executive Officer
613-691-1091, ext. 101
geconomo@focusgraphite.com
www.focusgraphite.com
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Focus Graphite Announces R&D Agreement Between Grafoid Inc. and Hydro-Quebec's IREQ for Next Generation LFP-Graphene Batteries
20 hours ago by Marketwire Focus Graphite Inc (TSX VENTURE: FMS)(OTCQX: FCSMF)(FRANKFURT: FKC)
is pleased to announce that Grafoid Inc. - in which Focus Graphite
holds a 40% ownership stake - has executed a three-year research and
development agreement with Hydro-Quebec's Research Institute for the
development of next generation rechargeable batteries using graphene
with lithium iron phosphate materials.
Focus Graphite President and CEO Gary Economo, who holds the same position with Grafoid, announced the signing of the joint R&D agreement with Dr. Karim Zaghib, Director Storage and Conversion of Energy at Hydro-Quebec's research and development division, l'Institut de recherche d'Hydro-Quebec (IREQ).
The 50-50 collaborative agreement sets out terms with the objective of creating patentable inventions by combining graphene, supplied by Grafoid, with Hydro-Quebec's patented lithium iron phosphate technologies.
Two key, specific commercial target markets - the rechargeable automobile battery sectors and batteries for mobile electronic devices used in smartphones, computing tablets and laptop computers - were identified in the agreement.
Hydro-Quebec will study Grafoid's graphene conductivity, electrochemical performance and its effects in electrode formulations, electrolyte and separator optimizations. Detailed characterizations of Grafoid's supplied materials will be undertaken at IREQ's cutting edge facilities using its advanced electron microscopy, spectrographic and other in-house technologies.
Hydro-Quebec will also supply lithium iron phosphate materials and its electrochemistry know how which it acquired under license from famed American inventor Dr. John Goodenough.
Grafoid, in addition to providing graphene materials, brings knowledge acquired during its own development of functionalized graphene and its experience in proving graphene's economic scalability.
"This agreement is noteworthy for numerous reasons," said Mr. Economo.
"This is our first major graphene collaboration with a Quebec and a
Canadian global giant in renewable energy research and development.
And the source of our graphene is Focus Graphite's Lac Knife, Quebec
technology graphite deposit.
"Commercially, and ultimately, our technology development partnership with Hydro-Quebec aims to produce high capacity, LFP-graphene batteries with ultra short charging times and longer recyclable lifetimes," Mr. Economo said.
He said the parties chose to focus their collaboration on LFP-graphene batteries and materials because of their short-term-to-market potential.
About Focus Graphite
Focus Graphite Inc. is an emerging mid-tier junior mining development company, a technology solutions supplier and a business innovator. Focus is the owner of the Lac Knife graphite deposit located in the Cote-Nord region of northeastern Quebec. The Lac Knife project hosts a NI 43-101 compliant Measured and Indicated mineral resource of 4.972 Mt grading 15.7% carbon as crystalline graphite with an additional Inferred mineral resource of 3.000 Mt grading 15.6% crystalline graphite Focus' goal is to assume an industry leadership position by becoming a low-cost producer of technology-grade graphite. On October 29th, 2012 the Company released the results of a Preliminary Economic Analysis ("PEA") of the Lac Knife project which demonstrates that the project has robust economics and excellent potential to become a profitable producer of graphite. As a technology-oriented enterprise with a view to building long-term, sustainable shareholder value, Focus Graphite is also investing in the development of graphene applications and patents through Grafoid Inc.
About Grafoid Inc.
Grafoid, Inc. is a privately held Canadian corporation investing in graphene applications and economically scalable production processes for graphene and graphene derivatives from raw, unprocessed, graphite ore. Focus Graphite Inc., holds a 40% interest in Grafoid Inc.
About IREQ
Hydro-Quebec's research institute, IREQ, is a global leader in the development of advanced materials for battery manufacturing and creates leading edge processes from its state of the art facilities. IREQ holds more than 100 patent rights and has issued over 40 licenses for battery materials to some of the world's most successful battery manufacturers and materials suppliers. Its areas of expertise include energy storage and IREQ is a lead partner with private sector companies in Quebec to build EV and HEV charging stations in support of its technology developments. Its material development contributions are helping to develop safe, high-performance lithium ion batteries that can be charged more quickly and a greater number of times. IREQ promotes open innovation and partners with private firms, universities, government agencies and research centers in Quebec and abroad. Its partnerships allow IREQ to develop, industrialize and market technologies resulting from those innovation projects.
About Hydro-Quebec
Hydro-Quebec is Canada's largest electricity producer among the world's largest hydroelectric power producers and a public utility that generates, transmits and distributes electricity. Its sole shareholder is the Quebec government. It primarily exploits renewable generating options, in particular hydropower, and supports the development of wind energy through purchases from independent power producers. Its research institute, IREQ, conducts R&D in energy efficiency, energy storage and other energy-related fields. Hydro-Quebec invests more than $100 million per year in research.
Focus Graphite President and CEO Gary Economo, who holds the same position with Grafoid, announced the signing of the joint R&D agreement with Dr. Karim Zaghib, Director Storage and Conversion of Energy at Hydro-Quebec's research and development division, l'Institut de recherche d'Hydro-Quebec (IREQ).
The 50-50 collaborative agreement sets out terms with the objective of creating patentable inventions by combining graphene, supplied by Grafoid, with Hydro-Quebec's patented lithium iron phosphate technologies.
Two key, specific commercial target markets - the rechargeable automobile battery sectors and batteries for mobile electronic devices used in smartphones, computing tablets and laptop computers - were identified in the agreement.
Hydro-Quebec will study Grafoid's graphene conductivity, electrochemical performance and its effects in electrode formulations, electrolyte and separator optimizations. Detailed characterizations of Grafoid's supplied materials will be undertaken at IREQ's cutting edge facilities using its advanced electron microscopy, spectrographic and other in-house technologies.
Hydro-Quebec will also supply lithium iron phosphate materials and its electrochemistry know how which it acquired under license from famed American inventor Dr. John Goodenough.
Grafoid, in addition to providing graphene materials, brings knowledge acquired during its own development of functionalized graphene and its experience in proving graphene's economic scalability.
"This agreement is noteworthy for numerous reasons," said Mr. Economo.
"Commercially, and ultimately, our technology development partnership with Hydro-Quebec aims to produce high capacity, LFP-graphene batteries with ultra short charging times and longer recyclable lifetimes," Mr. Economo said.
He said the parties chose to focus their collaboration on LFP-graphene batteries and materials because of their short-term-to-market potential.
About Focus Graphite
Focus Graphite Inc. is an emerging mid-tier junior mining development company, a technology solutions supplier and a business innovator. Focus is the owner of the Lac Knife graphite deposit located in the Cote-Nord region of northeastern Quebec. The Lac Knife project hosts a NI 43-101 compliant Measured and Indicated mineral resource of 4.972 Mt grading 15.7% carbon as crystalline graphite with an additional Inferred mineral resource of 3.000 Mt grading 15.6% crystalline graphite Focus' goal is to assume an industry leadership position by becoming a low-cost producer of technology-grade graphite. On October 29th, 2012 the Company released the results of a Preliminary Economic Analysis ("PEA") of the Lac Knife project which demonstrates that the project has robust economics and excellent potential to become a profitable producer of graphite. As a technology-oriented enterprise with a view to building long-term, sustainable shareholder value, Focus Graphite is also investing in the development of graphene applications and patents through Grafoid Inc.
About Grafoid Inc.
Grafoid, Inc. is a privately held Canadian corporation investing in graphene applications and economically scalable production processes for graphene and graphene derivatives from raw, unprocessed, graphite ore. Focus Graphite Inc., holds a 40% interest in Grafoid Inc.
About IREQ
Hydro-Quebec's research institute, IREQ, is a global leader in the development of advanced materials for battery manufacturing and creates leading edge processes from its state of the art facilities. IREQ holds more than 100 patent rights and has issued over 40 licenses for battery materials to some of the world's most successful battery manufacturers and materials suppliers. Its areas of expertise include energy storage and IREQ is a lead partner with private sector companies in Quebec to build EV and HEV charging stations in support of its technology developments. Its material development contributions are helping to develop safe, high-performance lithium ion batteries that can be charged more quickly and a greater number of times. IREQ promotes open innovation and partners with private firms, universities, government agencies and research centers in Quebec and abroad. Its partnerships allow IREQ to develop, industrialize and market technologies resulting from those innovation projects.
About Hydro-Quebec
Hydro-Quebec is Canada's largest electricity producer among the world's largest hydroelectric power producers and a public utility that generates, transmits and distributes electricity. Its sole shareholder is the Quebec government. It primarily exploits renewable generating options, in particular hydropower, and supports the development of wind energy through purchases from independent power producers. Its research institute, IREQ, conducts R&D in energy efficiency, energy storage and other energy-related fields. Hydro-Quebec invests more than $100 million per year in research.
Contacts: Focus Graphite Inc. Mr. Gary Economo President and CEO 613-691-1091 ext. 101 geconomo@focusgraphite.comSOURCE: Focus Graphite Inc.
mailto:geconomo@focusgraphite.com
Monday, October 29, 2012
Graphene Market is the Focus for Focus Graphite
Focus Graphite Announces Positive Preliminary Economic Assessment of Lac Knife Project
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 29, 2012) -
Focus Graphite Inc. ("Focus" or the "Company") (TSX
VENTURE:FMS)(OTCQX:FCSMF)(FRANKFURT:FKC) announces positive results of
the Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") on its Lac Knife Graphite
Project ("Lac Knife" or the "Project"). The PEA was prepared by Roscoe
Postle Associates Inc. ("RPA"), in collaboration with Soutex Inc.
("Soutex" - responsible for metallurgy and mineral processing) and
demonstrates that the Project has robust economics and excellent
potential to become a profitable producer of graphite. Highlights of the
PEA are summarized below:
Operational Highlights:
Gary Economo, President and CEO of Focus Graphite, stated, "This is a great day for the Canadian graphite industry, our shareholders and the province of Québec. Lac Knife is a world-class resource and the publication of our Preliminary Economic Assessment confirms Focus has the potential to become one of the highest-grade lowest-cost producers of graphite in the world. We enter a new phase now, where we can expedite our financing, advance customer off-take agreements, and construction of our purification and anode facilities."
PEA SUMMARY
Project Location
The Project is located in the Côte-Nord administrative region of Québec. Fermont is the closest community and is located 27 km north-north east of the Project. Road distance from Montreal to Lac Knife is approximately 1,300 km and by all-season highway 389, it is 500 km from Baie-Comeau to Fermont. The municipalities of Wabush and Labrador City, in Newfoundland and Labrador are located 30 km from Fermont, and Wabush is home to a commercial airport with regular flights to Sept-Iles, Québec, and Montréal.
Geology and Mineral Resources
The Project hosts graphite enriched metasediments. Graphite occurs as lenses and bands. Currently, graphite rich rocks have been identified from drilling undertaken in 1989 and more recently in 2010-2011 with 12 drill holes aimed at twining the older holes with the objective of confirming the 1989 grade and lithology information. The mineralized zone extends approximately 650 m in length and 120 m in thickness. Mineralization reaches the surface under a layer of overburden. Mineralization is intersected at depths reaching 110 m. There is potential for the delineation of additional Mineral Resources at greater depth and along strike to the south.
On January 19, 2012, Focus released an initial NI 43-101 compliant Mineral Resource estimate in a Technical Report. RPA reviewed and accepted the current Mineral Resources and has declared them adequate to support the current PEA with one modification to the Mineral Resource classification. RPA elected not to classify any Mineral Resources as Measured and, as a consequence, converted the January 2012 Measured Mineral Resources to the Indicated category. The Mineral Resources are presented in the table below.
Mining
Mining will be carried out using conventional truck and loader open pit mining methods. Life of Mine strip ratio averages 1.12:1. An owner-operated mining fleet is proposed over the life of the operation. Pre-stripping of overburden is required prior to commencement of mining operations.
Highlights of the production schedule are as follows:
Processing and Recovery
The selected process consists of crushing followed by a grinding and flotation separation circuit. The resulting concentrate is then thickened, dried and stored. The tailings generated by the concentration process passes through flotation cells to separate acid-generating tailings from clean non-acid tailings.
The PEA forecasted concentrate production is approximately 46,600 tpa with a tailings production expected at approximately 253,400 tpa. This is based on a concentrate average grade of 92% Cgr and a recovery of 91.3% derived from testwork results conducted by SGS Canada Inc. (SGS). Although laboratory and locked cycle tests were performed with a slightly higher potentially mineable ore grade than estimated, no significant impact is expected on the anticipated recovery.
Tailings, Waste Rock and Water Management
One of the challenges for the Project is the management of acid-generating materials. The graphite-bearing mineralization, the waste rock and the tailings showed acid-generating potential. Therefore, the mine water and the ore storage run-off water will likely be acidic. The global program to manage this issue will comprise the following:
The Project considers the thermal purification of approximately 40% of the concentrate produced at the Lac Knife process plant. This portion of the primary concentrate production meets the specifications (+100 mesh, >95% Cgr) for purification to 99.99% Cgr. Graphite concentrate of this purity is used in battery production and other applications at high prices. It has been assumed that the thermal purification would be done under contract by an existing producer, with related losses of approximately 15%.
Revenue
Focus has initiated contacts with several major graphite consuming groups in North America, Europe and Asia. Marketing efforts have been targeted to high value end users requiring superior quality product in terms of product purity and flake size. Potential customers have provided Focus with product quality requirements and projected annual demand. RPA has reviewed these expressions of interest and is satisfied that there are sufficient indications of demand to support the projected PEA production forecast. To date, Focus has identified the following major product opportunities:
Current published prices for the Project's major graphite product opportunities are detailed as follows.
Freight and insurance costs are projected to be approximately
$63/t for product sold to customers in the United States, $200/t for
deliveries to Europe and $428/t for deliveries to Asia. RPA has reviewed
various price scenarios and has assumed the following price in the
economic analysis:
RPA considers these graphite prices to be appropriate for a PEA-level study. It is noted that the processing for the Battery Grade product, which accounts for some 86% of LOM revenue, is based on an expression of interest by a producer and is by no means a certainty, however, RPA considers the assumption to be reasonable for a PEA.
Total net revenue is $3.7 billion, averaging $185 million per year. On a unit basis, net revenue is $615 per tonne milled.
Capital Costs
The estimated initial capital cost has been developed to include all mining, processing, infrastructure, tailings and indirect capital costs. The capital cost estimate includes a contingency of $24 million (25% of direct and indirect capital costs) and is summarized in the table below.
Sustaining capital, totalling $25 million consists of mine,
process, and infrastructure equipment replacement, tailings and waste
rock storage facility expansion, progressive environmental
rehabilitation, and mine closure costs.
Operating Cost
The Life of Mine operating costs have been estimated for mining, stockpile re-handling, processing, tailings and water treatment, and general and administration. The operating costs are summarized in the following table.
In addition, the unit cost for thermal purification under
contract was derived from a budget quote by an existing producer and
considered the approximate 15% losses during the purification process.
This cost equates to $367 per tonne milled, therefore bringing the
overall operating cost to $435 per tonne milled.
Preliminary Economic Assessment
Financial evaluation of the Project was carried out using a cash flow model, on a pre-tax basis. Estimates are based on constant 2012 dollar basis, with no provision for escalation. Results are provided in the following table.
NPV Sensitivity Analysis
Key economic risks were examined by running cash flow sensitivities on:
NPV (10%) Sensitivity Chart is available at the following link : http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/NPV_Sensivity_Chart.pdf
The technical and economic information relating to the PEA contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Marc Lavigne, M.Sc., ing., Senior Mining Engineer for RPA, Robert de l'Étoile, M.Sc.A., ing., Principal Geological Engineer for RPA, and Pierre Roy, M.Sc., P.Eng., ing., Senior Metallurgist Specialist for Soutex, all independent qualified persons under NI 43-101. The technical report will be filed on SEDAR on or before October 31, 2012.
Other News - Bi-Weekly Default Status Report
As previously reported, the Company is presently in default because of its failure to file the PEA and supporting technical report (the "Technical Report") under NI 43-101 and will continue to be in default until such time as it files the required report on the Project.
In compliance with the alternative information guidelines set out in National Policy 12-203 - Cease Trade Orders for Continuous Disclosure Defaults ("NP 12-203") for issuers who have failed to comply with a specified continuous disclosure requirement within the times prescribed by applicable securities laws, Focus issued today a default status report by way of present press release confirming the Company's objective to file the PEA and Technical Report at the latest on October 31, 2012.
Until Focus completes the filing of the PEA and Technical Report, and until the Management Cease Trade Order ("MCTO") is subsequently lifted by the Ontario Securities Commission (the "OSC"), Focus will comply with the alternative information guidelines set out in NP 12-203. The guidelines, among other things, require the Company to issue bi-weekly default status reports by way of a news release so long as the PEA and Technical Report have not been filed.
The Company reports that since its original announcement on September 10, 2012 in respect of the notice of default received from the OSC and its subsequent announcement on September 25, 2012 relating to the issuance of the MCTO (collectively, the "Notice"), with the exception of the Company's announcement today of the PEA results, there has not been any other material changes to the information provided in the Notice nor any failure by the Company in fulfilling its stated intentions with respect to satisfying the alternative information guidelines required pursuant to NP 12-203. In addition, there has not been any other specified default by the Company under NP 12-203, nor are any anticipated and there is no other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed.
This press release has been reviewed and approved by Marc-André Bernier, M.Sc., P.Geo. (Ontario and Québec), Technical Advisor and a Director of Focus, and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101.
About Focus Graphite
Focus Graphite Inc. is an emerging mid-tier junior mining
development company, a technology solutions supplier and a business
innovator. It is the owner of the NI 43-101 compliant Lac Knife graphite
deposit grading 16% carbon as graphite. The company's goal is to assume
an industry leadership position by becoming a low-cost producer of
technology-grade graphite. As a technology-oriented enterprise with a
view to building long-term, sustainable shareholder value, Focus
Graphite is investing in the development of graphene applications and
patents through Grafoid Inc.
(See: Why Graphene won scientists the Nobel Prize! )
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.
Operational Highlights:
- Proposed Life of Mine production of 6.0 million tonnes (Mt) of mill feed at a grade of 15.66% graphitic carbon (Cgr), based on the initial Mineral Resource estimate disclosed on January 19, 2012
- Mine Life of 20 years, open pit operation at 300,000 tonnes per year
- Processing through a sequence of crushing, grinding, flotation, magnetic separation, thickening and drying, producing a primary concentrate of graphite of various grades and flake sizes
- Tailings directed through sulfide flotation circuit in order to minimize the volume of acid-generating residues and to enable proper management of both acid-generating tailings and waste rock within a unique disposal site
- Average graphite recovery of 91.3% at Lac Knife process plant
- Life of Mine production of 928,000 tonnes of concentrate at 92% Cgr on average at Lac Knife, or approximately 46,600 tonnes of concentrate per annum (tpa)
- Thermal purification upgrade of approximately 40% of the primary concentrate to 99.99% Cgr by an existing producer with inherent purification losses of 15%
- Life of Mine Project production of 868,000 tonnes of concentrate at 93.5% Cgr on average, including 338,000 tonnes of high purity 99.95% Cgr product
- Exchange rate US$1.00 = C$1.00
- PEA economics for the Project calculated based on graphite market prices of $10,000, $1,300, and $800 per tonne of battery grade (>99.95% Cgr, +100 mesh), medium grade (>90% Cgr, -100+200 mesh) and fine grade (>80% Cgr, -200 mesh) respectively, on a FOB mine basis
- $246 million pre-tax Net Present Value (NPV) (at a 10% discount rate)
- 32% pre-tax Internal Rate of Return (IRR)
- $926 million pre-tax undiscounted cash flow
- $3.7 billion total net revenue
- Pre-tax payback period of 2.8 years
- $154 million initial capital cost, inclusive of $33 million and $24 million in working capital and contingency (25%), respectively
- $68 per tonne average unit operating cost at Lac Knife
- $435 per tonne average unit operating cost, assuming thermal purification on a contract basis
Gary Economo, President and CEO of Focus Graphite, stated, "This is a great day for the Canadian graphite industry, our shareholders and the province of Québec. Lac Knife is a world-class resource and the publication of our Preliminary Economic Assessment confirms Focus has the potential to become one of the highest-grade lowest-cost producers of graphite in the world. We enter a new phase now, where we can expedite our financing, advance customer off-take agreements, and construction of our purification and anode facilities."
PEA SUMMARY
Project Location
The Project is located in the Côte-Nord administrative region of Québec. Fermont is the closest community and is located 27 km north-north east of the Project. Road distance from Montreal to Lac Knife is approximately 1,300 km and by all-season highway 389, it is 500 km from Baie-Comeau to Fermont. The municipalities of Wabush and Labrador City, in Newfoundland and Labrador are located 30 km from Fermont, and Wabush is home to a commercial airport with regular flights to Sept-Iles, Québec, and Montréal.
Geology and Mineral Resources
The Project hosts graphite enriched metasediments. Graphite occurs as lenses and bands. Currently, graphite rich rocks have been identified from drilling undertaken in 1989 and more recently in 2010-2011 with 12 drill holes aimed at twining the older holes with the objective of confirming the 1989 grade and lithology information. The mineralized zone extends approximately 650 m in length and 120 m in thickness. Mineralization reaches the surface under a layer of overburden. Mineralization is intersected at depths reaching 110 m. There is potential for the delineation of additional Mineral Resources at greater depth and along strike to the south.
On January 19, 2012, Focus released an initial NI 43-101 compliant Mineral Resource estimate in a Technical Report. RPA reviewed and accepted the current Mineral Resources and has declared them adequate to support the current PEA with one modification to the Mineral Resource classification. RPA elected not to classify any Mineral Resources as Measured and, as a consequence, converted the January 2012 Measured Mineral Resources to the Indicated category. The Mineral Resources are presented in the table below.
MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE
| Category | Tonnage (tonnes) |
Grade (% Cgr) |
| Indicated | 4,938,000 | 15.76 |
| Inferred | 3,000,000 | 15.58 |
| Notes: | ||
| 1. | CIM definitions were followed for Mineral Resources. | |
| 2. | Mineral Resources are estimated at a cut-off grade of 5% Cgr. | |
| 3. | Numbers may not add due to rounding. | |
| 4. | Cgr - graphitic carbon |
Mining will be carried out using conventional truck and loader open pit mining methods. Life of Mine strip ratio averages 1.12:1. An owner-operated mining fleet is proposed over the life of the operation. Pre-stripping of overburden is required prior to commencement of mining operations.
Highlights of the production schedule are as follows:
- A short ramp-up to full production with 270,000 tonnes produced in Year 1
- Production of 300,000 tpa, or 822 tpd
- Waste mining averaging 335,000 tpa
Processing and Recovery
The selected process consists of crushing followed by a grinding and flotation separation circuit. The resulting concentrate is then thickened, dried and stored. The tailings generated by the concentration process passes through flotation cells to separate acid-generating tailings from clean non-acid tailings.
The PEA forecasted concentrate production is approximately 46,600 tpa with a tailings production expected at approximately 253,400 tpa. This is based on a concentrate average grade of 92% Cgr and a recovery of 91.3% derived from testwork results conducted by SGS Canada Inc. (SGS). Although laboratory and locked cycle tests were performed with a slightly higher potentially mineable ore grade than estimated, no significant impact is expected on the anticipated recovery.
Tailings, Waste Rock and Water Management
One of the challenges for the Project is the management of acid-generating materials. The graphite-bearing mineralization, the waste rock and the tailings showed acid-generating potential. Therefore, the mine water and the ore storage run-off water will likely be acidic. The global program to manage this issue will comprise the following:
- Subaqueous co-disposition of acidic tailings and waste rock into a unique storage site: the tailings and waste rock storage facility (TSF).
- Sulfide flotation to reduce the proportion of acidic tailings to 30% of the total volume.
- Tailings managed in two separate streams.
- Use of the 70% non-acidic alkaline tailings as inert material for encapsulation of acid-generating tailings and waste rock within the TSF.
- Water treatment plant and polishing pond for pH neutralisation, metals precipitation, and sedimentation.
- Water management to direct all industrial sourced waters through the water treatment plant and/or the polishing pond as required.
The Project considers the thermal purification of approximately 40% of the concentrate produced at the Lac Knife process plant. This portion of the primary concentrate production meets the specifications (+100 mesh, >95% Cgr) for purification to 99.99% Cgr. Graphite concentrate of this purity is used in battery production and other applications at high prices. It has been assumed that the thermal purification would be done under contract by an existing producer, with related losses of approximately 15%.
Revenue
Focus has initiated contacts with several major graphite consuming groups in North America, Europe and Asia. Marketing efforts have been targeted to high value end users requiring superior quality product in terms of product purity and flake size. Potential customers have provided Focus with product quality requirements and projected annual demand. RPA has reviewed these expressions of interest and is satisfied that there are sufficient indications of demand to support the projected PEA production forecast. To date, Focus has identified the following major product opportunities:
- Ultra high purity thermo processed battery grade product based on large flake, high purity concentrate
- Medium to fine flake graphite concentrate, -100+200 mesh, +90% graphitic carbon concentrate
- Fine flake concentrate, -200 mesh, +80% graphitic carbon concentrate
| PROJECTED PRODUCT MIX | ||
| Grade | Tonnes (maximum annual) (1) | Product Characteristics |
| Battery Grade | 16,900 (2) | >99.95% Cgr, +100 mesh |
| Medium Grade | 11,200 | >90% Cgr, -100+200 mesh |
| Fine Grade | 15,500 | >80% Cgr, -200 mesh |
| Total | 43,600 | |
| Notes: | (1) totals are rounded |
| (2) inclusive of conversion recovery factor from 19,900 t of primary concentrate |
| Grade | Basis | Units | Price Range | |
| Synthetic, 99.95%C, Swiss | Swiss border | US$/kg | 20 - 7 | |
| Crystalline, 90%C, -100 mesh | FCL, CIF European port | US$/t | 1,400 - 1,100 | |
| Amorphous powder, 80%-85%C, Chinese | FCL, CIF European port | US$/t | 800 - 600 |
| Source: Industrial Minerals, September 2012 |
- Battery Grade $10,000/t FOB mine - $9,572/t CIF equivalent
- Medium Grade $1,300/t FOB mine - $1,237/t CIF equivalent
- Fine Grade $800/t FOB mine - $600/t CIF equivalent
RPA considers these graphite prices to be appropriate for a PEA-level study. It is noted that the processing for the Battery Grade product, which accounts for some 86% of LOM revenue, is based on an expression of interest by a producer and is by no means a certainty, however, RPA considers the assumption to be reasonable for a PEA.
Total net revenue is $3.7 billion, averaging $185 million per year. On a unit basis, net revenue is $615 per tonne milled.
Capital Costs
The estimated initial capital cost has been developed to include all mining, processing, infrastructure, tailings and indirect capital costs. The capital cost estimate includes a contingency of $24 million (25% of direct and indirect capital costs) and is summarized in the table below.
INITIAL CAPITAL COST ESTIMATE
| Capital Cost Item | Cost ($ million) |
|
| Surface Infrastructure | 18.7 | |
| Mining (incl. pre-stripping overburden/waste) | 11.2 | |
| Processing | 36.4 | |
| Tailings / Waste Rock & Water Treatment | 3.1 | |
| EPCM | 9.7 | |
| Indirect/Owner's | 16.7 | |
| Warehouse Inventory | 0.9 | |
| Contingency (25%) | 24.2 | |
| Working Capital (3-month opex) | 32.6 | |
| Total Initial Capital Cost | 153.5 |
Operating Cost
The Life of Mine operating costs have been estimated for mining, stockpile re-handling, processing, tailings and water treatment, and general and administration. The operating costs are summarized in the following table.
OPERATING COST ESTIMATE
| Operating Costs Item | Cost ($/t milled) |
| Mining / Re-handling | 15 |
| Processing / Tailings and Water Treatment | 41 |
| General and Administration | 12 |
| Total Operating Costs | 68 |
Preliminary Economic Assessment
Financial evaluation of the Project was carried out using a cash flow model, on a pre-tax basis. Estimates are based on constant 2012 dollar basis, with no provision for escalation. Results are provided in the following table.
PEA FINANCIAL RESULTS
| Value ($ million) |
|
| Gross Revenue | 3,894 |
| Marketing and CIF | 225 |
| Net Revenue | 3,669 |
| Total Operating Cost | 2,597 |
| Operating Cash Flow | 1,072 |
| Initial Capital Cost | 154 |
| Working Capital Recovery | (33) |
| Sustaining Capital | 21 |
| Mine Closure | 4 |
| Pre-Tax Cash Flow | 926 |
| Net Present Value | |
| 8% discount rate | 316 |
| 10% discount rate | 246 |
| 12% discount rate | 192 |
| Pre-Tax IRR | 32.1% |
| Payback Period | 2.8 years |
Key economic risks were examined by running cash flow sensitivities on:
- head grade;
- recovery;
- graphite market price;
- operating cost per tonne milled; and
- capital cost
NPV (10%) Sensitivity Chart is available at the following link : http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/NPV_Sensivity_Chart.pdf
The technical and economic information relating to the PEA contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Marc Lavigne, M.Sc., ing., Senior Mining Engineer for RPA, Robert de l'Étoile, M.Sc.A., ing., Principal Geological Engineer for RPA, and Pierre Roy, M.Sc., P.Eng., ing., Senior Metallurgist Specialist for Soutex, all independent qualified persons under NI 43-101. The technical report will be filed on SEDAR on or before October 31, 2012.
Other News - Bi-Weekly Default Status Report
As previously reported, the Company is presently in default because of its failure to file the PEA and supporting technical report (the "Technical Report") under NI 43-101 and will continue to be in default until such time as it files the required report on the Project.
In compliance with the alternative information guidelines set out in National Policy 12-203 - Cease Trade Orders for Continuous Disclosure Defaults ("NP 12-203") for issuers who have failed to comply with a specified continuous disclosure requirement within the times prescribed by applicable securities laws, Focus issued today a default status report by way of present press release confirming the Company's objective to file the PEA and Technical Report at the latest on October 31, 2012.
Until Focus completes the filing of the PEA and Technical Report, and until the Management Cease Trade Order ("MCTO") is subsequently lifted by the Ontario Securities Commission (the "OSC"), Focus will comply with the alternative information guidelines set out in NP 12-203. The guidelines, among other things, require the Company to issue bi-weekly default status reports by way of a news release so long as the PEA and Technical Report have not been filed.
The Company reports that since its original announcement on September 10, 2012 in respect of the notice of default received from the OSC and its subsequent announcement on September 25, 2012 relating to the issuance of the MCTO (collectively, the "Notice"), with the exception of the Company's announcement today of the PEA results, there has not been any other material changes to the information provided in the Notice nor any failure by the Company in fulfilling its stated intentions with respect to satisfying the alternative information guidelines required pursuant to NP 12-203. In addition, there has not been any other specified default by the Company under NP 12-203, nor are any anticipated and there is no other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed.
This press release has been reviewed and approved by Marc-André Bernier, M.Sc., P.Geo. (Ontario and Québec), Technical Advisor and a Director of Focus, and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101.
About Focus Graphite
Focus Graphite Inc. is an emerging mid-tier junior mining
development company, a technology solutions supplier and a business
innovator. It is the owner of the NI 43-101 compliant Lac Knife graphite
deposit grading 16% carbon as graphite. The company's goal is to assume
an industry leadership position by becoming a low-cost producer of
technology-grade graphite. As a technology-oriented enterprise with a
view to building long-term, sustainable shareholder value, Focus
Graphite is investing in the development of graphene applications and
patents through Grafoid Inc.(See: Why Graphene won scientists the Nobel Prize! )
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
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