Lithium Patents - Western Lithium Receives USA Patent for Lithium Extraction Process

Western Lithium USA Corporation

TSX :WLC
OTCQX : WLCDF

May 09, 2013 09:30 ET

RENO, NEVADA--(Marketwired - May 9, 2013) - Western Lithium USA Corporation (the "Company") (TSX:WLC)(OTCQX:WLCDF) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a Patent from the United States Government (US 8,431,005) for its lithium extraction process that was filed in June 2011. The invention relates to the separation of lithium and potassium compounds from lithium-containing materials, primarily ores such as hectorite and other lithium-rich clays. The process is summarized in Western Lithium's NI 43-101 compliant Pre-Feasibility Study that was filed on SEDAR in January 2012. The Pre-feasibility Study demonstrated a pre-tax net present value of US$552 million with an internal rate of return of 24% at an 8% discount rate. The Company believes that the patent will help to protect the intellectual property that has been developed by the Company through comprehensive engineering and pilot testing over the past several years.

A lithium demonstration plant is the next step to determine operating parameters that are commercially scalable to support the detailed design of a lithium production facility. The Company recently engaged an engineering design firm based in Denver, USA to assist in the design of the demonstration plant. The Company is also seeking technical partners and equipment manufacturers to participate in building and operating the demonstration plant. The Company has received US$11 million from first tranche of the Royalty Financing (see the Company's news release dated February 6, 2013), of which US$1 million is allocated to advance the lithium demonstration plant design. A further US$9 million second tranche of the Royalty Financing will be funded to build the demonstration plant, once certain regulatory milestones are achieved in Nevada.

Update on Hectatone™ Organoclay for Oilfield Applications
In the near term, the Company has focused its attention on developing a product line of Hectatone™ organoclay drilling products to sell into the oil and gas drilling markets. Hectatone™ is a thermally stable drilling mud additive that can be used under high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) environments. HPHT environments are encountered for certain shale and deep offshore oil and gas deposits. 

During the next week, the Company expects to place its first order for major lead-time equipment items to construct the planned 10,000 ton per year organoclay facility in Nevada. The construction of the organoclay plant is expected to be complete and ready for commissioning in early 2014. The Company recently completed pilot scale Hectatone™ production at facilities in North Carolina and St Louis during the month of April to test and refine product performance in diesel and mineral oil.

Qualified Person
Disclosure of a scientific or technical nature in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dennis Bryan, who is considered a Qualified Person under the terms of National Instrument 43-101.
Western Lithium is pursuing the opportunity to be a supplier of specialty drilling additive, hectorite clay for the oil and gas industry, and in particular, to support the growth of high pressure high temperature, deep directional drilling applications. The Company is also developing its Kings Valley, Nevada lithium deposit into a strategic, scalable and reliable source of high quality lithium carbonate. The Company is positioning itself as a major U.S.-based supplier to support the rising global demand for lithium carbonate that is expected from the increased use of hybrid/electric vehicles.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information: Certain disclosure in this release constitutes forward-looking statements and information. When used in this release, the words "will", "believes" and "expected" or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information in this release include, among others, the completion of the second tranche funding of the Royalty Financing and the construction and commissioning of the organoclay facility, together with the requisitioning of equipment relating thereto. Such statements and information involve the application of certain factors and assumptions by the Company that are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Although the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect, and the forward-looking statements in this release are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements and information. Such risk factors include, among others, that actual results of the Company's development activities will be different than those expected by management, that the Company will be unable to obtain or will experience delays in obtaining any required government approvals, that the Company will be unable to meet all conditions required for funding under the Royalty Financing, the ability to procure required infrastructure, equipment and supplies in sufficient quantities and on a timely basis and the conditions of the markets generally. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements and information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

The TSX has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release. Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Contact Information

Western Lithium USA Corporation
Investor Relations
604-681-3071
info@westernlithium.com
www.westernlithium.com

Brigus Gold Drills Deepest High Grade Intersection to Date at Grey Fox

 May 2013 by Business Wire Brigus Gold Corp. ("Brigus" or the "Company") (NYSE MKT: BRD; TSX: BRD) is pleased to report additional results from its ongoing drill program at the 147 Zone on the Grey Fox property. Results from this drill program will increase the current gold resource and further confirm the potential for both a new open pit and underground mine. The Grey Fox property is located approximately four kilometres southeast of Brigus' Black Fox mine and boasts excellent infrastructure. Due to the close proximity of Grey Fox to the Black Fox mine, the Company sees potential for near term production growth.

"These impressive results further extend the 147 Zone orebody and it remains open for expansion at depths beyond 400 metres vertical," said Howard Bird, Brigus' Senior Vice President of Exploration. "Four drill rigs will continue resource expansion drilling on the 147, Contact and Grey Fox South zones for the remainder of the year."
The Company plans to release an updated NI 43-101 resource estimate for the Grey Fox property later in the quarter.
Highlights from the 147 Zone which remains open for expansion:

 Hole Number  From     To     Core Length Gold Assay  Gram X Tonne
             ------  ------  -----------  ----------
               (m)     (m)        (m)     gram/tonne
             ------  ------  -----------  ----------
  GF12-698   154.20  163.00         8.80       12.86           113
-----------  ------  ------  -----------  ----------  ------------
  GF13-709    99.00  144.00        45.00        1.92            86
-----------  ------  ------  -----------  ----------  ------------
             284.00  299.00        15.00        3.78            57
             ------  ------  -----------  ----------  ------------
             317.00  324.00         7.00       11.66            82
             ------  ------  -----------  ----------  ------------
  GF13-713   381.00  401.00        20.00       23.05           461
-----------  ------  ------  -----------  ----------  ------------
             467.00  481.00        14.00        5.20            73
             ------  ------  -----------  ----------  ------------
  GF13-719   396.35  403.00         6.65       12.14            81
-----------  ------  ------  -----------  ----------  ------------
  GF13-728   264.00  278.00        14.00       28.54           400
-----------  ------  ------  -----------  ----------  ------------

All assays are capped at 100 gpt gold, average gold grades over core length widths.
Details of the most recent 147 Zone drill holes are listed in Appendix 1, the 147 Zone drill-hole location map is included in Appendix 2 and a long section map can be found in Appendix 3. All drill hole data is posted 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 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 and adjoining properties in the Township of Black River-Matheson, Ontario, Canada. Brigus also owns the Goldfields Project located near Uranium City, Saskatchewan, Canada, which hosts the Box and Athona gold deposits. In the Dominican Republic, Brigus has signed an agreement to sell its remaining interests in three mineral exploration projects. In Mexico, Brigus owns the Ixhuatan Project located in the state of Chiapas.

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 or Grey 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.
Appendix 1: Most recent drill hole assay results at the 147 Zone (all assays are capped at 100 gpt gold, average gold grades over core length widths):

SOURCE: Brigus Gold Corp.

Brigus Gold Corp. 
Morgan Tyghe, (416) 214-9867 
Director of Investor Relations 
mtyghe@brigusgold.com

Chinese Lithium Company Jiangxi Ganfeng may end up controlling Marianna Lithium project!

May 10, 2013

International Lithium Corp. Arranges Loan From Strategic Partner, Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd.

Vancouver B.C. May 10, 2013: International Lithium Corp. ("ILC" or the "Company") (ILC: TSX-V) is pleased to announce that Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd. ("Ganfeng Lithium") has agreed to lend ILC a total of $2,289,000 to advance the Company's Mariana Lithium-Potassium Brine project in Argentina and for ILC to provide the outstanding scheduled cash payments to secure an unencumbered 100% ownership of the Mariana project.  Subject to final approval by the TSX Venture Exchange and Ganfeng Lithium's shareholders, Ganfeng Lithium will advance ILC a total of USD$2,289,000 ("Loan").  USD$1,199,000 will be advanced within two business days of Ganfeng Lithium receiving shareholder approval ("First Advance"), and a further advance of USD$1,090,000 will follow in May 2014 ("Second Advance").  The Loan will mature two years following the date of the Second Advance and during the term of the loan ILC will pay interest of 10% per annum on the balance of the Loan, payable quarterly.

In lieu of receiving repayment of the loan, Ganfeng Lithium may elect to convert into an interest in the Mariana Property.  The loan agreement contemplates that Ganfeng Lithium may convert what would otherwise be ILC's repayment obligation for the First Advance into a 26% interest in ILC's rights in the Mariana Property.  Likewise, instead of receiving repayment of the Second Advance, Ganfeng Lithium may convert into a 25% interest in ILC's rights to the Mariana Property, for a total interest of 51%.  If Ganfeng Lithium elects to convert up to a 51% property interest, at that time, the parties would enter into a joint venture relationship for the operation of the Mariana Property.

"This latest transaction demonstrates the confidence and continued support ILC has received from our strategic partner Gangfeng Lithium, providing us with the resources to move in course with exploration plans and operations that will allow us to unlock the potential value in the projects that we have been advancing since the formation of the company." States Kirill Klip,  President of International Lithium Corp.   

About GanfengLithium Co. Ltd.

Ganfeng Lithium based in Xinyu, Jiangxi Province, China, is a professional producer of lithium products which has developed a comprehensive product chain, including lithium metal and alloys, inorganic and organic lithium chemicals, supplies a wide range of lithium products for primary and secondary lithium battery market, pharmaceutical and new material industries. Ganfeng Lithium's principal market is in China with international exports to Europe, Japan, the USA and India. Ganfeng Lithium was founded in 2000 and listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in August 2010, notably as the first publicly listed lithium company in China and has experienced rapid continuous growth over the last 12 years.

About International Lithium Corp.

International Lithium Corp. is an exploration company with an outstanding portfolio of projects, strong management ownership, robust financial support and a strategic partner and keystone investor Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd., a leading China based lithium product manufacturer.

The Company's primary focus is the Mariana lithium-potash brine project in Argentina within the renowned South American 'Lithium Belt' that is host to the vast majority of global lithium resources, reserves and production. The 160 square kilometre Mariana project strategically encompasses an entire mineral rich evaporite basin that ranks as one of the more prospective salarsor 'salt lakes' in the region.

Complementing the Company's lithium brine projects are rare metals pegmatite properties in Canada and Ireland that have revealed through recent highly positive results a clear potential that the Company will advance with the support of its strategic partner, Ganfeng Lithium. These projects can add distinct value as the Company strives to source rare metals to help meet the increasing demand through the growth in global technologies that utilize the rare metals suite of elements.

With the increasing demand of high tech applications in battery and vehicle propulsion technologies, lithium and other rare metals are no doubt the metals of tomorrow's green tech economy. By positioning itself with solid development partners and projects with significant resource potential, ILC aims to be the green tech resource developer of choice for investors and build value for its shareholders.

International Lithium mission is to find, explore and develop projects which have the potential to become world class lithium, potash and rare metal deposits.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

KirillKlip 

President, International Lithium Corp.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Statements in this press release other than purely historical information, historical estimates should not be relied upon, including statements relating to the Company's future plans and objectives or expected results, are forward-looking statements. News release contains certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company's business, including risks inherent in resource exploration and development. As a result, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.

San Gold reports big number drill results at 007 zone, Rice Lake Mine

San Gold Corporation

TSX : SGR
OTCQX : SGRCF

April 24, 2013 12:00 ET

San Gold Intersects New Zone at Depth

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwired - April 24, 2013) - San Gold Corporation (TSX:SGR)(OTCQX:SGRCF) today announced drilling results from a new underground drilling station located on 26 Level, approximately 1,180 metres underground, at its Rice Lake Mining Complex in Manitoba, Canada. This new drill location was established in the first quarter of 2013 in order to provide better access for definition drilling of the 007 structures at depth. Drilling will continue for the balance of the year.
Initial results from the 6130 drill station demonstrate robust grades and widths and confirm the strong vertical continuity of the 007 gold mineralization structures to depth. The 007 veins continue to be a large contributor to the planned feed to the mill.

Drill hole 613-13-039 also encountered 14.2 g/tonne Au (capped) over 4.2 metres in a new structure that is located immediately north of and parallel to the 710 lens of the 007 deposit. Drill hole 613-13-021 also intersected the new structure and returned 8.2 g/tonne Au over 3.7 metres. Both of these holes were designed to follow up on previous drilling related to drill hole 607-12-048 (released Nov 26, 2012) which returned 12.0 g/tonne Au over 6.0 metres in the 710 lens and 15.5 g/tonne Au over 11.1 metres in what is now considered to be the new structure.

Drilling in the main 710 lens was highlighted by drill hole 613-13-022 which returned 15.2 g/tonne Au (capped) over 3.1 metres.

Both the 710 lens and the new structure are in immediate proximity to existing infrastructure on 26 Level of the Rice Lake Mine. The Company is currently tunneling toward the 710 lens and expects to reach the lens in the second quarter of 2013. This will provide access to mining of the 710 lens and the opportunity to establish new drill locations in closer proximity to the 007 structures.

Highlights of the preliminary drilling from the 6130 drill station are as follows:

Hole Number	Zone	From (m)	To (m)	Core (m)	Est. True Width (m)		Grade (gpt) (capped)+		Grade (gpt) (uncapped)		Depth (m)
613-13-039	710	290.1	294.1	4.0	2.5				2.6		1,164
Including		292.9	293.8	0.9	0.6				9.7
And	New	348.8	353.1	4.2	2.7		14.2		22.5		1,159
Including		350.5	351.7	1.2	0.8		45.6		64.3
And	New	356.9	361.0	4.1	2.5				15.7		1,158
613-13-021	New	301.1	304.8	3.7	3.3				8.2		1,110
613-13-022	710	155.7	158.8	3.1	2.6		15.2		42.8		1,148
Including		156.2	156.7	0.5	0.4		102.8		266.8

+ Assay values were capped at 102.8 g/tonne (3 oz per ton).

"We are extremely pleased with the initial results from this new drilling platform. The first stage of drilling has already identified vertical continuity of the 007 structures from surface as well as additional structures outside of the original geological model that are all within striking distance of our existing mining infrastructure," said Ian Berzins, San Gold's President, CEO and COO.

The ongoing definition drilling program is designed to increase the confidence in the distribution of the gold mineralization and convert the large inferred mineral resource in the 007 deposit to measured and indicated resources, and subsequently, to mineral reserves. The extensive drilling program planned for 2013 is part of the Company's aggressive campaign to increase the mineral reserve base and fully develop the deposit for mining.

Figure 1 at the end of this release provides a graphic illustration showing the interpreted orientation of the new mineralized structure discovered in the hanging wall of the 710 vein.

Figure 2 at the end of this release provides a graphic illustration showing the location of the 6130 drilling station and the region accessible for drilling from this and other 007 drilling platforms. These figures can also be found on the Company web site (www.sangold.ca) and on SEDAR (www.sedar.com).
This program was carried out by San Gold mine geologists under the supervision of Michael Michaud, P.Geo., the Qualified Person for San Gold under National Instrument 43-101 who has reviewed and approved this news release. Underground drill core samples are assayed on site in the Company's assay lab using the fire assay method with an AA and gravimetric finish. San Gold's quality control and assurance program includes the insertion of standards, the retention of pulps and rejects, and spot checks utilizing independent labs including TSL Laboratories in Saskatoon, SK and Accurassay Laboratories of Thunder Bay, ON.

About San Gold
San Gold is an established Canadian gold producer, explorer, and developer that owns and operates the Hinge, 007, and Rice Lake mines near Bissett, Manitoba, approximately 235 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Rice Lake Project has a permitted, modern gold mill currently processing ore at a capacity of 2,500 tons per day, modern surface infrastructure including a licensed tailings management facility, and is connected to the Manitoba power grid system. The Company employs approximately 450 people and is committed to the highest standards of safety and environmental stewardship. San Gold is on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "SGR" and on the OTCQX under the symbol "SGRCF".
For further information on San Gold, please visit www.sangold.ca.
Cautionary Note
No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding forecast gold production, gold grades, recoveries, cash operating costs, potential mineralization, mineral resources, mineral reserves, exploration results, and future plans and objectives of the Company, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to mining and processing of mined ore, achieving projected recovery rates, anticipated production rates and mine life, operating efficiencies, costs and expenditures, changes in mineral resources and conversion of mineral resources to proven and probable mineral reserves, and other information that is based on forecasts of future operational or financial results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management.
Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "estimates" or "intends", or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements.
There can be no assurance that forward-looking 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 the Company's expectations include, among others, the actual results of current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined as well as future prices of precious metals, as well as those factors discussed in the section entitled "Other MD&A Requirements and Additional Disclosure and Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent quarterly Management's Analysis and Discussion ("MD&A"). Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
To view Figure 1: Interpreted Orientation of Parallel Structure in the 710 Vein Hanging Wall, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/Figure1SanGold.pdf.
To view Figure 2: 007 Zone Regions Accessible from 9030 and 6130 drilling stations, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/SanGoldFigure2007Zone.pdf.

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

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 29^th, 2012 the Company released the results of a Preliminary Economic Analysis ("PEA") of the Lac Knife project which demonstrates the project has excellent potential to become a producer of graphite. As a technology-oriented enterprise with a view to building long-term, sustainable shareholder value, Focus invests in the development of graphene applications and patents through Grafoid Inc.

About SGS Canada's Metallurgical Services (Lakefield)
SGS Canada Inc. ("SGS") is recognized as a world leader in the development of flow sheets and pilot plant programs. SGS' Metallurgical Services division was founded over half a century ago. Its metallurgists, hydrometallurgists and chemical engineers are experienced in all the major physical and chemical separation processes utilized in the recovery of metals and minerals contained in resource properties around the world.
The technical information presented in this press release has been reviewed by Marc-André Bernier, M.Sc., P.Geo. (Québec and Ontario), Focus Director and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101.
Forward Looking Statements - Disclaimer
This news release may contain forward looking statements, being statements which are not historical facts, and discussions of future plans and objectives. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove accurate. Such statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those anticipated or projected. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are in our documents filed from time to time with the TSX Venture Exchange and provincial securities regulators, most of which are available at www.sedar.com Focus Graphite disclaims any intention or obligation to revise or update such statements.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contact Information

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

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

Focus Graphite Inc.

TSX VENTURE : FMS
OTCQX : FCSMF
FRANKFURT : FKC

April 16, 2013 09:00 ET

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact Information

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

San Gold Reports 2013 Q1 Production Results

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwired - April 16, 2013) - San Gold Corporation (TSX:SGR)(OTCQX:SGRCF) today announced preliminary results of operations at its Rice Lake Mining Complex in Manitoba, Canada for the quarter ended March 31, 2013.

Q1 Production Highlights

   -  Gold production of 17,354 ounces.                                     
   -  Mill production of 156,013 tons.                                      
   -  Mine production of 143,859 tons.

First Quarter 2013 Preliminary Operating Results

San Gold produced 17,354 ounces of gold in the first quarter. The operation mined 143,859 tons of ore at an average daily rate of 1,598 tons per day and milled 156,013 tons in the quarter at an average daily throughput of 1,733 tons per day, similar rates to the first quarter of 2012. Mill recovery was 91.9% and milled grade was 4.15 grams per tonne.

"Following the recent restructuring, the Company is in the process of implementing reductions to its operating, capital, corporate overhead, and exploration costs as well as evaluating investments that do not directly contribute to the Company's core operations. Our focus will be to optimize margins per ounce and ensure we are on the most direct path to achieving free cash flows," said Ian Berzins, San Gold's President, CEO and Chief Operating Officer. "We anticipate grade will return to more normalized levels as the year progresses."

The Company expects to produce between 75,000 and 90,000 ounces of gold in 2013 with cash costs between $800 and $900.

The Company is also pleased to announce that it has received formal notice from the Manitoba government confirming the renewal of its mineral operating lease, ML-063, for a second 21-year term from April 1, 2013 to April 1, 2034.

About San Gold

San Gold is an established Canadian gold producer, explorer, and developer that owns and operates the Hinge, 007, and Rice Lake mines near Bissett, Manitoba, approximately 235 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Rice Lake Project has a permitted, modern gold mill currently processing ore at a capacity of 2,500 tons per day, modern surface infrastructure including a licensed tailings management facility, and is connected to the Manitoba power grid system. The Company employs approximately 450 people and is committed to the highest standards of safety and environmental stewardship. San Gold is on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "SGR" and on the OTCQX under the symbol "SGRCF".

For further information on San Gold, please visit www.sangold.ca.

Cautionary Note

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding forecast gold production, gold grades, recoveries, cash operating costs, potential mineralization, mineral resources, mineral reserves, exploration results, and future plans and objectives of the Company, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to mining and processing of mined ore, achieving projected recovery rates, anticipated production rates and mine life, operating efficiencies, costs and expenditures, changes in mineral resources and conversion of mineral resources to proven and probable mineral reserves, and other information that is based on forecasts of future operational or financial results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management.

Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "estimates" or "intends", or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements.

There can be no assurance that forward-looking 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 the Company's expectations include, among others, the actual results of current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined as well as future prices of precious metals, as well as those factors discussed in the section entitled "Other MD&A Requirements and Additional Disclosure and Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent quarterly Management's Analysis and Discussion ("MD&A"). Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

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CONTACT INFORMATION:

San Gold Corporation
Ian Berzins
President and CEO, Chief Operating Officer
Toll Free: 1 (855) 585-4653

or

San Gold Corporation
Tim Friesen
Communications Director
Toll Free: 1 (855) 585-4653
info1@sangold.ca
www.sangold.ca