IBC Advanced Alloys inks first contract with Lockheed Martin to supply Beralcast Alloys for the F-35 Fighter project

IBC Advanced Alloys Corp.

TSX VENTURE : IB
OTCQX : IAALF

February 18, 2014 09:00 ET

IBC Engineered Materials Awarded Hard Tooling Contract from Lockheed Martin for F-35 Lightning II Application

Tooling for Beralcast® casting of F-35 Lightning II Electro-Optical Targeting System Components

WILMINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS--(Marketwired - Feb. 18, 2014) - IBC Advanced Alloys Corp. (TSX VENTURE:IB)(OTCQX:IAALF) ("IBC" or the "Company") reports that its wholly owned US subsidiary, IBC Engineered Materials Corp. ("IBC-EMC"), has been awarded an investment casting hard tooling contract from Lockheed Martin in support of its F-35 Lightning II Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS).

Under the terms of the contract, IBC-EMC will be responsible for the design, manufacture and implementation of hard tooling to be used as a part of the final qualification process to establish Beralcast^® castings as an effective beryllium-aluminum alternative for precision optical components for the F-35 Lightning II.
As previously disclosed, IBC-EMC is demonstrating the viability of Beralcast^® castings to improve lead times and affordability of high performance aerospace components made from beryllium aluminum alloys. IBC-EMC has completed several advanced prototype castings and will now use the hard tooling to deliver a first article casting for pre-production approval.

"IBC is pleased to have received a hard tool contract from Lockheed Martin," said Ray White, President of IBC-EMC. "We are committed to demonstrating the viability of Beralcast^® castings with a hard tool and to completing the final stages of our materials and processing qualifications."

"It is an honor to be working with Lockheed Martin," said Anthony Dutton, President and CEO of IBC. "Our Company is committed to delivering advanced beryllium aluminum casting solutions, not only for Lockheed Martin and the F-35 Lightning II but also for other aerospace industry initiatives where modulus, weight and cost are critical performance factors."

Beralcast^® alloys can be used in virtually any high performance application requiring complex, lightweight and high-stiffness parts and can be substituted for aluminum, magnesium, titanium, metal matrix composites as well as pure beryllium or powder metallurgy beryllium-aluminum. Beralcast's^® principal alloys are more than three times stiffer than aluminum with 22% less weight and can be precision-cast for simple and complex three-dimensional stability. These high-modulus alloys are ideal for high performance industrial and high tech components as well as for a wide range of aerospace applications.

About IBC Advanced Alloys Corp.
IBC is an integrated manufacturer and distributor of rare metals (beryllium) based alloys and related products serving a variety of industries including nuclear energy, automotive, telecommunications and a range of industrial applications. IBC has 80 employees and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada with production facilities in Indiana, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Missouri. IBC is creating a dynamic global beryllium and advanced alloys company. IBC's common shares are traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "IB" and the OTCQX under the symbol "IAALF".
This news release was prepared by management of IBC, which takes full responsibility for its contents. The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy of this news release. 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.
This disclosure contains certain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company's control including: the impact of general economic conditions in the areas in which the Company operates, industry conditions, changes in laws and regulations including the adoption of new environmental laws and regulations and changes in how they are interpreted and enforced, increased competition, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, limited availability of raw materials, fluctuations in commodity prices, foreign exchange or interest rates, stock market volatility and obtaining required approvals of regulatory authorities. In addition there are risks and uncertainties associated with manufacturing activities therefore the Company's future results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on assumptions made by the Company based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances.

Contact Information

• 
  
  IBC Advanced Alloys Corp.
  Ian Tootill
  Director of Corporate Communications
  (604) 685-6263 ext 110
  itootill@ibcadvancedalloys.com
  www.ibcadvancedalloys.com
  
  The Howard Group Inc.
  Dave Burwell
  (403) 221-0915 or Toll Free: 1-888-221-0915
  info@howardgroupinc.com

Mason Graphite Ranked as a Top 10 Mining Sector Performer in the TSX Venture 50®

Mason Graphite Inc.

TSX VENTURE : LLG
OTCQX : MGPHF

February 12, 2014 14:39 ET

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Feb. 12, 2014) - Mason Graphite Inc. ("Mason Graphite" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:LLG)(OTCQX:MGPHF) is pleased to announce that it has been selected for inclusion in the 2014 "TSX Venture 50^®", a ranking of the top 50 emerging public companies listed on the TSX Venture Exchange.
 
"We are very pleased to be included in the TSX Venture 50^® and to be recognized as one of the top ten performing mining companies on the TSX Venture in 2013," commented Benoit Gascon, President and CEO of Mason Graphite. "This recognition demonstrates our management team's hard work and the significant progress we have made in developing our Lac Guéret graphite project. We look forward to keeping this momentum and continuing to deliver results for our shareholders."

The TSX Venture 50^® are the top 10 companies listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, in each of the five major industry sectors - mining, oil & gas, technology & life science, diversified industries and clean technology - based on a ranking formula with equal weighting given to return on investment, market cap growth, trading volume and analyst coverage. All data was as of December 31, 2013.

About Mason Graphite Inc.
Mason Graphite is a Canadian mining company focused on the exploration and development of its 100% owned Lac Guéret graphite property, located in northeastern Québec. The property hosts a National Instrument 43-101 compliant Mineral Resource featuring 50,024,000 tonnes grading 15.6% Cg, including 6,672,000 tonnes at 32.4% Cg, in the Measured and Indicated categories and 11,861,000 tonnes grading 17.1% Cg, including 2,637,000 tonnes at 30.5% Cg, in the Inferred category. Excellent potential exists for further mineral resource growth. A Preliminary Economic Assessment study was completed on an earlier 7,600,000 tonne mineral resource estimate from July 2012 which features 22 years of production at 27.4% Cg and a pre-tax internal rate of return of 33.7% (see technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Mineral Resources Estimation Update 2013 Lac Guéret Graphite Project, Québec-Canada", dated January 17, 2014). The Company's senior management team possesses significant graphite expertise from their experience at Timcal/Imerys, including Benoit Gascon, CPA, CA, who held executive positions for 20 years, including over 6 years as President and CEO; Jean L'Heureux, Eng., Executive Vice-President, Process Development, with over 20 years of experience; and Luc Veilleux, CPA, CA, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice-President, with 8 years of experience. Timcal, now owned by Imerys, is one of the largest graphite producers in the world.
Qualified Person
Jean L'Heureux, Eng., Mason Graphite's Executive Vice-President of Process Development and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical content of this press release.
For more information about Mason Graphite, visit www.masongraphite.com or contact info@masongraphite.com.
Stay Connected: Twitter: @MasonGraphite Facebook: /MasonGraphite
Cautionary Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All information contained herein that is not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. Generally, such forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: (i) volatile stock price; (ii) the general global markets and economic conditions; (iii) the possibility of write-downs and impairments; (iv) the risk associated with exploration, development and operations of mineral deposits; (v) the risk associated with establishing title to mineral properties and assets; (vi) the risks associated with entering into joint ventures; (vii) fluctuations in commodity prices; (viii) the risks associated with uninsurable risks arising during the course of exploration, development and production; (ix) competition faced by the resulting issuer in securing experienced personnel and financing; (x) access to adequate infrastructure to support mining, processing, development and exploration activities; (xi) the risks associated with changes in the mining regulatory regime governing the resulting issuer; (xii) the risks associated with the various environmental regulations the resulting issuer is subject to; (xiii) risks related to regulatory and permitting delays; (xiv) risks related to potential conflicts of interest; (xv) the reliance on key personnel; (xvi) liquidity risks; (xvii) the risk of potential dilution through the issue of common shares; (xviii) the Company does not anticipate declaring dividends in the near term; (xix) the risk of litigation; and (xx) risk management.
Forward-looking information is based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made, including but not limited to, continued exploration activities, no material adverse change in metal prices, exploration and development plans proceeding in accordance with plans and such plans achieving their stated expected outcomes, receipt of required regulatory approvals, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information has been provided for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company's business, operations and exploration plans and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update such forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, or other relevant issues.
The quantity and grade of reported inferred mineral resources in this news release are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these inferred mineral resources as indicated or measured mineral resources and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to indicated or measured mineral resources.
The PEA is preliminary in nature and includes Inferred Mineral Resources, which are considered too geologically speculative to have mining and economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that the reserves development, production, and economic forecasts on which the PEA is based will be realized.
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

• 
  
  Mason Graphite Inc.
  Investor Relations
  info@masongraphite.com
  www.masongraphite.com
  
  Simon Marcotte
  Vice-President Corporate Development
  +1 (416) 861-5822
  
  Benoit Gascon, President & CEO
  Greater Montreal Office
  3030 Le Carrefour blvd. Suite 600
  Laval QC H7T 2P5
  
  Toronto Office
  65 Queen Street West, Suite 800
  Toronto, ON M5H 2M5

IBC Advanced Alloys Signs Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Nu-Cast

Today- Marketwire

IBC Advanced Alloys Corp. (TSX VENTURE: IB)(OTCQX: IAALF) ("IBC" or the "Company") has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding ("MOU") with Nu-Cast, Inc. ("Nu-Cast"), based in Londonderry, NH, to collaborate with IBC on new beryllium-aluminum investment casting projects and opportunities, initially for the aerospace sector.

The MOU outlines a framework for increasing manufacturing capacity and improving production efficiencies of IBC's proprietary near-net-shape beryllium aluminum castings. The parties will also focus on joint business development initiatives aimed at increasing market share for IBC's castings which offer significant costs savings and improved delivery times compared to the existing production methods.
IBC's casting process has a long and successful history, with over 250,000 castings produced to date, and both companies have identified opportunities for significant growth in the aerospace and other markets. A proposed IBC-Nu-Cast initiative will combine the two companies' complementary skills to address this exciting opportunity and to drive both sector and application growth.

Founded in 1985, Nu-Cast is a recognized global leader of complex aluminum investment castings specializing in large lightweight structures for electronic, optical and aerospace projects. Nu-Cast has an established client base, which includes NASA agencies as well as top tier defense and military contractors including Lockheed-Martin, General Dynamics, Honeywell, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and many others. 

The two Companies have identified opportunities to improve manufacturing and marketing efficiencies for beryllium aluminum castings to support future growth. Nu-Cast has extensive experience with aluminum investment castings that will complement IBC's beryllium aluminum casting expertise. Pursuant to the MOU, the parties will initially evaluate and develop opportunities to expand IB-EMC's proprietary Beralcast(R) alloys for aerospace applications. 

"Nu-Cast has successfully served the aerospace sector for almost three decades and is an excellent complement to IBC's technology, team and corporate vision," said Don McKitterick, President of Nu-Cast. "Beryllium aluminum alloys have a long history of superior performance in aerospace sector," continued McKitterick, "By combining IBC's propriety and cost effective castings with Nu-Cast's manufacturing and marketing experience, we believe there is enormous potential for growth and we look forward to working with IBC on this opportunity." 

"There are many immediate synergies between IBC and Nu-Cast where we can share our respective know-how to better serve the aerospace industry," said Anthony Dutton, President of IBC. "We are delighted to work with Nu-Cast, who has a long and distinguished track record in the aerospace business, and to mutually increase opportunities for Beralcast(R) in the aerospace sector and other industries requiring high performance precision castings."

As recently disclosed, IB-EMC is in the final stages of an advanced qualification process with Lockheed-Martin's Electro-optical Targeting System (EOTS) team in Orlando, FL. IB-EMC is working with the EOTS engineering, design and quality teams to qualify the Company's Beralcast(R) alloys as effective alternatives to improve lead time and affordability of beryllium aluminum aerospace components. IB-EMC has completed several advanced prototype castings which are being used to evaluate Beralcast(R) alloys and castings for high performance optical aerospace components on Lockheed-Martin's F-35 Lightning II aircraft. 

Beralcast(R) alloys can be used in virtually any high performance application requiring complex, lightweight and high-stiffness parts and can be substituted for aluminum, magnesium, titanium, metal matrix composites as well as pure beryllium or powder metallurgy beryllium-aluminum. Beralcast's(R) principal alloys are more than three times stiffer than aluminum with 22% less weight and can be precision-cast for simple and complex three-dimensional stability. These high modulus alloys are ideal for high performance industrial and high tech components as well as for a wide range of aerospace applications. 

About IBC Advanced Alloys Corp.
IBC is an integrated manufacturer and distributor of rare metals (beryllium) based alloys and related products serving a variety of industries including nuclear energy, automotive, telecommunications and a range of industrial applications. IBC has 80 employees and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada with production facilities in Indiana, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Missouri. IBC is creating a dynamic global beryllium and advanced alloys company. IBC's common shares are traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "IB" and the OTCQX under the symbol " IAALF".

This news release was prepared by management of IBC, which takes full responsibility for its contents. The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy of this news release. 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.
This disclosure contains certain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company's control including: the impact of general economic conditions in the areas in which the Company operates, industry conditions, changes in laws and regulations including the adoption of new environmental laws and regulations and changes in how they are interpreted and enforced, increased competition, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, limited availability of raw materials, fluctuations in commodity prices, foreign exchange or interest rates, stock market volatility and obtaining required approvals of regulatory authorities. In addition there are risks and uncertainties associated with manufacturing activities therefore the Company's future results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on assumptions made by the Company based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances.

Contacts:
IBC Advanced Alloys Corp.
Ian Tootill
Director of Corporate Communications
(604) 685-6263 ext 110
itootill@ibcadvancedalloys.com
www.ibcadvancedalloys.com

The Howard Group Inc.
Dave Burwell
(403) 221-0915 or Toll Free: 1-888-221-0915
info@howardgroupinc.com

SOURCE: IBC Advanced Alloys Corp.

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Focus Graphite Reports a 92% Increase in the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource Categories at its Lac Knife Flake Graphite Project – to 9.6 million tonnes grading 14.77% Cg

OTTAWA, ONTARIO — (January 28, 2014) – Focus Graphite Inc. (TSX- V:FMS)(OTCQX:FCSMF)(FRANKFURT:FKC) (“Focus” or the “Company”) is very pleased to announce an update of its National Instrument 43-101 (“NI 43-101”) mineral resource estimate for its 100%-owned Lac Knife graphite project, in northeastern Québec.

The resource estimate is based on both the 2012 and 2013 additional exploration and definition drilling programs for a total of 92 holes, and 9,103 meters that successfully achieved the designed goal to upgrade the quality of existing Indicated and Inferred resources to the Measured and Indicated categories. This is in addition to 105 previous drill holes that totalled 9,217 meters.

Measured and Indicated resources are now estimated at 9.6 million tonnes grading 14.77% Cg at a 3% Cg cut-off grade. Additionally there are 3.1 million tonnes of Inferred resources at 13.25 % Cg using a 3% cut-off in this updated resource estimate presented in Table 1 below.

Table 1. Lac Knife Mineral Resource Estimate
@ 3.0 % graphitic carbon (“Cg”) cut-­‐off

Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability

Highlights

• Measured and Indicated mineral resources reported at a cut-off of 3.0% Cg increased in tonnage by 92% to 9.6 million tonnes grading 14.77% Cg compared to the previous estimate of 4.9 million tonnes grading 15.76% Cg reported at a cut-off of 5.0% Cg.
• Upgraded 432,000 thousand tonnes of Indicated resources to the Measured resource category grading an average of 23.66% Cg using a 3% cut-off grade.
• The updated resource estimate increased the in-situ Graphite content by 81%.
• The bulk of the 3.0 million tonnes previously classified as Inferred resource was successfully upgraded to the Measured and Indicated categories.
• Delineation of an additional 3.1 million tonnes of Inferred resources that is located within the southwest extension of the Lac Knife deposit.

As shown in Table 2 below, when comparing at the 5% Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) cut-off, the resource tonnage increased by 92% in the Measured and Indicated categories from 4.9 million tonnes grading 15.76% Cg in the PEA study to 9.5 million tonnes grading 14.86% Cg in this new update. This translated to an increase of 81% of in-situ graphite from 778,000 tonnes to 1.4 million tonnes in the Measured and Indicated categories.
In the Inferred resource category, the tonnage decreased by 2.0% from 3.0 million tonnes in the PEA study to 2.9 million tonnes in this resource update. The Inferred resource category average grade was reduced from 15.58% Cg to 13.75% Cg resulting in a reduction of 13.5% of in-situ graphite in this category from 467,000 tonnes down to 404,000 tonnes. These changes resulted from converting most of the 3.0 million tonnes of Inferred resources in the PEA study pit to the Measured and Indicated categories, and also by significantly extending the deposit to the south adding an additional 3.1 million tonnes of Inferred resources in the newly delineated South Central Zone which is still considered open in this direction by Focus (See Figure 1).
Another contributing factor was the reduction of the cut-off grade from 5% Cg in the PEA study down to 3% Cg in this update. The reduction in cut-off was driven by a higher selling price and higher concentrate grade.
Table 2. Sensitivity to cut-off change and comparison to previous estimate

The rounding of tonnes as required by NI43-101 reporting guidelines may result in apparent differences between tonnes, grade and contained graphite.
Figure 1. Isometric Representation of the major mineralized zones with resource constraining shell

Focus Graphite President and Chief Operating Officer Don Baxter stated: “We are very pleased to have further de-risked the Lac Knife project by increasing the quality and tonnage of the resource. This updated resource will be incorporated into a mineral reserve estimate in the feasibility study currently underway with Met-Chem.
“This announcement comes on the heels of our historic announcement of the signing of a 10- year off-take agreement with a Chinese industrial conglomerate, just as China announced it was shutting down approximately 20% of its flake graphite production in Shandong Province. This further illustrates the need for reliable, low cost, high quality graphite flake production outside of China,” Mr. Baxter said.
“Again, Focus is showing that it has strong potential to meet these growing needs, and the updated resource indicates the Lac Knife project could potentially produce high quality graphite flake over a significant mine life, he added”
The updated mineral resource is based on 197 diamond drill holes totaling 18,320 metres of historic and recent drilling. This includes 104 surface diamond drill holes totaling 10,337 metres completed by Focus Graphite since 2010.
Mineral Resources have been reported within a constraining pit shell at a cut-off grade of 3.0% graphitic carbon (“Cg”). Details on the mineral resource estimation procedures are given in the notes below.

Notes on Mineral Resource Estimation Methodology

• Mineral resources are estimated in conformance with the CIM Mineral Resource definitions referred to in NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Pierre Desautels, P.Geo. Principal Resource Geologist of AGP Mining Consultants Inc. Qualified Person under NI 43-101 who is an independent of the Company, has prepared and authorized the release of the mineral resource estimates presented herein. Jeffrey Cassoff, Eng. Lead Mining Engineer of Met-Chem Canada Inc. and Qualified Person under NI 43-101 has reviewed the technical content of this News Release. This mineral resource estimate is an update of the resource estimated by Roche Limited Consulting Group effective December 5th, 2011 and later accepted (with a resource classification update) by RPA Consulting as part of a Preliminary Economic Assessment study dated October 30th, 2012.
• All drill holes are composed of diamond drill core that was sampled and assayed over the entire length of mineralized zones by sampling approximately 1.5 meter intervals. A QA/QC program was introduced during the 2010 drill program and was expanded during the 2012 and 2013 drill program to include the insertion of standards, duplicates, and blanks and check assays at a secondary laboratory.
• Specific gravities were determined at the IOS laboratory, located in Chicoutimi Quebec. A total of 5,133 specific gravity results exist in the database that was collected by IOS since the 2010 drill program. Due to the strong correlation between sulphur and the bulk density estimates, a density model was interpolated with the same parameters used for the sulphur model. The interpolated density model ranges from 2.64 g/cm3 to 3.05 g/cm3 averaging 2.81 g/cm3
• Detailed geological logging and sectional interpretations by Focus Graphite led to the development of a three-dimensional (3D) domain model based on lithology and grade boundaries. The wireframe modelling resulted in outlining three major mineralized zones with eight minor accessory zones. Grade is typically above 3% within the wireframes but was as low as 1% in local lower grade zones within high grade domains that were utilized in the variography studies, and in the grade interpolation constraints.
• For the treatment of outliers, each statistical domain was evaluated separately and no top cut was necessary. However, a search restriction of 30 x 30 x 30 meters was imposed on threshold values of 38% Cg in order to restrict the influence of the highest values during the interpolation process.
• The composite intervals selected were 3.0 metres in length.
• A 3D geological block model was generated using GEMS© software. The block model matrix size is 6 x 6 x 5 metres. Ordinary kriging was used for all domains with inverse distance and nearest neighbour check models. The interpolation was carried out in multiple passes with increasing search ellipsoid dimensions. Classification for all models was based primarily on the pass number, distance to the closest composite and the krige variance. The Measured classification was only retained in the area, in proximity to, the bulk sample pits. No adjustment to the classification was made for blocks interpolated primarily with historical holes since these were found to be adequate for resource modelling.
• The reported mineral resources are considered to have reasonable prospects of economic extraction. Met-Chem created a pit shell using the Lerchs-Grossman pit optimization algorithm and design parameters including costs, sales price, and the open pit mine, and concentrator operating parameters that were derived from theUpdated Preliminary Economic Assessment (see News Release dated November 7th, 2013) as well as typical regional cost estimates;
  
  
  • Selling Price: 2,000 $/t (FOB Sept-Iles);
  • Mill Recovery: 91.089%;
  • Concentrate Grade: 96.6% Ct;
  • Pit Slope: 45 degrees;
  • Mining Cost: 6 $/t mined;
  • Processing Cost: 40.61 $/t milled;
  • Transportation Cost: 25 $/t of concentrate;
  • Administration and Infrastructure Cost: 15 $/t milled.
• The resulting pit shell encompasses most of the estimated Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources. The rounding of tonnes as required by NI 43-101 reporting guidelines may result in apparent differences between tonnes, grade and contained graphite.
• Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, or other relevant issues.
• The quantity and grade of reported Inferred mineral resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these Inferred mineral resources as Indicated or Measured mineral resources and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to the Indicated or Measured mineral resource categories.

Lac Knife Project

The Lac Knife project comprises 57 map-designated claims covering 2,986.31 ha located in Esmanville Township (NTS map sheet 23B/11), 27 km south-southwest of the iron-mining town of Fermont, in the Côte-Nord administrative district of Québec. Focus acquired a 100% interest in the project in October 2010. A map showing the location of the Lac Knife project is available on the company’s website at www.focusgraphite.com.
The mineralization at Lac Knife is hosted in biotite-quartz-feldspar paragneiss and schist of the Nault Formation, in association with iron formations of the Wabush Formation. These are equivalent to the lower Proterozoic Labrador Trough rocks affected by the late Proterozoic Grenvillian orogeny. High grade metamorphism and folding associated with the Grenvillian orogeny has resulted in the formation of important concentrations of graphite dominated by value-enhanced large flakes.

Sampling, Assaying and QA/QC

The entire drill cores were logged at the Lac Knife camp and shipped to the IOS facilities in Chicoutimi for sample preparation. Two slabs of about 1/4 of the 4 inch diameter PQ core were sawed parallel on each side of the central axis of the core. One of the slabs was earmarked for geochemical analysis while the other slab was kept as a witness sample. Center parts of the core are kept for possible subsequent uses. The samples are mostly 1.5 m in length with variances from 0.5 m to 1.8 m). Slab samples were dried before processing for density measurement, crushing and grinding at the IOS sample preparation laboratory.
Once prepared, the samples were sent to the Consortium de Recherche Appliquée en Traitement et Transformation des Substances Minérales (“COREM”), an ISO/IEC 17025:2005 certified facility in Québec-City, for graphitic carbon (Cg) analysis using LECO high frequency combustion method with infrared measurement (internal analytical code LSA-M-B10 for graphitic carbon; ISO 9686:2004). For the measurement of graphitic carbon, the sample is pre-treated with nitric acid, placed in a LECO capsule and introduced in the furnace (1,380oC) in an oxygen atmosphere. Carbon is oxidized to CO2. After the removal of moisture, gas (CO2) is measured by an infrared detector and a computerized system calculates the concentration of graphitic carbon (% Cg). Total sulphur was also analyzed by LECO (code LSA-M-B41) (Table 1). For sulphur determinations, the sample is placed in a LECO capsule and introduced in the furnace (1,380oC) until sulphur is oxidized to SO2. After the removal of moisture, gas (SO2) is measured by an infrared detector and a computerized system calculates the concentration of total sulphur (% S).
Under the QA/QC program, about 10% of the samples were analyzed by COREM for total (code LSA-M-B45), organic (code LSA-M-B58), inorganic (code LSA-M-B11) and graphitic (code LSA-M-B10) carbon as well as for total sulphur. Duplicates of these samples were also sent to ACTLABS Laboratories in Ancaster, Ontario (ISO/IEC 17025:2005 with CAN-P-1579) for graphitic carbon (code 5D – C Graphitic) and total sulphur (code 4F – S Combustion infrared detection) determinations and for 35 multi-element analysis using ICP methods (code 1E2 – Aqua Regia). IOS introduced standards, duplicates (sawing, crushing or grinding duplicates) and blank samples into each batch of core samples as part of the QA/QC program.

Qualified Persons

Benoit Lafrance, Ph.D., geo (Québec), Focus Vice-President of Exploration and Don Baxter, P. Eng., Focus President & Chief Operating Officer, both Qualified Persons as defined by NI 43-101 guidelines, have reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release. Pierre Desautels, P.Geo. Principal Resource Geologist of AGP Mining Consultants Inc. Qualified Person under NI 43-101 who is independent of the Company, has prepared and authorized the release of the mineral resource estimates presented herein. Jeffrey Cassoff, Eng., Lead Mining Engineer of Met-Chem Canada Inc. and Qualified Person under NI 43-101 guidelines has reviewed the technical content of the News Release.

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 Estimate* of 9.6 million tons grading 14.77% graphitic carbon (Cg) as crystalline graphite with an additional Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate* of 3.1 million tons grading 13.25% Cg of crystalline graphite. Focus’ goal is to assume an industry leadership position by becoming a low-cost producer of technology-grade graphite. On November 7, 2013 the Company released the results of an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) of the Lac Knife Project which indicated that the project has very good potential to become a graphite producer. As a technology- oriented enterprise with a view to building long-term, sustainable shareholder value, Focus also invests in the development of graphene applications and patents through Grafoid Inc.

Forward Looking Statement

This News Release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All information contained herein that is not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. Generally, such forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: (i) volatile stock price; (ii) the general global markets and economic conditions; (iii) the possibility of write-downs and impairments; (iv) the risk associated with exploration, development and operations of mineral deposits; (v) the risk associated with establishing title to mineral properties and assets; (vi)the risks associated with entering into joint ventures; (vii) fluctuations in commodity prices; (viii) the risks associated with uninsurable risks arising during the course of exploration, development and production; (ix) competition faced by the resulting issuer in securing experienced personnel and financing; (x) access to adequate infrastructure to support mining, processing, development and exploration activities; (xi) the risks associated with changes in the mining regulatory regime governing the resulting issuer; (xii) the risks associated with the various environmental regulations the resulting issuer is subject to; (xiii) risks related to regulatory and permitting delays; (xiv) risks related to potential conflicts of interest; (xv) the reliance on key personnel; (xvi) liquidity risks; (xvii) the risk of potential dilution through the issue of common shares; (xviii) the Company does not anticipate declaring dividends in the near term; (xix) the risk of litigation; and (xx) risk management. Forward-looking information is based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made, including but not limited to, continued exploration activities, no material adverse change in metal prices, exploration and development plans proceeding in accordance with plans and such plans achieving their stated expected outcomes, receipt of required regulatory approvals, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Such forward- looking information has been provided for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company’s business, operations and exploration plans and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is made as of the date of this News Release, and the Company does not undertake to update such forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Contact:

Mr. Don Baxter, P.Eng
President and Chief Operating Officer
705-789-9706
dbaxter@focusgraphite.com
www.focusgraphite.com

San Gold meets 2013 production forecast

January 23, 2014
San Gold Reports 2013 Production Results

  WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwired - Jan. 23, 2014) - San Gold Corporation (TSX:SGR)(OTCQX:SGRCF) today announced preliminary results of operations at its Rice Lake Mining Complex in Manitoba, Canada for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2013.

2013 Production Highlights
	Fourth Quarter	Annual
Gold production	15,118 oz	75,218 oz
Mill production	148,042 tons	641,710 tons
Mine production	144,165 tons	629,311 tons
Grade	3.78 gpt	4.32 gpt
Recovery	92.7%	93.1%

Fourth Quarter 2013 Preliminary Operating Results
The Company produced 15,118 ounces of gold in the fourth quarter, bringing full year production to 75,218 ounces, consistent with the Company's full-year guidance of between 75,000 and 85,000 ounces. The operation milled 148,042 tons in the quarter at an average daily throughput of 1,609 tons per day and mined 144,165 tons of ore at an average daily rate of 1,567 tons per day. Mill recovery was 92.7% and milled grade was 3.78 grams per tonne. The Company ended the year with approximately 4,000 tons in surface stockpiles.
"2013 was a transitional year for San Gold. While I am disappointed that we did not achieve higher grades during the quarter due to problems with sequencing of stoping activities we did achieve our overall guidance for gold production. On balance we made significant progress during the year towards integrating our Rice Lake operations and developing the underground infrastructure to support the addition of more stoping areas thereby providing better opportunity in future to blend ore zones and add incremental tonnage. During the fourth quarter we successfully developed into the new 710 HW ore zone on 26 Level in Rice Lake where we have begun mining and expect to see higher grade material from this zone in the coming months. In addition we have advanced our development workings on 16 Level underneath the current Hinge workings and we are now positioned to better define the down dip extensions of these zones and add additional stoping areas to the mining mix as the year progresses," said Ian Berzins, San Gold's President, CEO and Chief Operating Officer.
The Company is forecasting production of between 80,000 and 85,000 ounces of gold in 2014 at cash costs of $800 to $900 per ounce. The Company is planning capital expenditures of approximately $36 million related to its underground capital development, definition drilling and investment in property, plant and equipment, a significant reduction compared with capital expenditures of approximately $58 million in 2013. Surface drilling will be largely curtailed and underground drilling will be focused on supporting production and upgrading our large mineral resource. The Company remains well positioned to take advantage of the recent upswing in the Canadian dollar price of gold.

About San Gold
San Gold is an established Canadian gold producer, explorer, and developer that owns and operates the Rice Lake Mining Complex near Bissett, Manitoba. The Company employs more than 420 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.

Berkwood Resources acquires Graphite claims directly adjacent to Mason Graphite's Lac Geuret property

g

the Lac Guéret East Graphite Property, Quebec

Berkwood Resources Ltd. (TSX.V:BKR) (“Berkwood” or “the Company”), is pleased to announce that it has acquired, from a local prospector, additional contiguous ground immediately to the west of its Lac Guéret East Graphite Property located in northeastern Quebec. The newly acquired claims will be added to the current 63 contiguous claim (3,204 ha) Lac Guéret East Graphite Property where during the fall 2012 exploration program the first Graphite bearing zone on the Property was discovered.

The newly acquired claims comprise 7 blocks, (378 ha total) located to the west, and are contiguous with the original Lac Guéret East Graphite Property, which will now directly border Mason Graphite`s Lac Gueret Property over 7 km on its eastern side (see maps below or click here).

Brian Buchanan, President and Director of Berkwood commented: “We are pleased to have enhanced our evolving graphite exploration property east of the significant Mason Graphite discoveries. This area of Quebec is known for high purity, large flake graphite and has been identified as an ideal geological setting for graphite exploration.”

Mason Graphite’s advanced Lac Guéret Property has a NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate with measured & indicated mineral resources of 50 million tonnes grading 15.6% Cgr (including 6.6 million tonnes grading 32.4% Cgr). Berkwood’s Lac Guéret East Graphite Property shares a similar geological environment as Mason Graphite’s Lac Guéret Property including along strike stratigraphic units and structures.

Mason Graphite’s recently updated NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate includes assay data from 170 holes (approximately 26,500 metres) drilled in the GC Zone. Mason reports that the mineral envelope remains open in all directions and the company expects further expansion with additional drilling. The GC Zone lies approximately 1.5 km to the west of Berkwood’s Lac Guéret East Graphite Property boundary.

Focus signs offtake agreement with Chinese Conglomerate for 10 years of Graphite production

press release

Dec. 19, 2013, 3:53 p.m. EST

Focus Graphite Signs Offtake Agreement for Lac Knife's Future Graphite Production

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Dec 19, 2013 (Marketwired via COMTEX) -- Focus Graphite Inc. CA:FMS -1.85% (otcqx:FCSMF)(frankfurt:FKC) (the "Company") announced today it has entered into an offtake agreement for the future production from Lac Knife's graphite resource located 27 km southwest of Fermont, Quebec.

The strategic agreement for up to 40,000 tonnes per year of graphite concentrate and value added products was signed on December 19, 2013 by the Company with an industrial conglomerate, comprised of heavy industry, manufacturing and technology companies located Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China.

The 10-year agreement calls for the supply of up to 40,000 tpy of large, medium and fine flake graphite concentrate and value added graphite products from Focus Graphite's proposed Lac Knife, Quebec mining and processing facility.

The specific terms of the agreement, including pricing and renewal rights, are confidential for competitive reasons.

"On behalf of Focus Graphite we are extremely pleased to have completed our first offtake agreement. This agreement holds the potential for Lac Knife's future development," said Don Baxter, Focus Graphite's President and Chief Operating Officer.

"Not only is this offtake agreement the first of its kind in the graphite industry, it is significant in the fact that it encompasses the wide spectrum of Lac Knife's offerings in pioneering the sale of small flake to extra large flake and value added technology products," Mr. Baxter said.

"This agreement underscores our long-held commercial objective of competing in the China market," he added.

This agreement was completed in the absence of a Feasibility Study (currently underway) and there is no certainty the above objectives will be met.

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 Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate(i) of 4.9 million tons grading 15.8% graphitic carbon (Cgr) as crystalline graphite with an additional Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate(i) of 3.0 million tons grading 15.6% Cgr of crystalline graphite. Focus' goal is to assume an industry leadership position by becoming a low-cost producer of technology-grade graphite. On October 29th, 2012 the Company released the results of a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") of the Lac Knife Project which indicated that the project has a very good potential to become a graphite producer. As a technology-oriented enterprise with a view to building long-term, sustainable shareholder value, Focus also invests in the development of graphene applications and patents through Grafoid Inc.

The technical information presented in this news release has been reviewed by Don Baxter Baxter, P.Eng, President and Chief Operating Officer of Focus Graphite Inc., and a Qualified Person under National Instrument (NI) 43-101 guidelines.

Forward-Looking Statement

This presentation contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All information contained herein that is not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. Generally, such forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved".

Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: (i) volatile stock price; (ii) the general global markets and economic conditions; (iii) the possibility of write-downs and impairments; (iv) the risk associated with exploration, development and operations of mineral deposits; (v) the risk associated with establishing title to mineral properties and assets; (vi)the risks associated with entering into joint ventures; (vii) fluctuations in commodity prices; (viii) the risks associated with uninsurable risks arising during the course of exploration, development and production; (ix) competition faced by the resulting issuer in securing experienced personnel and financing; (x) access to adequate infrastructure to support mining, processing, development and exploration activities; (xi) the risks associated with changes in the mining regulatory regime governing the resulting issuer; (xii) the risks associated with the various environmental regulations the resulting issuer is subject to; (xiii) risks related to regulatory and permitting delays; (xiv) risks related to potential conflicts of interest; (xv) the reliance on key personnel; (xvi) liquidity risks; (xvii) the risk of potential dilution through the issue of common shares; (xviii) the Company does not anticipate declaring dividends in the near term; (xix) the risk of litigation; and (xx) risk management.

Forward-looking information is based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made, including but not limited to, continued exploration activities, no material adverse change in metal prices, exploration and development plans proceeding in accordance with plans and such plans achieving their stated expected outcomes, receipt of required regulatory approvals, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information has been provided for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company's business, operations and exploration plans and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release, and the Company does not undertake to update such forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

        
        Contacts:
        Focus Graphite Inc.
        Mr. Don Baxter, P.Eng
        President and Chief Operating Officer
        705-789-9706
        dbaxter@focusgraphite.com
        www.focusgraphite.com