Grafite e grafene i materiali del futuro ? (1 Viewer)

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Focus Graphite Reports that Initial Locked Cycle Flotation Tests on Lac Tétépisca Mineralisation Achieve 92.7 % Graphite Recovery and Concentrate Grades of 96.2% Carbon for all Flake Sizes Combined

February 1st, 2017

For Immediate Release

FMS: TSX-VENTURE



Focus Graphite Reports that Initial Locked Cycle Flotation Tests on

Lac Tétépisca Mineralisation Achieve 92.7 % Graphite Recovery and

Concentrate Grades of 96.2% Carbon for all Flake Sizes Combined


OTTAWA – February 1st, 2017 — Focus Graphite Inc. (FMS: TSX-V; OTCQX: FCSMF; FSE: FKC) (“Focus” or the “Company”) is pleased to report initial Locked Cycle flotation Test1 (LCT) results from its 100%-owned Lac Tétépisca Graphite Project (“the Project”) located southwest of the Manicouagan reservoir in the Côte-Nord administrative region of north-eastern Québec. The LCT was performed by SGS Canada Inc. (SGS) on a 155 kg Master composite graphite mineralization sample. Further open circuit cleaner testing was conducted on six variability graphite mineralization samples (total: 108 kg).


Highlights:

• The LCT produced an overall graphite recovery of 92.7% total Carbon2 (Ct)
• The average grades of the “jumbo” (+48 mesh) and “large” (-48/+80 mesh) flake categories were 95.6% Ct and 95.0% Ct, respectively
• The “medium” sized flakes (-80/+100 mesh) graded 96.3% Ct
• The “fine” flake products (-100/+200 mesh) yielded an average grade of 97.7% Ct
• These initial test results indicate that all concentrate size fractions above 400 mesh have a high carbon grade ranging from 95.0% Ct to 97.8% Ct. High carbon flake graphite concentrates translate into reduced levels of impurities to be removed during the purification process.

The principal objectives of the scoping level metallurgical test program were to design a conceptual flotation flowsheet that can upgrade the Lac Tétépisca graphite mineralization into a concentrate grading at least 96% Ct while minimizing flake size degradation.



The conceptual flowsheet was developed using results from a series of 14 flotation tests and the closed-circuit performance was evaluated in a LCT. The flotation test program was completed on a 155 kg Master composite and six variability samples (total: 108 kg) originating from representative Lac Tétépisca graphite mineralization. The LCT produced an overall graphite recovery of 92.7% at a combined concentrate grade of 96.2% Ct.



Focus President and CEO Gary Economo said: “These initial Locked Cycle flotation test results serve as an excellent starting point for future optimization of the conceptual Lac Tétépisca concentrator process flow sheet”.

“Lac Tétépisca has the potential to meet our future supply obligations for graphite-based polymers for the automotive and other industries, whereas our flagship Lac Knife project’s high purity concentrate production is planned for clean technology, renewable energy markets that require high quality coated spherical graphite,” Mr. Economo added.



In 2014, Focus conducted a preliminary metallurgical characterization of a 10 kg composite channel sample of graphite mineralization from the Lac Tétépisca project. The metallurgical test work which was carried out at SGS in Lakefield, Ontario, achieved a carbon content averaging 94.7% Ct for all flake sizes above 200 mesh, including 97.7% Ct for +80 mesh flake – a quality that is critical to the lithium ion battery market (refer to Focus news release dated October 20, 2014 available at www.focusgraphite.com and at www.sedar.com).



The flake size distribution in the concentrate that was generated in the LCT using the 2016 Master composite is presented in Table 1. A total of 17.2% of the concentrate mass reported to the “jumbo” flake category (+48 mesh). The “large” flake category (-48/+80 mesh) contained 20.5% of the concentrate mass. Another 7.9% of the mass reported to the “medium” flake size fraction (-80/+100 mesh) (Table 1).

Interestingly, the finer flake size distribution classes (+400/-100 mesh) also reported carbon grades above 95% Ct.

 

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Zenyatta Announces Classification of High-Purity Albany Graphite Shows Consistent and Desirable Particle Size Distribution for Vital Cleantech Applications

Thunder Bay, ON

8 February 2017

Zenyatta Ventures Ltd. (“Zenyatta” or “Company”) (TSXV : ZEN) is pleased to provide results from classification tests performed by Hosokawa Micron Powder Systems Labs (‘Hosokawa’) on graphite material taken from both the East and West pipes of the Albany deposit. Classification testing by Hosokawa on a larger batch of high-purity graphite material shows a consistent and desirable particle size distribution (‘PSD’) similar to that obtained from a previous but smaller batch regardless of whether it is East or West pipe material.

The Albany deposit PSD was found to be in a range that is desirable for many clean-tech graphite and graphene applications. It does not require further grinding and processing to adjust for particle size specifications in products being developed with our collaborators. Discussion and requests from the various global corporations, collaborating with Zenyatta, has shown an approximate average particle size of 5-7 microns to be desirable for conversion to graphene and powder metallurgy applications while an average particle size of 18-22 microns is desirable for lithium-ion battery and fuel cell applications. Additionally, these recent tests at Hosokawa showed it is possible to easily separate Zenyatta graphite into these and other different size fractions without any grinding or further processing.

Bharat Chahar, VP Market Development of Zenyatta stated “Much like we observed prior, Hosokawa classification showed the natural ‘PSD’ of Albany graphite material is already in the desirable range for many applications with no micronization needed. Micronization, which adds costs and may result in a significant loss of graphite material, is the process of reducing the average particle size of a material in order to meet the end-user specification for a certain application. Repetition of test results obtained on material from both East and West pipes gives us confidence in the ability to produce a consistently sized material from the Albany graphite resource.”

A consistent raw material source for an end-user’s supply chain is critical in order to maintain long term quality control for product specifications. Zenyatta’s Albany graphite deposit shows this important consistency on PSD. Additionally, recent metallurgical test work at SGS on the flotation pilot scale testing is demonstrating consistently similar concentrate grades and recoveries from both the East and West pipe graphite material. Zenyatta is currently waiting for assays and mass balance data before it will be in a position to report final results from this test work.

Zenyatta continues to develop its unique Albany graphite deposit in Ontario, Canada. The Company’s highly crystalline (Igneous hosted) graphite deposit is situated 30 km north of the Trans-Canada Highway, power line and natural gas pipeline near the communities of Constance Lake First Nation and Hearst. A rail line is located 70 km away with an all-weather road approximately 10 km from the deposit.

Hosokawa Micron Powder Systems (New Jersey, USA) designs and manufactures size reduction systems and powder processing solutions for the Chemical, Pharmaceutical, Food, Mineral, Cosmetic and Plastic industries. It is part of the Hosokawa Micron Group (Osaka, Japan), a world leader in providing process solutions in the fields of powder and particle processing technology. Hosokawa maintains facilities in Americas, Asia/Oceania, and Europe advancing development and commercialization of ultra-fine composite particles in the rapidly expanding field of Nano Particle technology.

 

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Grafoid Introduces GrafeneX – a Graphene Adherent, Tunable and Multi-Functional Coating Technology for Large Surface Industrial Applications
Grafoid Introduces GrafeneX – a Graphene Adherent, Tunable and Multi-Functional Coating Technology for Large Surface Industrial Applications
A Focus Graphite Related Company Introduces a Novel Platform for Industrial Scale Hydrophobic/Hydrophilic Ultra-Thin Graphene Coatings for Metal, Glass, Polymer, Ceramic and Other Substrate Applications
KINGSTON, ONTARIO–( Feb. 7, 2017) – Grafoid Inc., a world leading graphene R&D and investment company announces its entry into the global industrial coatings market with the introduction of its patent pending GrafeneX graphene coatings technology.

Grafoid’s largest shareholder is Focus Graphite Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FMS)(OTCQX:FCSMF)(FRANKFURT:FKC), owner of the Lac Knife high-grade flake graphite deposit in Quebec. Focus Graphite holds two off-take agreements with Grafoid to supply it with high-purity graphite for graphene application commercialization with joint venture partners.

GrafeneX is a novel technology that creates a platform for the deposition of Graphene and chemically functionalized Graphene coatings.

This enabling process provides Grafoid with the capability to apply its diverse graphene-based coatings to many different types of material substrates with controllable levels of surface coverage, thickness etc. to meet precise end user requirements.

One of the key obstacles to graphene’s broad, universal industrial acceptance is the absence to date of low-cost, high performing graphene applications that can be successfully adapted for use across all industrial sectors. BCC Market Research reports the global market for paints and coatings is anticipated to rise to $164.1 billion in 2021 at a compound annual growth rate of 4.4% from 2016-2021.

Other market research indicates even higher revenue values.

Grafoid President and CEO Gary Economo described the GrafeneX technologies as a cost-effective way of laying down graphene coatings on large surface areas.

“Demand exists for advanced multifunctional technologies capable of successfully disrupting existing business models,” Mr. Economo said. “We believe our novel, low-cost, coating technologies will encourage interest from those industries developing next generation materials and products.”

About GrafeneX

The GrafeneX process applies Graphene based coatings to substrate materials including polymers, glasses, most metals and refractories (See Figure 1).

GrafeneX is applied using a proprietary, room temperature, top-down process, designed as an inline continuous surface conversion process compatible with most conventional industrial coil-to-coil and roll-to-roll coating facilities.

In its typical embodiment, the process sequence would include: surface preparation (cleaning & activation), graphene oxide application, removal of a benign carrier and conversion to a Graphene based surface coating.

To the greatest degree, the GrapheneX process uses commonly available conversion coating technologies, has a straightforward modular design with a compact footprint that is scalable with production speed. A GrafeneX line can either be retrofitted to existing finishing lines, or function as a stand-alone finishing system.

Mr. Economo said that the GrafeneX line of technologies and services are consistent with Grafoid’s business model for long-term growth and revenue sustainability through joint venturing, licensing and fees for services.

“As of today, with near zero competition, our GrafeneX technologies position our Company us as a front-runner for large area graphene coatings development,” Mr. Economo said.

GrafeneX enabling characteristics and properties include:

• The ability to coat large surfaces on metals, semiconductors, ceramics, polymers and glass and the ability to coat fibers, rods and bars
• Designed for coil-to-coil and conveyor applications from batch to continuous process
• Environmentally safe to benign, flexible technology in terms of coatings uses for: hydrophobic, hydrophilic, super hydrophobic, oleophobic and oleophilic applications
• Variable coating thickness (from monolayer to few layer)
• Many of the physical/chemical properties are tunable (Figure 2)
• Good adhesion to substrates (as tested using the ASTM E-335 on aluminum foil) (Figure 3)

GrafeneX coating technology may be used in various industrial, consumer, military, marine, avionics, energy storage, packaging, building materials, electronics, transportation, environmental remediation, intelligent fabrics, sporting goods and medical industries.

Four versions of GrafeneX coatings labeled A to D are available, namely:

GrafeneX (A) which serves many sectors as a precursor coating with hydrophilic properties.

GrafeneX (B) are electrically conductive, hydrophobic coatings, or with tunable electric conduction and may be used for:

• Li-ion battery electrode materials, or other energy storage devices
• Supercapacitors
• EMI shielding applications
• Transparent and flexible electronics
• Nanoelectronics
• Nanogenerators
• Solar cells
• Fuel cells and hydrogen storage
• Photodetectors
• Organic LEDs (OLEDs) and displays
• Corrosion protection

GrafeneX (C) are super-hydrophobic coatings which may be used as:

• Water-repellant and anti-fouling coatings
• Self-cleaning surfaces
• Anti-icing and anti-fogging coatings for:
  • Windows
  • Eyeglasses
• Corrosion protective coatings for a variety of industries, including:
  • Automotive
  • Marine

GrafeneX (D) coatings have hydrophilic properties and may be used as:

• Paint primers and pre-treatments
• Adhesion-promoting coatings for joining two dissimilar materials, such as attaching polymers to metals (example: automotive industry)

More intensive applications can potentially include:

• Surface modification of implants or scaffold materials in tissue engineering
• Drug delivery & cancer therapy
• Bio-sensors, electrochemical biosensors
• Other types of sensors, such as: Contact sensors, nanoelectromechanical sensors, chemical sensors, non-contact sensors, etc.

 

[PIZZODIGINO]

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Dear

Lomiko is very pleased to be moving forward into 2017.

On January 17 we were excited to report the results from our initial drilling at our La Loutre project in Quebec. We were very pleased with the high grade graphite results from the near surface Refractory zone of 7.74% graphite over 135.60 metres, including 16.81% graphite over 44.10 metres from hole LL-16-01, two different intersections in hole LL-16-02 reporting 17.08% graphite over 22.30 metres and 14.80% graphite over 15.10 metres and 110.80 metres of 14.56% Graphite in Hole LL-16-03.

In the press release I am quoted as saying, “Our goal is to deliver a world class graphite resource at La Loutre. Today's excellent results for the first three of ten drill holes has delivered even better results than last year. Each drill hole provides better definition of the property's potential and bolsters the case for a top tier pre-economic assessment.”
Lomiko looks forward to reporting more results from the near surface Refractory zone as our drilling results become available.

January 30, 2017, Fundamental Research released an excellent and in depth analysis of Lomiko. You can read the entire report here. They understood the importance of the La Loutre stating, “Results of the remaining 7 holes of the recently completed drill program are expected shortly. If positive, we believe these results will be a significant catalyst for LMR’s share price.”

On January 31st, 2017, Lomiko was the subject of an article at Equities.com. You can read the entire article here. Equities.com understood the importance of the La Loutre property and results: “However, it was results from drilling in November, 2016 that has shaken-up the graphite industry pecking order. Companies such as Mason Graphite TSXV: LLG, Northern Graphite TSXV: NGC and Zenyatta TSXV: ZEN have long been recognized as leaders in the space. However, with a drill hole indicating there is a deep, rich graphite area on its La Loutre Property, Lomiko has been quickly propelled to a top 5 project.”

We agree!

We’ll be reporting new results soon.

 

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Grafoid Introduces its GPURE Large Area Graphene-based Membrane Technologies for Utilities and Industrial Applications

GPURE Variants Target Markets for Waste Water Filtration and Large Area Nanofiltration Systems;

Gas Separation and Sensors, and; Varnishes for Wood Surfaces Among Other Potential Applications


February 16, 2017

KINGSTON, Ontario – Grafoid Inc., a graphene R&D and investment company announced today its development of the GPURE Membrane Platform consisting initially of six next generation GPURE Graphene-Polymer membrane technologies intended for industrial markets.

Grafoid’s largest shareholder is Focus Graphite Inc. (FMS: TSX-V; OTCQX: FCSMF; FSE: FKC), owner of the Lac Knife high-grade flake graphite deposit in Quebec. Focus Graphite holds two off-take agreements with Grafoid to supply it with high-purity graphite for graphene application commercialization with joint venture partners.

Grafoid’s GPURE technologies span a range of scalable industrial applications requiring novel, disruptive solutions to create new products or enhance or supplant existing membrane technologies.

One of the key obstacles to graphene’s broad, universal industrial acceptance is the absence to date of low-cost, high performing graphene applications that can be successfully adapted for use across all industrial sectors.

Market and Markets Research anticipates the global membranes market will grow significantly by 2020 with water & wastewater treatment, pharmaceuticals & medical segments accounting for approximately two-thirds of the global membranes market.

It reported that “the increasing use of membranes in the oil & gas sector for gas processing, hydrogen production, carbon dioxide removal from natural gas streams, and so on are also projected to drive the growth in the membranes market.”



GPURE Graphene-Polymer membranes include:



GPURE (A) – A high performing, free-standing membrane developed for water desalination applications


GPURE (B) – A stable, large area membrane developed for wastewater filtration suitable for very high temperature operating applications


GPURE (C) – A large area free-standing membrane developed for water filtration pre-treatment and may be suitable for use in gas separation applications and may be used as a lightweight component for automotive and sports equipment applications


GPURE (D) – A large area membrane that may be used for gas separation and sensing applications


GPURE (E) – A large area membrane intended for use in gas separation applications


GPURE (F)- May be applied as a graphene varnish for wood surfaces to protect against moisture, UV light and high temperatures



Grafoid Chief Executive Officer Gary Economo said the company’s next generational technology developments could lead to new products that create both operating and economic efficiencies that are critical for sustainable growth.

Grafoid is engaged with over 25 companies in Asia, Europe and North America, who are currently testing our materials for use in one or more of their product applications. If their testing returns positive results, there is a potential to develop joint venture partnerships or licensing agreements.

More detailed information on the Company’s individual GPURE products and potential applications will be released in the coming weeks.

 

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Leading Edge Materials Norra Karr Exploration License Reinstated
Published by Craig P at 23rd February 2017
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Vancouver, Canada – Leading Edge Materials Corp. (“Leading Edge Materials“) or (the “Company“) (TSXV: LEM) (OTCQB: LEMIF) is pleased to announce that the Norra Karr Exploration License (“EL“) has been reinstated by the Kammarratten (“Administrative Court of Appeal“) in Sundsvall, overturning a previous ruling by the Administrative Court in Falun as press released 2nd September 2016.

The Norra Karr EL was first granted to Tasman Metals AB (a subsidiary of Leading Edge Materials Corp.) on August 31, 2009. On August 31, 2015, Tasman Metals AB applied for a two-year extension of this EL which was granted by the Swedish Mines Inspectorate. In August 2016, the District Administrative Court in Falun determined that the Swedish Mines Inspectorate was incorrect in granting the renewal.

Leading Edge Materials subsequently appealed the decision of the Administrative Court to the Kammarratten in Sundsvall. The Company’s appeal was upheld, and the Norra Karr EL was reinstated with full legal effect February 21, 2017. The decision of the Kammarratten held a right of appeal, and as expected the reinstatement of the Norra Karr EL has been appealed. The Company will provide further updates on this appeal process.

Blair Way, President & CEO, states, “With the extensive exploration undertaken by the Company on the Norra Karr Exploration License since 2009, we were of the opinion that all requirements for renewal, as defined by the Swedish Mining Act, had been met. Reinstatement of the Exploration License to the Company confirms this position and we are pleased with the Kammarratten’s decision. We remain confident in the legal process, and that the final result of this appeal process will not change this decision of the court. Norra Karr remains a longer-term project for the Company, and our focus remains on our objective of supplying materials to the lithium ion battery market.”

 

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Leading Edge Materials Secures Kontio Cobalt Project in Finland
Published by Craig P at 27th February 2017
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Vancouver, Canada – Leading Edge Materials Corp. (“Leading Edge Materials”) or (“the Company”) (TSXV: LEM) (OTCQB: LEMIF) announces the staking of the Company’s second cobalt (“Co”) – copper (“Cu”) project, Kontio, located in north eastern Finland approximately 50 km northwest of the town of Kuusamo. The project is secured by Leading Edge Material’s 30,800 hectare Kontio-Sarvivaara reservation which is valid until September 2018.

The Kontio project lies within the Kuusamo Schist Belt, host to numerous significant deposits in Eastern Finland. The Kuusamo Schist Belt is comprised of various meta-sedimentary sequences with regular mafic and felsic intrusive and regional scale albite alteration.

Eleven cobalt-copper deposits or occurrences were discovered in the vicinity of the Kontio project during the 1970’s and 80’s, following which time no significant exploration work has been documented. The Company’s Kontio-Sarvivaara claim reservation secures 4 of these occurrences, along strike potential of the Haarakumpu cobalt-copper deposit, plus numerous untested geophysical anomalies.

Haarakumpu is the most significant deposit in the region which was discovered by the Lapin Malmi exploration coalition in 1982 using electromagnetics (“EM”). The strong EM and magnetic anomaly was tested with 23 holes, defining an inferred resource of 2.6 Mt @ 0.25% Co and 0.46% Cu in a dipping sheet approximately 6m thick (Vartiainen, H., 1984. Rautaruukki Oy internal report). The stratigraphic position of the Haarakumpu deposit trends onto the Leading Edge Materials reservation.

Prospect Areas

In the north of the reservation area lies the Pattasoja prospect, which was first located in 1971 by the Rautaruukki Company who discovered Co to 0.9% in boulders. Ground geophysics, boulder sampling, till sampling and mapping was followed by 9 diamond drillholes which discovered a greater than 1km long cobalt-bearing pyrite mineralized zone. Seven drill holes intersected Co mineralization greater than 0.1%, peaking at 1.1% Co over thin intervals. Pattasoja presents a high priority target for immediate follow up, with cobalt in till anomalies extending well beyond the drilled area.

The Ristisuo prospect lies centrally within the reservation area, where Lapin Malmi discovered Cu-Co bearing boulders that were subsequently followed up by various geophysical methods and three drill holes. Low grade mineralization was encountered, but the source of the mineralized boulders was not intersected.

The Maaninkajoki prospect is defined by a strong EM resulting from pyrite alteration. Exploration by both Lapin Malmi and Rautaruukki located cobalt-rich pyrite bearing boulders up to 0.44% Co, the source of which was not identified.

Exploration at the Maitokoski prospect was limited, however a greater than 250m long EM conductor was defined beneath thin soil cover. No further exploration was completed to test the bedrock source.

Blair Way, President and CEO, stated “This new and large reservation is one of the best cobalt exploration areas in the Nordic region, with numerous indications of high grade cobalt. The area is unexplored since the 1980’s, when activity was focused on copper rather than cobalt, demonstrating that the best cobalt grades do not correspond with highest copper grades. Modern geophysical methods provide an excellent opportunity to quickly develop high priority targets.

The Kontio project provides Leading Edge Materials with an additional high priority battery materials project in a mining supportive country. We continue to pursue and explore high quality critical materials projects.”

Cobalt plays an essential role in lithium ion batteries for the automotive, consumer product and stationary electrify storage industries. Annual consumption of cobalt is forecast to double to 200,000 tonnes over the next 5 years due to the accelerated uptake of lithium ion batteries for the storage of low carbon energy. Approximately 50% of cobalt is presently sourced from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with an extremely high and unsustainable social impact. Europe is investing heavily in lithium ion battery technologies, and is seeking sustainable sources of the cobalt, lithium and high purity graphite upon which these batteries rely.

 

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Zenyatta announces that Lakehead University Scientists have Successfully Produced Functionalized Graphene Oxide from Albany Graphite for Environmental Sensing Applications

Thunder Bay, ON



1 March 2017

Zenyatta Ventures Ltd. (“Zenyatta” or “Company”) (TSXV: ZEN) is pleased to announce that a team of scientists under the direction of Dr. Aicheng Chen at Lakehead University (‘Lakehead’) in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, has made significant advancements related to sensing application development with the first graphene oxide (GO) invention produced from the Company’s high-purity Albany graphite. Dr. Chen and his team have developed a novel one-pot synthesis of fluorine functionalized graphene oxide (F-GO) which can be used in many energy, environmental and electrochemical sensing applications. The produced F-GO has been tested for the simultaneous detection of various toxic metal ions (e.g. mercury, lead, cadmium and copper) and a substantial improvement in the electrochemical sensing performance was achieved in comparison with GO. A patent has been filed by Dr. Chen for this invention and a paper describing the process in more detail was recently published in the latest volume of Electrochemistry Communications (link).

A one-pot synthesis may significantly shorten the number of steps required to produce F-GO. As the world deals with increased pollution and threats to human health due to the increase of various toxic metal ions entering the environment from the expanding industrial and agricultural sectors, there is a need to develop high-performance sensors that can detect and monitor these pollutants. Electrochemical methods are considered to be sensitive, highly reliable and convenient.

Dr. Chen commented, “We found Zenyatta’s high-purity Albany graphite to be an ideal material for the production of graphene oxide and subsequent application development. Interestingly, it appears that the distinct particle size and morphology of Albany graphite are important factors in the ease of production of high-quality graphene and GO. These properties are likely the result of the deposit’s unique geological genesis first identified by Lakehead’s geology professor Dr. Andrew Conly in 2012.”

In 2015, Dr. Aicheng Chen, Professor of Chemistry and Canada Research Chair in Materials and Environmental Chemistry at Lakehead, was awarded a Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (‘NSERC’) Collaborative Research and Development (‘CRD’) grant. The two primary focuses of this NSERC CRD project are the characterization of Zenyatta’s graphite and the development of new materials for practical applications derived from it. Since the award of the grant, Dr. Chen and his research group have made significant advances in the development of new materials from Albany high-purity graphite. Dr. Chen’s team has also supplied small samples of GO to selected third parties for testing as a component of advanced anode material for the lithium ion batteries and as a reinforcement additive for high strength composites, in applications where light weight and high strength are critical for success.

In addition to its incorporation into advanced batteries, graphite and its derivatives (like graphene and GO) have been employed in the development of various sensors and electronic devices. Recent investigations of graphene derived from graphite have demonstrated significantly improved electrochemical performance in these systems due to its unique electronic properties, enhanced surface area, novel mechanical and thermal properties, and chemical stabilities, when compared to the parent graphite. These qualities are vital for emerging high-tech or cleantech applications.

Dr. Bharat Chahar, VP of Market Development for Zenyatta, stated, “The Company is excited with the significant progress that Dr. Chen and his research team have made at Lakehead in their application development which has resulted in their first product-related patent application. The Company is convinced of the importance of graphene and GO materials and is confident that the amount invested globally on R&D by corporations, governments and academics will result in eventual large-scale commercialization. Zenyatta continues to play a very active role in R&D related to graphene research by providing consistent high-purity Albany graphite test samples to collaborative research facilities globally.”

Zenyatta is developing its unique Albany graphite deposit in Ontario, Canada. The Company’s highly crystalline graphite deposit is situated 30 km north of the Trans-Canada Highway, power line and natural gas pipeline near the communities of Constance Lake First Nation and Hearst. A rail line is located 70 km away with an all-weather road approximately 10 km from the deposit.

 

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Energizer Resources Nears Completion of Detailed Engineering Study; Hires Former MD of DRA Africa in Preparation for Commencement of Mine Construction
Details
Published: Thursday, 02 March 2017 14:41
Energizer Resources Inc. (TSX:EGZ) (OTCQB:ENZR) (WKN: A1CXW3) (“Energizer” or the “Company”) announces that a Detailed Engineering Study on its 100%-owned Molo Graphite Project in Madagascar is expected to be completed by March 31, 2017. The decision to commence a Detailed Engineering Study was based on the positive results of the Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) Study, which was completed this past November.

Detailed Engineering represents the final stage of project development and is performed before project construction starts and when the procurement of equipment to construct a mine is imminent. It follows Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) and consists of detailed diagrams and drawings for construction, civil works, instrumentation, control system, electrical facilities, management of suppliers, schedule of activities, cost schedules, and economic evaluation.

Former Managing Director of DRA Africa Joins as Mining Engineer Consultant

The Company announces that Mr. Johann de Bruin, former Managing Director of DRA Africa (DRA), has joined Energizer as a consultant. DRA is the largest and most successful African-based mining engineering and construction (EPC/EPCM) company, with 20 offices in 5 continents and over 3000 employees globally.

DRA prepared the Company’s Feasibility Study on the Molo Project in 2015 with Mr. de Bruin acting at the time as the primary liaison between DRA and the Company. Mr. de Bruin also served on Energizer’s board of directors from 2012 until 2014, when he stepped down to focus on his increasing responsibilities at DRA as Managing Director.

Mr. de Bruin’s mandate will be to oversee all aspects regarding the operational readiness of the Molo Project as the Company prepares for the commencement of procurement for mine infrastructure. He will be specifically responsible for:

i) the review and formation of the Molo mine operating team

ii) the review of all mine-item cost structures to ensure that the project is optimally prepared for the implementation phase; and

iii) assistance in the execution of the mine plan schedule with specific focus on cost and time management control

Mr. de Bruin will support the Company’s Senior Vice-President of Operations, Robin Borley, and together will ensure that the project, post-funding, meets all operational requirements during the implementation process. Mr. Borley was the former director of mining for DRA before joining Energizer full-time in 2013 as both Senior Vice-President and Director, and is an expert in project set-up and technical mining knowledge.

The combined skill-sets of both Mr. Borley and Mr. de Bruin, honed from their respective tenures at DRA, provide Energizer with an unparalleled expertise in the successful implementation and optimized delivery of complex, multi-disciplinary mining projects in developing jurisdictions, and specifically in Madagascar.

Craig Scherba, P. Geo, President and CEO of Energizer stated, “The decision to initiate detailed engineering indicates the advanced stage that Energizer has achieved in the development of its Molo Project and our expectation that we can achieve our goal to begin producing graphite by year end. The addition of Mr. de Bruin to our already solid engineering team signals yet another major milestone in the development of the Molo mine. The proven track record that Johann and Robin have in delivering complex projects in complex jurisdictions will further aid to reduce the overall project risk and is a differentiator to the many projects out there where management may lack the experience in delivering a mine. Investors can take great comfort in the fact that Energizer’s team has the proven experience to deliver the project once funding is secured”.

About Mr. Johann de Bruin

Johann de Bruin has an impressive track record as a seasoned mining industry engineer and executive with substantial knowledge of mining operations on the African continent, Australia and Canada.

Mr. de Bruin retired as Managing Director from DRA in November 2016 after successfully navigating DRA through the diversification of its business into Central, East & West Africa. Mr. de Bruin was responsible for leading a globalization agenda that included two significant acquisitions and a horizontal integration into energy, water and agriculture to create sustainability. During his tenure at DRA, Mr. de Bruin was instrumental in growing the mining project portfolio to include design and construction of 35 platinum concentrators, 42 coal processing plants and 12 metallurgical plants across multiple commodities, collectively valued at over $5 billion.

Energizer to Exhibit at the 2017 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) International Convention, Trade Show & Investors Exchange.

The Company wishes to invite all current and potential investors to visit Booth 2510 and discuss first-hand with management the latest progress and developments on its Molo Graphite Project in Madagascar. The PDAC is being held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from March 5th to March 8th. For more information on the PDAC, please visit www.pdac.ca/convention.

 

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Northern Graphite Announces Non-Brokered Private Placement

March 3, 2017 – Northern Graphite Corporation (“Northern” or the “Company”) (NGC:TSX-V, NGPHF:OTCQX) announces that it plans to complete a non-brokered private placement of up 8.33 million units at a price of $0.30 per unit for gross proceeds of up to $2.5 million. Each unit will consist of one common share and one half of one common share purchase warrant with each full warrant entitling the holder to purchase one common share at a price of $0.40 per share for a period of two years. The securities to be issued will be subject to a four month hold period from the date of closing and the placement is subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange. It is anticipated that the net proceeds of the placement will be used to:

1. Finalize operational permitting for the Bissett Creek graphite project;
2. Update the bankable feasibility study for the project to reflect a substantial decline in the CDN/US exchange rate, lower oil prices and more competitive equipment pricing, and to integrate some modifications to the flow sheet;
3. Conduct a pilot plant test of the Company’s proprietary purification process which has the potential to provide a substantial competitive advantage in the manufacture of anode material for lithium ion batteries; and
4. Working capital and general corporate purposes.

Finders’ fees will be payable on part of the placement and consist of 6.5% in cash, and warrants equal to 6.5% of the units issued with each warrant exercisable to acquire one common share at a price of $0.35 for a period of one year.