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Leading Edge Materials Provides Update on Process Development for the Norra Karr REE Project, Sweden
Published by Craig P at 14th September 2017
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Vancouver, Canada – Leading Edge Materials Corp. (“Leading Edge Materials”) or (“the Company”) (TSXV:LEM) (OTCQB: LEMIF) is pleased to provide an update on the Company’s 100% owned Norra Kärr heavy rare earth element (“REE”) project in Sweden. Norra Kärr is a globally significant heavy REE deposit, with a particular enrichment of the magnetic metals dysprosium (Dy) and neodymium (Nd).

Process development research on Norra Kärr completed under the European Commission funded EURARE project has achieved significant technical milestones. Research culminated with the production of approximately 25 kg of mixed REE carbonate produced from a eudialyte concentrate, using a new and optimized hydrometallurgical flowsheet.

EURARE is a 5-year research project co-funded by the European Commission under the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities (Grant Agreement NMP2-LA-2012-309373). The project has completed research on Norra Kärr and other European REE deposits and will conclude with a final technical meeting in November 2017.

Key Points

• Norra Kärr, with a proven mineral reserve of 23.6 million tonnes at 0.59% total rare earth oxide (“TREO”) (see Tasman Metals Ltd press release 21st January 2015 and Tables 1 and 2 for TREO distribution) was the subject of a pre-feasibility study in 2015 which estimated an after tax NPV (10%) of US$313 million and defined opportunities for project optimization (see Tasman Metals Ltd press release 21st January 2015);
• Hydrometallurgical research completed under EURARE targeted optimized REE extraction from eudialyte, and successfully developed a new process delivering high REE recovery with a substantial reduction in process water consumed. In addition, this new process provided the opportunity for the efficient recovery of the additional high value metals hafnium and zirconium;
• Independent analyst and media reports have described a significant recent rise in REE prices, with the magnetic metals increasing by more than 50% in the year to August 2017. REE supply is heavily dependent on Chinese production and processing, contributing to an extended period of supply uncertainty for Western customers;

Norra Kärr is a zirconium (Zr) and heavy REE enriched nepheline syenite intrusion which covers 450m x 1,500m in area. The deepest extent of the mineralized intrusion has not been delineated, but exceeds 350m. Mineralogical studies show almost all REE is hosted within the zirconosilicate mineral eudialyte. Norra Kärr is one of only two advanced stage REE projects on the European mainland, with a capacity to supply Europe’s needs for decades.

Norra Kärr was the subject of a pre-feasibility study in 2015 (see Tasman Metals Ltd press release 21st January 2015 for further information) which estimated an after tax NPV (10%) of US$313 million and defined a range of opportunities for project optimization. The PFS was based on a proven mineral reserve of 23.6 million tonnes at 0.59% TREO with a mine life of 20 years (Tables 1 and 2 for TREO distribution).

Part of the optimization of the Norra Kärr flowsheet has been undertaken within the EURARE project. Magnetic separation was chosen as the preferred beneficiation pathway, in line with the processing research previously completed by Leading Edge Materials that indicated REE recovery of 86%. A total of approximately 500 kg of eudialyte mineral concentrate was produced from beneficiation of more than 5 tonnes of representative mineralized drill core.

In addition, more than 1 tonne of non-magnetic nepheline/feldspar by-product was produced, which has been delivered to Leading Edge Materials in Sweden. High purity nepheline and feldspar are highly sought for use in ceramic, paint, glass, cement and building products, and Leading Edge Materials shall seek to further optimize material for these markets.

Nepheline/feldspar material was not assessed as a saleable material within the 2015 PFS as product development was not adequately progressed at the time of publication. Optimization of a nepheline/feldspar product for sale would significantly reduce the material directed to tailings storage, substantially reduce land use requirements, and is a clear area for on-going research.

Following beneficiation, the eudialyte mineral concentrate was used in an extensive program of hydrometallurgical research, trading off a range of process options. An innovative dry digestion process in the presence of concentrated hydrochloric acid was identified as achieving high extraction of REEs without the formation of silica gel and with the benefit of a very low water requirement. Following bench top testing, the dry digestion process was operated on a mini-pilot plant scale, which extracted and precipitated approximately 25 kg of high purity mixed REE carbonate from two eudialyte sources. A recovery of 91% was calculated for the hydrometallurgical stage.

In addition, this dry digestion technique was successful in the extraction and recovery of zirconium, hafnium (Hf) and niobium (Nb) to a secondary product. Zirconium, hafnium and niobium are high value metals that were not considered as saleable products under the 2015 PFS. Optimization of the extraction and purification of these metals will be the subject of further research.

Blair Way, President and CEO, stated “the research of the EURARE team has delivered a range of opportunities for optimization of the Norra Kärr project at just the right time. The dry digestion hydrometallurgical process is a potential game changer, with the opportunity for efficient recovery of additional high value metals, and a process that may substantially reduce the environmental footprint. While Norra Kärr has long been known as potential source of nepheline, with a large sample now available for additional test work we are in a strong position to identify market opportunities.”

Preparation of additional supporting documentation regarding the Norra Kärr Mining Lease, which was granted in 2013, is underway and is anticipated to be ready for submission to the Swedish Mining Inspectorate during December 2017.

Independent reporting has identified a significant recent rise in REE prices, with the magnetic metals increasing by more than 50% in the year to August 2017. REE supply remains highly concentrated, with China the dominant source, contributing to an extended period of supply uncertainty for Western customers.

The accelerating demand for electric vehicles and the progressive shift to renewable energy is forecast to place increasing demands on REE supply.

 

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LOMIKO INVESTMENT SHD SMART HOME DEVICES LTD TO RAISE $ 5 MILLION WITH


PRIVATE EQUITY GROUP TO LAUNCH INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT) PRODUCTS

Vancouver, B.C September 18, 2017 Lomiko Metals Inc. (“Lomiko”) (TSX-V: LMR, OTC:


LMRMF, FSE: DH8C) Lomiko Metals Inc investment in SHD Smart Home Devices Ltd. has

garnered private equity interest. SHD Smart Home Devices has entered into an agreement to raise

$ 5 million from a private equity group to develop a series of new home and building automation

devices to be manufactured through SHD Smart Home Devices Ltd., a Joint Venture between

Lomiko Metals and MegaHertz Power Systems.

“The new investment will be targeted at developing sales, increasing manufacturing capabilities

and building out further products in the Smart Home and Internet of Things (IoT) industry.” Stated

A. Paul Gill, CEO Lomiko Metals Inc. “The products will allow customers to increase the ‘Wow’

factor for our target market of new home, condos, hotel and office builders.”

SHD Smart Home Devices Ltd. is an Internet of Things company launched February 16, 2016 and

is focused on developing smart home automation and security devices for homes, offices, industrial

buildings and hotels. SHD was formed to commercialize intellectual property that has been jointly

under development at the MHPS innovation lab over the past couple of years. SHD technology

focuses on power savings, connectivity and security.

Allied Market Research indicates that the IoT market will reach $1Trillion USD by 2023 with the

smart home and building automation market surpassing $35B by 2020 with a CAGR of 29%. This

represents an enormous opportunity for both Lomiko and SHD.

There are currently 130 million established households in North America and a healthy seasonally

adjusted annualized rate of 1.3 million housing starts. In addition, offices, hotels and coffee shops

are also potential markets for USB charging devices. If only one or two USB charging devices are

installed in new homes and retro-fitted into current homes undergoing renovations, there will be a

healthy demand for these IOT products. SHD plans to enter into negotiations to sell the Spider

Charger and other related devices in North American markets with IOT distributors and builders.

Lomiko will share its network of industry connections to help grow the venture and then enjoy the

SHD equity multiplier without being burdened with any engineering, new product development, IP

or associated marketing costs as the Spider charger and SHD suite of IoT products are rolled out.

For more information on Lomiko Metals, review the website at www.lomiko.com, contact


A. Paul Gill at 604-729-5312 or email: [email protected].

On Behalf of the Board

“A. Paul Gill”

Chief Executive Officer

We seek safe harbor.

 

[PIZZODIGINO]

SHD SMART HOME DEVICES LTD, AN INTERNET OF THINGS COMPANY, PROVIDES


FUNDING TERMS FOR $ 5 MILLION RAISE, LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE AND VIDEO

Vancouver, B.C September 22, 2017 Lomiko Metals Inc. (“Lomiko”) (TSX-V: LMR, OTC:


LMRMF, FSE: DH8C) Lomiko Metals Inc. investment SHD Smart Home Devices Ltd. will be raising

$ 5 Million by issuing shares at $ 1.50. Financing details are available by registering at

SHD Smart Home Devices Ltd. | The OCMX – Online Portal where any potential investor may register and review details.


The resulting company will have less than 10 million shares issued and will be ready to manufacture

and distribute products North America wide.

SHD Smart Home Devices Ltd. is an Internet of Things Company is focused on developing smart

home automation and security devices for homes, offices, industrial buildings and hotels. SHD

technology focuses on power savings, connectivity and security. SHD is focused on ramping up

sales of the Spider Charger®, a 6 USB portal, in-wall, décor friendly IoT Hub. SHD is focused on

the home building market with it’s current marketing strategy. Further details are available at

www.shddevices.com

Allied Market Research indicates that the IoT market will reach $1Trillion USD by 2023 with the

smart home and building automation market surpassing $35B by 2020 with a CAGR of 29%. This

represents an enormous opportunity for both Lomiko and SHD.

There are currently 130 million established households in North America and a healthy seasonally

adjusted annualized rate of 1.3 million housing starts. In addition, offices, hotels and coffee shops

are also potential markets for USB charging devices. If only one or two USB charging devices are

installed in new homes and retro-fitted into current homes undergoing renovations, there will be a

healthy demand for these IOT products. SHD plans to enter into negotiations to sell the Spider

Charger and other related devices in North American markets with IOT distributors and builders.

Lomiko will share its network of industry connections to help grow the venture and then enjoy the

SHD equity multiplier without being burdened with any engineering, new product development, IP

or associated marketing costs as the Spider charger and SHD suite of IoT products are rolled out.

For more information on Lomiko Metals, review the website at www.lomiko.com, contact A

 

[PIZZODIGINO]

September 28,2017: Focus Graphite Reports Excellent Long Term Cycling Results From Its Testing of Lac Knife High Purity Spherical Coated Graphite; Lithium-Ion Batteries Show Zero Capacity Loss After 250 Cycles Email not displaying correctly?
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Focus Graphite Reports Excellent Long Term Cycling Results From Its Testing of Lac Knife High Purity Spherical Coated Graphite; Lithium-Ion Batteries Show Zero Capacity Loss After 250 Cycles

Testing Indicates Potential to Exceed 2000 Cycles in Automotive Batteries

OTTAWA -- Focus Graphite Inc. (FMS: TSX-V; OTCQX: FCSMF; FSE: FKC) (“Focus” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce excellent results from ongoing independent laboratory tests comparing long term cycling performance of Lac Knife surface coated spherical crystalline fine flake graphite against commercially competitive standard grades of coated crystalline flake graphite in the anodes of CR2016 coin cells.

The results presented are a follow up from data presented in Focus’ November 25, 2015 news release where similar tests were run on Lac Knife’ standard grade spherical graphite. Those tests exhibited essentially zero loss in capacity after 110 cycles versus two commercially competitive grades that showed losses of 4.4% and 6.4% over the same number of cycles.

Testing was conducted at a globally recognized laboratory in Europe. The name of the laboratory is being withheld because of commercial and competitive confidentiality.

Ongoing Life Cycle Testing

On November 25, 2015 Focus Graphite published data showing that its Lac Knife Standard Grade of uncoated and coated spherical graphite exhibited essentially zero loss in capacity after 110 cycles versus two commercially competitive grades that showed losses of 4.4% and 6.4% over the same number of cycles.




In a presentation to the International Battery Seminar in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on March 26, 2017, Dr. Joseph Doninger, Focus’ Director of Manufacturing and Technology presented long term cycling test results showing that the zero loss in capacity of the Standard Grade of coated spherical graphite lasted for 250 cycles and showed a loss of only 4.5% in capacity after 570 cycles compared with losses of 11.7% after 440 cycles and 10.5% after 510 cycles for a competitive supplier’s coated spherical graphite.





He said that projecting these results suggests that Lac Knife’s coated SPG could last beyond 2000 cycles in full sized batteries. “A good rule of thumb to use in comparing the long term cycling performance of different graphites in Lithium Ion batteries is determining how many cycles a battery will last before losing 20% of its capacity,” Dr. Doninger said.

Focus Graphite is the sole owner of the high purity Lac Knife natural flake graphite project in the Côte-Nord region of northeastern Québec.

The Company’s aim is to become one of the lowest cost producers of high-purity technology graphite. The purpose of its ongoing battery materials testing efforts is to validate the commercial viability of the high purity crystalline flake graphite recovered from its Lac Knife deposit, and to demonstrate that Lac Knife graphite holds the potential to improve the performance of anodes in Lithium Ion batteries. (See May 27th, 2014 and February 26th, 2015 News Releases).

The properties of the flake graphite recovered from the Lac Knife high quality and high carbon content graphite deposit, allow for the recovery of concentrate that grades 98% C even in the finer size fractions down to 200 mesh (75 microns) that are usually the most difficult products to sell. This holds the potential for Focus to create a high-margin business opportunity by providing customers with a finer grade, lower cost, value-added graphite product.

Battery manufacturers require a cost competitive alternative to current sources of synthetic and natural flake graphite. China produces the majority of the world’s purified SPG, using methods generally regarded as environmentally unsustainable.

Presentation of Data:

All Lac Knife flake graphite materials tested were purified, spheronized and sized for application in the anodes (negative electrodes) of Lithium-Ion batteries. The anodes for all samples tested consisted of 90% graphite, 7% PVDF binder and 3% carbon black and a copper coil current collector with a thickness of 20 microns. All cells were assembled and tested in a CR2016 coin cell configuration prepared with 1M LiPF6/EC/DMC electrolyte and lithium foil counter electrodes. The coin cells were then cycled between 0.003 and 1.5 volts. Formation was carried out with C/10 current density and cycling was carried out with the same voltage limits at C/10. To evaluate the cycling performance, half cells made with the lithium metal counter electrode were charged and discharged at a relatively low current density and cycled galvanostatically at a C/10 rate until the limit of the test was reached.

Focus is currently engaged in battery testing with more than 20 potential end-users and seven universities and government laboratories.

Focus has established a recent history of technological successes by designing processes leading to superior performing coated spherical graphite for use in battery anodes and high performing expanded graphite for use in Li-Ion battery cathodes.

The Company’s proprietary, low temperature process, developed by a Focus Graphite technical team headed by Dr. Doninger, is believed to be more efficient than very high temperature thermal purification and is suitable for the removal of specific types of impurities found in the Lac Knife graphite deposit.

The path from graphite product development to the battery manufacturers' testing labs is a lengthy, multi-step process.

Staged R&D testing is a prerequisite to the sale, or offtake, of any manufactured graphite for use in lithium-ion, alkaline and lead-acid batteries in the automobile, consumer, medical equipment, tools, hand-held industrial devices and aviation manufacturing industries or with military equipment suppliers.

 

[PIZZODIGINO]

LOMIKO’S SHD SMART HOME STARTS DISCUSSIONS WITH US BASED DISTRIBUTOR TO


INCREASE SALES OF IOT PRODUCTS

Vancouver, B.C September 27, 2017 Lomiko Metals Inc. (“Lomiko”) (TSX-V: LMR, OTC:


LMRMF, FSE: DH8C) Lomiko Metals Inc. and its 100% owned subsidiary Lomiko Technologies are

pleased to announce SHD Smart Home Devices has entered into discussions with US based

Automated Building Devices (ABD) for the sale and distribution of spider charger units to

homebuilders across western USA.

“With a partner like ABD, SHD will have a distribution channel to some of the largest home builders

in California and Nevada. Working with ABD would be a strategic move by SHD to leverage an

existing network and rapidly penetrate the market.”, stated Sat Samra, CEO SHD Smart Home

Devices.

The initial discussions are centered around the Spider Charger®. This revolutionary device allows

for 6 USB ports and 2 regular AC wall receptacles to provide both AC and DC power from a single

wall outlet. To view an enhanced version of Side View of Spider Charger Showing USB Ports,

please visit:

http://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/1944/19264_enhanced 2.jpg

"SHD has an incredible opportunity to participate in a burgeoning IoT and Smart Device market.",

stated A. Paul Gill, CEO., "Major companies such as Leviton, Legrand, Pass and Seymour and

others have recognized this new market and have launched similar devices."

There are currently 130 million established households in North America and a healthy seasonally

adjusted annualized rate of 1.3 million housing starts. In addition, offices, hotels and coffee shops

are also potential markets for USB charging devices. If only one or two USB charging devices are

installed in new homes and retro-fitted into current homes undergoing renovations, there will be a

healthy demand for these IOT products. Smart Home Ltd. plans to enter into negotiations to sell

the Spider Charger and other related devices in North American markets with IOT distributors and

builders. Lomiko will share its network of industry connections to help grow the venture and then

enjoy the SHD equity multiplier without being burdened with any engineering, new product

development, IP or associated marketing costs as the Spider charger and SHD suite of IoT

products are rolled out.

 

[PIZZODIGINO]

October 2, 2017: Focus Graphite and SOQUEM Launch Preliminary Economic Assessment of their Kwyjibo Rare Earth Element Project in Northern Québec – Met-Chem Selected to Conduct Study Email not displaying correctly?
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Focus Graphite and SOQUEM Launch Preliminary Economic Assessment of their Kwyjibo Rare Earth Element Project in Northern Québec – Met-Chem Selected to Conduct Study

OTTAWA – October 2, 2017 -- Focus Graphite Inc. (FMS: TSX-V; OTCQX: FCSMF; FSE: FKC) (“Focus” or the “Company”) and partner SOQUEM Inc. ("SOQUEM") are pleased to announce that they have engaged Met-Chem of Montréal, a division of DRA Americas Inc (“Met-Chem/DRA”), to undertake a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) of their Kwyjibo Polymetallic-Rare Earth Elements (REE) – Copper-Iron-Phosphate project (“Kwyjibo” or the “Project”), located in the Côte-Nord administrative district of northeastern Québec.

Met-Chem/DRA is a globally recognized expert in mine and infrastructure design, including construction and mine operations, resource mapping, metallurgy, cost assessment, process design and administration. They have direct experience in the REE sector having prepared: pre-feasibility studies (PFS) on the Zandkopsdrift and Steenkampskraal REE projects in South Africa and on the Browns Range Project in Australia.

On behalf of the Joint Venture partners, Focus Graphite President and Chief Executive Officer Gary Economo said: “We are pleased to have Met-Chem/DRA leading the PEA on Kwyjibo. Met-Chem/DRA is a highly skilled and reputable engineering firm with individual team members that have a wealth of professional experience on a variety of projects throughout the world, including REE projects.”

Mr. Economo said the decision to undertake the PEA study coincided with a number of encouraging market factors, chief among them, a significant rise in market prices during the first half of 2017 for neodymium and praseodymium.

“And, with Germany, France and the United Kingdom announcing plans to end the production of cars equipped with combustion engines starting in 2030, conditions appear to be favourable for a resurgence in investment momentum, especially for non-Chinese REE explorers,” Mr. Economo said.

“The recent resurgence in rare earth elements prices also reflects growing demand as a result of the Paris Agreement on climate action globally, but more in particular China’s REE production cuts as it rationalizes its REE mining industry – in support of its policy to electrify China’s transportation and other industries,” said Mr. Economo.

According to the Nikkei Asian Review, China, which produces some 85% of the world’s supply of rare earths, is looking to curtail supply by enforcing environmental rules and targeting illegal REE mining operations.

Rare earth materials are critical for the construction of solar photovoltaics, wind electricity generators and energy storage technologies, among other industrial applications.

The Roskill Consulting Group reported in an August 3, 2017 rare earths market update, “the increase in certain rare earth element (REE) prices in H1 2017, particularly for neodymium (Nd) and praseodymium (Pr) products, has brought renewed interest to the rare earths industry after prices stagnated in 2016. China FOB Nd oxide and Pr oxide prices increased 20% to US$48.4/kg REO and 21% to US$61.5/kg REO respectively between January and July 2017, whilst Chinese domestic prices for the same products increased by 23% and 24% during the same period.” (This update is available on the Roskill website at https://roskill.com/news/rare-earths/)

And, the World Bank, in its June, 2017 Study entitled: “The Growing Role of Minerals and Metals for a Low Carbon Future” indicates the universal focus towards slowing global warming creates opportunities for nations to explore and exploit potential REE resources.

“It is striking that aside from China, Brazil, India, and Malaysia there are no recorded production, reserve, or resource data for rare-earth metals available from any developing country regions. Although these critical metals can be found in these areas, no concerted efforts have been undertaken to accurately map their existence,” the report said.

Mr. Economo said the PEA Study undertaking with Met-Chem/DRA, when completed, and, if positive, could lead to further investigation of the Kwyjibo Project’s feasibility as a potentially new North American rare earths source.

Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Kwyjibo project

The PEA will be based on promising hydrometallurgical test results from lab-scale work being conducted at Hazen Research Inc. of Golden, Colorado. On November 21, 2016, Focus and SOQUEM announced results from the 2014-2015 chemical leaching test work program conducted on two composite drill core samples from the Magnetite and Lower Breccia zones of the Josette horizon. The tests and subsequent purification steps are supervised by Mr. Eric Larochelle, P. Eng., a metallurgical consultant part of Met-Chem/DRA’s team of experts.

Highlights of that test work included:

• A distinct and relatively simple metallurgical flowsheet when compared with those of peer rare earth element projects

• A very high leach extraction rate of approximately 90% from rare earth concentrate for all rare earth elements for the massive Magnetite Mineralization Type (“MM1”)

Met-Chem/DRA commenced work on the PEA on August 1, with a view to completion of its report by late 2017 or early 2018.

Qualified Persons

Mr. Daniel M. Gagnon, P.Eng, FCIM, Senior Vice-President Mining, Geology, Met-Chem/DRA, a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release.

Mr. Eric Larochelle, P.Eng., President of SMH Process Innovation, an independent consultant to Met-Chem/DRA responsible for the hydrometallurgical program and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects has read and approved the hydrometallurgical technical information contained in this news release.

Mr. Marc-André Bernier, M.Sc, P.Geo (Québec and Ontario), a Director of the Company and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the non-technical content of this news release.


About the Kwyjibo Project

The Kwyjibo polymetallic project, totalling 118 claims and covering 6,278 ha, is located 125 km northeast of the port city of Sept-Îles, in the Côte-Nord administrative district of Québec. The project is also located 25 km east of the Québec North Shore and Labrador railway line and is accessible by air from Sept-Îles.

Kwyjibo is located in the Grenville Geological Province of north-eastern Québec, and hosts Meso-proterozoic poly-metallic iron (Fe), copper (Cu), rare-earth elements (REE), gold (Au)) mineralization which is considered to be one of the best iron oxide copper-gold (IOCG) exploration targets in Québec. The mineralization has already been traced over a distance of at least 4 km. The Kwijibo property is subject to a NSR royalty of 1.5% payable to Compagnie Minière IOC Inc.

About SOQUEM Inc.

SOQUEM, a subsidiary of Investissement Québec, is a leading player in mineral exploration in Québec. Its mission is to explore, discover and develop mining properties in Québec. SOQUEM has participated in more than 350 exploration projects and contributed to major discoveries of gold, diamonds, lithium and other minerals.

About Focus Graphite

Focus Graphite Inc. is an advanced exploration company with an objective of producing graphite concentrate at its wholly-owned Lac Knife flake graphite deposit located 27 km south of Fermont, Québec. In a second stage, to meet Quebec stakeholder interests of transformation within the province and to add shareholder value, Focus is evaluating the feasibility of producing value added graphite products including battery-grade spherical graphite.

Focus Graphite is a technology-oriented graphite development company with a vision for building long-term, sustainable shareholder value. Focus also holds a significant equity position in graphene applications developer Grafoid Inc.

For more information about Focus Graphite, please visit www.focusgraphite.com.

 

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October 10, 2017: Focus Graphite Introduces Its New “Superfine Grade” of Coated Spherical Graphite for Lithium Batteries to the International Battery Industry Email not displaying correctly?
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Focus Graphite Introduces Its New “Superfine Grade” of Coated Spherical Graphite for Lithium Batteries to the International Battery Industry

OTTAWA -– Focus Graphite Inc. (TSX; OTCQX: FCSMF; FSE: FKC) is pleased to announce the introduction of a Superfine Grade of coated spherical graphite product sourced from its Lac Knife Graphite Project at Fermont, Quebec.

The Company’s manufacturing accomplishment was achieved under the direction of Dr. Joseph Doninger, Focus’ Director of Manufacturing and Technology, and follows the Company’s original May 27, 2014 announcement of the development of its premium standard (medium) and fine battery grades, and; its subsequent August 8, 2016 announcement of the successful purification of Lac Knife’s fine grade material to 99.99% purity which is shown in the following Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) photomicrograph of a flake of purified Lac Knife

SEM of Purified Lac Knife Flake Graphite

Focus Graphite’s new Superfine Grade graphite product development was first presented to the 34th International Battery Symposium (IBS) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, by Dr. Doninger on March 21, 2017.

Highlights include:

• Market introduction of Focus’ first Superfine coated spherical graphite
• Enlarges Company’s potential customer base
• Expands Focus Graphite’s value-added product range

Focus Graphite’s development and introduction of a Superfine Grade to the battery market represents a milestone in the Company’s ongoing efforts to continuously improve its products to meet industry demands and are intended for use in various lithium-ion battery applications. The 1st cycle Galvanostatic curves in Figure 1 show that the new Superfine grade of spherical graphite has a very high reversible capacity of 360 mAh/g and low first cycle loss of only 1.19%.

Figure 1.
INITIAL GALVANOSTATIC CHARGE-DISCHARGE CURVES FOR SUPERFINE GRADE OF COATED SPG D50 = 11.9μm



Dr. Doninger said the main benefit of the Superfine Grade is based upon the physical reality of the graphite’s performance within the anode of a lithium ion battery.

“As the particle size decreases, the time it takes for the lithium-ion to transfer into the graphite structure during charging and out during discharging, thereby improving charging rates,” he said. An SEM photomicrograph of the Superfine Grade of the Lac Knife spherical graphite is shown below.



SEM of Superfine Grade of Lac Knife Spherical Graphite

The particle size distribution curves for the new Superfine Grade of spherical graphite are compared with the Standard and Fine Grade curves in Fig. 2 and show that Focus now offers a wide range of particle sizes to meet the demands of the battery industry.

Figure 2.
PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTIONS OF SUPERFINE, FINE AND STANDARD GRADES OF LAC KNIFE SPG



Dr. Doninger noted that the high Reversible Capacity of 360 mAh/g, low Irreversible Capacity Loss of 1.19% and low surface area of 0.89 m2/g for the new Superfine Grade of spherical graphite compare very favorably with the Lac Knife’s Standard and Fine grades introduced in 2014 as shown in Table 1.

Table 1.
COMPARISON OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL PERFORMANCE OF THREE GRADES OF LAC KNIFE SPHERICAL GRAPHITE (SPG)



The Company knows of no other junior graphite developer today with a deposit capable of competitively converting their fine flake component to battery grade production.

Focus Graphite President and Chief Executive Officer Gary Economo said the Company’s ongoing R&D and materials testing aims to position Focus as a commercially competitive and important source of new graphite products for next generation energy storage and production.

Focus is currently engaged in battery testing with more than 20 potential end-users and seven universities and government laboratories.

“The key to growth of our value-added products stems from our technology vision of investing in those in-house process developments that meet future demands of the battery manufacturing industry,” Mr. Economo said.

“In this regard, and as evidenced by the periodic publications of data in support of our progress, Focus remains committed to achieving its long-held goal of unlocking shareholder value from that technology vision,” Mr. Economo said.

As a technology graphite developer, Focus is deeply engaged in R&D and development of graphite concentrate and value added products for a low carbon economy.

Focus has established a recent history of technological successes by designing processes leading to superior performing coated spherical graphite for use in battery anodes and high performing expanded graphite for use in Li-Ion battery cathodes.

The Company’s proprietary, low temperature process, developed by a Focus Graphite technical team headed by Dr. Doninger, is believed to be more efficient than very high temperature thermal purification and is suitable for the removal of specific types of impurities found in the Lac Knife graphite deposit.

Focus' low temperature process versus conventional very high temperature purification processes obviates the use of large amounts of energy - one of the largest single cost components of graphite purification.

Focus Graphite has acquired an intimate understanding of both the future needs of the battery manufacturing sector and trends in that sector as a long-standing Board Member of Chicago-based NAATBatt International (the National Alliance for Advanced Transportation Batteries).

Holding the ability to purify Lac Knife's fine flakes expands the company's potential to sell substantially more of the graphite extracted from Lac Knife into high-value, high-tech applications instead of approximately 30 percent being sold for lower value industrial applications.

The path from graphite product development to the battery manufacturers' testing labs is a lengthy, multi-step process.

Staged R&D testing is a prerequisite to the sale, or offtake, of any manufactured graphite for use in lithium-ion, alkaline and lead-acid batteries in the automobile, consumer, medical equipment, tools, hand-held industrial devices and aviation manufacturing industries or with military equipment suppliers.

 

[PIZZODIGINO]

LOMIKO REVIEWS KEY REPORTS OF WORLDWIDE FLAKE GRAPHITE PRICE JUMP DUE


TO SUPPLY CRUNCH IN CHINA AND INCREASED DEMAND FROM STEEL AND BATTERY

INDUSTRIES

Vancouver, B.C October 16, 2017, Lomiko Metals Inc. (“Lomiko”) (TSX-V: LMR, OTC: LMRMF,


FSE: DH8C) Lomiko Metals Inc. has recently reviewed three significant storylines from industrial

minerals analysts that forecast increased prices in the coming year as supply of graphite from China

is suppressed and demand steadily rises.

“When lithium prices tripled in 2015-2016, it brought incredible attention to the junior lithium market.

Now that flake graphite prices are increasing, we anticipate it will draw the attention of quick-acting,

savvy investors looking for maximum return on investment in the other battery material – graphite,”

states A. Paul Gill, Lomiko Metals Inc. CEO. “Lomiko Metals provides an interesting combination

of advanced development with an established resource and value, based on our small market of $

4 million Cdn.”

Lomiko’s current development is perfectly timed for the coming attention on graphite in 2018.

Lomiko aims to complete its current financing and start drilling at its La Loutre, Quebec Property,

which will allow for an expansion of its current resource and publish a Pre-Economic Assessment


in 2018 to meet the anticipated demand for various types of graphite.

Reports during October 2017 on the Industrial Minerals website indicates that European prices for


flake graphite with 94% and 97% purity has risen $ 200/tonne.

Roskill Information Services of London, U.K. (“Roskill”) recent article on natural flake graphite


indicates prices have risen recently with the largest increases seen in grades above 95% Carbon.

Processing plant closures have continued in Shandong, which compounded already existing supply

[issues], as well as affecting graphite available for batteries. The closures have resulted in higher

prices for larger flake graphite used in expandable/expanded graphite and refractories.

Roskill states: “…demand for both natural and synthetic continues to increase from the battery

industry with the strengthening EV market. Both General Motors (GM) and Renault have recently

released their plans for increased EV output. GM plans to launch 20 EV models by 2023 as part of

its journey to an all-electric future. Renault plans to double its EV offerings in the next five years

and to strengthen its business in China. Panasonic announced the start of automotive lithium-ion

battery production at a plant in Himeji, Japan from 2019; it already has five lithium-ion battery plants

in Japan and supplies to Tesla.”

Further, Steel 360 reports, “Steel manufacturers have been perplexed with the sudden rise in prices


as well as the unavailability of graphite electrodes which is essential in electric arc furnaces (“EAF”).

With the surge in EAF capacity in China following the crackdown on obsolete induction furnaces

prices of graphite electrode rods started to skyrocket exponentially. The increase in use of graphite

electrodes in the battery industry only made the raw material even dearer as both industries began

to compete for the limited material. The rise in production of graphite electrodes has not been able

to keep pace with the rise in demand, thus resulting in extreme shortage.”

 

[PIZZODIGINO]

Leading Edge Materials Partners With Ångström Advanced Battery Centre for Natural Graphite Anode Research
Published by Craig P at 16th October 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 the Company’s participation in a Swedish Government Funded research project entitled “Natural Swedish Graphite for Future Lithium Ion Batteries”.

Leading Edge Materials is a founding participant in the project, along with the Ångström Advanced Battery Centre (“ÅABC”), Uppsala University, Sweden. The project is focused on the application and optimization of high purity natural graphite as anode material for lithium ion batteries, using graphite sourced from Leading Edge Material’s Woxna project in Sweden. Major funding is provided by Vinnova, a Swedish government agency working under the Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation to promote research investment.

The Natural Swedish Graphite project brings together a very knowledgeable team with decades of lithium ion battery research and development experience. Led by Uppsala University’s Professor Kristina Edström, the ÅABC is the largest battery research group in the Nordic countries with research focused on all aspects of the chemistry of rechargeable batteries and fuel cells. The total project budget is SEK 1.75 million (approximately CA$270,000) and the project is scheduled to run until Q3 2019.

Professor Kristina Edström stated “ÅABC is looking forward to working with Woxna battery graphite to develop a superior anode material both technically and environmentally for the future cell manufacturers in Europe and the world.”

Project aims include:

• The manufacture of natural graphite powder with optimized particle size distribution and shape to facilitate rapid lithium movement;
• Optimization of the natural graphite purification process with as low environmental impact as possible;
• Testing of graphite electrodes using new processes and binders for commercialization;
• Development of polymeric composites that withstand long term exposure to high temperatures and humidity by using graphene as diffusion barrier.

Blair Way, President and CEO, stated “The Ångström Centre is highly regarded globally with many decades of lithium ion battery research and development. We are very pleased to have the opportunity to work with Professor Edström and her team on the further development of natural graphite from Woxna for high value anode materials.”

 

[PIZZODIGINO]

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