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Lomiko Metals, North American Nickel, VMS Ventures and Virtutone Networks Featured on Episode 22 of the Next Biggest Winner TV Show This Weekend

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 12:14 PM on Thursday, March 6th, 2014

TORONTO, ONTARIO–(March 6, 2014) – The Next Biggest Winner, a leading and nationally televised investment show focusing on small-cap and mid-cap companies, is pleased to announce episode 22 will air this weekend.

EPISODE 22 GUESTS

Lomiko Metals (TSX VENTURE:LMR)

North American Nickel (TSX VENTURE:NAN)

VMS Ventures (TSX VENTURE:VMS)

Virtutone Networks (TSX VENTURE:VFX)

Paul Gill, CEO of Lomiko Metals joins us to discuss the Quatre Milles Property. Paul also touches on the formation of Graphene 3D Labs Inc. to focus on the development of high-performance graphene-enhanced materials for 3D Printing.

Rick Mark, CEO & Chairman of North Shore Mining Group joins us to discuss VMS Ventures and North North American Nickel. North American Nickel ‘s 100% owned properties are in Maniitsoq, Greenland, Sudbury, Ontario, and the Thompson, Manitoba nickel belt. VMS Ventures Inc. is focused primarily on acquiring, exploring and developing copper-zinc-gold-silver massive sulphide deposits in the Flin Flon-Snow Lake VMS Belt of Manitoba.

Jason Allen, President and CEO of Virtutone Networks. Leading supplier of managed telecommunication services, including: Voice over IP services, Fax over IP services, Hosted PBX services, DSL & T1 data circuits, wireless solutions for mobile work forces and SCADA networks, and network management and IT-related products. The company generated over $9.2M in revenues during January 2014.

PROUD SPONSORS

We are proud to announce that UC Resources and Pacific Potash will serve as anchor sponsors for all 30 episodes of Season 2. Both companies appeared in Episode 4 and will also be appearing on future episodes.

In addition, Marketwired is the official Media Partner of The Next Biggest Winner and distributor of this press release.

NEW SEASON, NEW HOST

Season 2 promises to be even better than Season 1 with the addition of our new host, George Tsiolis. As the Founder of AGORACOM.com, George brings his significant knowledge and experience of small-cap markets to the show, insuring robust interviews and information for the benefit of our viewing audience.

Tsiolis stated “The Next Biggest Winner fills a significant void in Canadian Business Media by strictly focusing on emerging companies capable of becoming The Next Biggest Winner. Show creators Jamie Bailey and Metaphoria Productions smartly recognized there is no other nationally televised show of its kind and now provide small cap companies and investors everywhere with a great platform to connect. The production quality in our state of the art studio is second to none. I’m proud to be a Co-Producer for Season 2 and beyond!”

TELEVISION BROADCAST DETAILS

The show airs nationally on television via iChannel in prime time as follows:

WHEN: Saturday March 8th 7:30 PM EST (Also 8:30 AM & 3:30 AM)
Sunday March 9th 6:30PM EST (Also 7:30 AM & 2:30 AM)
WHERE: iChannel (See listing below or check iChannel for your local area)
http://www.ichannel.ca/the-next-biggest-winner/whats-on/
Bell Channel 514 Across Canada
Cogeco Channel 136 in Ontario and Quebec
MTS TV Channel 282 in Manitoba
Rogers Channel 197 in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick
Shaw Cable Channel 110 in BC / Channel 95 Everywhere Else
Shaw Direct Channel 593 (Classic) Channel 222 (Direct)
Source Cable Channel 174 Ontario
Telus TV Not Available Yet
Videotron Channel 146 in Quebec

About The Next Biggest Winner

The Next Biggest Winner is a television interview series for Canadian investors dedicated to identifying companies poised for growth. If your company believes it is The Next Biggest Winner and would like to appear on the show, please contact us below.

To watch a sneak peek of this episode, as well as, previous full episodes click here.

Contact Information

 

Metaphoria Productions
Jamie Bailey
Creator and Producer
[email protected]

AGORACOM
http://agoracom.com/services

Lomiko Takes on Multi-Billion Dollar 3D Printing and Graphene Goliaths

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 9:17 AM on Monday, February 3rd, 2014

VANCOUVER, British Columbia,  Feb. 3, 2014 — If graphene isn’t in your investment  lexicon, adopt it now, because its growth includes all things electronic  and won’t wait for you to catch up.

Familiarizing yourself with the revolutionary properties of this  graphite derivative would likely give you a leg up when considering your   investment choices. Graphene can and will be found in our most valued possessions from cell phones, to potentially life changing technology  such as 3D printing and yes, even the electric battery in a Tesla  Roadster.

“Graphene is basically a one-atom thick layer of carbon. Under a  microscope, it looks like a honeycombed lattice—much like chicken wire,”   states A. Paul Gill, President and CEO of Lomiko Metals (TSX-V:LMR), a   Company that extracts high quality graphite from its Quatre Mille  property in Quebec. “The growth of graphene use in virtually every  electronic application will undoubtedly be a catalyst of change across  the board, both in R&D and production.”

Mr. Gill, more than just a mining executive, recognized another Company  engaged in the rapidly growing graphene marketplace; New York based,  Graphene Labs, a leading manufacturer and supplier to global R&D  markets. The Company also holds many graphene patents but of particular  importance is the patent to convert graphite to graphene recently  announced in an exclusive agreement between the two Companies.

Together the two Companies will capitalize on the secure supply of high  quality graphite provided by Lomiko, as well as the extensive customer  database and expertise in graphene materials of Graphene Labs. This  alliance is where the possibilities become almost limitless.

Graphene Labs holds patents on 3D printing technologies that could very  well change the way we all live and purchase products. 3D printing is  the process of creating a three-dimensional, solid object from a digital  file of virtually any shape, using an additive process. Eventually this  will allow you to print everything from a toothbrush to a carburetor  for your car, in your basement.

Lomiko is also not standing still. Gill states: ‘As exclusive supplier  of high purity, large flake crystalline graphite from our Quatre Milles  East Property in Quebec, we are rapidly expanding this relationship with  Graphene 3D Labs as part of our recently filed Public Offering and  concurrent Private Placement. Once completed, Lomiko should realize  approximately $4 million.’

Credit Suisse forecasts that global 3D printing market revenues will reach almost $12 billion by 2020; they came in just over $2 billion in 2012. That represents annual growth of 20-30%. The retail consumer/small  business market shows the largest growth potential with 100%+ year over  year growth in 2013.

Nasdaq listed CVD Equipment, which has a Market Capitalization of $ 81  million and a share price of over $ 13.00 USD joins 3D Systems Corp, XG  Sciences and other large companies vying for this new market.

Adding graphene to polymers which are conventionally used in 3D  printing enhances the properties of the polymer in many different ways; it improves the mechanical strength as well as its electrical and  thermal conductivity. The method described in the provisional patent  application allows consumers to use the polymer, infused with graphene, together with conventional polymers in the same printing process,  thereby fabricating functional electronic devices.

China supplies 70% of the world graphite market, made up of 60%  amorphous and 40% flake. Demand has increased roughly 5% in the last 10 years to about $12 billion in 2011. There are 15 grams of graphite in a   smartphone battery. The Lithium Ion battery market is also a huge  consumer of graphite, needing 10-20 times the amount of a standard  lithium battery. There are 110 Kg of graphite in the battery of a Tesla Roadster. Lithium Ion batteries are projected to generate revenues of  $60 billion by 2020. I imagine you get the point.

While the applications in 3D printing are impressive, there are several  multi-billion dollar industries that will benefit from this alliance  including the medical appliance market, biotech and super capacitors.  RFID, smart packaging, ITO replacement, sensors, logic and memory are  also areas where graphene will likely see exceptional growth.

None of this works of course without graphite, particularly the high quality/purity flake graphite mined by Lomiko. Coupled with the  technical and market expertise and global top-tier customer base of  Graphene Labs, the Company’s revenue growth looks solid and sustainable.

Source: http://www.visualcapitalist.com/portfolio/lomiko-quebec-lithium-ion-battery-grade-high-purity-flake-graphite

Legal Disclaimer/Disclosure:

A fee has been paid for the production and distribution of this Report.  This document is not and should not be construed as an offer to sell or  the solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for any investment. No information in this article should be construed as  individualized investment advice. A licensed financial advisor should be   consulted prior to making any investment decision. Financial Press  makes no guarantee, representation or warranty and accepts no  responsibility or liability as to its accuracy or completeness.  Expressions of opinion are those of the author’s only and are subject to   change without notice. Financial Press assumes no warranty, liability or guarantee for the current relevance, correctness or completeness of any information provided within this article and will not be held liable  for the consequence of reliance upon any opinion or statement contained  herein or any omission. Furthermore, we assume no liability for any  direct or indirect loss or damage or, in particular, for lost profit,  which you may incur as a result of the use and existence of the   information, provided within this article.

Source: Financialpress.com

CONTACT: A. Paul Gill
         CEO
         604-729-5312
         [email protected]
         www.lomiko.com

WATCH: U3O8 Corp., Excalibur Resources and Lomiko Metals Featured on Episode 19 of the Next Biggest Winner TV Show

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 10:24 AM on Monday, December 9th, 2013

The Next Biggest Winner, a leading and nationally televised investment show focusing on small-cap and mid-cap companies, is pleased to announce Episode 19 aired across Canada this past weekend.

EPISODE 19 GUESTS

U3O8 Corp. (TSX:UWE)

Excalibur Resources Ltd (CNSX: XBR)

Lomiko Metals Inc. (TSX VENTURE:LMR)

SEGMENT 1

Richard Spencer, President & CEO of U3O8 Corp joins us to discuss the company’s advanced uranium portfolio with a strong growth profile, comprising of three NI 43-101 resources in Colombia, Argentina and Guyana. All three deposits host positive metallurgical results and the Columbian deposit hosts a positive NI 43-101 preliminary economic assessment.

SEGMENT 2

Tim Gallagher, CEO and Chairman of Excalibur Resources Ltd takes the stage to discuss the company’s Catanava gold production project in the Pinos Bonanza Gold District in Zacatecas, Mexico.

Paul Gill, CEO of Lomiko Metals joins us to discuss the Quatre Milles Property located approximately 175 km northwest of Montreal. Paul also discusses the Strategic Alliance Agreement with Graphene Labs and SUNY Research Foundation at Stony Brook University to convert graphite into grapheme for supercapacitors.

SEGMENT 3

Round Up! Richard Spencer, President & CEO of U3O8 and Tim Gallagher, CEO and Chairman of Excalibur Resources Ltd join host George Tsiolis for the round up portion of the show.

 

U3O8 Corp., Excalibur Resources and Lomiko Metals Featured on Episode 19 of the Next Biggest Winner TV Show This Weekend

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 12:14 PM on Thursday, December 5th, 2013

TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Dec. 5, 2013) – The Next Biggest Winner, a leading and nationally televised investment show focusing on small-cap and mid-cap companies, is pleased to announce Episode 19 will be airing across Canada this weekend.

Take a sneak peek here!

EPISODE 19 GUESTS

U3O8 Corp. (TSX:UWE)

Excalibur Resources Ltd (CNSX: XBR)

Lomiko Metals Inc. (TSX VENTURE:LMR)

Richard Spencer, President & CEO of U3O8 Corp joins us to discuss the company’s advanced uranium portfolio with a strong growth profile, comprising of three NI 43-101 resources in Colombia, Argentina and Guyana. All three deposits host positive metallurgical results and the Columbian deposit hosts a positive NI 43-101 preliminary economic assessment.

Tim Gallagher, CEO and Chairman of Excalibur Resources Ltd takes the stage to discuss the company’s Catanava gold production project in the Pinos Bonanza Gold District in Zacatecas, Mexico.

Paul Gill, CEO of Lomiko Metals joins us to discuss the Quatre Milles Property located approximately 175 km northwest of Montreal. Paul also discusses the Strategic Alliance Agreement with Graphene Labs and SUNY Research Foundation at Stony Brook University to convert graphite into grapheme for supercapacitors.

PROUD SPONSORS

We are proud to announce that UC Resources and Pacific Potash will serve as anchor sponsors for all 30 episodes of Season 2. Both companies appeared in Episode 4 and will also be appearing on future episodes.

In addition, Marketwired is the official Media Partner of The Next Biggest Winner and distributor of this press release.

NEW SEASON, NEW HOST

Season 2 promises to be even better than Season 1 with the addition of our new host, George Tsiolis. As the Founder of AGORACOM.com George brings his significant knowledge and experience of small-cap markets to the show, insuring robust interviews and information for the benefit of our viewing audience.

Tsiolis stated “The Next Biggest Winner fills a significant void in Canadian Business Media by strictly focusing on emerging companies capable of becoming The Next Biggest Winner. Show creators Jamie Bailey and Metaphoria Productions smartly recognized there is no other nationally televised show of its kind and now provide small cap companies and investors everywhere with a great platform to connect. The production quality in our state of the art studio is second to none. I’m proud to be a Co-Producer for Season 2 and beyond!”

TELEVISION BROADCAST DETAILS

The show airs nationally on television via iChannel in prime time as follows:

WHEN: Saturday December 7th 7:30 PM EST (Also 8:30 AM & 3:30 AM)
Sunday December 8th 6:30PM EST (Also 7:30 AM & 2:30 AM)
WHERE: iChannel (See listing below or check iChannel for your local area)
http://www.ichannel.ca/the-next-biggest-winner/whats-on/
Bell Channel 514 Across Canada
Cogeco Channel 136 in Ontario and Quebec
MTS TV Channel 282 in Manitoba
Rogers Channel 197 in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick
Shaw Cable Channel 110 in BC / Channel 95 Everywhere Else
Shaw Direct Channel 593 (Classic) Channel 222 (Direct)
Source Cable Channel 174 Ontario
Telus TV Not Available Yet
Videotron Channel 146 in Quebec

About The Next Biggest Winner

The Next Biggest Winner is a television interview series for Canadian investors dedicated to identifying companies poised for growth. If your company believes it is The Next Biggest Winner and would like to appear on the show, please contact us below.

To watch a sneak peek of this episode, as well as, previous full episodes click here.

Contact Information

 

Metaphoria Productions
Jamie Bailey
Creator and Producer
[email protected]

AGORACOM
http://agoracom.com/services

Lomiko, Graphene Labs and Stony Brook University Project Produces Graphene Supercapacitor Prototype *Sponsor*

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 9:08 AM on Wednesday, December 4th, 2013

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA and NEW YORK, NEW YORK–(Dec. 4, 2013) – LOMIKO METALS INC. (TSX VENTURE:LMR)(PINKSHEETS:LMRMF)(FRANKFURT:DH8B), (Europe: ISIN: CA54163Q1028, WKN: A0Q9W7,) (the “Company”) and Graphene Laboratories Inc. (“Graphene Labs”) announce they have reached a significant milestone by receiving a prototype graphene supercapacitor and a report from Stony Brook University and New York State’s Center for Advanced Sensor Technology (Sensor CAT). The prototype of the supercapacitor was made using graphene composite material prepared using a proprietary technology developed at Graphene Labs. The measured specific capacitance of the prototype was found to be around 500 Farad per gram of the material. This value is comparable with the best values reported in the literature for a supercapacitor of this type.

The exceptional quality of the Reduced Graphene Oxide (“RGO”) electrodes allows expansion of the operating voltage window up to 4 Volts. This allows the density of the energy stored in the supercapacitor to be increased. The device has shown this significant performance due to the high specific surface area as well as high electrical conductivity of the graphene produced from graphite material from the Quatre Milles Graphite Project in Quebec. The achievement paves the way for future commercialization efforts by the two companies under the goals of their Strategic Alliance Agreement (“SAA”). The next step is to have the results examined by interested companies within the industry.

Lomiko announced May 29, 2013 that the Research Foundation of Stony Brook University (“RF”), on behalf of the Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center (“AERTC”) and the Center for Advanced Sensor Technology (“Sensor CAT”), as well as Graphene Laboratories, Inc. (“Graphene Labs”) had agreed to establish a lasting cooperation aimed at investigating novel energy-based applications of graphene.

On September 17, 2013 Lomiko and Graphene Labs reported that in the first step of the conversion process, natural graphite flakes were oxidized and turned into Graphene Oxide (“GO”) by modified Hummer’s method. As the result, a stable aqueous dispersion with concentration of 40 grams per liter was obtained. Further, the GO was converted into RGO. The specific surface area of the RGO was found to be 500 square metres per gram and its electrical conductivity 4 (four) S per centimeter. These values are similar or exceeding the values for the RGO obtained from other samples of natural graphite taken for comparison and processed by the same procedure.

The properties of graphene, including its high conductivity, mechanical strength, and high specific surface area, make it an ideal electrode material for electrochemical devices used in clean energy applications such as supercapacitors and next-generation Li-ion batteries. Efficient energy storage is the cornerstone for a resilient and reliable energy transmission grid and a key element of the clean energy system.

Under the SAA signed February 12, 2013, Lomiko and Graphene Labs agreed to co-develop a vertically integrated supply chain that includes a secure supply of high-quality graphite, cost-effective and scalable processing, tight quality control and integration of graphene-based products in end-user products. The end goal is to find commercially viable routes to make graphene-based energy storage devices as well as graphene-based nanocomposite materials. In particular, Graphene Labs and Lomiko recently launched a new venture, Graphene 3D Lab Inc. focused on development of the graphene-based composite materials for applications in 3D Printing.

About AERTC

Located in the Research and Development Park on the campus of Stony Brook University, the Advanced Energy Incubator is space that is home to companies within the Advanced Energy Center. The Advanced Energy Center (www.aertc.org), a New York Center of Excellence is a true partnership of academic institutions, research institutions, energy providers and companies. Its mission is innovative energy research, education and technology deployment with a focus on efficiency, conservation, renewable energy and nanotechnology applications for new and novel sources of energy.

About Sensor CAT

The New York State Center for Advanced Technology at Stony Brook University (http://www.usensors.com/SENSORCAT/), designated by Empire State Development’s, Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR), provides intellectual, logistical, and material resources for the development of new product technologies – by facilitating R&D partnerships between New York companies with an in-state footprint and university researchers. The important outcomes are new jobs, new patents, training of students in company product matters, and improved competitiveness for New York State businesses.

Graphene Laboratories Inc. Background

Graphene Laboratories, Inc., located in Calverton, NY, specializes in the manufacture and sale of research materials to R&D markets, with the world’s largest selection of advanced and 2D materials. Having been first in the market to introduce graphene materials for research use, the company is working towards industrial-scale production of graphene and graphene-like materials, currently with pilot-scale production capabilities. The team at Graphene Laboratories are recognized experts in graphene materials, with staff regularly presenting at international conferences and exhibitions. Researchers at Graphene Labs also specialize in custom projects and R&D.

Graphene Laboratories Inc. operates both the Graphene Supermarket® (www.graphene-supermarket.com) and Maximum Materials™ (www.maximum-materials.com), and is a leading supplier of advanced 2D materials to thousands of customers around the globe. The company offers a wide variety of graphene materials, as well as other advanced 2D nanomaterials such as molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide, and boron nitride products.

For more information on Graphene Laboratories, Inc, visit www.graphenelabs.com or contact them or via email at [email protected].

Graphene 3D Laboratories Inc. Background

Graphene 3D Laboratories Inc., a spin-out of Graphene Laboratories Inc, focuses on development of high-performance graphene-enhanced materials for 3D Printing. For more information on Graphene 3D Labs, Inc, visit www.graphene3Dlab.com.

Lomiko Metals Inc. Background

Lomiko Metals Inc. is a Canada-based, exploration-stage company. The Company is engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of resource properties that contain minerals for the new green economy. Its mineral properties include the Quatre Milles Graphite Property and the Vines Lake property which both have had recent major discoveries.

Daniel Stolyarov, Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Southern California, CTO of Graphene Laboratories Inc., has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical content of this release.

On Behalf of the Board

A. Paul Gill, Chief Executive Officer

We seek safe harbor. 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

 

Lomiko Metals Inc.
A. Paul Gill
604-729-5312
[email protected]
www.lomiko.com

Lomiko Metals and Graphene Laboratories Launch Graphene 3D Labs-A Company Focused On 3D Printing With Graphene Materials

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 9:10 AM on Friday, November 22nd, 2013

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA and NEW YORK, NEW YORK–(Nov. 22, 2013) – LOMIKO METALS INC. (TSX VENTURE:LMR)(PINKSHEETS:LMRMF)(FRANKFURT:DH8B) (Europe: ISIN: CA54163Q1028, WKN: A0Q9W7,) (the “Company”) announced today the formation of Graphene 3D Labs Inc. to focus on the development of high-performance graphene-enhanced materials for 3D Printing. Dr. Daniel Stolyarov of Graphene Laboratories Inc. (“Grapehne Labs”) was appointed CEO and Dr. Michael Gouzman, a leading expert in 3D Printing, was appointed VP of Engineering and Technology.

On February 12, 2013 the Company had entered into a Strategic Alliance Agreement (“SAA”) with Graphene Labs. The creation of Graphene 3D Labs, a spin-out of Graphene Labs, is a result of R&D efforts during the duration of the SAA.

3D Printing is a new and promising manufacturing technology that has garnered much interest, growing from uses in prototyping to everyday products. Today, it is a billion dollar industry growing at a brisk pace. New developments in 3D printing will allow products with different components such as printed electronic circuits, sensors or batteries to be manufactured.

High quality graphite is a base material for producing graphene. Lomiko will provide graphite to Graphene 3D Labs as the exclusive supplier to Graphene 3D Labs and invest $ 50,000 in the start-up for 250,000 preferred shares which are entitled to dividends. Lomiko will require a minimum of $ 300,000 financing by May 1, 2014 to participate in the venture and further financings to participate in a series of graphene-related ventures in addition to work on a graphite resource at the Quatre Milles Project. The transaction is arm’s length and subject to the approval of the TSX.

“Our involvement in Graphene 3D Labs is a concrete first step into the world of Graphene, 3D Printing and Printed Electronics. This is a rapidly developing new market for high quality natural graphite.” stated A. Paul Gill, CEO from the Graphene Live! Conference in Santa Clara, California held November 19-22, 2013.

Dr. Elena Polyakova, CEO of Graphene Labs, was a speaker on Graphene Live! and stated, “We anticipate graphene-enabled materials to revolutionize 3D printing. We anticipate strong demand in airspace, automotive, semi-conductor and advanced manufacturing industries.”

Currently Lomiko and Graphene Labs are working toward the integration of graphene-based products into end-user goods as set out in the Strategic Alliance. Lomiko’s high quality graphite and the extensive customer database cultivated by the experts at Graphene Labs will prove indispensable to reaching production and commercialization goals.

Further developments related to new developments from Graphene 3D Labs on specific materials and results from the Supercapacitor Project will be reported when results are available.

Graphene 3D Labs Inc. Background

Graphene 3D Laboratories Inc a spin-out of Graphene Laboratories Inc, focuses on development of high-performance graphene-enhanced materials for 3D Printing.

For more information on Graphene 3D Labs, Inc, visit www.graphene3Dlabs.com.

Graphene Laboratories Inc. Background

Graphene Laboratories, Inc., located in Calverton, NY, specializes in the manufacture and sale of research materials to R&D markets, with the world’s largest selection of advanced and 2D materials. Having been first in the market to introduce graphene materials for research use, the company is working towards industrial-scale production of graphene and graphene-like materials, currently with pilot-scale production capabilities. The team at Graphene Laboratories are recognized experts in graphene materials, with staff regularly presenting at international conferences and exhibitions. Researchers at Graphene Labs also specialize in custom projects and R&D.

Graphene Laboratories Inc. operates both the Graphene Supermarket® (www.graphene-supermarket.com) and Maximum Materials™ (www.maximum-materials.com), and is a leading supplier of advanced 2D materials to thousands of customers around the globe. The company offers a wide variety of graphene materials, as well as other advanced 2D nanomaterials such as molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide, and boron nitride products.

For more information on Graphene Laboratories, Inc, visit www.graphenelabs.com.

Lomiko Metals Inc. Background

Lomiko Metals Inc. is a Canada-based, exploration-stage company. The Company is engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of resource properties that contain minerals for the new green economy. Its mineral properties include the Quatre Milles Graphite Property and the Vines Lake property which both have had recent major discoveries.

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

On Behalf of the Board

A. Paul Gill, Chief Executive Officer

We seek safe harbor. 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

 

Graphene 3D Labs, Inc.
(516)-375-9901
[email protected]
www.graphene3Dlabs.com

Graphene Laboratories, Inc.
[email protected]
www.graphenelabs.com

Lomiko Metals Inc.
A. Paul Gill
Chief Executive Officer
(604) 729-5312
[email protected]
www.lomiko.com

Lomiko Provides Update on Strategic Alliance With Graphene Labs

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 3:35 PM on Friday, September 27th, 2013

September 27, 2013 15:29 ET

Lomiko Provides Update on Strategic Alliance With Graphene Labs

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA and NEW YORK, NEW YORK–(Sept. 27, 2013) – LOMIKO METALS INC. (TSX VENTURE:LMR) (PINKSHEETS:LMRMF) (FRANKFURT:DH8B) (Europe: ISIN: CA54163Q1028, WKN: A0Q9W7,) (the “Company”) announced on February 12, 2013 that it had entered into a Strategic Alliance with Graphene Laboratories Inc. (“Graphene Labs”). The Strategic Alliance is focused on developing a vertically integrated supply chain for large-scale graphene production; key factors to success will include a secure supply of high-quality graphite, cost-effective and scalable processing, and high quality control.

The Strategic Alliance provided Lomiko with an exclusive opportunity to participate in Graphene Lab Projects such as the Supercapacitor Project in collaboration with the SUNY Research Foundation at Stony Brook University, which umbrellas the Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center (AERTC) and the Center for Advanced Technology in Diagnostic Tools and Sensor Systems (Sensor CAT).

These efforts have produced success as indicated by the recent announcement that graphite samples from Lomiko’s Quatre Milles Property were converted to Graphene Oxide (“GO”) and Reduced Graphene Oxide (“RGO”), similar to materials which are currently available for sale on www.graphene-supermarket.com. Lomiko will continue to participate in projects is currently reviewing several opportunities with Graphene Labs. Lomiko will also continue providing mineral samples from the Quatre Milles Project, as required for further testing of the conversion of natural high quality flake graphite to graphene.

Currently Lomiko and Graphene Labs are working toward the integration of graphene-based products into end-user goods as set out in the Strategic Alliance. Lomiko’s high quality graphite and the extensive customer database cultivated by the experts at Graphene Labs will prove indispensable to reaching production and commercialization goals.

In light of the progress made, Graphene Laboratories and Lomiko decided to reconsider the terms of the Alliance agreement. According to the original terms of the Agreement, Lomiko was provided an opportunity to provide equity financing to Graphene Laboratories on an exclusive basis up to $ 2 million. At this time, Lomiko will not purchase an equity position directly in Graphene Labs due to market conditions and the effect of dilution at Lomiko’s current price. Instead, Graphene Laboratories and Lomiko will use available resources to pursue commercialization of the technology developed together. The details of the future collaboration of Lomiko and Graphene Laboratories in the Strategic Alliance will be announced shortly.

Graphene Laboratories Inc. Background

Graphene Laboratories, Inc., located in Calverton, NY, specializes in the manufacture and sale of research materials to R&D markets, with the world’s largest selection of advanced and 2D materials. Having been first in the market to introduce graphene materials for research use, the company is working towards industrial-scale production of graphene and graphene-like materials, currently with pilot-scale production capabilities. The team at Graphene Laboratories are recognized experts in graphene materials, with staff regularly presenting at international conferences and exhibitions. Researchers at Graphene Labs also specialize in custom projects and R&D.

Graphene Laboratories Inc. operates both the Graphene Supermarket® (www.graphene-supermarket.com) and Maximum Materials™ (www.maximum-materials.com), and is a leading supplier of advanced 2D materials to thousands of customers around the globe. The company offers a wide variety of graphene materials, as well as other advanced 2D nanomaterials such as molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide, and boron nitride products.

For more information on Graphene Laboratories, Inc, visit www.graphenelabs.com.

Lomiko Metals Inc. Background

Lomiko Metals Inc. is a Canada-based, exploration-stage company. The Company is engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of resource properties that contain minerals for the new green economy. Its mineral properties include the Quatre Milles Graphite Property and the Vines Lake property which both have had recent major discoveries.

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

On Behalf of the Board

A. Paul Gill, Chief Executive Officer

We seek safe harbor. 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

Flake Graphite Prices Have Bottomed: Simon Moores

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 1:56 PM on Thursday, May 30th, 2013

The Metals Report: Simon, the Chinese government says it is no longer willing to sacrifice the environment to mine and export commodities. You recently visited several graphite mining operations in China. Is this for real or just paying lip service?

Simon Moores: When you visit these mines and see how dated and wasteful some of their mining practices are, the environmental issues are apparent. But while this stance is partially to benefit the environment, it’s also about China wanting to retain raw materials and use them to manufacture higher-value products. China does have some leading graphite producers that are now investing in not only improving their products as well as their mining practices. This is something non-Chinese companies will have to keep track of.

TMR: If China is “going green,” what are the ripple effects that graphite investors in the West will feel?

SM: China’s “going green” is twofold. Green from the mining side means becoming more efficient with graphite mining and using less hazardous materials for processing the material. This will result in less material being available for export. Buyers outside of China have no choice but to eventually find supplies elsewhere.

From the market side, going green undoubtedly means expanding the electric vehicle market. The growth for batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries, could be explosive. This could transform demand for key raw materials, especially flake graphite.

TMR: What were the biggest takeaways from your visit to China?

SM: The biggest one was China’s willingness to control the industry. Its amorphous graphite industry has been consolidated. In Hunan province, the government consolidated close to 230 small-time mines into one company that now controls 50–60% of the production in that area. Another takeaway is that flake graphite is on China’s radar. Although it was the amorphous graphite mines that were consolidated, flake graphite, which is the bigger business, was being discussed.

Black Dragon graphite mine China

The Black Dragon graphite Mine in China. Photo credit: Laura Syrett
TMR: Some people have speculated that the consolidation strategy in flake graphite could ultimately lead China to flood the market with graphite, much like it did in the mid-’90s, forcing some graphite miners out of business. You disagree. Tell us why.

SM: Today is a completely different situation from the mid-’90s. A generation ago, China was on its way up. It was getting its primary industries underway, growing as quickly as possible, taking in as much revenue as possible. Back then, China could mine cheaply, export cheaply, undercut everybody and get quick money. There was no competition. Now, China needs to move its economy to the next level, to the value-added level. It wants to compete with South Korea, Japan, Europe and the U.S. Cheap exports are not the way to do that.

Its challenge is to appease the mining companies through things like tax breaks on higher-value products to push these companies to develop value-added products such as battery-grade graphite and even the batteries themselves. The car industry is a perfect example. Ten years ago, China didn’t have one; now I expect to see Chinese cars on European and North American roads in the next three years.

TMR: China also has a source of flake graphite in North Korea. What is going on there?

SM: China has exported flake graphite from North Korea for the last decade from a mine that once was a joint venture between North and South Korea. It exported about 1,000 tonnes in 2012. The graphite goes to China, where it is blended with other products. This is a captive source for China that has historically been used internally.

TMR: Why is this Korean source being talked about more now?

SM: I am not sure. Our research indicates that China is not getting as much flake graphite from North Korea as previously thought. The problem is that bad information gets around really quickly, especially when it is free. Everyone thought North Korea was sending 30,000 tonnes per year (tpa) of flake graphite to China. We think it was actually less than 1,000 tonnes in 2012. North Korea was considered the fourth-largest producer in the world. If the data are wrong, that could indicate there is a lot less flake graphite in the market than people realized.

The same problem exists with India. The Indian production figures that are freely available for flake graphite indicated production of 140,000 tpa when, according to our research, in the last 12 months it was actually 35,000 tpa. If that is the case, the rest of world production could be well overestimated.

TMR: The price of flake graphite has been dropping since May 2012, mostly owing to softer demand from steel refractories and lubricant markets.How is this affecting the economics of flake graphite projects?

SM: Obviously, lower prices would have a negative effect on projects whose economics were done 12–18 months ago using the very high prices we saw then. Prices have come down about 50% on average from the 2011-2012 peak. On that basis, some companies are already reevaluating.

“Graphite buyers need supply security; the price volatility of the past five years has not been good for business.”

TMR: Does that invalidate their preliminary economic assessments and other economic studies?

SM: “Invalidate” is probably too strong a word, but the more responsible graphite juniors are revaluating their economics based on lower prices. Typically, these companies use price averages for their analyses. Predicting the future price of graphite price is always guesswork. Whether they take a 12-, 18- or 24-month average, it will be an average, and there will always be problems with that.

But understandably, miners have to use a price and this is where we come in, as the only independents pricing natural graphite.

natural graphite price trends

Source: Industrial Minerals Data

TMR: What is the current price of flake graphite?

SM: Using our most commonly quoted grade, the +80 mesh, 94–97% carbon, the price is now $1,400/tonne. It has dropped about 50% since the highs of 2011 and 2012.

TMR: What price do you predict through 2015?

SM: I think the industry has seen the bottom of graphite prices and should expect a rise from here or in Q3/13. Flake graphite prices have settled higher than expected. They remain 60% higher than pre-recession levels in 2008-2009. Other commodities, especially fluorspar, have crashed and hit all-time lows. Graphite has not done that.

TMR: What is the path forward for companies developing graphite projects?

SM: It depends on the company, whether it is coming from an industry perspective or, like most of the juniors, from a stock market perspective. From an industry perspective, the hope is to move away from dependency on China. Graphite buyers need supply security; the price volatility of the past five years has not been good for business. For a company producing refractories, raw materials are by far the biggest input cost, and price volatility does not allow for long-term business planning. For long-term supply security, companies are looking away from China.

TMR: Does that make graphite a go-long play?

SM: Yes, because the fundamentals will not change any time soon.

TMR: The other great debate in this sector is whether graphene is worth talking about as part of an economic thesis.

SM: I do not think graphene will ever be a volume business for any graphite producers. The value for graphite companies going into graphene, which only a handful are doing, is the research and development (R&D) and new technology that will allow them to produce graphene from natural graphite. This technology will be a game changer for materials science, and the graphite industry will be pretty irrelevant in terms of global impact.

Some companies are experimenting with carbon sciences, merging carbon materials into their applications. Companies will never make money from selling large volumes of graphite to make graphene.

TMR: Realistically, how far away are we from producing graphene from mined graphite?

SM: A few companies are pioneering that technology. Grafoid Inc. has an R&D agreement with Focus Graphite Inc. (FMS:TSX.V) to investigate and develop a graphene-based composite for electrochemical energy storage for the automotive and/or portable electronics sectors. They have just launched the world’s first trademarked graphene product—MesoGraf. But this material is still in the R&D phase.

The value of these companies is their research into the best methods to produce graphene and finding applications for it. No one really knows how to use it—the graphene pioneers have to build an industry and convince people to use it. Everyone now knows the theory, but the reality—the real world application—is something that will take time.

“There have not been any new mines opened in a generation. When you have this kind of growth potential, matched with underinvestment on the supply side, it doesn’t take a genius to work out that something has to change.”

I went to a graphene event last month, and it struck me that people are not worried about how to produce it, they are more focused on developing the market, on getting end-users to try to make products that include graphene.

TMR: What will be the next graphite project to reach production?

SM: If the press releases are anything to go by, I would say Ontario Graphite Ltd. (private). But it is hard for us to analyze because it is a private company that does not put out much information. We look less at the tonnages in the ground and more at the flake distribution of the deposit. Ultimately, these companies will need to sell material. Flake fines, or smaller-flake graphite, is the hardest to sell, while large flake the easiest.

TMR: Suppose, just for the sake of argument, that Ontario Graphite did add the 20,000 tonnes it says it will to the market. With TIMCAL (a member of Imerys [NK:PA]) already operating at a roughly similar production rate, could both operations continue at a profit?

SM: No, I do not think those two mines could both operate at that rate for very long—not in today’s market conditions. The good news is that the production rate at TIMCAL’s Lac des Iles mine has always been falling, while costs have been rising for a while now. TIMCAL has been looking at other options and other mines, at other graphite juniors. You can pretty much assume that Lac des Iles is on its last legs, which is good news for graphite juniors.

TMR: What does that news from TIMCAL mean for a company like Northern Graphite Corporation (NGC:TSX.V; NGPHF:OTCQX), which also has an advanced-stage graphite project in Ontario?

SM: It is great news for companies like Northern Graphite. The TIMCAL mine is a generation old. Northern Graphite has been around for ages under a different name prior, but I think that will pay off because of the amount of information the company has on that deposit. I think everything it’s been working toward will pay off.

TMR: As a graphite deposit, what does Bissett Creek have going for it?

SM: The large flake size is the key attraction. The grade is very low, but that’s not much of a problem with graphite mining if you can economically extract it. Northern Graphite has a much higher distribution of large-flake material, which is what the industry wants.

TMR: What are the next steps for Northern Graphite?

SM: The next step is to redo the economics. The company released more drill information and increased its confirmed resource data. From there, it is a matter of riding out the storm until the market cycle comes around again. When that happens, it will be one of the strongest junior graphite companies.

TMR: In our last interview you talked about Energizer Resources Inc. (EGZ:TSX.V; ENZR:OTCBB) and its Green Giant project in Madagascar. Can you give us an update?

SM: Energizer Resources is doing something very similar to Northern Graphite. It has its asset, its project and a lot of information gathered already. Energizer has to get the word out and go to the market to get funding. I think management is focusing on that, because there is only so much drilling and reporting public companies can do. In other news, Energizer is planning on making an agreement with the nearby Sakoa Coal Field project that would allow Energizer to purchase “over-the-fence” power and share infrastructure, reducing its operating costs.

Logistics is a major factor, particularly in somewhere like Madagascar. If the company can team up with a much larger operation, then it will be a compelling project.

TMR: Can you share a couple of other graphite stories that have compelling narratives?

SM: Talga Resources Ltd. (ASX: TLG) has been working on a JORC-confirmed (Joint Ore Resources Committee) graphite resource in Sweden. In terms of volume, it is smaller than deposits in Canada or Africa, but in terms of quality it is up there. I would look out for it.

Syrah Resources Ltd. (ASX: SYR) is the leading graphite junior in Australia. It also is developing the Balama graphite project in Mozambique. Syrah had a great 12 months when everybody else struggled.

Zenyatta Ventures Ltd. (ZEN: TSX.V) has made a lot of headlines in recent months and enjoyed a high share price when everyone else has suffered. The company has a unique project with very high carbon purities. Zenyatta has been coy about allowing others to test this so far. The data it has released is very impressive on the carbon purities front, but because it’s so unique, the question is whether or not it can be used in the same markets as flake or synthetic graphite. Only time will tell.

TMR: What thoughts would you leave investors with for the rest of 2013?

SM: Look at the long-term basics in the graphite industry. Look at where graphite is used. Traditional volume markets include refractories, which is the steel industry. High-tech uses include electric vehicle batteries and portable electronics. Very few raw materials have this balance.

Look at the supply situation. China continues to dominate, and there have not been any new mines opened in a generation. When you have this kind of growth potential, matched with underinvestment on the supply side, it should not take a genius to work out that something has to change.

TMR: Simon, thank you for your time and your insights

Simon Moores is manager of Industrial Minerals Data, a business that sets prices for natural graphite and fluorspar industries from offices in London and Shanghai. He has been reporting on, researching and analyzing the non-metallic minerals sector since 2006, when he joined London-based publishing and research house Industrial Minerals. He has specialist knowledge in critical and strategic minerals including graphite, lithium, rare earths and titanium. He led the research and publication of the market study, “The Natural Graphite Report 2012: data, analysis and forecast for the next five years.” He has chaired conferences and given keynote presentations around the world. He has also been interviewed by international press including London’s Times regarding Chinese control on world graphite production, and The New York Times with regard to rare earths after breaking the story that China blocked exports to Japan in 2009.
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DISCLOSURE:

1) Brian Sylvester conducted this interview for The Metals Report and provides services to The Metals Report as an independent contractor. He or his family own shares of the following companies mentioned in this interview: None.

2) The following companies mentioned in the interview are sponsors of The Metals Report: Energizer Resources Inc. and Northern Graphite Corporation. Streetwise Reports does not accept stock in exchange for its services or as sponsorship payment.

3) Simon Moores: I or my family own shares of the following companies mentioned in this interview: None. I personally or my family am paid by the following companies mentioned in this interview: None. My company has a financial relationship with the following companies mentioned in this interview: None. I was not paid by Streetwise Reports for participating in this interview. Comments and opinions expressed are my own comments and opinions. I had the opportunity to review the interview for accuracy as of the date of the interview and am responsible for the content of the interview.

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Lomiko, Graphene Labs and Stony Brook University Collaborate on Graphene Super-Capacitor and Next-Generation Battery Applications

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 10:44 AM on Wednesday, May 29th, 2013

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA and NEW YORK, NEW YORK–(May 29, 2013) – LOMIKO METALS INC. (TSX VENTURE:LMR)(PINKSHEETS:LMRMF)(FRANKFURT:DH8B) (Europe: ISIN: CA54163Q1028, WKN: A0Q9W7) (the “Company”) announces that the SUNY Research Foundation at Stony Brook University (RF), Graphene Laboratories, Inc. (Graphene Labs) and Lomiko Metals, Inc. have agreed to investigate novel, energy-focused applications for graphene.

“This new agreement with Stony Brook University’s researchers means Lomiko is participating in the development of the technology graphene makes possible,” commented Paul Gill, CEO of Lomiko. “Using graphene to achieve very high energy densities in super capacitors and batteries is a transformative technology. Strategically, Lomiko needs to be participating in this vital research to achieve the goal of creating a vertically integrated graphite and graphene business.”

Under its Strategic Alliance Agreement with Lomiko, Graphene Labs — a leading graphene manufacturer — will process graphite samples from Lomiko’s Quatre Milles property into graphene. The Research Foundation, through Stony Brook University’s Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center (AERTC) and the Center for Advanced Sensor Technology (Sensor CAT), will then examine the most efficient methods of using this graphene for energy storage applications. There is no certainty the proposed operation will be economically viable.

Graphene’s remarkable properties, including its high conductivity, mechanical strength, and high specific surface area, make it an ideal electrode material for electrochemical devices used in clean energy applications. Graphene shows promise for super-capacitors and next-generation Li-ion batteries. Efficient energy storage is a cornerstone for a resilient and reliable energy transmission grid and graphene is a key element of the clean energy system.

For all parties involved, the goal of this collaboration is to map commercially viable routes for the fabrication of graphene-based energy storage devices. By participating in these projects, the partners will address the cost of graphene production, as well as how best to integrate the material into commercial energy storage devices.

The Lomiko and Graphene Labs Strategic Alliance

Lomiko and Graphene Labs have agreed to co-develop a vertically integrated supply chain that includes a secure supply of high-quality graphite, cost-effective and scalable processing, tight quality control and integration of graphene-based products in end-user products. The parties will capitalize on the secure supply of high quality graphite, provided by Lomiko, and the extensive customer database and expertise in graphene materials brought by Graphene Labs.

Lomiko has provided mineral samples from the Quatre Milles Project for natural high quality flake graphite for graphene conversion.

Under the Agreement, Graphene Labs will develop a feasible procedure for the purification of flake graphite for use in graphene production. They will also provide guidance on technologies tailored to the production of graphene and graphene-related materials.

The Agreement also calls for joint Research and Development and business, communications, and marketing strategy for end uses of the graphite and graphene products.

Lomiko also has the option to provide equity financing(s) to Graphene Labs on an exclusive basis for two years if it meets Graphene Labs funding requirement of raising at least $500,000 within eight months of the agreement, $1,000,000 within twelve (12) months and $2,000,000 within eighteen (18) months. If the requirements are not met, Lomiko loses exclusivity but maintains the right to participate in financings on a non-exclusive basis.

The Agreement is subject to approval by the TSX.

About Graphene Laboratories Inc.

Graphene Laboratories, Inc. primary focus is to apply fundamental science and technology to bring functional advanced materials and devices to market.

Graphene Laboratories Inc. operates the Graphene Supermarket® (www.graphene-supermarket.com), and is a leading supplier of advanced 2D materials to customers around the globe. In addition to the retail offering of advanced 2D materials, it offers analytical services, prototype development and consulting.

Located in Calverton NY, Graphene Labs benefits from the unique high tech community on Long Island. Efforts by Graphene Laboratories are supported by Brookhaven National Laboratory, Stony Brook Business Incubator, and the Clean Energy Business Incubator Program (CEBIP), hosted by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

For more information on Graphene Laboratories, Inc, visit www.graphenelabs.com or contact them at (516)-382-8649 or via email at [email protected].

About AERTC

Located in the Research and Development Park on the campus of Stony Brook University, the Advanced Energy Incubator is space that is home to companies within the Advanced Energy Center. The Advanced Energy Center (www.aertc.org), a New York Center of Excellence is a true partnership of academic institutions, research institutions, energy providers and companies. Its mission is innovative energy research, education and technology deployment with a focus on efficiency, conservation, renewable energy and nanotechnology applications for new and novel sources of energy.

About Sensor CAT

The New York State Center for Advanced Technology at Stony Brook University (http://www.usensors.com/SENSORCAT/), designated by the Empire State Development Corporation, Div. of Science Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR), provides intellectual, logistical, and material resources for the development of new product technologies – by facilitating R&D partnerships between New York companies with an in-state footprint and university researchers. The important outcomes are new jobs, new patents, training of students in company product matters, and improved competitiveness for New York State businesses.

About Lomiko Metals Inc.

Lomiko Metals Inc. is a Canadian based exploration-stage company. Its mineral properties include the Quatre Milles Graphite Property and the Vines Lake property which both have had recent major discoveries. On October 22 and November, 13 2012, Lomiko Metals Inc. announced 11 drill holes had intercepted high grade graphite at the 3,780 Ha Quatre Milles Property. On March 15, 2013 Lomiko reported 75.3% of graphite tested was >200 mesh and classified as graphite flake with 38.36% in the >80 mesh, large flake category. 85.3% of test results higher than the 94% carbon purity considered high carbon content, with the median test result being 98.35%.

The highlight of Lomiko’s testing was nine (9) sieve samples which captured flakes of varying sizes which tested 100.00% carbon. Both fine and flake material may be amenable to graphene conversion by Lomiko Metals Inc. partner Graphene Laboratories.

The project is located 175 km north of the Port of Montreal and 26 km from a major highway on a well-maintained gravel road.

On Behalf of the Board

A. Paul Gill, Chief Executive Officer

We seek safe harbor. 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

 

Lomiko Metals Inc.
A. Paul Gill
604-729-5312
[email protected]
www.lomiko.com

Graphite offers amazing potential

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 9:53 AM on Tuesday, May 14th, 2013

THUNDER BAY – Graphite is the unsung mining opportunity in Northwestern Ontario. From Graphite, comes Graphene. This new compound has the scientific community very excited. The possibilities for graphene are international.

A new joint innovation by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and the University of Cambridge could pave the way for redefining the ampere in terms of fundamental constants of physics. The world’s first graphene single-electron pump (SEP), described in a paper today in Nature Nanotechnology, provides the speed of electron flow needed to create a new standard for electrical current based on electron charge.

Graphite in Northwestern Ontario

There is some potentially huge potential for graphene coming from Northwestern Ontario, Zenyatta Ventures has found flake graphite at the company’s Albany Project.

The world’s demand for high quality graphite, to make graphene is expected to climb. Currently, Sri Lanka is the world’s leading producer of high quality graphite.

The international system of units (SI) comprises seven base units (the metre, kilogram, second, Kelvin, ampere, mole and candela). Ideally these should be stable over time and universally reproducible. This requires definitions based on fundamental constants of nature which are the same wherever you measure them.

The present definition of the Ampere, however, is vulnerable to drift and instability. This is not sufficient to meet the accuracy needs of present and certainly future electrical measurement. The highest global measurement authority, the Conférence Générale des Poids et Mesures, has proposed that the ampere be re-defined in terms of the electron charge.

Malcolm Connolly, a research associate based in the Semiconductor Physics group at Cambridge, says “This paper describes how we have successfully produced the first graphene single-electron pump. We have work to do before we can use this research to redefine the ampere, but this is a major step towards that goal. We have shown that graphene outperforms other materials used to make this style of SEP. It is robust, easier to produce, and operates at higher frequency. Graphene is constantly revealing exciting new applications and as our understanding of the material advances rapidly, we seem able to do more and more with it.”

The frontrunner in this race to redefine the ampere is the single-electron pump (SEP). SEPs create a flow of individual electrons by shuttling them in to a quantum dot – a particle holding pen – and emitting them one at a time and at a well-defined rate. The paper published today describes how a graphene SEP has been successfully produced and characterised for the first time, and confirms its properties are extremely well suited to this application.

A good SEP pumps precisely one electron at a time to ensure accuracy, and pumps them quickly to generate a sufficiently large current. Up to now the development of a practical electron pump has been a two-horse race. Tuneable barrier pumps use traditional semiconductors and have the advantage of speed, while the hybrid turnstile utilises superconductivity and has the advantage that many can be put in parallel. Traditional metallic pumps, thought to be not worth pursuing, have been given a new lease of life by fabricating them out of the world’s most famous super-material – graphene.

Previous metallic SEPs made of aluminium are very accurate, but pump electrons too slowly for making a practical current standard. Graphene’s unique semimetallic two-dimensional structure has just the right properties to let electrons on and off the quantum dot very quickly, creating a fast enough electron flow – at near gigahertz frequency – to create a current standard. The Achillies heel of metallic pumps, slow pumping speed, has thus been overcome by exploiting the unique properties of graphene.

The scientist at NPL and Cambridge still need to optimise the material and make more accurate measurements, but today’s paper marks a major step forward in the road towards using graphene to redefine the ampere.

The realisation of the ampere is currently derived indirectly from resistance or voltage, which can be realised separately using the quantum Hall effect and the Josephson Effect. A fundamental definition of the ampere would allow a direct realisation that National Measurement Institutes around the world could adopt. This would shorten the chain for calibrating current-measuring equipment, saving time and money for industries billing for electricity and using ionising radiation for cancer treatment.

Current, voltage and resistance are directly correlated. Because we measure resistance and voltage based on fundamental constants – electron charge and Planck’s constant – being able to measure current would also allow us to confirm the universality of these constants on which many precise measurements rely.

Graphene is not the last word in creating an ampere standard. NPL and others are investigating various methods of defining current based on electron charge. But today’s paper suggests graphene SEPs could hold the answer. Also, any redefinition will have to wait until the Kilogram has been redefined. This definition, due to be decided soon, will fix the value of electronic charge, on which any electron-based definition of the ampere will depend.

Today’s paper will also have important implications beyond measurement. Accurate SEPs operating at high frequency and accuracy can be used to make electrons collide and form entangled electron pairs. Entanglement is believed to be a fundamental resource for quantum computing, and for answering fundamental questions in quantum mechanics.

Source: http://www.netnewsledger.com/2013/05/13/graphite-offers-amazing-potential/