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Archer Exploration Limited (ASX:AXE) High Grade Amorphous and Flake Graphite Recovered at Campoona

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 10:18 AM on Monday, June 4th, 2012

Sydney, Australia, June 1, 2012 – (ABN Newswire) – Archer Exploration Limited (ASX:AXE.AX – News) advises that initial metallurgical test work results from Campoona drill samples drilled in February and April 2012 have been received. The Company’s 100% owned Campoona Graphite Project is located approximately 12km north of the township of Cleve on Eyre Peninsula, South Australia.

Drilling by the Company in February and in April 2012 (Figure 1) confirmed the presence of visible flake graphite within a discrete intense graphitic shear zone hosted in low grade graphitic proto-gneiss (high grade metamorphosed sediments). The high grade graphite unit averages 10-50m in true width with the hangingwall section particularly high grade averaging over 15% graphitic carbon and carrying visible flake.

Metallurgical Testwork
Two composite RC samples were submitted for detailed metallurgical evaluation. CSRC12-003 head assay was 16.2%TGC and 97% passing 2mm sizing. CSRC12-006 head assay was 15.5%TGC and also 97% passing 2mm sizing.

The first process was to determine if high quality amorphous graphite could be recovered.

Using conventional flotation methods the following results were achieved:

– CSRC12_003 : 92%TGC Concentrate & 98% recovery.
– CSRC12_006 : 93%TGC Concentrate & 92% recovery.

Most amorphous graphite is sourced from metamorphosed coal where the presence of fine ash makes it difficult and costly to achieve grades above 85%TGC. Campoona can provide very high quality amorphous graphite and it is possible with further refinement of the liberation and flotation process, that market premium concentrates could be readily produced.

The samples as received already had 80% passing 220 micron thus making it potentially unsuitable for the recovery of flake graphite. Despite the limitations of the sample it was considered prudent to continue the recovery process for flake even though the results could only ever be seen as probably indicating a “worse case” result.

The tests as seen in Plate 1 to Plate 4 clearly show that flake graphite is present and recoverable with grades to 91%TGC. Acid washing is in progress which is expected to result in even higher flake grading.

These are considered to be extremely promising results, particularly given that the only samples available for testing were RC chips which are far from ideal for flake recovery. The fine nature of the samples were challenging for any real attempts at recovering coarse flake graphite as the as received samples were already 80% passing 212 microns and any flake present would have undergone serious damage to its structure during the sample recovery process in the field.

The initial tests clearly show that flake is present in the deposit. The focus is now on obtaining large weight trench samples and diamond drill samples that will enable preservation of flake prior to comminution testing, liberation and recovery phases.

Next Steps

Now that a baseline has been established, future work will focus on optimizing a two-stage approach to recovery of product. This will be performed on trench samples and diamond drill core which will ensure the samples tested have far less chance of damage caused to flake present via the drilling and sample recovery process.

The two stage approach will involve targeted sizing and comminution ahead of flotation and then density separations to produce high grade large, medium and fine flake concentrate. The rejects will then be combined with the bulk sample for grinding and production of a very high grade amorphous graphite product. This two stage approach will be confirmed initially on rock samples and then further optimized on trench and diamond core samples when they become available. This will ensure the desired marketing strategy of producing the highest value products is fulfilled.

View photographs here:
http://media.abnnewswire.net/media/en/docs/ASX-AXE-188203.pdf
About Archer Exploration Limited:

Archer Exploration Limited (ASX:AXE.AX – News) is a copper, gold and uranium explorer focused on the discovery of world-class ore deposits.

The company has carefully acquired a portfolio of projects, covering an area in excess of 7,000 km2, in the highly prospective Gawler Craton and Adelaide Fold Belt regions of South Australia. All projects are 100% owned by the company.

The company’s flagship Evelyn Dam prospect in the West Roxby Project is an iron ore-copper-gold-uranium (IOCG-U) target which has a gravity anomaly similar in size to the nearby Olympic Dam operations.

Archer Exploration Limited has an experienced board and management team and has the ability to maximise the potential of the company’s world-class projects.

Contact:

Archer Exploration Limited
T: +62-8-8272-3288
WWW: www.archerexploration.com.au

Source:

Archer Exploration Limited

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Energizer Resources Intersects 434 Metres of Graphite Mineralization in Drill Core

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 9:43 AM on Monday, June 4th, 2012

TORONTO, ONTARIO–(June 4, 2012) – Energizer Resources Inc. (TSX:EGZ)(OTCBB:ENZR)(FRANKFURT:YE5) (“Energizer” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce it has intersected wide intercepts of graphite mineralization from its recently initiated National Instrument (NI) 43-101 graphite resource drill program on the Molo deposit. The Molo is located on the Green Giant Graphite project joint venture (JV) property with Malagasy Minerals Limited in Madagascar, in which Energizer has a 75% ownership interest and is the operator.

In normal circumstances, the Company would not issue a press release describing mineralization without accompanying assay data. However, due to the wide intercepts of graphite mineralization intersected, the Company deems this information to be material.

Samples collected from the drill core have been sent out for assay, and the Company anticipates the receipt of the first assay results in approximately 6 weeks. Previous metallurgical analysis conducted at two different laboratories have confirmed that the Molo deposit contains jumbo flake (i.e. +50 mesh) graphite at an average purity of 93% C and can be easily liberated through simple crushing.

434 Metres of Graphite Mineralization Intersected in Drill Core

The Company has completed 5 diamond drill holes at the Molo as part of its 2012 resource drill program. All drill holes were completed along a single drill section, and in conjunction with ongoing drilling will be used to produce a NI 43-101 compliant graphite resource.

Based on assays from the 7 diamond drill holes previously intersected in the 2011 drilling campaign at the Molo deposit, the geological logging and visual inspection of the drill core for these latest 5 holes indicates that the graphite content appears to be similar.

The Company can now confirm that the Molo deposit begins immediately at surface, and extends to a vertical depth of over 300 metres as evidenced by drill hole MOLO-12-01, which intersected 434 metres of graphite mineralization. The confirmation of graphite mineralization at surface is believed by the Company to be a key benefit of the Molo, as it should allow for cost-effective open pit mining.

Molo Deposit Well Positioned for Mine Development

These latest resource-drilling results reinforce Energizer’s selection of the Molo Deposit for mine development. The Company, in conjunction with its technical engineering partner DRA Mineral Projects, is now expediting development and is targeting early 2015 for production.

The Molo is located in an area that has good access via a network of seasonal secondary roads from the nearby village of Fotadrevo, which in turn has access to a regional road system that leads to the ocean port of Tulear. The port of Tulear is an international shipping container port, located 160 kilometres to the west of the Molo.

Water is readily available due to the shallow water table and local river system and the power requirements of a graphite operation can be easily met with diesel power. The proximity of the Sakoa coal project (located 30 kilometres away), which is expected to commence development this year, could provide Energizer with the added option of infrastructure sharing opportunities and other synergies.

The Molo is located in an ideal geographical setting for a mine. The area is dry and semi-desert like with very little vegetation, has a very low regional population density, and has relatively flat terrain. The climate also adds to the ease of mining, as this area of Madagascar has a very temperate climate with a mild rainy season from December to March.

Drill Results

Diamond drill hole (DDH) MOLO-12-01 was emplaced to test both the western and eastern edge of the Molo deposit. DDH MOLO-12-02 was drilled in order to define the western-most edge of the Molo deposit, while DDH MOLO-12-03 through 05 were drilled to define the eastern-most edge of the Molo deposit. The table below summarizes the drill intersections, while a drill hole cross-section is provided on the Company’s website.

Drill Hole UTMX UTMY Azimuth Dip Graphite
Intersection		 Depth
(m) From (m) To (m)
MOLO-12-01 513120 7345600 90 -45 434 26 460
MOLO-12-02 513180 7345600 270 -45 51 18 69
MOLO-12-03 513240 7345600 90 -45 295 Surface 295
MOLO-12-04 513300 7345600 90 -45 220 Surface 220
MOLO-12-05 513360 7345600 90 -45 150 Surface 150

To view the image associated with this release, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/Energizer_GridImage.pdf.

Graphite Mineralization on Surface

Geological mapping has identified numerous graphitic outcrops. Trenching over the Molo deposit has verified graphite mineralization is found at surface, and intervening soil-covered areas between graphite outcrops have graphitic bedrock mineralization at depths ranging between 10 cm and 1 metre below the soil. To-date, two trenches have been excavated over the Molo deposit, exposing continuous graphite mineralization over 300 metre lengths. Samples collected from the trenches have been sent out for assay, and the Company anticipates the receipt of the first assay results in approximately 6 weeks.

Pictures of the trenches and the Molo deposit area can be viewed on Energizer’s website at www.energizerresources.com.

Drilling and Trenching Confirm Effectiveness of Geophysics

The drill and trench intersections obtained to date confirm that both the ground-based EM-31, and time domain electromagnetic airborne geophysical surveys are highly effective at identifying graphite mineralization. The EM-31 is effective in delineating near-surface mineralization, while the time domain airborne survey is effective in detecting graphite mineralization at depth.

Due to the high correlation between the geophysics, drill core and conductors, the Company is confident in obtaining a NI 43-101 resource ranging between 50 and 100 million tonnes on the Molo deposit with a grade range of between 6 to 10% C. The Company anticipates the NI 43-101 report will be available by Q3-Q4 of this year.

To view the image associated with this release, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/Energizer_GridImage2.pdf.

Qualified Person

Craig Scherba, Senior Vice President Exploration and Operations for Madagascar, P.Geol., is the qualified person for the technical information provided in this release.

For more information, please visit our website at www.energizerresources.com.

We seek Safe Harbour: This press release may contain forward-looking statements that may involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results could differ materially from expectations and projections set out herein.

Contact Information

  • Energizer Resources Inc.
    Brent Nykoliation
    Vice President of Business Development
    Toll Free: 800.818.5442 or 416.364.4911
    [email protected]Energizer Resources Inc.
    Kirk McKinnon
    Chairman and CEO
    Toll Free: 800.818.5442 or 416.364.4911
    www.energizerresources.com

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Focus and Lara Sign Agreement for the Caninde Graphite Project, Ciera State, Brazil

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 9:27 AM on Monday, June 4th, 2012

OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(June 4, 2012) – Focus Graphite Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FMS)(OTCQX:FCSMF)(FRANKFURT:FKC) (“Focus” or the “Corporation“) is pleased to announce that it has signed a Letter of Intent (the “Agreement”) with Lara Exploration Ltd. (“Lara”) for Lara’s wholly-owned Canindé graphite project located in Ceará State, northeastern Brazil.

The Canindé project comprises 11 registered exploration licenses and an additional six exploration licenses pending approval by the Brazilian Department of Mines (“DNPM”). The project covers a total surface area of 15,615 hectares and hosts 22 surface graphite occurrences discovered by Lara in mid-2011.

The occurrences define a 16 km long, north-northwest trending graphitic corridor in high-grade metamorphic rocks within the Project area. Individual graphite occurrences range in width from less than 1 m to maximum of 10 m and host from 1-2%, disseminated graphite in paragneiss and schist (mostly flakes) to over 50% graphite in narrow lenses in gneiss, schist, pegmatitic migmatites and in brecciated horizons in gneiss. Graphitic carbon contents for surface grab samples from 15 of the occurrences range from less than 1% to a high of 42.04 %. The project is accessible by road.

Gary Economo, President & CEO of Focus Graphite said the move into Brazil, the world’s third leading producer of graphite, is intended to expand the Corporation’s operations and holdings internationally.

“Consolidation in the graphite mining sector is one of the pillars of our global business strategy,” Mr. Economo said. “Caninde’s potential opens the door for us to develop a new graphite district in Brazil.

“While our primary focus and priority continues to be Lac Knife’s development, the Caninde project has the potential to add overall value from a second high quality graphite source,” he said.

Mr. Economo added that the vast majority of Focus Graphite’s financial and human capital will continue to be devoted to the construction of its Lac Knife, Quebec mine and facilities.

A map of the Canindé project together with photographs of selected graphite occurrences are available on the Corporation’s website at www.focusgraphite.com.

The Agreement

Under the terms of the Agreement, Lara has granted Focus two separate options to acquire a total 60% undivided interest in the Canindé project in consideration of a staged exploration expenditure commitment over 5 years and by issuing 500,000 common shares to Lara on or before the third anniversary of the Agreement and by reimbursing Lara for claims acquisition costs. Focus will act as the Operator of the Canindé project exploration program throughout the duration of the Agreement.

Focus can exercise the First Option and earn a 51% interest in the Project by (i) issuing 500,000 common shares to Lara (100,000 shares upon signing of the agreement and 400,000 shares by the third anniversary thereof) and (ii) carrying out, as operator, exploration on the Property (including 2,000m of drilling and an electromagnetic survey of the entire Property) totaling $2.5 million by the third anniversary of the Agreement based on the following schedule: $500,000 each in years 1 and 2; and $1.5 million in year 3.

Focus can exercise the Second Option and earn an additional 9% interest in the Project (total: 60%) by carrying out, as operator, exploration on the Property (including a further 5,000 m of drilling) and completing a favorable Preliminary Economic Assessment in accordance with National Instrument 43-101, an expenditure totaling at least $4.5 million by the fifth anniversary of the Agreement.

If Focus elects not to exercise the Second Option, or elects but fails to exercise the Second Option, Lara and Focus will enter into the Joint Venture with Focus holding a 51% interest and Lara holding a 49% interest in the Project. If Focus exercises the Second Option, Lara and Focus will enter into the Joint Venture with Focus holding 60% interest and Lara holding 40%. Upon the execution of the Joint Venture both Parties will proportionately fund the exploration program and the party holding majority interest will be deemed the operator of the Joint Venture. If a Party’s interest is reduced to less than 10%, its interest in the Joint Venture shall be converted into a 2% production royalty.

The Canindé project is subject to a 1% royalty payable to a third party on gross revenue from sales to a maximum of R$ 750,000 (approximately $369,000) as well as a one-time payment of R$ 200,000 (approximately $99,000) payable to said third party upon the delivery of an Economic Graphite Reserve estimate (non NI 43-101 compliant) as defined and approved by the DNPM.

The Agreement is subject to certain conditions precedent and covenants that must be satisfied in connection with the transaction. The parties intend to execute, on or before August 31, 2012, a Definitive Option agreement (to which will be attached a Joint Venture agreement to be entered into upon exercise of the First Option or, if applicable, the Second Option) and other documents necessary to complete the transactions contemplated hereby.

The Agreement is also subject to Board and regulatory approval by the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSX-V”).

Mr. Tony Brisson, P. Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 is responsible for the technical information contained in this release.

About Focus Graphite

Focus Graphite Inc. is an emerging mid-tier junior mining company, a technology solution supplier and a business innovator. It is the owner of the highest-grade (16%) technology graphite resources in the world. The company’s goal is to assume a dominant industry leadership position by becoming the lowest-cost producer of technology-grade graphite. As a technology-orientated enterprise with a view to building long-term, sustainable shareholder value, Focus Graphite is invested in the development of graphene applications and patents through Grafoid Inc.

Forward Looking Statements – Disclaimer

This news release may contain forward looking statements, being statements which are not historical facts, and discussions of future plans and objectives. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove accurate. Such statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those anticipated or projected. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations are in our documents filed from time to time with the TSX Venture Exchange and provincial securities regulators, most of which are available at www.sedar.com Focus Graphite disclaims any intention or obligation to revise or update such statements.

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

Contact Information

  • Gary Economo
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    613-691-1091,ext. 101
    [email protected]

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Valterra Assays Greater Than 65% Graphite from New Ontario Property Option and Increases Land Package

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 3:19 PM on Friday, June 1st, 2012

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire – June 1, 2012) – Valterra Resource Corporation (“Valterra”) (TSX VENTURE:VQA)(FRANKFURT:3VA) reports that it has entered into an option agreement for purchase of a 100% interest in the Bobcaygeon Graphite Property in Southern Ontario. Recent bulk-sampling from historical trenching on the property has yielded two grab assays of 51.98% and 66.15% Cg (Total Graphite)(1). The sampling was conducted by the property vendor and Valterra personnel have recently visited the property to conduct due-diligence and carry out further sampling; assays are pending.

The property package encompasses over 55 square kilometres of claims, leases and private patents, and includes claims recently staked to cover important mineral trends and features. The property is located approximately 1.5 hours drive north of Toronto and is close to transport, power, and numerous services.

Geologically the property package is favourably situated on the border of the Precambrian Grenville Province and the Paleozoic Lowlands forming a prospective locale for potential graphitic deposits. The first discovery for graphite on the Bobcaygeon property was in 2003 during a trenching program focussing on other commodities. The graphite veins are within calcitic marbles sitting west of a syenitic amphibolite unit and the contact is traceable for up to 10-12 kilometres.

In 2012, Valterra is planning to conduct a ground-based gridding and geophysical survey over the primary trench region in order to detect conductive zones and bodies which may be associated with graphite. Contingent on results, trenching, sampling, and 500-1,000 metres of diamond drilling is proposed.

Pursuant to the option agreement, Valterra has the option to acquire a 100% interest in the Bobcaygeon Graphite Property, subject to the optionor’s right to mine vermiculite and limestone on the property, in consideration of making aggregate cash payments of $55,000, issuing common shares in an aggregate amount of $400,000, and incurring aggregate exploration expenditures of $1,250,000 on the property, all by December 15, 2016. The optionor retains a 1.5% production royalty on the property which Valterra may purchase at any time in increments of 0.5% for $500,000 per 0.5% increment. The option agreement is subject to TSX Venture Exchange acceptance.

Recent Corporate Developments

Valterra is pleased to announce the appointment of Courtney Shearer, B.Sc., MBA as Vice President. Over a career spanning 31 years, Mr. Shearer has been involved in natural resources businesses, primarily in various capacities in the mining sector. He has been President, CFO, Corporate Secretary and director for several public, exploration and mining companies since 2000. He was a director of San Gold Corporation from 2005 to 2011 while that company grew from an exploration company to a producing, junior mining company. Mr. Shearer is the President, CEO and a director of Appleton Exploration Inc. as well as Corporate Secretary and a director of Strikepoint Gold Inc.

Valterra also reports that Robert Liverant has resigned as a director. The board of directors wishes to thank Mr. Liverant for his services as a director and audit committee member of Valterra over the previous 6 years and wishes him well in his future endeavors.

Lawrence Page Q. C., Chairman commented: “Acquisition of an option to purchase the Bobcaygeon Graphite Property on attractive financial terms is an initial step by new officers of the company to continue to acquire and develop properties with mineral inventories which are in great demand. With the addition of Fred Sveinson as President and Courtenay Shearer as Vice President, with their wealth of experience in bringing properties into production and attracting financing to juniors, the company has added an extra dimension allowing the development of exploration properties into a production capability.”

About Graphite

Graphite is a naturally occurring form of carbon with wide-ranging and unique physical properties. Graphite is used in the development of graphene, which when developed industrially, will be a replacement for several expensive electronic components such as silicon semi-conductors. There are three primary graphite occurrences naturally – vein, flake, and amorphous where the highest quality product can sell for over $2,000 per tonne. Recent pricing and demand increases have spurred numerous exploration and investment opportunities in the graphite market.

About Valterra Resource Corporation

Valterra is a Manex Resource Group Company. The group provides expertise in exploration, administration, and corporate development services for Valterra’s mineral properties located in British Columbia and Ontario.

Valterra is focussed on early stage properties with the potential to host large deposits, in regions with excellent infrastructure. Over the past several years, Valterra has acquired and continues to explore several key projects – “Star-Toughnut”, “Swift Katie”, and “Bobcaygeon” which are located near roads, rail, power, and resource communities in Canada.

From June 3-4, 2012, Valterra will be exhibiting at the Cambridge House International, World Resource Investment Conference in Vancouver BC at booth# 710.

Brian McGrath, P.Geo., is the Qualified Person responsible for reviewing the technical information presented in this release.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Lawrence Page, Q.C., Chairman and Director, Valterra Resource Corporation

This news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. These statements are based on a number of assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions regarding general economic conditions, interest rates, commodity markets, regulatory and governmental approvals for Valterra Resource Corporation’s projects, and the availability of financing for Valterra Resource Corporation’s development projects on reasonable terms. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Valterra Resource Corporation does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.

(1) Cautionary Note to Investors: The grab sampling reported in this News Release was conducted by the property vendor (a Professional Geologist licensed to practice in Ontario). Valterra Resource Corporation’s personnel have not verified the quality or accuracy of that particular sampling, and it should not be relied upon. Samples were analyzed by Leco for total graphite (Cg) by Acme Labs, Vancouver BC. Samples were ignited at 600 degrees, then leached with HCl and the residue was analyzed by Leco (analysis code 2A09).

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

 

Valterra Resource Corporation
Liana Shahinian
1.888.456.1112 or 604.641.2773
[email protected]
www.valterraresource.com

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Lomiko to Raise $ 500,000

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 12:34 PM on Friday, June 1st, 2012

Lomiko Metals Inc. (TSX-V: LMR; OTC: LMRMF; FSE: DH8B, Europe: ISIN: CA54163Q1028, WKN: A0Q9W7) (the “Company” or “Lomiko”) announces a private placement to raise up to $500,000 from eligible participants through the sale of up to 2,000,000 units of the Company at a price of $0.10 per unit. The units will consist of one common share and one warrant exercisable for one year at $0.15. The company will also seek to raise $ 300,000 in flow-through funding by issuing 2,500,000 flow-through units which will consist of one common share at the price of $0.12 cents and one warrant exercisable for one year at $0.15.

The Company has agreed to pay a cash finder’s fee of 10%. The net proceeds of the financing will be used for exploration of the Quatre Milles Property in Quebec, the Vines Lake Property in British Columbia and for general working capital. Any shares issued will be subject to a four month hold period.

The above financing is subject to Exchange approval.

For more information, review the website at www.lomiko.com, or contact A. Paul Gill at 604-729-5312 or by email at: [email protected].

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.

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Don’t Tip the Balance on Graphite Supply: Stephen Riddle

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 10:16 AM on Thursday, May 31st, 2012

Asbury Carbons CEO Stephen Riddle, the fourth-generation Riddle to run the 118-year-old company that bills itself as “the world’s carbon and graphite source,” is delighted to see sources of natural graphite resurfacing outside of China now that the commodity’s price justifies investment in exploration and production. However, in this exclusive interview with The Critical Metals Report, Riddle tells us he’s not convinced the buzz about exploding demand is justified – in fact, he worries overzealous producers may tip the balance toward too much supply.

The Critical Metals Report: Your great-great grandfather founded your company in 1895. Tell us why graphite is important to manufacturing today.

Stephen Riddle: Graphite is thermally and electrically conductive; it’s a very good lubricant, especially at high-temperatures, and each single graphene layer is very strong. That unique combination of these key properties makes it an excellent material in a variety of applications.

TCMR: How would you characterize the worldwide graphite market, both natural and synthetic?

SR: Generically, I’d estimate global graphite as a $13 billion (B) industry. Natural graphite, however, is a small portion of the overall market—no more than $1B. The major application of natural-flake graphite is the refractory industry. It uses at least 40%, if not more, of all the natural-flake graphite mined in the world to make refractory bricks for steel mills and high-temperature furnaces. Lithium-ion batteries, while the fastest-growing application, still account for a very small component of the industry. The traditional applications that have been out there for years are growing at a slow rate internationally, but the demand growth of more than 5% is coming from lithium-ion batteries. Current demand for natural-flake graphite accounts for maybe 500,000-600,000 tons (t) per year.

Natural flake, as well as synthetic graphite, are also used to make fuel cells, but the fuel cell market isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Natural graphite also has an application in pebble-bed nuclear reactors, but most of them can use only synthetic graphite. So while natural graphite has a future in the fuel sphere, proportionally it accounts for only about 20% of those applications. A lot of the growth applications are further down the line.

TCMR: Natural-flake graphite is the part of the graphite market that we’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about in terms of shortages. Do you see that part of the market expanding?

SR: We do. Over the last 22-years, the price of natural flake was so low that no new companies could justify mining it outside of China, India and Brazil, where low-cost production is concentrated. Elsewhere, mines either closed because of low prices or held on by a shoestring.

TCMR: What’s driven up the price of natural-flake graphite?

SR: A surge in demand in the Q4/09 caught producers off guard. We’d just come out of the financial crisis, when everybody’s business dropped off by about 35%. Then all of a sudden, Chinese demand increased in the lithium-ion battery market for making natural-graphite anode material, what we also refer to as spherical -flake graphite (SFG).

That surge in the Q4/09 came at a time of year when people are stockpiling the natural flake coming out Heilongjiang Province in China because those facilities close down for the winter. Under the circumstances, the miners or producers basically had the market in a position where everybody agreed to pay more for the natural-flake graphite because they needed it at that time. Capacity started to increase after the market steadied out in 2010. Now there’s a bit of surplus of natural-flake graphite and prices have dropped some.

TCMR: Who are the major manufacturers of lithium-ion batteries?

SR: Production is concentrated in China. Chinese manufacturers are the most cost-effective by far because of the methods used to produce SFG. The process involves taking natural-flake graphite classification and milling the graphite, which then shapes the graphite particle. In that process, you lose about 50-60% of the graphite you start with. It’s still good graphite, but it just doesn’t shape well. Then you have to purify what remains. The Chinese use an acid purification process that’s very low cost but not necessarily the most environmentally safe process. Finally, that graphite is sold mostly to other Asian countries, where it has to be coated. The Chinese recently started coating within China, so now its capacity in that area is growing tremendously.

Source: http://www.resourceinvestor.com/2012/05/31/dont-tip-the-balance-on-graphite-supply-stephen-ri?t=mining-investments

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Rare Earth Metals Confirms Coarse Flake Graphite from Manitouwadge Property

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 11:32 AM on Wednesday, May 30th, 2012

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO–(May 30, 2012) – Rare Earth Metals Inc. (“Rare Earth Metals“, “RA” or the “Company“) (TSX VENTURE:RA)(PINKSHEETS:RAREF)(OTCQX:RAREF) is pleased to announce results from its ongoing exploration program on the Manitouwadge Graphite Property. The property consists of 128 staked claim units totaling 2072 hectares, located approximately 30 kilometers north of the town of Manitouwadge in northwestern Ontario. RA owns a 100% interest in the claims. Since its due diligence prospecting program reported in previous press release dated April 19, 2012, the Company has completed a trenching/chip sampling program and a preliminary mineralogy/particle size analysis.

Backhoe trenching and chip sampling were completed on five different portions of the three interpreted bands of “flake graphite”. Results include 3.92% C-Graphite over 8.0 meters (m) from the North Zone, 2.96% C-Graphite over 12 m from the Central Zone, and 4.18% C-Graphite over 6.5 m from the South Zone (Thomas Lake Road Occurrence). The table below details the results from the five trenches. A location map of the drill holes can be viewed on the Company’s website at www.rareearthmetals.ca. The trenching was directed at easily accessible areas of the graphite zones which are located along a minimum 900 meter trend coincident with two or more airborne EM (Electro-Magnetics) anomalies within a well defined magnetic low. The EM anomaly appears to be mapping the graphite mineralization and the total length of the conductive trend is in excess of 4 km. A number of other similar AEM “conductors” in the area have also been staked and will be evaluated for their graphite potential.

Trench Composite (Cgt/meters)
North Zone – West Extension 3.92%/8m
North Zone – West Pits 2.04%/6m
North Zone – East Pits 2.13%/4m
Central Zone 2.96%/12m
South Zone (Thomas Lake Road Occurrence) 4.18%/6.5m

Preliminary results were also received from mineralogy/particle size analysis studies done on a sample from the North Zone. Particle Size Analysis (PSA) was completed on a crushed portion of this sample which analyzed 9.27% C-Graphite. Flake graphite was recognized in both the plus 65 mesh (Tyler) (0.212 millimeters) and the plus 35 mesh (Tyler) (0.425 mm) fractions with 42.9% of the total Graphite reporting to the plus 35 mesh and 69.4% of total Graphite in the plus 65 mesh fraction. The sample was also sent for a mineralogical analysis by MLA (Mineral Liberation Analyser) to determine the grain size of graphite and a semi-quantitative mineralogical analysis. Preliminary results from this study indicate that graphite is significantly liberated (about 40%) at the current grind (100% passing 850 microns/20 mesh) and the -850/+300 size fraction is more representative of the natural graphite flake size. In the -850/+300 micron fraction, the flake size determination is 310 microns which is considered coarse flake graphite. Additional mineralogical studies are ongoing and will include gravity separation and froth flotation tests to concentrate graphite and determine recovery and grade.

Michael Stares, President and CEO of Rare Earth Metals states, “The results from this limited work has confirmed that the Manitouwadge graphite mineralization has a tonnage potential and flake size quality that has surpassed our minimum requirements. We are initiating the next phase of work which will include ground geophysics and follow-up sampling/trenching to prioritize the ‘sweet spots’ along the three parallel zones. A drill program is anticipated once this next phase of work is completed”.

The chip samples described in this report were taken using a hammer and chisel to systematically sample a continuous channel of bedrock material across the graphite mineralized trend. The results listed in the above table are composites made up from continuous samples of between 1 and 2 meters in length. The PSA was completed on a surface grab sample which is selective by nature and unlikely to represent average grades on the property. The chip samples were delivered to the Actlabs sample prep facility in Thunder Bay, Ontario, where they were prepped and forwarded to Ancaster where they are analyzed for their graphitic carbon content using internal lab QA/QC protocols. The PSA and mineralogy studies were performed by Actlabs.

Reg Felix, P Geo., is a qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the technical information forming the basis for release.

About Rare Earth Metals Inc.

Rare Earth Metals is a well-funded company with a focus on exploring for Rare Earth Element deposits. The Company’s shares are listed on the TSX-V exchange under the symbol RA and the OTCQX exchange under the symbol RAREF. The Company presently has two advanced projects in Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador, both exhibiting multi element potential (REEs, Niobium, Beryllium, Zirconium and Iron Ore) and proximity to available infrastructure. Its flagship properties are the Clay-Howells Prospect and the Red Wine Project. The Company has recently acquired additional properties in the Coldwell Complex near Marathon, Ontario and the Lavergne-Springer REE Prospect near Sturgeon Falls, Ontario. Additional information concerning the Company is contained in documents filed by the Company with securities regulators, available under the Company’s profile at www.sedar.com. For more information please visit the Rare Earth Metals web site at www.rareearthmetals.ca.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF RARE EARTH METALS INC.:

Michael Stares, President and CEO

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address future production, reserve potential, exploration drilling, exploitation activities and events or developments that the Company expects are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and those actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on the Company, Investors should review the Company’s filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

Company information distributed through the Market Access Program is based upon information that Standard & Poor’s considers to be reliable, but neither Standard & Poor’s nor its affiliates warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. This material is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or other financial instrument.

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

Contact Information

 

Rare Earth Metals Inc.
Michael Stares
President and CEO
(807) 623-6840
(807) 623-9526 (FAX)
www.RareEarthMetals.ca

Corporate Communications:
Matt Witiluk, C.A.
(807) 623-6840
(807) 623-9526 (FAX)
[email protected]

Standard and Poor’s Customer Contact:
Richard Albanese
(212) 438-3647
[email protected]

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Paul Gill Discusses Exploration Initiative with James West of Midas Letter

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 9:32 AM on Tuesday, May 29th, 2012

 

 

Why Invest in Graphite?

 

  • Global consumption of natural graphite has increased from approximately 600,000 tonnes in 2000 to roughly 1.2 million tonnes in 2011
  • Demand for graphite has been increasing by approximately 5 per cent per year since 2000 due to the continuing modernization of China, India and other emerging economies
  • Graphite also has many important new applications such as lithium-ion batteries, fuel cells, and nuclear and solar power
  • There is roughly 10-20 times more graphite in a lithium-ion battery than there is lithium

Quatre Milles Graphite Property

 

The Quatre Milles Property is road accessible and is located approximately 175 km northwest of Montreal and 17 km due north of the village of Sainte-Veronique, Quebec. The property consists of 28 contiguous claims totaling approximately 1,600 hectares.

Lomiko optioned the Quatre Milles Graphite Property to search for large flake, crystalline graphite which is sought after for use in electric cars, fuel cells, pebble-bed nuclear reactors. Graphene, a newly discovered, chicken-wire shaped formation of carbon which is one-atom thick has also re-kindled interest in large flake graphite properties. Graphene has incredible properties that can make it 200 times stronger than steel, a superconductor and heat-resistant. Research scientists world-wide are experimenting with new technology that use graphene and many new patents have been filed since the Nobel Prize was awarded for its discovery in 2010.

Corporate Website / Hub on AGORACOM

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Graphite One Resources Inc. Relinquishes option On Kelly Creek Gold Property to Focus on Graphite Creek Property

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 1:16 PM on Friday, May 25th, 2012

May 24, 2012 — May 24, 2012 – Calgary, Alberta – Graphite One Resources Inc. (gph:TSX-V) (“Graphite One” or the “Company”) announces that it has relinquished its option to acquire a 100% interest in the Kelly Creek property consisting of 105,280 acres (42,605 hectares) located on the Seward Peninsula, Alaska, 145 kilometres north of Nome effective as of May 24, 2012. The Company has decided to focus its efforts and capital on graphite and specifically the Graphite Creek Property.

Pursuant to an Option Agreement dated March 26, 2010 with a third party vendor (the “Optionor”) (please see the Company’s press release dated March 26, 2010) the Company acquired the option to purchase 100% of the Kelly Creek project at any time for a period of six years. Total consideration consisted of payments of US$1,500,000 million (of which US$100,000 has been paid) and expenditures of $2,150,000 (of which approximately $4,300,000 has been incurred) in exploration expenditures with the Optionor retaining a 5% net smelter return royalty. In conjunction with the relinquishment of the Kelly Creek Property Option the Company intends to write-off all capitalized balances of approximately $4,900,000 related to this project on its March 2012 interim financial statements.

The Company is now focused primarily on its Graphite Creek Property located at the Seward Peninsula of Alaska, 65 kilometres north of Nome. The 2012 exploration program has commenced at Graphite Creek with an airborne geophysical survey. The helicopter borne survey will be conducted by SkyTEM Canada Inc. (“SkyTEM”) and will comprise both magnetics and electromagnetics (SkyTEMs’ Dual-Moment, Time-Domain Electromagnetic (“TDEM”) System). The survey will be flown at 50 metre spaced lines and will total approximately 690 total line kilometres. The survey is part of an aggressive $4.5 million dollar exploration program at the Graphite Creek Property. The program will consist of prospecting, geological mapping, sampling and drilling along conductors delineated from the airborne survey and previously defined graphite-bearing schist. The goal of the 2012 exploration program is to move the Graphite Creek Project towards a National Instrument 43-101 compliant resource.

About Graphite Creek

The Graphite Creek Property comprises 72 claims totaling 3,108 hectares on the Seward Peninsula of Alaska, 65 kilometres north of Nome. Mineralization at the Graphite Creek Property is characterized by coarse crystalline (large-flake) graphite (>80mesh) within graphite-bearing schist(s). Graphite mineralization is exposed at surface. The large-flake graphite occurs as disseminations and high-grade segregations and lenses in distinctive garnet-bearing quartz biotite schist(s). The host schist(s) is continuous over 5 kilometres of strike length, based on mapping, and has an approximate thickness of 100 metres, and is exposed down dip 100 to 200 metres, thus indicating the potential for 150 to 250 million tonnes of graphite-bearing rock. The estimate of potential tonnage is based on the Company’s geological mapping in 2011. Two samples were collected during 2011 of the graphite-bearing schist contain 9.1 to 21.8% graphite, respectively. A sample collected within a high-grade lense within the schist contained 56.9% graphite. A historical composite chip sample across a 16 metre outcrop of graphite-bearing schist contained 8.36% graphite. Other schists in the area contain 2 to 6% graphite. The potential size and grade of the mineralization at the Graphite Creek Property is conceptual in nature as there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in discovery of a mineral resource. The Property is 3 kilometres away from intertidal waters at Windy Cove, approximately 20 kilometres away from road systems, and 3 kilometres from an airstrip to the southeast.

About Graphite One Resources Inc.

GRAPHITE ONE RESOURCES INC. (gph:TSX-V) is a mineral exploration company with extensive experience in the State of Alaska and a business strategy to identify, acquire, and explore high potential projects ready for rapid advancement. The Graphite Creek Property on the Seward Peninsula of Alaska fits with the Graphite One business strategy offering significant potential for the discovery and development of a large-flake, graphite deposit exposed at surface. Graphite One has an option to earn a 100% interest in the Graphite Creek Property and plans to rapidly advance the Property to a NI 43-101 compliant resource.

The graphite market is only beginning to open up as green technology takes more precedence in the world today. Graphite is vital for lithium-ion batteries, pebble bed nuclear reactors, and fuel cells amongst other uses. Graphite has been named a “supply critical mineral” and a “strategic mineral” by the USA and European Union as more demand is being created that surpasses the supply threshold. This has allowed for the price of graphite to rise, as over the past 7 years the price has nearly tripled.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(signed) “Anthony Huston”

For more information on Graphite One Resources Inc. please visit the Company’s website, www.GraphiteOneResources.com or contact:

Anthony Huston President & Director Tel: (604) 697-2862 Email: [email protected]

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

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts that address access to capital, regulatory approvals, exploration drilling, exploitation activities and events or developments that the Company expects are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continuity of mineralization, uncertainties related to the ability to obtain necessary permits, licenses and title and delays due to third party opposition, changes in government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date it is expressed in this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company’s continuous disclosure filings that are available at

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Zenyatta Ventures; 450 Metre Step-Out Hole Yields 6.6% Graphite over 170.0 Metres Including 7.1% over 76.0 Metres

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 4:20 PM on Thursday, May 24th, 2012

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO–(May 24, 2012) – Zenyatta Ventures Ltd. (“Zenyatta” or “Company”) (TSX VENTURE:ZEN) is pleased to provide the following significant assay results from the current drilling campaign on the Albany Graphite Deposit.

Drill Hole #5 intersected a very large mineralized zone of graphitic breccia and veining, from 44.0 to 214.0 metres (‘m’) grading 6.6% C (graphite) over 170.0m. The upper graphite zone, from 44.0 to 132.0m, yielded 6.5% C over 88.0m while the lower graphite zone, from 138.0 to 214.0m graded 7.1% C over 76.0m. Individual samples assayed as high as 13.1% C.

Hole #5 (Z12-4F5) was collared 450 metres (‘m’) east of the original discovery drill hole (Z11-4F1) and drilled in a northerly direction at -65.

Aubrey Eveleigh, President and CEO stated “Hole 5 intersected an incredible grade and width of graphite mineralization on the eastern portion of the geophysical anomaly. This is our best drill hole to date and confirms that Zenyatta has discovered an extensive and unique graphite-rich deposit. The Company is very excited with these remarkable results from a large step-out drill hole.”

Drill hole #4 (Z12-4F4) was collared from the same setup as hole #5 but drilled in a southerly direction. From 47.0m to 61.8m the drill hole intersected a zone of graphitic veining and breccia followed by graphitic overprinting from 61.8m to 170.0m. At the 170.0m point, the drill encountered mechanical problems related to a detached drill string. The drill string could not be re-attached and the hole was subsequently abandoned. This particular area of the geophysical anomaly will be re-drilled at a later date. Results are still pending.

The graphite discovery is located 30km north of the Trans Canada Highway, power line and natural gas pipeline. A rail line is located 70km away and an all-weather road approximately 4-5km from the graphite deposit. The Albany graphite deposit is near surface, underneath glacial till overburden.

Mr. Aubrey Eveleigh, P.Geo., President and CEO, is the “Qualified Person” under NI 43-101 and has reviewed the technical information contained in this news release. Analyses was carried out by ALS Chemex Labs using a total carbon (LECO) method code of C-IR07. To find out more on Zenyatta Ventures Ltd., please visit our website www.zenyatta.ca.

This News Release includes certain “forward-looking statements”. These statements are based on information currently available to the Company and the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management’s expectations. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company’s future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “estimates”, “may”, “could”, “would”, “will”, or “plan”. Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results relating to, among other things, results of exploration, project development, reclamation and capital costs of the Company’s mineral properties, and the Company’s financial condition and prospects, could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements for many reasons such as: changes in general economic conditions and conditions in the financial markets; changes in demand and prices for minerals; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; technological and operational difficulties encountered in connection with the activities of the Company; and other matters discussed in this news release. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company’s forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company’s forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by the Company or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

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

 

Zenyatta Ventures Ltd.
807-346-1660
[email protected]
www.zenyatta.ca

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