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National Graphite Signs Strategic Alliance With American Graphene LLC

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 11:16 AM on Monday, June 3rd, 2013

LAS VEGAS, June 3, 2013  – National Graphite Corp. (OTCQB: NGRC) is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into an agreement with American Graphene LLC where National Graphite Corp, and American Graphene LLC will explore joint business opportunities in the fast growing graphene market. Graphene’s remarkable properties, including high conductivity, mechanical strength and high specific surface area make it an ideal material for electrochemical devices used in clean energy applications.

National Graphite Corp has supplied high grade graphite samples from the company’s 100% owned Chedic Graphite mine near Carson City Nevada to the laboratory facilities of American Graphene LLC near Phoenix Arizona. Through a sonication process the graphite ore from the Chedic mine has been reduced to a nano material that has subsequently been sent to a metallurgical facility to determine the grade and commercial viability of the graphene product. The sonication process was observed by an independent geologist, designated as a Qualified Person. The two companies will explore an exclusive supply agreement where NGRC will supply high grade graphite to American Graphene, cost effective and scaleable processing facilities and commercially viable markets for the graphene product.

Graphene is a newly discovered formation of carbon atoms which makes a material 200 times stronger than steel, a super-conductor at room temperature, flexible and heat resistant. There are over 7000 patents filed relating to graphene. Currently, the price of graphene ranges from $100 per gram to $1000 per gram. The Company believes it can mine, refine and convert our high purity graphite to graphene with a target cost of approximately $10 per gram.

National Graphite Corp. currently holds the rights to the Chedic Voltaire, past producing, graphite mine in NW Nevada near Carson City,

NGRC plans to advance the project through the exploration and development stages.

About National Graphite Corp.

National Graphite Corp. is an American based graphite development company focused on bringing the Chedic Graphite Mine back into commercial production to supply the fast growing graphite mineral market. The mineral is used in the manufacture of Lithium-ion batteries and is considered critical to U.S. industry sectors like Consumer Electronics, Green Technology and Alternative Energy. National Graphite is committed to long-term sustainable graphite production within the North American market.

“Safe Harbor” Statement: Under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements in the press release that relate to the Company’s expectations with regard to the future impact on the Company’s results from new products in development are forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. A complete “SAFE HARBOR: Disclosure” is listed on the Company’s Website www.NationalGraphiteCorp.com under “News”

CONTACT:
Kenneth B Liebscher
[email protected]

SOURCE National Graphite Corp.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.nationalgraphitecorp.com

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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.

4) Interviews are edited for clarity. Streetwise Reports does not make editorial comments or change experts’ statements without their consent.

5) The interview does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports’ terms of use and full legal disclaimer.

6) From time to time, Streetwise Reports LLC and its directors, officers, employees or members of their families, as well as persons interviewed for articles and interviews on the site, may have a long or short position in securities mentioned and may make purchases and/or sales of those securities in the open market or otherwise.

( Companies Mentioned: EGZ:TSX.V; ENZR:OTCBB,
FMS:TSX.V,
NK:PA,
NGC:TSX.V; NGPHF:OTCQX,
ASX: SYR,
ASX: “TLG”,
ZEN: TSX.V,)

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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

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Big North Starts Test Mining at Nuevo San Pedro Graphite Project

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 8:32 AM on Friday, May 24th, 2013

Vancouver, B.C., May 24, 2013 – Big North Graphite Corp. (“Big North” or the “Company”) (TSXV: NRT) announces that the Company has commenced a program of test mining/bulk sampling at the Nuevo San Pedro amorphous graphite project in Sonora, Mexico (the “Nuevo San Pedro Project”).  The program is aimed at testing the existing active and inactive workings, as was recommended as the next phase of exploration at the Nuevo San Pedro Project in the Company’s recently released NI 43-101 technical report. The cost of this program is estimated at approximately $200,000.

The Nuevo San Pedro Project workings consist of a cross cut adit, then a drift along the graphite seam largely to the west.  There is a shaft with three sub-levels established to the east.  The main graphite seam varies in dip and pinches and swells along strike.  There has been some stoping above the adit level, but there is only an estimated 20 metres to surface.  Some underhand stoping has been completed below the adit level as well.  On the adit level the vein dips at approximately 60 degrees.

Spiro Kletas, President & CEO of the Company stated: “We are pleased to have started the test mining phase of the proposed re-start of the Company’s Nuevo San Pedro amorphous graphite project in Sonora, Mexico.  As previously stated, Big North’s goal is to become one of the first graphite focussed junior companies on the TSX Venture Exchange to capture some of the graphite market for our shareholders.  This is a monumental step in that direction.  Management and the Board believe that there is significant opportunity in amorphous graphite and we are working diligently towards being able to supply the market with amorphous graphite.”

Big North continues with the Company’s previously announced plan of buying amorphous graphite from local producers who do not have processing capability.  Further, the Company is actively continuing the assembly of the processing facility that was previously announced in the Company’s news release of April 22, 2013.

Big North, through its Mexican subsidiary Grafito la Barranca SA de CV, holds a 100% interest in the Aki Wiki concession and has a 50/50 joint venture on the Nuevo San Pedro Project.  Both concessions are located in the San Jose de Moradillas region, a region that has produced graphite for more than 145 years.  San Jose de Moradillas is located approximately 45 kilometers southeast of the city of Hermosillo, Mexico.

Luciana Property

Big North announces that following an evaluation of its Luciana Prospect Property located in Lebel-sur-Quevillon, Quebec (the “Luciana Prospect”), the Company has given notice to Golden Valley Mines Ltd. to terminate the Company’s option to acquire a 70% interest in the Luciana Prospect pursuant to a mining option agreement dated August 30, 2011 (the “Luciana Option Agreement”).  Pursuant to the Luciana Option Agreement, the Company is required to leave the mining claims in good standing for a period of twelve months.

The Company intends to focus its resources on its Grafito La Barranca Properties in Sonora, Mexico.

R. Tim Henneberry, P.Geo. (BC) a consultant to the Company has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure in this news release.

About Big North Graphite Corp.

Big North is a graphite development and exploration company focused on select projects in Mexico and Canada.  The Company recently acquired 3 past producing amorphous graphite mines in Sonora, Mexico and is working towards accelerating the restart of the Nuevo San Pedro amorphous graphite mine.  Big North has recently completed two phases of the restart of the Nuevo San Pedro mine, which includes the delivery of equipment, clean up of access roads, installation of electricity and ventilation systems, receipt of permits to use dynamite to blast at the mine and the stabilization and repair of the existing workings.

Recently, the Company announced that it has started the assembly of a processing plant that will be used for stockpiling, crushing, screening, sizing and drying of graphite to the specifications of individual future customers.   Further, the Company has commenced a strategy of buying unprocessed amorphous graphite from local miners who do not possess the ability to process or ship to end users.  Big North plans to purchase graphite from local producers to supplement production from the Nuevo San Pedro project. The Company plans to process the purchased graphite to the specifications of future customers and re-sell the purchased graphite at market prices, capturing the difference in prices.  Big North also owns high priority, large flake graphite exploration projects in Ontario and Quebec, Canada.

For further information please contact Spiro Kletas at (604) 629-8220

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

(signed) “Spiro Kletas”
Spiro Kletas
President and Chief Executive Officer

While Big North intends to re-start the Nuevo San Pedro mine, the Company has not established mineral resources and has not completed a valid mining study (as defined by NI 43-101) to support a production decision. Historically, a production decision under these circumstances results in much higher economic or technical risk. Furthermore, without a pre-feasibility or feasibility study and a graphite reserve, there can be no assurance that operations at Nuevo San Pedro will be profitable.

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.

Except for historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.  Actual results may differ materially.  Except as required pursuant to applicable securities laws, the Company will not update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.  More detailed information about potential factors that could affect financial results is included in the documents filed from time to time with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities by the Company.

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China Carbon Graphite Inc. Releases First Quarter 2013 Results

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 9:33 AM on Friday, May 17th, 2013

INNER MONGOLIA, China, May 16, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — China Carbon Graphite Group, Inc. (OTCBB:CHGI) (“China Carbon” or the “Company”), the largest wholesale supplier of fine-grain and high-purity graphite in China and one of the nation’s top manufacturers of carbon and graphite products, today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2013.

“The recession of China’s steel industry continues to impact our sales this quarter. We strongly believe the market demand will return very soon just as the last recession in 2008 ended the following year. I am glad our management decided to not only dedicate most of our resources to produce high-grade and high margin graphite products like fine grain and high purity graphite but also continue to explore more applications of our products in order to diversify our risks. I believe this effort will be reflected on our future financials,” said Donghai Yu, Chief Executive Officer of China Carbon Graphite Group Inc.

Sales

During the three months ended March 31, 2013, we had sales of $3,060,918, compared to sales of $10,061,210 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, a decrease of $7,000,292, or approximately 69.6%. The sales decrease was mainly attributable to a significant decline in the demand for our products during the three months ended March 31, 2013, which resulted from the struggle of steel companies.

The breakdown of revenues for each of graphite electrodes, fine grain graphite and high purity graphite, during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, is as follows:

 March 31, 2013
Sales		 % of Total
Sales		  March 31, 2012
Sales		 % of Total
Sales
Graphite Electrodes  $ 80,960 2.6%  $ 456,647 4.5%
Fine Grain Graphite 1,394,956 45.6% 4,467,350 44.4%
High Purity Graphite 1,491,521 48.7% 5,051,089 50.2%
Others (1) 93,481 3.1% 86,124 0.9%
Total  $ 3,060,918  100.0%  $ 10,061,210  100.0%
(1) “Other” sales represent revenue generated by sales of semi-processed products and other types of products.

Cost of goods sold; gross margin

Our cost of goods sold consists of the price of raw materials, utilities, labor, and depreciation expenses in our manufacturing facilities. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, our cost of goods sold was $3,320,320, compared to $7,143,606 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, a decrease of $3,823,286 or approximately 53.5%. The decrease in the cost of sales was due to the decline in sales volume.

Our gross margin decreased from 29.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 to (8.5)% for the three months ended March 31, 2013. This decline is mainly attributed to a reduction in sales price due to competition, less demand and an increase of cost of goods sold, which is due to increased depreciation allocated to the cost of goods sold resulting from the transfer of construction in progress to property and equipment since the end of 2012.

Operating expenses

Operating expenses totaled $470,411 for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to $955,201 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, a decrease of $484,790, or approximately 50.8%.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling expenses decreased from $46,798 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 to $17,941 for the three months ended March 31, 2013, a decrease of $28,857, or 61.7%. The decline was mainly due to lower sales, decreased sales commission and lower shipping and handling expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2013 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2012.

Our general and administrative expenses consist of salaries, office expenses, utilities, business travel, amortization expenses, public company expenses (including legal, accounting and investor relations) and stock compensation. General and administrative expenses were $384,582 for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to $851,399 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, a decrease of $466,817, or 54.8%. The decline in general and administrative expenses was mainly due to decreased consulting expenses and bad debt expenses offset by increased salary expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2012.

Depreciation and amortization expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses totaled $655,449 for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to $567,584 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, an increase of $87,865, or approximately 15.48%. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, depreciation and amortization was allocated between costs of goods sold, selling and general administrative expenses in the amounts of $587,561 and $67,888, respectively.  For the three months ended March 31, 2012, depreciation and amortization was allocated between costs of goods sold, selling, and general administrative expenses in the amounts $510,580 and $57,004, respectively. The increase in depreciation and amortization expenses is due to additional fixed assets placed in service.

Income (Loss) from operations

As a result of the factors described above, operating loss was $729,813 for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to operating income of $1,962,403 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, a decrease of approximately $2,692,216, or 137.2%.

Other income and expenses

Our interest expense was $862,448 for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to $1,229,745 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, reflecting decreased interest expenses on loans from banks. Expenses from changes in the fair value of our warrants as a result of adopting ASC 820-10 was $44,368 for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to $(479,563) for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

Income tax

During the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, we benefited from a 100% tax holiday from the PRC enterprise tax. As a result, we had no income tax due for these periods. The enterprise income tax at the statutory rates would have been approximately $0 and $165,203, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 without consideration of adjustments on taxable income. The tax holiday is from 2008 through 2017.

Net income (loss)

As a result of the factors described above, our net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $1,502,268, compared to net income of $253,117 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, a decrease of $1,755,385, or 693.5%.

About China Carbon Graphite Group, Inc.

China Carbon Graphite Group, through its affiliate, Xingyong Carbon Co., Ltd., manufactures graphite and carbon based products in China. The company is the largest wholesale supplier of fine-grain and high-purity graphite in China and one of the nation’s top overall producers of carbon and graphite products. Fine grain graphite is widely used in smelting for colored metals and rare earth metal smelting as well as the manufacture of molds. High purity graphite is used in metallurgy, mechanical industry, aviation, electronic, atomic energy, chemical industry, food industry and a variety of other fields. In September 2007, the Company was approved and designated by the Ministry of Science & Technology as a “National Hi-tech Enterprise,” a distinction that the Company still holds. Of the more than 400 carbon graphite producers in China, China Carbon Group Inc. is the only non-state-owned company to receive this honor. For more information, please visit www.chinacarboninc.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This release contains certain “forward-looking statements” relating to the business of the Company and its subsidiary companies. These forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects” or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including the risk factors set forth in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
China Carbon Graphite Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
March 31,
2013		 December 31,
2012
(Unaudited ) (Audited)
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents  $ 1,680,254  $ 129,746
Restricted cash 22,379,000 22,149,000
Accounts receivable, Net 7,142,892 11,239,002
Notes receivable 7,401,165 —
Advance to suppliers 12,503,217 1,177,462
Inventories 48,181,039 48,417,875
Prepaid expenses 785,438 280,779
Other receivables, net of allowance of $221,026 and $220,339, respectively 104,639 35,655
Total current assets 100,177,644 83,429,519
Property And Equipment, Net 40,481,778 40,964,363
Construction In Progress 18,943,945 7,324,379
Land Use Rights, Net 9,643,328 9,657,419
Total Assets  $ 169,246,695  $ 141,375,680
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  $ 1,431,323  $ 2,250,745
Advance from customers 1,740,402 1,368,525
Short term bank loans 45,241,000 38,680,500
Notes payable 40,733,000 40,606,500
Other payables 1,489,655 630,179
Loan from unrelated parties 11,351,604 338,002
Dividends payable 51,353 46,816
Total current liabilities 102,038,337 83,921,267
Amounts Due To Related Parties 4,637,132 4,795,593
Long Term Bank Loans 16,067,800 4,782,900
Warrant Liabilities 179,994 224,362
Total Liabilities 122,923,263 93,724,122
Redeemable convertible series B preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 3,000,000 shares authorized; 300,000 and 300,000 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. 360,000 360,000
Stockholders’ Equity
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized 25,137,518 and 25,077,518 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively 25,137 25,077
Additional paid-in capital 18,256,121 18,223,781
Accumulated other comprehensive income 9,129,202 8,982,925
Retained earnings 18,552,972 20,059,775
Total stockholders’ equity 45, 963,432 47,291,558
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity  $ 169,246,695  $ 141,375,680
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
China Carbon Graphite Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012
(Unaudited)
Three months ended
March 31,
2013 2012
Sales  $3,060,918  $10,061,210
Cost of Goods Sold 3,320,320 7,143,606
Gross Profit (loss) (259,402) 2,917,604
Operating Expenses
Selling expenses 17,941 46,798
General and administrative 384,582 851,399
Depreciation and amortization 67,888 57,004
Total operating expenses 470,411 955,201
Operating Income (Loss) Before Other Income (Expense) (729,813) 1,962,403
Other Income (Expense)
Interest expense (862,448) (1,229,745)
Interest income 45,304 22
Other income, net 321 —
Change in fair value of warrants 44,368 (479,563)
Total other expense (772,455) (1,709,286)
Net Income (Loss) (1,502,268) 253,117
Preferred Stock Dividends (4,537) (5,018)
Net Income (Loss) Available To Common Shareholders (1,506,805) 248,099
Other Comprehensive Income
Foreign currency translation gain 146,277 423,897
Total Comprehensive Income $ (1,355,991)  $ 677,014
Share Data
Basic earnings (loss) per share $ (0.06)  $ 0.01
Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ (0.06)  $ 0.01
Weighted average common shares outstanding,
Basic 25,103,518 23,315,645
Weighted average common shares outstanding,
Diluted 25,103,518 23,647,455
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
China Carbon Graphite Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
Three months ended
March 31,
2013 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income (loss) $ (1,502,268)  $ 253,117
Adjustments to reconcile net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and Amortization 655,449 567,584
Stock compensation 60,345 —
Change in fair value of warrants (44,368) 479,563
Recovery of bad debt expenses  (166,601) —
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable 4,290,026 (1,310,189)
Notes receivable (7,387,374) (142,124)
Other receivables (68,745) (44,531)
Advance to suppliers (11,300,990) (5,197,009)
Inventory 386,948 (4,075,391)
Prepaid expenses (530,927) 169,188
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  (824,186) 594,274
Advance from customers 366,928 592,123
Taxes payable 99,446 (110,310)
Other payables 755,723 133,762
Net cash used in operating activities (15,210,594) (8,089,943)
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment (2,292) (15,831)
Proceeds from land bureau against cost of land use rights 237,749
Addition of construction in progress (11,575,140) (651,528)
Net cash used in investing activities (11,577,432) (429,610)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuing common stock — 50,000
Proceeds from short term loans 11,249,000 4,755,000
Repayments for short term loans (4,821,000) (4,755,000)
Proceeds from long term loans 11,249,000 —
Proceeds from loan from unrelated parties 10,992,029 9,313,808
Proceeds from loan from related parties 448,994 79,727
Repayments to related parties (622,072) —
Proceeds from stock not yet issued — 77,500
Restricted cash (160,700) 4,945,200
Proceeds from notes payable 17,677,000 10,778,000
Repayments to notes payable (17,677,000) (16,880,250)
Net cash provided by financing activities 28,335,251 8,363,985
Effect of exchange rate fluctuation 3,283 3,819
Net increase (decrease) in cash 1,550,508 (151,749)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 129,746 521,450
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  $1,680,254  $ 369,701
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Interest paid  $1,040,625  $ 984,830
Income taxes paid $ — $ —
Non-cash activities:
Preferred stock conversion to common stock $ —  $ 94 
Investor Contact:
Ms. Renee Volaric
Director
RB Milestone Group, LLC
Tel: (212) 661-0075 ext. 113
Email:  

Company Contact:
Mr. Donghai Yu
Chief Executive Officer
China Carbon Graphite Group Inc.

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Alabama Graphite Corp. Receives Final Assays Results from Core Holes on its Coosa Drilling Program

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 9:24 AM on Friday, May 17th, 2013

May 17, 2013 (ACCESSWIRE-TNW via COMTEX) — May 16, 2013 – Sylacauga, AL – Alabama Graphite Corp. (the “Company”) (cnsx:ALP) (frankfurt:1AG.F WKN A1J35M) is pleased to report assay results from the remaining core holes from its 2012 drilling program at the Coosa Graphite Project, Alabama.

Drilling on the 200′ by 200′ resource grid at the Coosa Project consisted of 54 core holes. With the receipt of the current assays, all of the results have been received. In addition, results from the remaining sonic holes have also been received. The results from these holes will be reported separately.

The drill core was logged and sampled at the Company’s facility in Sylacauga and shipped to ALS Minerals in Elko, NV, for analysis. The samples were analyzed for graphitic carbon (Cg) by the LECO method. Drill holes on the A, B, C and D-lines were among the last processed as an initial visual inspection of the core suggested that their graphite content was low. In contrast, holes on the northeastern portion of the E-line contained thick intercepts of graphitic schist. To some extent, this corresponds to a small topographic high. Graphitic mineralization found along the E-line remains open to the north and east.

Below is a table summarizing the significant results from the new core holes:


         --------------------------------------------------------------------
         |Drill Hole|Area    |Total Depth|From (ft)|To (ft)|Drill    |Cg%   |
         |          |        |A(ft)      |         |       |Thickness|      |
         |          |        |           |         |       |(ft)     |      |
         |------------------------------------------------------------------|
         |AGC-B08C  |Resource|250'       |No Significant Intercepts         |
         |          |Grid    |           |                                  |
         |------------------------------------------------------------------|
         |AGC-B09C  |Resource|49'        |No Significant Intercepts         |
         |          |Grid    |           |                                  |
         |------------------------------------------------------------------|
         |AGC-C03C  |Resource|256'       |No Significant Intercepts         |
         |          |Grid    |           |                                  |
         |------------------------------------------------------------------|
         |AGC-D03C  |Resource|256'       |No Significant Intercepts         |
         |          |Grid    |           |                                  |
         |------------------------------------------------------------------|
         |AGC-D04C  |Resource|250'       |No Significant Intercepts         |
         |          |Grid    |           |                                  |
         |------------------------------------------------------------------|
         |AGC-E04C  |Resource|256.5'     |36'      |85'    |49'      |3.08  |
         |          |Grid    |           |         |       |         |      |
         |------------------------------------------------------------------|
         |A         |A       |A And      |220'     |250'   |30'      |2.20  |
         |------------------------------------------------------------------|
         |AGC-E07C  |Resource|305'       |23'      |305'   |282'     |2.70  |
         |          |Grid    |           |         |       |         |      |
         |------------------------------------------------------------------|
         |AGC-E08C  |Resource|276'       |25'      |270'   |245'     |2.90  |
         |          |Grid    |           |         |       |         |      |
         |------------------------------------------------------------------|
         |AGC-E09C  |Resource|264'       |75'      |264'   |189'     |2.99  |
         |          |Grid    |           |         |       |         |      |
         |------------------------------------------------------------------|
         |AGC-I01C  |Resource|291'       |40'      |115'   |75'      |2.62  |
         |          |Grid    |           |         |       |         |      |
         |------------------------------------------------------------------|
         |A         |A       |A And      |135'     |230'   |95'      |2.35  |
         |------------------------------------------------------------------|
         |AGC-I02C  |Resource|253'       |30'      |120'   |90'      |2.78  |
         |          |Grid    |           |         |       |         |      |
         |------------------------------------------------------------------|
         |AGC-I03C  |Resource|256'       |130'     |190'   |60'      |2.59  |
         |          |Grid    |           |         |       |         |      |
         |------------------------------------------------------------------|
         |AGC-I04C  |Resource|296'       |245'     |280'   |35'      |2.82  |
         |          |Grid    |           |         |       |         |      |
         |------------------------------------------------------------------|
         |AGC-I05C  |Resource|256'       |85'      |200'   |115'     |2.39  |
         |          |Grid    |           |         |       |         |      |
         |------------------------------------------------------------------|
         |AGC-I06C  |Resource|261'       |35'      |215'   |180'     |2.32  |
         |          |Grid    |           |         |       |         |      |
         |------------------------------------------------------------------|
         |A         |A       |A          |70'      |105'   |35'      |3.41  |
         |          |        |Including  |         |       |         |      |
         |------------------------------------------------------------------|
         |AGC-I07C  |Resource|285'       |165'     |245'   |80'      |3.02  |
         |          |Grid    |           |         |       |         |      |
         |------------------------------------------------------------------|
         |AGC-I08C  |Resource|265'       |45'      |215'   |170'     |2.64  |
         |          |Grid    |           |         |       |         |      |
         |------------------------------------------------------------------|
         |AGC-I09C  |Resource|256'       |50'      |250'   |200'     |3.10  |
         |          |Grid    |           |         |       |         |      |
         |------------------------------------------------------------------|
         |AGC-J01C  |Resource|253'       |60'      |110'   |50'      |2.52  |
         |          |Grid    |           |         |       |         |      |
         |------------------------------------------------------------------|
         |A         |A       |A And      |155'     |205'   |50'      |2.33  |
         |------------------------------------------------------------------|
         |AGC-J09C  |Resource|257'       |36'      |70'    |34'      |2.50  |
         |          |Grid    |           |         |       |         |      |
         |------------------------------------------------------------------|
         |A         |A       |A And      |170'     |210'   |40'      |2.35  |
         |------------------------------------------------------------------|
         |A         |A       |A          |A        |A      |A        |A     |
         --------------------------------------------------------------------

A map showing the resource grid and drill holes locations can be found on the Company website at http://alabamagraphite.co.

Dr. Douglas Oliver, VP Exploration, comments, “With the receipt of the final assay results, the Company has completed one phase of its exploration program and has begun the next. Our focus has shifted to preparing the database for delivery to Metal Mining Consultants so that they can begin an initial resource estimate. We are pleased with the drill results and see nothing that should preclude a favorable determination of a resource. The Company also anticipates planning a follow-up drill program later in 2013 to extend the known mineralization.”

Dana Durgin, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and independent consultant to the Company, has reviewed the contents of this press release.

About Alabama Graphite:

Alabama Graphite Corp., through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Alabama Graphite Company Inc., is a graphite exploration and development company whose flagship project “The Coosa Graphite Project” in Coosa County, Alabama encompasses of over 40,000 acres located in an area with significant historical production of crystalline flake graphite. For further details go to www.alabamagraphite.co

ALABAMA GRAPHITE CORP.

Daniel Spine, CEO

(404) 661-6254

Danny Gravelle, Investor Relations

(949) 481-5396

[email protected]

THE CANADIAN NATIONAL STOCK EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

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Rock Tech Drills 89.50 metres of 2.96% Graphite at Lochaber

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 1:23 PM on Wednesday, May 15th, 2013

May 15, 2013 (ACCESSWIRE-TNW via COMTEX) — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, May 15, 2013 – Rock Tech Lithium Inc. CA:RCK 0.00% (frankfurt:RJIA) (the “Company” or “Rock Tech”) announces additional assay results from the drill program it announced on December 10, 2012. This planned 4,600 metre drill program included both step-out and in-fill drill holes and focused primarily on electromagnetic conductors ‘A’ and ‘C’. A few other conductors and magnetic anomalies were also tested during this drill program. The electromagnetic conductors were identified on the Plumbago area of the property during geophysical surveys in September, 2012 (click here to view a map).

Highlights of these assay results include:

-Drill hole PB-12-27A intersected 29.11 metres of graphitic carbon (“Cg”) in four intersections with grades ranging from 2.07% Cg to 4.84% Cg, including 9.35 metres at 4.84% Cg, and 9.34 metres at 3.37% Cg;

-Drill hole PB-12-32 intersected 16.70 metres at 2.62 % Cg;

-Drill Hole PB-12-33 intersected 31 metres at 1.34% Cg; and,

-Drill hole PB-12-34 intersected 148.05 metres Cg in two intersections with grades ranging from 1.16% Cg to 10.92% Cg, including 89.50 metres at 2.96% Cg;

“These assay results demonstrate the continuation of the graphite mineralization to the north along electromagnetic conductor ‘A’. Subsequent drill programs will test the northern extension of this conductor as the mineralization remains open along strike and at depth,” said Afzaal Pirzada, Rock Tech’s Vice President of Exploration and interim CEO.

To date, the Company has received and announced assay results for thirty drill holes and seven trenches. Assay results for the final five drill holes completed during the fourth quarter of 2012 are pending.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control

All core samples are logged and split by wet diamond saw with half sent to the lab for analysis and half stored securely on site. The core sample lengths typically average 1 metre but vary depending on geological boundaries. Additional QA/QC procedures include inserting blanks and standards into the core sample stream at industry standard intervals with duplicate core samples taken at intervals of twenty. Core samples are prepped and analyzed by Global Mineral Research Limited in Burnaby, British Columbia. During analysis, the core samples are dried, pulverized, leached and roasted at 450? Celsius and 1200? Celsius with measured weights taken between double ignitions. The laboratories also conduct duplicate and internal standard samples at intervals of ten as part of their QA/QC program.

For additional details, please see the table below:


         -----------------------------------------------------------------
         |Drill Hole ID|Length From|Length To|Width |Graphite|Geophysical|
         |             |           |         |      |        |Conductor  |
         |             |-------------------------------------|           |
         |             |Metres     |Metres   |Metres|%       |           |
         |---------------------------------------------------------------|
         |PB-12-27A    |6.20       |11.25    |5.05  |2.07    |A          |
         |             |-------------------------------------|           |
         |             |32.50      |41.85    |9.35  |4.84    |           |
         |             |-------------------------------------|           |
         |             |53.30      |62.64    |9.34  |3.37    |           |
         |             |-------------------------------------|           |
         |             |106.92     |112.29   |5.37  |2.33    |           |
         |---------------------------------------------------------------|
         |PB-12-32     |59.50      |76.20    |16.70 |2.62    |C          |
         |---------------------------------------------------------------|
         |PB-12-33     |145.00     |176.00   |31.00 |1.34    |A          |
         |---------------------------------------------------------------|
         |PB-12-34     |19.93      |78.48    |58.55 |1.16    |A          |
         |---------------------------------------------------|           |
         |including    |69.50      |78.48    |8.98  |4.02    |           |
         |---------------------------------------------------|           |
         |A            |154.50     |244.00   |89.50 |2.96    |           |
         |---------------------------------------------------|           |
         |including    |158.50     |161.58   |3.08  |10.92   |           |
         |---------------------------------------------------|           |
         |including    |196.80     |210.00   |13.20 |8.15    |           |
         -----------------------------------------------------------------

Note: The true thickness of the drill intersection may be less than the reported intervals

Drill hole PB-12-27A is located at 475476E, 5056342N (NAD 1983, Zone 18N) with azimuth 91.9? and dip -51.5?, drill hole PB-12-32 is located at 474893E, 5055831N (NAD 1983, Zone 18N) with azimuth 98.7? and dip -48.5?, drill hole PB-12-33 is located at 475599E, 5056564N (NAD 1983, Zone 18N) with azimuth 116.2? and dip -51.3?, and drill hole PB-12-34 is located at 475640E, 5056399N (NAD 1983, Zone 18N) with azimuth 292? and dip -47.1?.

The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed by Afzaal Pirzada, P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration and interim CEO of the Company and a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

“Afzaal Pirzada”

Afzaal Pirzada, P.Geo.

Source: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/rock-tech-drills-8950-metres-of-296-graphite-at-lochaber-2013-05-15

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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/

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WATCH: U308 Corp., InterAmerican Gaming Inc., Lomiko Metals Featured On Episode 7 Of The Next Biggest Winner TV Show

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 10:00 AM on Monday, May 6th, 2013

On this week’s episode of The Next Biggest Winner we will be featuring three great small cap companies.

EPISODE 7 GUESTS

U3O8 Corp. (TSX:UWE) (OTCQX:UWEFF)

InterAmerican Gaming Inc. (PINKSHEETS:IAGM)

Lomiko Metals (TSX VENTURE:LMR)

SEGMENT 1 – Richard Spencer, President and CEO of U308 Corp. discusses Uranium Market Fundamentals. Richard also goes on to discuss the company’s property in Guyana, a prospective mine which could cover an estimated 2,000 hectares or well under 1% of the original land surface covered by its Reconnaissance Permits.

SEGMENT 2 – Marc Askenasi CEO of InterAmerican Gaming Inc. joins George to discuss the company’s mobile strategy. The company’s first product SoFit is a social gaming company that has developed software to empower individuals to track, train and compete through its SoFit platform.

Paul Gill, President and CEO of Lomiko Metals joins the show via Skype to discuss the Quatre Milles property as well as the recently announced strategic alliance with Graphene laboratories Inc.

SEGMENT 3 – Marc Askenasi CEO of InterAmerican Gaming Inc. and Richard Spencer, President and CEO of U308 Corp.  rejoin George on the stage for a round up discussion.

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Lomiko Adds Graphene Experts Dr. Polyakova and Dr. Stolyarov to Board of Advisors

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 3:18 PM on Tuesday, April 30th, 2013

Apr 30, 2013 — Vancouver, B.C., and New York, NY – Lomiko Metals Inc. CA:LMR -8.33% LMRMF -8.82% DE:DH8B -20.41% (europe:ISIN)(wkn:A0Q9W7) (the “Company” or “Lomiko”) is very pleased to welcome Dr. Elena Polyakova and Dr. Daniel Stolyarov to the Advisory Board of Lomiko Metals Inc.

Dr. Elena Polyakova founded Graphene Laboratories in 2009 as President and Chief Executive Officer. Since founding Graphene Laboratories, the company has grown to be the leading manufacturer and supplier of graphene materials. Dr. Polyakova is an invited speaker at many international forums and conferences, and her input on the graphene industry is regularly published by journalists covering business and technology.

Dr. Polyakova has won numerous awards for her entrepreneurship, including Mass High Tech’s Women to Watch award (2011) and the Hauppauge Industrial Association of Long Islands’ Young Entrepreneur award (2012).

She received her Masters’ degree in Physics and Applied Mathematics with honors from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, and her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Southern California. During Dr. Polyakova’s post-doctoral work at Columbia University, her work on graphene was published in many leading peer-reviewed journals, which she co-authored with Nobel and Kalvi prize winners, as well as members of the National Academy of Sciences. It was then that she realized the commercial potential of graphene, which led to the founding of Graphene Laboratories, Inc.

Dr. Daniel Stolyarov co-founded Graphene Laboratories in 2009 and has since served as Chief Technology Officer. At Graphene Laboratories, he leads efforts to introduce new materials to the Graphene Supermarket product line. He also overviews all production efforts and leads all collaborative R&D projects of Graphene Labs. His work continues to play a critical role in securing Graphene Labs place as a leader in the manufacture and sale of 2D materials.

Dr. Stolyarov speaks at many international conferences about advancements in 2D materials, and insight from his work at Graphene Laboratories has been written about by several publications, including BBC and Physics World.

Previously, he worked at Energetiq Technology Inc. as a Research Scientist, where he helped develop the EQ-99 Laser Driven Light Sourceâ„¢ which won the SPIE and Photonics Media Prism Award (2010), and at Brookhaven National Laboratory as an Assistant Scientist.

He received his Masters’ degree in Physics and Applied Mathematics with honors from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, and his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Southern California. During his academic career, his work on graphene was published in many leading peer-reviewed journals, which he co-authored with Nobel and Kalvi prize winners, as well as members of the National Academy of Sciences.

Lomiko Metals also confirms that it has issued 200,000 stock options at .10 to each new Advisor exercisable for up to 60 months from the date of grant. The options are subject to a four-month hold period commencing April 30, 2013. The options to be granted will be issued in accordance with the company’s stock option plan.

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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