Posts Tagged ‘#mining’

UC Resources Discovers Additional Gold & Silver Veins at Xora Sponsor

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 1:45 PM on Thursday, June 6th, 2013

Bx Vein which is at least 1.8 meters in width, returning up to 2 g/t in Au (gold) and up to 600 g/t in Ag (silver)
The Coral Vein Structure occurs in what is considered the south part of the property, immediately after the regional E-W Lyon Fault
Four samples were collected across the vein structure, 2 of them with decent numbers: 5-7 g/t in Au and around 80 g/t in Ag

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwired – June 6, 2013) – UC Resources Ltd. (“UC” or the “Company”) (TSX VENTURE:UC) is pleased to announce that it has discovered an additional two major Silver Vein structures within the XORA Concession adjacent to the Company La Yesca Mill site.

The Company’s Geologist, Gerardo Tarin, reports:

The Larissa Vein structure, is adjacent to fault N5ÂºW. This fault consists of heavy gouge material/shearing, with abundant clay accompanied by calcium carbonate plus minor silica – white and brown colored, moderately obliterated after oxidation. No significant numbers come from the fault structure itself, but values are seen in the adjacent Bx Vein which is at least 1.8 meters in width, returning up to 2 g/t in Au (gold) and up to 600 g/t in Ag (silver). This manifestation is located in section 1175, with the quartz networks appearing to drifting in a N60ÂºW direction with respect to the general strike of regional fault in the area. This zone is adjacent to sample 69384 and we have a new sample No. 69406 over 1.5 meters width. This sample runs 0.51 g/t in Au and 220 g/t in Ag. This gives us approx 3.3 meters of mineralized vein running up to 400 g/t in Ag and nearly 1.5 g/t in Au. This area is strongly recommended for further exploration.

Approximately 143 meters eastward in the same section, we have another manifestation of anomalous gold and up to 600 g/t in Ag (1 meter wide). As a result, there is good potential traced from the new Larissa Zone over to the Mirador Zone. A drill pad has been set up on the steep area adjacent to the Larissa Zone with the intention of drilling one or more holes to test this zone further.

The Mirador system also includes an impressive matrix supported breccia, adjacent to an andesitic dike, which is evident in over 100 meters in strike length, in a direction nearly N-S. This breccia did not return significant values, but returned anomalous gold such as 0.3 g/t Au in 3 locations.

Cuatas III is an intersection of structures striking N20ÂºE and N30ÂºW, located 90 meters westward from the Cuatas system. It is a small mineral occurrence, 3-4 meters in length and 1.5 meters wide. Sample No.69400 was taken over a width of 1.5 meters and returned a value of 123 g/t in Ag. Sample No. 69401 is a dump sample, returning random values between 0.232 g/t in Au and 242 g/t in Ag. This structure has the same strike and dip as the Cuatas I Vein.

The Coral Vein Structure occurs in what is considered the south part of the property, immediately after the regional E-W Lyon Fault. This vein drifts at N20ÂºE with respect to the predominant N-S structural control, and appears to be at least a 4 meter in width. Part of the footwall remains covered due to its dipping into the hillside.

Four samples were collected across the vein structure, 2 of them with decent numbers: 5-7 g/t in Au and around 80 g/t in Ag. Sample No.69377 is 1.30 meters in width and found in the footwall. Values were returned with 5.83 g/t in Au, 81.8 in Ag and an adjacent sample No. 69380 had the same width with 6.58 g/t in Au, 79 in Ag. This old work seems to have vertical development but is apparently covered and slumped in, after the extraction of mineral and vein materials were done in the past. Some more channel sampling is recommended along the fault in the vicinity of former Coral mine. We have made arrangements with the land owners to build a road on this side of the property, so we can drill test this are as well as second priority targets such as the Manguito, the Waterfall, and the Crucificado occurrences to south.

The Cuba Vein Structure is developed in highly argillized rock, amygdaloidal in composition, has a waxy material in open spaces but anomalous gold is scarce in the andesite outcrops around the Cuba vein. The Rita vein occurs approx. 70 meters west of the Waterfall I, in a N-S structure, 1.8 meters in width and perpendicular to an andesite dike of 4.20 meters width. No significant values were returned from sampling in this area as yet.

The Guacamaya Structure is approximately 130 meters west of the Rita structure – this is an E-W structure consistent with an andesite dike but has had no significant numbers in gold or silver as yet, but had a few anomalous gold results.

Between Cuatas and Mirador systems, some structures ranging from 1-1.5 meters in width. These are known as the Dominick 1, and Anita 1. We are awaiting results from sampling in this area.

The Xora deposit is an undeveloped epithermal system of narrow veins which occurs along 700 meters of strike length. Mapped and named as the Cuatas to Mirador-Colorada Systems with multiple en echelon sub parallel vein systems they are consistent and likely tied into the regional N-S fracturing transecting the region and occur as multiple mineral occurrences.

In Regional scale, we have mineralization hosted in both N-S and E-W fault structures. One example of this mineralization in an E-W system is the Leona Vein. Cuatas, Mirador and Colorada are hosted in N-S cross-cutting systems. Which is the more pervasive or controlling of the mineralizing fluids, we are yet to determine.

The above report from Gerardo Tarin supports the Companies’ plans to exploit XORA to ensure long term mill operation at La Yesca.

The assays were completed by accredited ALS Chemex Laboratories of Vancouver.

John Archibald, PGeo, a qualified person pursuant to NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information in this press release on behalf of the company.

The Company continues to evaluate its Commercial Production status. The Company believes it has adequate financial resources at this time, to not dilute shareholders and to reach its objectives.

“We believe our plans for Commercial production status and associated timing could possibly align with a positive price rebound for gold and silver” commented Gary Monaghan, CEO. “Everyone in the industry knows the difficulty in these times and production for us will be the key to our long term success in the future.”

The Company is carefully tracking gold and silver market pricing as these shifting trends affect the overall level of Company profitability.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Gary Monaghan, Chief Executive Officer

We seek safe harbour.

Investors or interested parties are invited to visit the UC Resources Website at http://www.ucresources.net – where they can choose to join the opt-in e-mail list to receive all future press releases and updates in real time.

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements or information. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements relating to the potential mineralization and geological merits of the La Yesca properties and other future plans, objectives or expectations of the Company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s plans or expectations include risks relating to the actual results of current exploration activities, fluctuating gold prices, possibility of equipment breakdowns and delays, exploration cost overruns, availability of capital and financing, general economic, market or business conditions, regulatory changes, timeliness of government or regulatory approvals and other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

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

 Contact Information: 
UC Resources Ltd.
Gary Monaghan
Chief Executive Officer
[email protected]
www.ucresources.net

Tags: #mining, #smallcapstocks, $TSXV, uc resources
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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, 2013Â –Â 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.

Tags: #graphitestocks, #mining, #smallcapstocks, $TSXV, otcbb
Posted in Graphite | Comments Off on National Graphite Signs Strategic Alliance With American Graphene LLC

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 50Â–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 SyrettTMR: 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 12Â–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.

Source: Industrial Minerals Data

TMR: What is the current price of flake graphite?

SM: Using our most commonly quoted grade, the +80 mesh, 94Â–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 productÂ—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 itÂ—the graphene pioneers have to build an industry and convince people to use it. Everyone now knows the theory, but the realityÂ—the real world applicationÂ—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 longÂ—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.

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

Tags: #graphitestocks, #mining, #smallcapstocks, $TSXV, Big North Graphite Corp., Focus Graphite, LOMIKO METALS INC
Posted in Graphite | 1 Comment »

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 SupermarketÂ® (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

Tags: #graphitestocks, #mining, #smallcapstocks, $TSXV, LOMIKO METALS INC
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Pacific Potash Strengthens Management and Exploration Team Appoints Andre Costa President and CEO

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 11:38 AM on Tuesday, May 28th, 2013

Vancouver, British Columbia – May 28th, 2013 – Pacific Potash Corporation (TSX-V: PP; OTCQX: PPOTF; FSE: P9P, “the Company”) is pleased to announce Andre Costa M.Sc., P.Geo. has been appointed as President and CEO of the Company. Mr. Costa is a professional geologist with over 18 years of experience working in Canada and Brazil. Mr. Costa has worked for the Saskatchewan Geological Survey, provided project management in uranium and diamond exploration, and most recently was the chief geologist for Brazil Potash a private company with operations surrounding the majority of Pacific Potash’s Claims. Mr. Costa was responsible for the Potash exploration technical program in the Amazonas basin, Brazil. He provided project management, compiled all regional data and developed Potash Brazil’s successful drilling program on which a NI 43-101 compliant resource is currently being calculated by Ercosplan. Mr. Costa is a dual citizen of Canada and Brazil, and is fluent in English, Portuguese and Spanish.

Mr. Costa stated “Pacific Potash tenements in the Amazon Basin it is on-trend and surrounded by existing potash deposits and historical potash occurrences. Working on this basin for five years gave me strong understanding of the drilling program logistics, drilling methods, stratigraphycal correlations, depositional environments, structural constraints, mineralization spatial distribution and seismic correlations. This knowledge will be important to achieve positive potash intercepts and consequently advancing to the next stages. All the efforts will now be focused on the upcoming drilling program in order to confirm and evaluate the potash mineralization to be found on Pacific Potash claims that would be developed into potash resources on this new and already confirmed world class potash basin.”

Mr. Balbir Johal, Executive Chairman & Director commented: ” Balbir Johal, Executive Chairman commented: “Having a CEO and President with local ties to the country and to Pacific Potash’s project area will be a huge benefit for the Company. Mr. Costa’s vast knowledge of a previously almost non-explored basin will be invaluable to the Pacific Potash team. Over the last five years in the Amazonas basin, Mr. Costa has been instrumental in compiling historic data, unlocking the potash sequences and basin geometry for Potash Brazil. He has overseen the drilling of over 20 potash wells in the basin, supervised the compilation of data for Potash Brazil’s technical reports, and from a potash exploration perspective, he is one the most knowledgeable individuals regarding the basin. ”

Pacific Potash would also like to announce that Mr. Steve Butrenchuk has resigned as President & CEO but will remain with the Company as an Advisory Board member. Pacific Potash wished to thank Mr. Butrenchuk for his contribution as President & CEO, and are certain that his experience, and insight will continue to be beneficial to the Company in his new position.

About Pacific Potash Corporation

Pacific Potash Corporation trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol: PP, as well on the OTCQX under the symbol: PPOTF and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under P9P. Pacific Potash is engaged in the exploration and development of the Amazonas Basin Project and the surrounding potash claims targeting the Middle Amazonas Potash Basin, currently the host to multiple new exploration campaigns for potash. The Company also is exploring the Provost Potash Property and the surrounding potash claims targeting the prolific Prairie Evaporite Formation, which is host to multiple conventional and solution potash mines.

On behalf of the Board,

Pacific Potash Corporation

Balbir Johal, LL.B

Executive Chairman & Director

For further information, please visit our website at www.pacificpotash.com or contact our V.P of Corporate Communications, Mike Blady:

Mike Blady

Office: 604.895.7446

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.

Tags: #mining, #smallcapstocks, $TSXV
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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 â€“ Big North Graphite Corp. (â€œBig Northâ€ or the â€œCompanyâ€) (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 â€œNuevo San Pedro Projectâ€). Â 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 Companyâ€™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. Â There is a shaft with three sub-levels established to the east. Â The main graphite seam varies in dip and pinches and swells along strike. Â There has been some stoping above the adit level, but there is only an estimated 20 metres to surface. Â Some underhand stoping has been completed below the adit level as well. Â On the adit level the vein dips at approximately 60 degrees.

Spiro Kletas, President & CEO of the Company stated: â€œWe are pleased to have started the test mining phase of the proposed re-start of the Companyâ€™s Nuevo San Pedro amorphous graphite project in Sonora, Mexico. Â As previously stated, Big Northâ€™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. Â This is a monumental step in that direction. Â 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.â€

Big North continues with the Companyâ€™s previously announced plan of buying amorphous graphite from local producers who do not have processing capability. Â Further, the Company is actively continuing the assembly of the processing facility that was previously announced in the Companyâ€™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. Â Both concessions are located in the San Jose de Moradillas region, a region that has produced graphite for more than 145 years. Â 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 â€œLuciana Prospectâ€), the Company has given notice to Golden Valley Mines Ltd. to terminate the Companyâ€™s option to acquire a 70% interest in the Luciana Prospect pursuant to a mining option agreement dated August 30, 2011 (the â€œLuciana Option Agreementâ€). Â 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.Â 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. Â 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 thatÂ will be used for stockpiling, crushing, screening, sizing and drying of graphite to the specifications of individual future customers.Â Â 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. Â 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. Â 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) â€œSpiro Kletasâ€
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.

Except for historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Â Actual results may differ materially. Â 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. Â 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.

Tags: #graphitestocks, #mining, #smallcapstocks, $TSXV, Big North Graphite Corp.
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Donner Metals, Pacific North West Capital and Alhambra Resources Featured on The Next Biggest Winner TV Show This Weekend

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 11:11 AM on Thursday, May 23rd, 2013

TORONTO, ONTARIO–(May 23, 2013) – The Next Biggest Winner, a leading and nationally televised investment show focusing on small-cap and mid-cap companies, is pleased to announce the following episode will be airing across Canada this weekend.

EPISODE GUESTS

Donner Metals (TSX VENTURE:DON)

Pacific North West Capital (TSX:PFN)

Alhambra Resources (TSX VENTURE:ALH)

Ron Tessier, VP of Engineering for Donner Metals talks development of the Bracemac-McLeod Mine. The company has since reported that production at the anticipated average rate of 3,000 tonnes per day commenced on May 15^th.

Dr. Bill Stone, President and COO of Pacific North West Capital joins us to discuss the company’s flagship River Valley PGM project. The project boasts a Measured and Indicated resource of 2,463,000 ounces PGM plus gold.

Ihor Wasylkiw, Vice President & CIO of Alhambra Resources discusses current production and further exploration initiatives at the company’s Uzboy project in Kazakhstan.

PROUD SPONSORS

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

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

NEW SEASON, NEW HOST

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

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

TELEVISION BROADCAST DETAILS

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

WHEN:		Saturday May 25^th 7:30 PM EST (Also 8:30 AM & 3:30 AM)
		Sunday May 26^th 6:30PM EST (Also 7:30 AM & 2:30 AM)
WHERE:		iChannel (See listing below or check iChannel for your local area)
		http://www.ichannel.ca/the-next-biggest-winner/whats-on/

Bell		Channel 514 Across Canada

Cogeco Channel		136 in Ontario and Quebec

MTS TV		Channel 282 in Manitoba

Rogers		Channel 197 in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick

Shaw Cable		Channel 110 in BC / Channel 95 Everywhere Else

Shaw Direct		Channel 593 (Classic) Channel 222 (Direct)

Source Cable		Channel 174 Ontario

Telus TV		Not Available Yet

Videotron		Channel 146 in Quebec

About The Next Biggest Winner

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

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

Contact Information

Metaphoria Productions
Jamie Bailey
Creator and Producer
[email protected]

AGORACOM
http://agoracom.com/services

Tags: #mining, #smallcapstocks, $TSXV
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AGORACOM Feature: Potash Junior (PP: TSX-V) Shows Liquidity and Gains Sponsor

Posted by AGORACOM-JC at 10:01 AM on Friday, May 17th, 2013

TSX:Â PP.VÂ |Â FSE:Â P9P| OCTQX:Â PPOTF

Pacific Potash has acquired a 100% interest in the Amazonas Basin Potash project in Brazil. The Company is planning a late summer exploration program on its claim block which totals 795,824 hectares. The Amazonas Potash Basin is similar in size, scale and geology to Saskatchewanâ€™s potash evaporate deposit, which is the largest and most prolific potash reserve in the world.

3 Month Chart

Investment Highlights – Brazil

Amazonas Potash Basin

The Brazilian Government plans to reduce Brazilâ€™s reliance on potash imports from 91% to 60% over the next 5 years
Soils in Brazil are deficient in potassium and require potash to remain productive
The Amazonas potash basin is similar in geology and dimension to the Saskatchewan potash basin in Canada

Two deposits owned by Petrobrasâ€”Arari and Fazendinhaâ€”are located 20 and 40 km west of the property being optioned by Pacific Potash. These two deposits have reported historic resources as follows*:

Fazendinha â€“ 520 Mt @ 28.8% KCl
Arari â€“ 659 Mt @ 17.7% KCl

Highlights of 43-101 Report

Potash has been intersected on 3 margins immediately adjacent to the property (West, North, and North East).

The Property is located on the northwest limb of the Middle Amazonas Basin, extending across the deepest part of the basin axis. The known occurrence of potassium salts (potash) is in Cycle VII in the Nova Olinda Formation. The Cycle VII potash mineralization occurs in numerous drill holes in the Middle and Lower Amazon basin, including those that define the Fazendinha and Arari potash occurrences.

Well log control from within the basin, but outside the claims, indicates thickening of the Nova Olinda formation towards the basin axis.

Potential potash layers are expected to occur at depths of 1100 to 1800 m.

Highlights of the Agapito & Associates Report

Potash mineralization at the Fazendinha and ArarÃ properties was identified by PetrobrÃ¡s in the 1970s and 1980s. Grades reported at Fazendinha range from 28% to 33% potassium chloride (KCl) over thicknesses ranging from 0.98 m to 4.58 m. The depth of the potash zone ranges from 1,000 to 1,100 m. At ArarÃ the depth to the potash zone ranges from 995 to 1,300 m.

Brazil Potash Corporationâ€™s drilling near Autazes, west of the Companyâ€™s claims, has encountered potash in 13 wells. Potash grades ranged from 15% to 40% KCl, over thicknesses ranging from 1.35 m to 3.13 m. Two wells near Itapiranga, north of the Companyâ€™s claims, encountered potash, with grades of 23% KCl over 2.20 m and 26% KCl over 4.84 m, respectively.

The ambient temperature at these depths could range from 41 degrees Celsius (Â°C) to 51 Â°C based on average crustal heat flows and the local geology. This temperature range is comparable to the temperature encountered at the Belle Plaine solution mine in Saskatchewan.

Based on the above, the Agapito report concludes that solution mining on the Companyâ€™s permits is potentially feasible if potash is encountered during exploration drilling, provided that the true thickness of the potash bed(s) exceeds 2 m, and the grade of the potash exceeds 15% K2O (24% KCl).Â Solution mining of KCl is enhanced if the ambient formation temperature in the potash beds exceeds 40Â°C.

Hub on AGORACOM / Corporate Website

Tags: #mining, #smallcapstocks, $TSXV, agriculture
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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:

	Â March 31, 2013 Sales	% of Total Sales	Â March 31, 2012 Sales	% of Total Sales
Graphite Electrodes	Â $Â 80,960	2.6%	Â $Â 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	Â $Â 3,060,918	Â 100.0%	Â $Â 10,061,210	Â 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%.Â 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.Â Â 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	Â $Â 1,680,254	Â $Â 129,746
Restricted cash	22,379,000	22,149,000
Accounts receivable, Net	7,142,892	11,239,002
Notes receivable	7,401,165	â€”
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	Â $Â 169,246,695	Â $Â 141,375,680

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	Â $Â 1,431,323	Â $Â 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	Â $Â 169,246,695	Â $Â 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	Â $3,060,918	Â $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	$Â (1,355,991)	Â $Â 677,014

Share Data

Basic earnings (loss) per share	$Â (0.06)	Â $Â 0.01

Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$Â (0.06)	Â $Â 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)	$Â (1,502,268)	Â $Â 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	Â (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	Â (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	Â $1,680,254	Â $Â 369,701

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information

Interest paid	Â $1,040,625	Â $Â 984,830
Income taxes paid	$Â —	$Â —

Non-cash activities:

Preferred stock conversion to common stock	$Â —	Â $Â 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.

Tags: #graphitestocks, #mining, #smallcapstocks, $TSXV, china Carbon Graphite Group
Posted in Graphite | Comments Off on China Carbon Graphite Inc. Releases First Quarter 2013 Results

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.

Tags: #graphitestocks, #mining, #smallcapstocks, $TSXV, Alabama Graphite
Posted in Graphite | Comments Off on Alabama Graphite Corp. Receives Final Assays Results from Core Holes on its Coosa Drilling Program

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