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Gratomic $GRAT.ca Announces Engineering Update for Final Layout of its Aukam Graphite Mine Processing Facility $SRG.ca $NGC.ca $LLG.ca $GPH.ca $NOU.ca #TODAQ $NMI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 2:41 PM on Tuesday, August 25th, 2020
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  • Aukam Graphite processing plant is on schedule for commissioning in October of 2020

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / August 25, 2020 / Gratomic Inc. (“GRAT” or the “Company”) (TSXV:GRAT)(OTC PINK:CBULF)(FRANKFURT:CB81)(WKN:A143MR) is pleased to announce an engineering update on the final layout and general assembly for its Aukam Graphite Mine processing plant, which is currently under construction and scheduled for commissioning in October of 2020.

General Assembly and final layout have been completed and work has commenced on site preparations required to accommodate the Company’s additional processing equipment, which is currently en route from China including thickener tanks, cyclone, rotary dryer, filter press, and various additional components.

The staff has safely returned to the Aukam site and are currently conducting excavation work in preparation for the pouring of the concrete foundations. Foundational steelwork has been installed to allow for the pouring of concrete. To date, approximately 100 tonnes of excavation groundwork has been completed to accommodate the construction of these foundations. Gratomic has identified two contractors that will complete the steelwork and installation for the platforms, catwalks, and additional necessary components.

Gratomic’s custom engineered and self-constructed facility was designed to encompass the highest degree of efficiency and effectiveness possible. Upon commissioning, this plant is intended to exceed production capabilities demonstrated by many of its competitors by generating minimal environmental impact.

About Gratomic Inc.

Gratomic is a materials company focused on mine to market commercialization of graphite products and components for a range of mass market products. The Company currently holds two off-take purchase agreements for graphite product sourced from the Aukam facility. One agreement is with TODAQ and the other is with Phu Sumika. The Company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol GRAT.

For more information: visit the website at www.gratomic.ca or contact:

Arno Brand at [email protected] or 416 561-4095

Gratomic $GRAT.ca Appoints Armando Farhate as Chief Operations Officer and Head of Graphite Marketing and Sales $SRG.ca $NGC.ca $LLG.ca $GPH.ca $NOU.ca #TODAQ $NMI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 10:49 AM on Wednesday, July 15th, 2020
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  • Mr. Farhate will oversee all operations for the Aukam Graphite Mine
  • Prior experience in the planning, engineering, project management, marketing and sales areas of the graphite mining industry

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / July 15, 2020 / Gratomic Inc. (“GRAT” or the “Company”) (TSXV:GRAT)(FRANKFURT:CB81)(WKN:A143MR) officially welcomes Armando Farhate aboard as Chief Operations Officer and Head of Graphite Marketing and Sales. Mr. Farhate was previously appointed as Head of the Advisory Board. Due to his extensive and successful experience in the graphite mining industry, Gratomic is thrilled to have him onboard in his new role with the Company.

Mr. Farhate will oversee all operations for the Aukam Graphite Mine in Namibia, Africa. This includes the completion of the final 10% of construction required to take the processing plant into the full commissioning phase. He will also be responsible for the management of graphite product sales and marketing, leading to the procurement of purchase contracts and the vertical integration required for the creation and sale of end-user products. Mr. Farhate’s appointment as Chief Operations Officer is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval

Mr. Farhate’s prior experience in the planning, engineering, project management, marketing and sales areas of the graphite mining industry make him the ideal candidate to fill this role. In past projects, he was responsible for quality management, environmental management, and implementing strategic and tactical planning. In addition to operations and graphite marketing and sales, Mr. Farhate will oversee the quality management of the Aukam Graphite Mine and he will coordinate important decisions regarding processing.

Some notable accomplishments in Mr. Farhate’s experience include Natural Graphite Operations/Product Director with Imreys Graphite and Carbon and COO at National de Graphite Ltda. Some of Mr. Farhate’s responsibilities at Imreys included acting as Operations Director, directly responsible for the mining and processing units in Lac-Des-Îles, QC, and Terrebonne, QC, Canada, with 60 employees and annual sales revenue of $ 18 MM CDN. Farhate obtained 15% of OEE improvement and reduction to zero of lost time accidents. He carried out technical visits and operational due-diligences in projects of new industrial units in several countries, including a project that resulted in a joint venture in Namibia, with assets of US$ 40MM and Imreys holding a 51% share of the joint venture.

While at Imreys, Farhate was also responsible for ensuring that the product offering was adequate to the needs of the target markets, which included the preparation and development of business cases aimed at launching new product lines and new production processes; the definition of sales price policies, and the development of Marketing and Sales plans for new industrial units. He was in charge of the long-term strategy for Natural Graphite, including the definition of new production locations and sourcing strategies.

During his time at National de Grafite Ltda., Armando Farhate was responsible for the direct management of Geology, Mine Planning, Mining, Processing, Industrial Engineering, R&D, Quality System, Environment, and Sales & Marketing. He performed high level contacts with federal and state regulatory public organizations in Brazil, as well as with municipalities and state congressmen, regarding mining permitting and environment licensing processes.

Mr. Farhate coordinated new mine opening processes, including the obtaining of mining permissions and environment licenses. He coordinated, together with specialized consultants, mineral assets evaluation processes and implemented control tools generating integrated information about output, efficiency, cost and inventory levels of three different plants and more than 20 product lines, optimizing production planning and order fulfillment and obtaining OEE improvements up to $1.25 MM/yr. CDN at the three industrial units held by NDG.

He led new product and process development, including the negotiation of partnerships with public and private universities in Brazil and abroad with emphasis on the obtaining of graphite oxide and graphene from natural crystalline graphite, and on the development of process technology for lithium-ion battery anode. He conducted, in partnership with HR and Controlling, a restructuring process on administrative and supporting areas, including upper management, with saving of $300,000/yr CDN.

Mr. Farhate’s experience and expertise will undoubtedly be of great value to the Company.

About Gratomic Inc.

Gratomic is a materials company focused on mine to market commercialization of graphite products and components for a range of mass market products. The Company currently holds two off-take purchase agreements for graphite product sourced from the Aukam facility. One agreement is with TODAQ and the other is with Phu Sumika. The Company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol GRAT.

For more information: visit the website at www.gratomic.ca or contact:

Arno Brand at [email protected] or 416 561-4095

Gratomic $GRAT.ca Announces Shipment of Final Equipment to Complete Aukam Processing Plant $SRG.ca $NGC.ca $LLG.ca $GPH.ca $NOU.ca #TODAQ $NMI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 10:29 AM on Tuesday, July 14th, 2020
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TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / July 14, 2020 / Gratomic Inc. (“GRAT” or the “Company”) (TSXV:GRAT)(FRANKFURT:CB81)(WKN:A143MR) is pleased to announce that the shipment of the final pieces of equipment has commenced – a custom drying, size classification and dewatering assembly – required for the Aukam processing plant which, once installed, will complete the mechanical system required to bring the plant into the commissioning phase.

The custom drier system departed the Port of Shenzen China on the 13th of July 2020, and is being shipped to Walvis Bay, Namibia with an estimated arrival to occur in September. Once the three containers of equipment arrive at Walvis Bay, the equipment will be prepared and then trucked to the Aukam site.

https://www.accesswire.com/users/newswire/images/597439/GratomicImg107142020.png
Photo of equipment being loaded into containers at the factory in China

Manhattan Engineering, out of Johannesburg, was engaged to complete the structural and civil engineering designs to complete the platforms and foundations required to install the final pieces of equipment at the Aukam site and submitted the final drawings on the 8th of July 2020. During the shipping period, the Company will complete the requisite onsite preparations including installation of concrete foundations, conveyor screw installations, and upgrades of onsite electrical facilities to ensure quick installation and subsequent commissioning of the processing facility. As per the Company’s news releases dated May 21, 2020 and May 25, 2020 confirming the Company’s commitment to the delivery of the first three purchase orders totalling 1,800 tonnes to TODAQ commencing in November 2020, the pending arrival and subsequent installation of the final pieces of the mill assembly confirms the Company’s commitment to meet this schedule.

“We are very excited to see the last pieces of equipment on their way as this will allow Gratomic’s Aukam Property to move into the commissioning phase before year’s end. I am also very confident and look forward to the steps ahead with TODAQ. I believe achieving these exciting milestones will further strengthen and build our business relations together as partners.” ~ President and CEO, Arno Brand.

Gratomic wishes to emphasize that no Preliminary Economic Analysis (“PEA”), Preliminary Feasibility Study or Feasibility Study has been completed to support any level of production. In fact no mineral resources, let alone mineral reserves demonstrating economic viability and technical feasibility, have been delineated on the Aukam Property. The Company appointed Dr. Ian Flint to complete a PEA on the Aukam processing plant.

The Company will deliver TODAQ’s Product to an onsite warehouse beginning in November 2020, to fill the first three purchase orders totalling 1800 tonnes. The Company is not in a position to demonstrate or disclose any capital and/or operating costs that may be associated with the processing plant, nor the Company’s ability to fulfil its obligations to deliver the 1800 tonnes of graphite as required by the purchaser orders.

Gratomic wishes to emphasize that the supply of graphite pursuant to any off-take or supply agreement referred to in this news release is conditional on Gratomic being able to bring the Aukam project into a production phase and for any graphite being produced to meet certain technical and mineralization requirements. Gratomic continues to move its business towards production and as part of its business plan, expects to obtain a National Instrument 43 – 101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects technical report to help it ascertain the economics of the Aukam project.

Risk Factors

No mineral resources, let alone mineral reserves demonstrating economic viability and technical feasibility, have been delineated on the Aukam Property. The Company is not in a position to demonstrate or disclose any capital and/or operating costs that may be associated with the processing plant.

The Company advises that it has not based its production decision on even the existence of mineral resources let alone on a feasibility study of mineral reserves, demonstrating economic and technical viability, and, as a result, there may be an increased uncertainty of achieving any particular level of recovery of minerals or the cost of such recovery, including increased risks associated with developing a commercially mineable deposit.

Historically, such projects have a much higher risk of economic and technical failure. There is no guarantee that production will begin as anticipated or at all or that anticipated production costs will be achieved.

Failure to commence production would have a material adverse impact on the Company’s ability to generate revenue and cash flow to fund operations. Failure to achieve the anticipated production costs would have a material adverse impact on the Company’s cash flow and future profitability.

About Gratomic Inc.

Gratomic is a materials company focused on mine to market commercialization of graphite products and components for a range of mass market products. The Company currently holds two off-take purchase agreements for graphite product sourced from the Aukam facility. One agreement is with TODAQ and the other is with Phu Sumika. The Company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol GRAT.

For more information: visit the website at www.gratomic.ca or contact:

Arno Brand at [email protected] or 416 561-4095

Graphite Miners News For The Month Of May 2020 SPONSOR: Gratomic $GRAT.ca $SRG.ca $NGC.ca $LLG.ca $GPH.ca $NOU.ca #TODAQ $NMI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 8:39 AM on Friday, May 29th, 2020
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Gratomic Inc. is an advanced, vertically integrated Licenced Mining and Exploration Company focused on mine to market commercialization of graphite and graphite products for a range of mass-market applications.  The Company currently holds two off-take agreements, one with TodaQ and one with Phu Sumika.  The first purchase order is anticipated to be filled in the fall of 2020 with high-purity vein graphite extracted from the Company’s Aukam Graphite Mine in Namibia. CliChina Graphite flake-195 spot prices were slightly higher in May. For More Info Click Here

Graphite market news – Graphite supply needs to increase nearly 500 percent by 2050.

Graphite company news – Bass Metals identified mineralization of at least 4.5km in strike. Magnis

Energy NY Battery Plant funding is close to closing. Nouveau Monde receives $5.2m funding.

Welcome to the May edition of the graphite miners news. May saw graphite prices rise slightly and not a lot of news.

A reminder of a 2016 Elon Musk quote:

Our cells should be called Nickel-Graphite, because primarily the cathode is nickel and the anode side is graphite with silicon oxide.

Graphite price news

During May China graphite flake-195 EXW spot prices were up 0.71%, and are up 10.26% over the past year. Note that 94-97% is considered best suited for use in batteries; it is then upgraded to 99.9% purity to make “spherical” graphite used in Li-ion batteries.

Graphite price chart – Large flake graphite price is ~USD 830/t

Source: Northern Graphite

In my January 30, 2018 Trend Investing Interview with Benchmark Minerals Simon Moores said about graphite:

Spherical graphite anode plants, predominately based in China, were traditionally 5-10,000 tpa but now we are tacking four megafactories are looking to produce 60,000 to 100,000 tpa from 2020 onwards.

The impact of the proposed megafactories on raw material demand (graphite in red)

Source: Benchmark Mineral Intelligence

Graphite market news

On April 27, The Korea Times reported:

LG Chem bets big on carbon nanotubes. LG Chem will invest 65 billion won ($53 million) by the first quarter of 2021 to expand production of carbon nanotubes, which are known to be among the strongest, lightest and most conductive fibers, at its plant in Korea. With the investment, the company said it will expand the annual production capacity to 1,700 tons from the current 500 tons. “By using carbon nanotubes as anode-conductive additives, we will be able to reduce the use of conductive materials by about 30 percent and increase the capacity of lithium-ion batteries,” the company said.

On May 13, Graphite Investing News reported:

Graphite supply needs to increase nearly 500 percent by 2050. The energy revolution and the push for lower carbon emissions are unstoppable trends that will continue to unfold in the coming decades. Demand for energy storage is expected to be so high that production of key battery metals such as graphite will need to ramp up to unprecedented levels. According to a new World Bank report, just to meet the increasing demand from this segment, graphite output will need to jump by nearly 500 percent by 2050.

On May 14, Fastmarkets reported:

Fine flake prices fall while market for larger sizes tightens. Prices in the +194 market and parts of the +894 market have risen, with consumers that need to secure material being prepared to accept higher offers.

Graphite miner news

Graphite producers

I have not covered the following graphite producers as they are not typically accessible to most Western investors. They include – Aoyu Graphite Group, BTR New Energy Materials, Qingdao Black Dragon, National de Grafite, Shanshan Technology, and LuiMao Graphite.

Note: Imerys Graphite and Carbon (OTC:IMYSF) and AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group NV [NA:AMG] [GR:ADG] (OTCPK:AMVMF) are also “diversified producers”, producing graphite. SGL Carbon (OTCPK:SGLFF) [ETR:SGL] is a synthetic graphite producer.

Syrah Resources Limited [ASX:SYR][GR:3S7]( OTCPK:SYAAF)(OTC:SRHYY)

Syrah Resources Limited owns the Balama graphite mine in Mozambique.

On May 4, Syrah Resources Limited announced:

Battery Anode Material Project [USA] – Restart of Operations. Syrah Resources Limited is pleased to announce restart of operations at the Battery Anode Material (“BAM”) plant in Vidalia (Louisiana, USA)……Currently 100% of all anode precursor material into the lithium ion battery supply chain is manufactured in China. Ex-China AAM producers in Korea and Japan are therefore wholly reliant on China for supply of natural graphite anode precursor material. This in-turn means ex-China battery cell manufacturers in Japan, Korea, the USA and Europe are therefore reliant on China for their anode supply chains. Syrah aims to provide an alternate and complementary supply of anode material to existing China supply to meet growing demand…..Production of qualification samples of AAM is planned during H2 2020.

Source: May 4, 2020 BAM Project

You can view the latest investor presentation here, and the Chairman’s May 2020 AGM address here.

Bass Metals [ASX:BSM] [GR:R2F] (OTC:BSSMF)

On May 18 Bass Metals announced: “exploration update”.

Highlights:

  • “Bass recently completed an initial surface exploration program which identified mineralization of at least 4.5km in strike between the Mahela and Loharano large flake graphite deposits (the “Mineralized Trend”)(ASX announcement 29th April 2020) and identified several high priority targets……
  • 14 of the 15 holes drilled to date have recorded regolith hosted, large flake graphite mineralization present.
  • The Project is a near-mine mineralization zone located a short 2km haul to well-established large flake graphite mining and processing infrastructure (Graphmada).
  • The Company plans for the results of this drilling, and follow up diamond drilling, to support materially expanding Graphmada’s Mineral Resource.”

Ceylon Graphite [TSXV:CYL] [GR:CCY] (OTC:CYLYF)

Ceylon Graphite has ‘Vein graphite’ production out of one mine in Sri Lanka with 121 square kilometers of tenements.

No news for the month.

Mineral Commodities Ltd. (“MRC”) [ASX:MRC]

Skaland Graphite is 90% owned by MRC. Skaland is the highest grade flake graphite operation in the world and largest producing mine in Europe; with immediate European graphite production of up to 10,000 tonnes per annum with regulatory approval to increase to 16,000. MRC owns 90%.

On April 30, Mineral Commodities Ltd. announced: “Quarterly activities report-March 2020.” Highlights include:

  • “Tormin – Key environmental approval received at Tormin for expanded mining rights and downstream processing.
  • Tormin – Prospecting Rights for Northern Beaches and Inland Strand granted and registered.
  • Tormin – Resource drilling underway with up to 62% THM intersected at Inland Strandline along with new Eastern Strandline discovery.
  • Skaland Graphite – Maiden JORC resource of Indicated and Inferred 1.78 million tonnes at 22% TGC announced.
  • Munglinup DFS completed, demonstrating robust outcomes that enable MRC to move to 90% ownership: Post-tax – Net Present Value (“NPV7”) US$111M [AU$160M]. Post-tax project – IRR 30%. Capex – US$61M (AU$88M). Opex – US$491/tonne [FOB] (AU$720/tonne).
  • Munglinup/Skaland downstream purification testwork progressing well with results due for release in Q2 2020.
  • NPBT 2019 full year results – Revenue of US$61.8M up 12%, EBITDA US$16.5M up 12%, NPBT US$11.9M up 14% and NPAT US$7.8M down 11%.”

On May 19, Mineral Commodities Ltd. announced:

Tormin Northern Beach delivers high grade maiden resource…High-grade resource of 2.5 Million tonnes at 23.5% Total Heavy Minerals (“THM”).

Graphite developers

Magnis Energy Technologies Ltd. [ASX:MNS] (OTC:URNXF) (formerly Magnis Resources)

Magnis is an Australian based company that has rapidly moved into battery technology and is planning to become one of the world’s largest manufacturers of lithium-ion battery cells. Magnis has a world class graphite deposit in Tanzania known as the Nachu Graphite Project.

On May 15, Magnis Energy Technologies Ltd. announced: “NY Battery Plant – major milestones completed.” Highlights include:

  • “Detailed engineering and facility pre-work completed on the New York Battery Plant.
  • Reports commissioned at the request of three prospective investors have been finalised for their due diligence process.
  • Potential financiers have provided Non-Binding term sheets and a LOI, but COVID-19 pandemic is delaying funding closure.
  • Sale of a portion of the nickel foam purchased as part of the plant acquisition, nets iM3NY over AUD$500,000.”

On May 21, Magnis Energy Technologies Ltd. announced: “Evaluation of Nachu Graphite by major prospective customers.” Highlights include:

  • “Samples of Nachu high purity graphite provided to South Korean and Japanese LIB battery anode suppliers.
  • Ongoing metallurgical work to optimise production of uncoated spherical graphite at >99.95% TGC purity using low cost mechanical process.
  • Two-step process with Flake graphite concentrate produced initially at 99.8%TGC purity with subsequent spheronisation achieving >99.95% TGC purity.”

Eagle Graphite [TSXV:EGA] (OTC:APMFF)

The Black Crystal Project is located in the Slocan Valley area of British Columbia, Canada, 35km West of the city of Nelson, and 70km North of the border to the USA. The quarry and plant areas are the project’s two main centers of activity.

No news for the month.

Battery Minerals [ASX:BAT] [GR:0FS]

Battery Minerals core commodity targets are graphite, zinc/lead and copper. BAT is maintaining a focus on its two graphite development assets Montepuez and Balama which are located in Mozambique.

No news for the month.

You can view the latest investor presentation here.

Mason Graphite [TSXV:LLG] [GR:M01] ( OTCQX:MGPHF)

Mason Graphite is a Canadian graphite mining and processing company focused on the development of the Lac Guéret project located in northeastern Quebec, where the graphite grade is believed by management to be among the highest in the world.

No news for the month.

You can view the latest investor presentation here.

Triton Minerals [ASX:TON][GR:1TG]

Triton Minerals Ltd. engages in the acquisition, exploration and development of areas that are highly prospective for gold, graphite and other minerals. The company was founded on March 28, 2006 and is headquartered in West Perth, Australia. Triton has three large graphite projects in Mozambique, not far from Syrah Resources Balama project.

No significant news for the month.

You can view the latest investor presentation here and an excellent video here.

NextSource Materials Inc. [TSX:NEXT] [GR:1JW] (OTCQB:NSRCF)

NextSource Materials Inc. is a mine development company based in Toronto, Canada, that’s developing its 100%-owned, Feasibility-Stage Molo Graphite Project in Madagascar. The Company also has the Green Giant Vanadium Project on the same property.

No news for the month.

Investors can view the latest company presentation here. You can watch the company’s Senior Vice President Brent Nykoliation video interview here.

Northern Graphite [TSXV:NGC][GR:ONG] (OTCQX:NGPHF)

Northern’s principal asset is the Bissett Creek graphite project located 100km east of North Bay, Ontario, Canada and close to major roads and infrastructure. The Company has completed an NI 43-101 Bankable final Feasibility Study and received its major environmental permit.

No news for the month.

You can view the latest investor presentation here.

Talga Resources [ASX:TLG] [GR:TGX] (OTCPK:TLGRF)

Talga Resources Ltd. is a technology minerals company enabling stronger, lighter and more functional materials for the multi-billion dollar global coatings, battery, construction and carbon composites markets using graphene and graphite. Talga 100% owned graphite deposits are in Sweden, proprietary process test facility is in Germany.

On April 30, Talga Resources announced: “Quarterly activities review for the period ending 31 March 2020.” Highlights include:

Commercial & Product Development

  • “MOU agreement signed with Mitsui for joint project development.
  • Successful 60 tonne pilot graphite concentrate program supports anode market development.
  • Talga in Bentley Motors electric drive project (subsequent to the period).
  • 33,000 tonne ship trials push graphene-coating demand.”

Mineral Project Development & Exploration

  • “Environmental approval received for Vittangi Stage 1 Mining Operation, Sweden.”

Corporate & Investor Relations

  • “COVID-19 operational update and cost reduction measures.
  • Cash balance of A$6.6 million as at 31 March 2020.”

You can view the latest investor presentation here.

SRG Mining Inc. [TSXV:SRG] [GR:18Y] [Formerly SRG Graphite Inc.]

SRG is focused on developing the Lola graphite deposit, which is located in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa. The Lola Graphite occurrence has a prospective surface outline of 3.22 km2 of continuous graphitic gneiss, one of the largest graphitic surface areas in the world. SRG owns 100% of the Lola Graphite Project.

On May 8, SRG Mining Inc. announced: “SRG Mining Inc. announces grant of Stock Options.”

You can view the latest investor presentation here.

Leading Edge Materials [TSXV:LEM] (OTCQB:LEMIF)

Leading Edge Materials Corp. is a Canadian company focused on becoming a sustainable supplier of a range of critical materials. Leading Edge Materials’ flagship asset is the Woxna Graphite production facility in central Sweden. The company also owns the Bergby lithium project, the Norra Karr REE project, and the Kontio cobalt project all located in Scandinavia.

No significant news for the month.

Investors can view the latest company presentation here.

Nouveau Monde Graphite [TSXV:NOU] (OTCQX:NMGRF)

Nouveau Monde Graphite own the Matawinie graphite project, located in the municipality of Saint-Michel-des-Saints, approximately 150 km north of Montreal, Canada.

On April 29, Nouveau Monde Graphite announced: “Nouveau Monde receives over $5.2m in financial support.” Highlights include:

  • “$3,000,000 non-refundable financial assistance from Transition énergétique Québec’s Technoclimat program.
  • $1,994,405 in funding closed with Investissement Québec through two loan offers.
  • 5% increase to Sustainable Development Technology Canada’s $4,250,000 initial grant representing an additional $212,500.”

You can view the latest investor presentation here.

Volt Resources [ASX:VRC] [GR:R8L]

Volt Resources Ltd. is a graphite exploration company. The Company is focused on the exploration and development of its existing wholly owned Bunyu Graphite Project in Tanzania and the identification of further assets globally which have the potential to add value to shareholders.

No news for the month.

You can view the latest investor presentation here.

Renascor Resources [ASX:RNU]

Renascor Resources Ltd. is an Australian exploration company, which focuses on the discovery and development of economically viable deposits containing uranium, gold, copper, and associated minerals. Its projects include graphite, copper, precious metals, and uranium.

On April 30, Renascor Resources announced: “Quarterly report 31 March 2020.” Highlights include:

  • “Renascor’s development of its 100%-owned Siviour Graphite Project continues, with focus on battery-grade, Purified Spherical Graphite for use in lithium-ion batteries. Work undertaken during the recently completed quarter included. Discussions with potential offtake partners in Northeast Asia and Europe, which have revealed strong interest in Renascor’s plans to develop a Purified Spherical Graphite Advanced Manufacturing operation within Australia. An advanced study on a vertically integrated Purified Spherical Graphite operation. Additional production trials to produce qualifying Purified Spherical Graphite samples from Siviour graphite concentrates. Continued mineral processing tests aimed at optimising production parameters for producing graphite concentrates and Purified Spherical Graphite.
  • Letter of Support received for the provision of finance from Export Finance Australia, the official Export Credit Agency of the Australian Government.
  • Renascor has taken steps to manage the impact of COVID-19, with work programs being designed to ensure that they can continue with minor disruptions due to travel restrictions and shipping delays.
  • Cash position of approximately $2.1m as of 31 March 2020, which does not include a further $137,000 in placement proceeds due from Renascor Directors following Shareholder approval at 11 March 2020 Shareholder meeting.”

You can view the latest investor presentation here.

EcoGraf Limited [ASX:EGR]

On April 30, EcoGraf Limited announced: “March 2020 quarterly report. Australian Government Agency provides in-principle debt funding support for Kwinana battery recycling provides new global market opportunity.” Highlights include:

  • “Kwinana battery graphite manufacturing facility advances towards development. In-Principle debt funding support received from Export Finance Australia. Commercial and technical due diligence for debt and equity funding processes underway with prospective financiers. Sales and offtake arrangements under discussion with major battery and industrial groups in Asia and Europe. Feedstock supply agreement signed with leading German group TECHNOGRAFIT GmbH. Successful completion of feedstock optimisation program.
  • Epanko debt financing. US$60 million debt financing proposal submitted to the Government of Tanzania for the construction of the new Epanko Graphite Mine.
  • Successful EV battery recycling trial achieving. 99% carbon. Recycling results provide new opportunity for EcoGraf™ purification technology as market demand shifts to zero waste batteries and closed-loop manufacturing.
  • Investment continues in Europe to transition towards renewable energy for electric vehicles, supporting the shift to new responsibly produced raw material supplies.
  • Board and management implement cost reduction measures to preserve shareholder value in reaction to COVID-19 virus.
  • Company progressing several alternatives to provide additional funding for Kwinana and Epanko pre-development programs.”

On May 12, EcoGraf Limited announced:

High purity fines qualified with European customers. An additional Commercial advantage for Kwinana Facility. EcoGraf Limited is pleased to announce that it has received confirmation that the Company’s high purity graphite which is produced from low value graphite by-product fines utilising the EcoGraf. Process has been qualified by two leading European industrial customers as meeting their strict physical and chemical specifications. In the production of battery [spherical] graphite for the lithium-ion battery market up to 50% of the initial graphite feedstock reports as fines. The ability to further process this low value by-product and sell as a high value product adds significant further value to the processing economics for production of battery [spherical] graphite using the EcoGraf proprietary non-hydrofluoric purification process.

On May 21, EcoGraf Limited announced: “EcoGraf successfully completes share placement. Funds to be applied towards development of New Australian battery graphite business.” Highlights include:

  • “Share Placement oversubscribed, raising $1.6 million at 6.5 cents per share.
  • Strong support from existing shareholders and encouraging participation by new institutional investors.
  • Funds to be applied towards: Development of a state-of-the-art EcoGraf™ battery graphite facility in Kwinana, Western Australia, including: Finalising offtake arrangements with priority customers in Europe and Asia. Preparation of marketing and technical reports to support Government funding processes. Securing lender approvals for the proposed US$35 million debt financing. Pre-development technical programs and submission of Government development approvals. Completion of engineering, procurement, construction and operations planning arrangements. Securing Government approvals for the Epanko US$60 million debt financing proposal developed with KfW IPEX-Bank.
  • Opportunity for eligible existing shareholders to participate via a Share Purchase Plan at 6.5 cents per share to raise up to an additional $500,000.”

You can view the latest investor presentation here.

ZEN Graphene Solutions Ltd. [TSXV:ZEN] (OTCPK:ZENYF) (formerly Zenyatta Ventures)

ZEN Graphene Solutions Ltd. is a mineral development company based in Thunder Bay, Ontario. ZEN Graphene is currently developing the Albany Graphite Deposit (“Albany”), as well as developing graphene and graphene applications.

No significant news for the month.

Sovereign Metals [ASX:SVM] [GR:SVM]

Sovereign Metals Ltd. is an exploration company, which engages in the explorations of graphite, copper and gold resources. It operates through the Queensland, Australia and Malawi geographical segments. Sovereign Metals has world’s biggest graphite saprolith resource of 65m tonnes at 7.1% TGC at their Maligunde project in Malawi.

No significant news for the month.

You can view the latest investor presentation here.

New Energy Metals Corp. (OTCPK:NEMCF) [ASX:NXE] (formerly Mustang Resources)

New Energy Minerals are pioneering Vanadium and Graphite mining, exploration, and technology. With the unique Caula Project in Mozambique nearing production, they are set to supply the high quality resources critical to the rapidly expanding new energy market.

No news for the month.

You can view the latest investor presentation here.

Westwater Resources (WWR) (formerly Alabama Graphite)

Westwater Resources Inc. is developing an advanced battery graphite business in Alabama, holds dominant mineral rights positions in the Western United States and the Republic of Turkey for both lithium and uranium deposits, as well as licensed production facilities for uranium in Texas.

On April 30, Westwater Resources Inc. announced:

Westwater Resources prevails in key decision in the international arbitration against Turkey. Westwater Resources, Inc., an energy materials development company, announced that the tribunal appointed by the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes [ICSID] has issued a procedural order that denies a request made by the Republic of Turkey to bifurcate the arbitration proceeding. As a result, a hearing on the merits is now scheduled for September 2021.

On May 14, Westwater Resources Inc. announced: “Westwater Resources reports first quarter 2020 results & Energy Materials business update.” Highlights include:

Battery Graphite Business Update:

  • “Our battery graphite business continues on track toward operation of a pilot plant, which we anticipate will make battery graphite in bulk quantities in the fourth quarter of 2020……

You can view the latest investor presentation here.

Other graphite juniors

Berkwood Resources [TSXV:BKR] [GR:BR2N] (OTC:CZSVF), BlackEarth Minerals [ASX:BEM], Black Rock Mining [ASX:BKT], DNI Metals [CSE:DNI] (OTCPK:DMNKF), Eagle Graphite [TSXV:EGA] [GR:NJGP] (OTC:APMFF), Elcora Advanced Materials Corp. [TSXV:ERA](OTCPK:ECORF), First Graphene [ASX:FGR] (OTC:FGPHF), Focus Graphite [TSXV:FMS][GR:FKC] (OTCQB:FCSMF), Graphite One Resources Inc. [TSXV:GPH] [GR:2JC] (OTCQB:GPHOF), Gratomic Inc. (TSXV:GRAT), Graphite Energy Corp. [CSE:GRE] [GR:GOA] (OTCPK:GRXXF), Lomiko Metals Inc. [TSXV:LMR] (OTCQB:LMRMF), NovoCarbon Corp. (formerly Great Lakes Graphite [TSXV:GLK] [GR:8GL] (OTC:GLKIF)), Walkabout Resources Ltd. [ASX:WKT].

Conclusion

May saw graphite prices rise slightly.

Highlights for the month were:

  • Fine flake prices fall while market for larger sizes tightens.
  • LG Chem bets big on carbon nanotubes.
  • Graphite supply needs to increase nearly 500 percent by 2050.
  • Bass Metals identified mineralization of at least 4.5km in strike between the Mahela and Loharano large flake graphite deposits, 2kms from their Graphmada mine.
  • Magnis Energy NY Battery Plant funding is close to closing.
  • Nouveau Monde receives over $5.2m in financial support.
  • EcoGraf Kwinana battery graphite manufacturing facility advances towards development.

Source: https://seekingalpha.com/article/4350566-graphite-miners-news-for-month-of-may-2020

Finalization of Gratomic TODAQ Off-take Agreement $GRAT.ca $SRG.ca $NGC.ca $LLG.ca $GPH.ca $NOU.ca #TODAQ $NMI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 9:27 AM on Thursday, May 21st, 2020
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  • Gratomic has formulated a concrete plan to complete the final 10% of mine construction and begin commission by October of 2020.

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / May 21, 2020 / Gratomic Inc. (“GRAT” or the “Company”) (TSXV:GRAT)(FRANKFURT:CB81)(WKN:A143MR) is pleased to announce an update on the purchase agreement between the Company and TODAQ where Gratomic’s Aukam mined graphite will be utilized as a backstop to underpin the value of deployed TODA Notes (“TDN“). TODA Notes are a payment and loyalty asset which are backstopped by a mixed basket of digital economy commodities, land and monetary assets with graphite among the first underlying commodities, which will be supplied by Gratomic Inc.

The Companies are pleased to announce that they are planning to extend delivery schedules against TODAQ’s current Purchase Orders for Aukam graphite, to be supplied by Gratomic Inc., and that they are continuing to work together to execute on the existing off-take agreement.

Co-Founder and CEO of TODAQ, Mr. Hassan Khan, states that In spite of the upheaval in the markets this year, we’ve been pleased to see overall demand increase for digital assets backed by ‘digital economy’ commodities like graphite. We look forward to working alongside our partner Gratomic in moving this project forward to delivery.”

Gratomic is currently completing its financing, which is intended to bring the mine into commission.

The Company has formulated a concrete plan to complete the final 10% of mine construction and begin commission by October of 2020.

The Commissioning Phase will lead the company into full production capacity of 20,000 tonnes per annum.

“We are very pleased at the progress of our purchase agreement with TODAQ and the coming completion of our processing facility at Aukam. We anticipate a long and successful business relationship with our partners at TODAQ” ~ President and CEO, Arno Brand

The Company will deliver TODAQ’s Product to an onsite warehouse beginning in November 2020, to fill the first three purchase orders totalling 1800 tonnes. Concurrent with the first delivery, both companies will be working together to implement an interoperable, transparent supply chain tracking solution powered by TODA for graphite along its entire lifecycle. The end goal is to provide the manufacturing, commodity trading or securitization markets a graphite digital asset that is fractionable, self-recording and self-validating with respect to its authenticity and provenance, and can be transacted peer to peer.

Gratomic wishes to emphasize that the supply of graphite pursuant to any off-take or supply agreement referred to in this Press Release is conditional on Gratomic being able to bring the Aukam project into a production phase, and for any graphite being produced to meet certain technical and mineralization requirements. Gratomic continues to move its business towards production and as part of its business plan, expects to obtain a National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects technical report to help it ascertain the economics of the Aukam project.

Presently the Company uses its existing pilot processing facility to produce certain amounts of graphite concentrate from accumulated surface graphite.

Risk Factors

No mineral resources, let alone mineral reserves demonstrating economic viability and technical feasibility, have been delineated on the Aukam Property. The Company is not in a position to demonstrate or disclose any capital and/or operating costs that may be associated with the processing plant.

The Company advises that it has not based its production decision on even the existence of mineral resources let alone on a feasibility study of mineral reserves, demonstrating economic and technical viability, and, as a result, there may be an increased uncertainty of achieving any particular level of recovery of minerals or the cost of such recovery, including increased risks associated with developing a commercially mineable deposit.

Historically, such projects have a much higher risk of economic and technical failure. There is no guarantee that production will begin as anticipated or at all or that anticipated production costs will be achieved.

Failure to commence production would have a material adverse impact on the Company’s ability to generate revenue and cash flow to fund operations. Failure to achieve the anticipated production costs would have a material adverse impact on the Company’s cash flow and future profitability.

About TODAQ

TODAQ is a technology company headquartered in Toronto, with offices throughout the globe, creating a new digitally-driven economic ecosystem that is intended to serve everyone. To date, the company has effectively partnered with enterprises, financial institutions, and governments as our primary customers. TODAQ has created a new Web 3.0 ‘Adot Browser Agent’ with integrated digital asset services. The browser agent provides seamless access to a level playing field for anyone to directly create, own, and trade unique digital assets.

TODAQ has developed two new Web 3.0 protocols: a decentralized digital asset ownership management protocol; and a new internet application protocol. The first protocol is the TODA protocol, a distributed data architecture that allows for the creation, ownership management, and settlement of unique digital assets. Second is the Adot protocol, an internet application protocol that can use the existing internet transport and network layer (TCP/IP) to ensure mass interoperability of digital asset ownership and trade; analogous to what HTTP has done for two-way communication.

TDN is a digital asset designed to offer a global, long-term and stable economic utility that is seamless, borderless and can be used for a truly broad variety of economic and market use cases.

About Gratomic Inc.

Gratomic is an advanced materials company focused on mine to market commercialization of graphite products, most notably high value graphene-based components for a range of mass market products.

Gratomic holds a Joint Venture collaboration agreement with Perpetuus Carbon Technology, a leading European manufacturer of graphenes, to use Aukam graphite to manufacture graphene products for commercialization on an industrial scale. The Company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol GRAT.

For more information: visit the website at www.gratomic.ca or contact:
Arno Brand at [email protected] or 416 561-4095

Battery Metals Demand to Soar 500% in 30 Years SPONSOR: Gratomic $GRAT.ca $SRG.ca $NGC.ca $LLG.ca $GPH.ca $NOU.ca #TODAQ $NMI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 3:46 PM on Tuesday, May 19th, 2020
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  • Production of battery metals such as graphite, lithium and cobalt will need to ramp up in a big way

Production of so-called battery metals, such as graphite, lithium and cobalt, will have to increase by nearly 500% by 2050 to meet the growing demand for clean energy technologies, the World Bank said on Monday.

According to the global lender, over 3 billion tonnes of minerals and metals will be needed to deploy wind, solar and geothermal power, as well as energy storage required for transitioning to a low-carbon economy.

Many of the critical minerals used to make batteries for electric vehicles are found in developing nations. The World Bank’s goal is to help those nations to mine those commodities in a sustainable way to avert major ecological damage.

Mining the vast amount of key commodities the world will need in 30 years is seen as the only path to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. The accord seeks to limit global warming to 2°C or less.

Source: World Bank 2019.

Getting to that point, the World Bank said in a new report, will require global carbon emissions of greenhouse gases to be deeply reduced by 50% by 2030 and to net-zero by 2050.

The latest findings confirm the premise of a report published in 2017, which warned that the more ambitious the climate targets become, the more minerals and metals will be needed.

While renewables and energy storage technologies require more minerals, the carbon footprint of their production — from extraction to end-use — would account for only 6% of the greenhouse gas emissions generated by fossil fuels, the study said.

The Minerals for Climate Action report also calls for more recycling and reuse of minerals, saying it will play a key role in meeting increasing mineral demand.

It also noted that, even if recycling rates for minerals like copper and aluminum are scaled up by 100%, recycling and reuse would still not be enough to meet the demand for renewable energy technologies and energy storage.

Virus ambush

Some minerals, like copper and molybdenum, will be used in a range of technologies, the report noted. Others, such as graphite and lithium, may be needed for just one technology: battery storage.

That means that any changes in clean energy technology deployments could have significant consequences on demand for certain minerals, it said.

The lender warned about the disruptions COVID-19 is causing and will continue to trigger in the global mining industry.

In addition, developing countries that rely on minerals are missing out on essential fiscal revenues.

As their economies start to reopen, the bank said, they will need to strengthen their commitment to climate-smart mining principles and mitigate any negative impacts.

“COVID-19 could represent an additional risk to sustainable mining, making the commitment of governments and companies to climate-smart practices more important than ever before,” said Riccardo Puliti, World Bank Global Director for Energy and Extractive Industries and Regional Director for Infrastructure in Africa.

“This new report builds on the World Bank’s long-standing expertise in supporting the clean energy transition and provides a data-driven tool for understanding how this shift will impact future mineral demand,” he said.

The World Bank’s predictions echo a February report by Moody’s, which indicated that green, social and sustainability bond issuance is expected to hit a combined record of US$400 billion in 2020 alone. That’s up 24% from the previous record of US$323 billion achieved in 2019.

SOURCE: https://smallcappower.com/expert-articles/battery-metals-demand-surging/

Gratomic $GRAT.ca Granted a Comprehensive Mining Licence for Base and Rare Metals, Industrial Minerals and Precious Metals $SRG.ca $NGC.ca $LLG.ca $GPH.ca $NOU.ca #TODAQ $NMI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 9:54 AM on Wednesday, May 6th, 2020
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  • Securing the mining licence is a critical step towards moving the Aukam Mine into commercial production
  • Gratomic can now produce a concentrate of up to 98% Cg
  • A PEA on the Aukam Processing plant to be undertaken
  • Diamond drilling will resume at Aukam Graphite mine

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / May 6, 2020 / Gratomic Inc. (“GRAT” or the “Company”) (TSXV:GRAT)(FRANKFURT:CB81)(WKN:A143MR) is pleased to announce, further to its Press Release dated March 26, 2020, that it has received confirmation from the Ministry of Mines and Energy of Namibia that the Minister has issued Mining Licence 215 (ML215) for the Company’s Aukam Graphite Property in Namibia. The Licence covers Base and Rare Metals, Industrial Minerals and Precious Metals. The Licence area falls within the proximity of the Aukam Processing Plant and the Graphite bearing shear zone for a total of 5002 hectares (5002 ha). Securing the mining licence is a critical step towards moving the Aukam Mine into commercial production.

The Company has completed 8 months of pilot testing on historically mined product and conducted an internal study on the efficiency of the pilot processing facility on this material. Through rigorous testing and adjustments to the plant, Gratomic can now produce a concentrate of up to 98% Cg. Management has subsequently decided to build a 20 000 tonne per annum processing plant. To date, 90% of construction is complete. Upon completion of the remaining 10%, the Company will initially start processing material from historical workings left at the surface when the mine last operated in 1974.

The Company has recently appointed Dr. Ian Flint to complete a preliminary economic assessment on the Aukam Processing plant. The study, its recommendations, and their subsequent implementation, will ensure the scale up of the existing pilot plant to a commercial scale processing facility that will provide the desired concentrate grades and production rates.

With respect to site exploration, in the coming months diamond drilling will resume at Aukam Graphite. The drilling will be conducted utilizing Company owned drilling equipment, focusing on areas proximal to graphite mineralization, depicted by previous diamond drilling, underground excavation and surface outcrop sampling. The drill targeting will be systematic with the expectation of producing an NI 43-101 resource estimate.

Arno Brand, President and CEO of the Company stated that “we are thrilled to receive the official mining licence for the Aukam Graphite Mine in Namibia. This is a monumental milestone for Gratomic, which took an extensive amount of effort to accomplish. Once the funding is secured, Gratomic will be able to move into the commercialization phase of development.”

Risk Factors

No mineral resources, let alone mineral reserves demonstrating economic viability and technical feasibility, have been delineated on the Aukam Property. The Company is not in a position to demonstrate or disclose any capital and/or operating costs that may be associated with the processing plant.

The Company advises that it has not based its production decision on even the existence of mineral resources let alone on a feasibility study of mineral reserves, demonstrating economic and technical viability, and, as a result, there may be an increased uncertainty of achieving any particular level of recovery of minerals or the cost of such recovery, including increased risks associated with developing a commercially mineable deposit.

Historically, such projects have a much higher risk of economic and technical failure. There is no guarantee that production will begin as anticipated or at all or that anticipated production costs will be achieved.

Failure to commence production would have a material adverse impact on the Company’s ability to generate revenue and cash flow to fund operations. Failure to achieve the anticipated production costs would have a material adverse impact on the Company’s cash flow and future profitability.

Steve Gray, P. Geo. has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release and is the Company’s “Qualified Person” as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Gratomic Inc.

Gratomic is an advanced materials company focused on mine to market commercialization of graphite products most notably high value graphene-based components for a range of mass market products. We have a Joint Venture collaboration with Perpetuus Carbon Technology, a leading European manufacturer of graphenes, to use Aukam graphite to manufacture graphene products for commercialization on an industrial scale. The Company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol GRAT.

For more information: visit the website at www.gratomic.ca or contact:

Arno Brand at [email protected] or 416 561-4095

Rolls-Royce To Work with Graphene Experts to Pioneer the Next Generation of Aero Engines SPONSOR: Gratomic $GRAT.ca $SRG.ca $NGC.ca $LLG.ca $GPH.ca $NOU.ca #TODAQ $NMI.ca

Posted by AGORACOM at 9:53 AM on Wednesday, April 29th, 2020
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SPONSOR: Gratomic Inc. (TSX-V: GRAT) Advanced materials company focused on mine to market commercialization of graphite products, most notably high value graphene based components for a range of mass market products. Collaborating with Perpetuus, Gratomic will use Aukam graphite to manufacture graphene products for commercialization on an industrial scale. For More Info Click Here

Rolls-Royce has selected The University of Manchester’s Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) and award-winning Versarien subsidiary 2-DTech Ltd to help develop the use of graphene and other 2D materials within next-generation aero engines.

The initial programme will use the state-of-the-art chemical vapour deposition (CVD) equipment located within the GEIC.

The collaboration will look to explore, understand and create technological advances surrounding the use of graphene and other 2D materials used in wiring for next-generation aerospace engine systems.

The work will seek to use the unique properties of these 2D materials to reduce the weight of electrical components, improve electrical performance and also increase resistance to corrosion of components in future engine systems.

The programme aims to present potential economic benefits, through the possibility of significant cost reductions, and global environmental benefits, through the reduction of energy use and lower emissions from electrification.

Neill Ricketts, Chief Executive of Versarien, said: “The pursuit of sustainability has become an important goal for many companies in recent years. Rolls-Royce is one of the world’s leading industrial technology companies and today, the size and impact of the markets its serves makes this task more urgent than ever.

“Taking advantage of advanced materials such as graphene, has the potential to revolutionise these markets and add real benefit.

“The partnership with Rolls-Royce is a significant endorsement to 2-DTech’s work over the years and we are delighted it has been chosen by such a renowned business and look forward to working together.” “It’s great to see a company like Rolls-Royce partner with us and our other Tier 1 member, 2-DTech, to capitalise on our world-leading expertise and experience, along with specialist equipment, which will accelerate the product and process development and market entry. James Baker, CEO Graphene@Manchester”     Dr Al Lambourne, Materials Specialist at Rolls-Royce, said: “Partnering with the GEIC and its members makes perfect sense to Rolls-Royce as we explore the opportunities and properties of a new class of 2D materials.

“Using the unique capabilities of 2-DTech and the GEIC we hope to address some of the challenges facing materials in the global aerospace industry, as we pioneer the electrification of future aircraft.”

James Baker, CEO of Graphene@Manchester, said: “The GEIC is intended to act as an accelerator for graphene commercialisation, market penetration and in the creation of the material supply chain of graphene and 2D materials.

“It’s great to see a company like Rolls-Royce partner with us and our other Tier 1 member, 2-DTech, to capitalise on our world-leading expertise and experience, along with specialist equipment, which will accelerate the product and process development and market entry.”

Advanced materials is one of The University of Manchester’s research beacons – examples of pioneering discoveries, interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-sector partnerships that are tackling some of the biggest questions facing the planet. #ResearchBeacons

Source: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/news/rolls-royce-to-work-with-graphene-experts-to-pioneer-the-next-generation-of-aero-engines/

Graphene Shields Metal Pipes From Corrosive Bacteria SPONSOR: Gratomic $GRAT.ca $SRG.ca $NGC.ca $LLG.ca $GPH.ca $NOU.ca #TODAQ

Posted by AGORACOM at 2:04 PM on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020
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SPONSOR: Gratomic Inc. (TSX-V: GRAT) Advanced materials company focused on mine to market commercialization of graphite products, most notably high value graphene based components for a range of mass market products. Collaborating with Perpetuus, Gratomic will use Aukam graphite to manufacture graphene products for commercialization on an industrial scale. For More Info Click Here

Graphene, a dynamic material made of a one-atom-thick sheet of linked carbon atoms, was previously shown to stop steel from rusting. But soon it will also see use stopping bacteria from corroding metal pipes, according to a study published in the journal ACS Nano.

Graphene can stop bacterial corrosion of metal pipes

Within wastewater-processing facilities like sewage treatment plants, microbes called sulfate-reducing bacteria often colonize the inside surfaces of pipes and other equipment, reports New Atlas. Bacterial colonies take the form of what scientists call “biofilms,” and can develop in just 10 days after the pipes have been cleaned — after which they degrade metal pipes into primary ways.

First, the bacterial microbes remove electrons from the surface of the metal while they respire (or breathe). Second, while the bacteria consume organic matter from the water, they produce hydrogen sulfide, a corrosive chemical to metal pipes.

Overcoming limits of bacteria in metal tube coating

While protective polymer coatings may be applied to the interiors of metal pipes, the coatings themselves can become degraded as the bacteria consume their internal plasticizers. Additionally, such protective coatings may become brittle over time, cracking and flaking right off of the pipe surface, after which it enters the water stream.

Because of these limitations, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology research scientist Govind Chilkoor is considering the use of graphene as an alternative primary coating. During lab testing, Chilkoor found that even a single graphene layer — measuring less than 1 nanometer thick — was highly effective at preventing sulfate-reducing bacteria from latching on to the interior surface of metal pipes.

“Graphene can be very antimicrobial,” said Chilkoor, reports New Atlas. “It can induce oxidative stress and the bacteria will die.”

SOURCE: https://interestingengineering.com/graphene-shields-metal-pipes-from-corrosive-bacteria

Battery Materials Developer to Collaborate On Battery Anode Plant SPONSOR: Gratomic $GRAT.ca $SRG.ca $NGC.ca $LLG.ca $GPH.ca $NOU.ca #TODAQ

Posted by AGORACOM at 6:35 PM on Monday, April 20th, 2020
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SPONSOR: Gratomic Inc. (TSX-V: GRAT) Advanced materials company focused on mine to market commercialization of graphite products, most notably high value graphene based components for a range of mass market products. Collaborating with Perpetuus, Gratomic will use Aukam graphite to manufacture graphene products for commercialization on an industrial scale. For More Info Click Here

 â€œThe execution of this LOI is part of NextSource’s downstream growth plan and brings together one of the best global processors of graphite anode material and one of the most prominent suppliers of graphite anode material to automotive OEMs globally,” says NextSource Materials president and CEO Craig Scherba.

“This letter of intent to partnership on a SPG plant with such established partners positions NextSource to be a significant and dominant future supplier of high-quality flake graphite to major battery anode customers globally and simultaneously gaining an immediate foothold into the high-growth markets for electric vehicles, as well as the burgeoning energy storage market that will be reliant on graphite anode material,” he adds.

As announced in October 2018, NextSource Materials signed a 10-year offtake agreement with an unnamed Japanese trading company to purchase 20 000 tpa of Molo’s trademarked SuperFlake graphite for use in battery anode applications for electric and hybrid vehicles.

NextSource’s Japanese partner is a major supplier of SPG for anode material in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle applications. Its electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle automotive anode customers are global and currently supply graphite anode material to the majority of Japanese automotive OEMs.

Since 2018, NextSource Materials and its Japanese partner have been in discussions regarding potential supply chain collaboration to supply value-added graphite material using SuperFlake graphite concentrate.

Meanwhile, NextSource Materials’Chinese partner is one of the top processors of spheronized and purified graphite for the electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle markets and has verified that NextSource’s SuperFlake graphite concentrate meets or exceeds all quality requirements for SPG material for electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle automotive applications.

Its electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle anode customers are global, including the North American market and its interest in the partnership with NextSource and the its Japanese partner is to have an additional SPG facility located outside of China and close to a high-quality mine source of flake graphite to supply international automotive OEM customers.

The Molo graphite project is a fully permitted, feasibility-stage project that ranks as one of the largest-known and highest quality flake graphite deposits in the world and is the only project with SuperFlake graphite.

SOURCE: https://www.miningreview.com/east-africa/battery-materials-developer-to-collaborate-on-battery-anode-plant/