Canada-based Focus Graphite has completed the preliminary Phase II Locked Cycle Test (LCT) at its Lac Knife high-grade graphite deposit in Québec.
The tests executed by SGS Canada identified high purity graphite at the deposit on four composite core samples containing low-grade and semi-massive graphite with 6.0- 20.7% C grade.
Tests demonstrated that the carbon content of graphite concentrates from the four composites averaged 96.6% C, while amount of recovered graphite flake increased to 92.2% in Phase II, against 84.7% in Phase I completed last year.
Graphite concentrates contained large flakes ranging between 35% and 58%.
Focus President and CEO Gary Economo noted that these results confirm Lac Knife’s value as a flake graphite project.
"The very high carbon content of our fine (-200 mesh ) graphite flake could provide a low cost raw material that could be upgraded to the high purity carbon levels that lithium-ion battery manufacturers require," Economo said.
Economo added that with the results, the company now expects to advance negotiations with potential customers.
The company is yet to complete the final phase of the II LCT, including for the two composite core samples containing massive graphite.