Review Of Metallurgical Test ResultsNorthern Graphite Reports Metallurgical Test Results
https://www.northerngraphite.com/index.php/2011/09/27/996/
Exceptional large flake, high purity concentrate produced
September 23, 2011
– Northern Graphite Corporation (NGC: TSX-V, NGPHF: OTCQX) is pleased to announce
that metallurgical testing on its Bissett Creek Project has indicated that almost 50% of the graphite concentrate
produced will be jumbo size, +48 mesh flake with a very high carbon content averaging 98%. This is an
exceptional product that will attract a premium price based on both flake size and carbon content. Testing also
confirmed results from the extensive historical testing, bulk sampling and pilot plant work that was carried out
in the past and has validated the performance of the new flow sheet that will form the basis for the bankable
Feasibility Study (“FS”) currently underway.
SGS Metallurgical Services (Lakefield) performed Locked Cycle Testing on composite material taken from drill
core samples across the deposit. The test produced six final concentrates which showed consistent flake size
distribution and carbon grade. The overall concentrate grade averaged 95%C. A concentrate which grades
94%C and has a flake size distribution of 80% greater than +80 mesh is the industry standard premium product.
Current prices are $2,500 to 3,000 per tonne and almost all Bissett Creek production meets this specification as
the final concentrates averaged over 70%, +80 mesh. Approximately 6% of the concentrate was +100 mesh
and 12% was +200 mesh, both with high carbon content. Less than 10% was very small, -200 mesh flake and
powder with a carbon content in the low 80s.
Most significantly, almost 50% of the graphite concentrate produced was jumbo size, +48 mesh flake which
averaged 98%C with one value as high as 99.2%C. In the interests of conservatism, no premium pricing was
used in the Preliminary Economic Assessment and it will not be used in the bankable Feasibility Study.
Gregory Bowes, Chief Executive Officer, commented: “We believe that the ability to produce large flake, high
carbon (98-99%) concentrates from flotation alone, without chemical or thermal treatment, is another factor
that makes the Bissett Creek deposit unique. Test results confirm that the Bissett Creek Project will produce
almost entirely high purity, large flake graphite and a very high percentage could potentially be used to
produce high value spherical graphite for use in Li ion batteries. ”
Concentrate Flake Size Distribution (%) and Graphitic Carbon (Cg) Grade (%)
Test Cycle
+48(%) Cg(%) +80(%) Cg(%) +100(%) Cg(%) +200(%) Cg(%) -200(%) Cg(%)
A 56.0 99.2 28.7 96.5 4.4 95.7 7.9 93.6 2.9 80.7
B 49.6 98.1 24.2 95.2 5.7 94.3 12.2 94.0 8.2 84.5
C 44.0 97.0 25.6 94.4 5.9 95.0 13.5 92.0 11.0 81.4
D 50.7 97.8 25.0 94.9 5.9 94.5 11.6 93.4 6.7 84.0
E 52.1 98.7 25.8 94.9 4.7 95.1 10.5 92.5 6.9 81.9
F 45.0 97.9 26.9 96.6 6.5 95.2 12.8 93.9 8.8 82.7
Average 49.6 98.1 26.0 95.4 5.5 95.0 11.4 93.2 7.4 82.5
Test work at SGS has been ongoing for the past year and will culminate in a pilot plant program that will start in
two weeks. Results should be available within five to six weeks. The pilot plant is designed to further confirm
the flow sheet being incorporated into the FS and will optimize its operating parameters. The overall carbon
recovery in the locked cycle tests was 92.2% and the Company’s objective is to increase it to 94 to 95% without
degradation of flake size. The FS is expected to be completed and filed on Sedar by year end. All mine
permitting is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2012 at which time the Company will be in a
position to initiate construction subject to positive results from the FS and the availability of financing.
Don Baxter, P.Eng, President of the Company and a “Qualified Person” under 43-101, is responsible for and has
reviewed and approved the technical content of this press release.
About SGS Metallurgical Services (Lakefield)
SGS Metallurgical Services is recognized as the world leader in the development of bankable flowsheets and
pilot plant programs. SGS Metallurgical Services was founded over half a century ago. Its metallurgists,
hydrometallurgists and chemical engineers are experienced in all the major physical and chemical separation
processes utilized in the recovery of metals and minerals contained in orebodies around the world.
About Northern Graphite Corporation
Northern Graphite Corporation is a Canadian company that has a 100% interest in the Bissett Creek graphite
project, located 17kms from the Trans Canada highway between Ottawa and North Bay, Ontario.
Graphite prices have increased substantially due to the ongoing modernization of China and other emerging
economies which has resulted in strong demand from traditional steel and automotive markets. In addition,
new applications such as lithium ion batteries, fuel cells and nuclear power have the potential to create
significant incremental demand growth. It takes 20 to 30 times as much graphite as lithium to make a Li ion
battery and their use in the growing EV/HEV market is expected to require significant increases in graphite
production. However, graphite production and exports from China, which produces 70% of the world’s supply,
are expected to decline and an export tax and a licensing system have been instituted. Both the European
Union and the United States have declared graphite a supply critical mineral.
Northern Graphite is well positioned to benefit from this compelling supply/demand dynamic with a near term
development project located in Canada and close to infrastructure. Additional information on Northern
Graphite Corporation can be found under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com and on the
Company’s website at www.northern graphite.com.
For additional information, please contact:
Gregory Bowes, CEO (613) 241-9959
Don Baxter P.Eng, President (705) 789-9706