Lomiko Metals Inc. (TSX.V: LMR) (“Lomiko Metals” or the
“Company”) is pleased to announce an update on the initial
metallurgical programs conducted for the La Loutre graphite
project. Lomiko has engaged three independent laboratories, Corem,
ProGraphite and SGS Lakefield to support the value-added
metallurgical testing of samples of the La Loutre graphite
concentrate.
As part of the 2022 strategic objectives, as previously
announced on March 3, 2022, Lomiko is undertaking several
metallurgical studies to further define the chemical and physical
properties of La Loutre graphite concentrate. These studies have
several goals, including (a) determining the upgrading potential of
the graphite flotation concentrate for value-added processing, (b)
confirming the plant flowsheet to aid in the plant design for the
Pre-Feasibility Study, and (c) evaluating the production of
spherical graphite for anode battery applications. This
characterization work facilitates the development of Technical Data
Sheets (TDS) to initiate customer partnership discussions.
The 2021 metallurgical program produced 1.8 kg of graphite
flotation concentrate (please see news release April 7, 2021 and
referred to within the Company’s Preliminary Economic Analysis
(“PEA”)). This concentrate was split into two samples and sent to
each of Corem in Quebec and ProGraphite in Germany for
characterization and purification testing. The samples supplied to
Corem and ProGraphite were considered an adequate representation of
the deposit for initial trials.
Based on the characterization and purification tests performed
by the two labs, the graphite from the La Loutre deposit is
suitable for a wide range of traditional markets such as
refractories, fire retardants, crucible, and friction products, or
expanded graphite markets. Further, the purification results
suggest that the La Loutre graphite may be suitable for high-value
anode battery applications which require ultra high purity graphite
concentrate of 99.95%. The evaluation of the full processing
sequence from flake graphite to battery trials is scheduled for the
second half of 2022.
Belinda Labatte, CEO and Director, stated: “Our team is pleased
to have received excellent results from two independent specialized
laboratories, on the first of many trials to examine the purity of
the La Loutre graphite concentrates for industrial use, including
for anode battery-grade quality. The tests on the expanded graphite
have shown that all the flake sizes tested are showing excellent
results for our concentrates in a wide range of industrial
applications, an important step to developing the graphite market
in North America. The findings from this initial program will
better define the parameters for the metallurgical optimization
program that will commence in the spring of 2022 to support the
project development. We are looking forward to working with
Quebec institutions, local communities, and First Nations to
further develop our La Loutre graphite project as we move forward
with future studies of this project. As mentioned in our press
release dated April 22, 2022, we are looking forward to beginning
our La Loutre infill and step-out drilling program which will start
as soon as the ground conditions allow in mid-May. We are working
toward becoming an integral and vital part of the supply chain,
including the creation of new-economy job prospects in the
development of our project to be used in battery production for
Quebec, Canadian, and North American solutions.”
Corem upgrading process reveals high purity concentrate and
low level of impurities
Corem subjected the 2021 flotation concentrate to initial
chemical purification trials to assess the amenability of the La
Loutre graphite concentrate to chemical upgrading. Using a chemical
purification method, the graphite concentrate was successfully
upgraded from 98.4% C(t) to >99.9% C(t). The upgrading process
employed a caustic bake using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) followed by
an acid leach with hydrochloric acid (HCl), which is considered one
of the standard chemical treatment processes for graphite
concentrates in place today and employs a milder reagent regime
compared to the hydrofluoric acid (HF) treatment used in many
Chinese operations currently.
The final product was subjected to a size fraction - commonly
referred to as flake size - analysis and each product was submitted
for an ICP (Inductively coupled plasma) scan. The results of an ICP
scan reveal the total carbon analysis, ash content, and sulfur
grade of the flotation concentrate feedstock, the intermediate
product after caustic bake, and the final product after the
leaching step. The concentration of most elements met the
requirements for battery anode grade material and only iron and
silica displayed slightly elevated levels. It should be noted that
the purification trials were preliminary in nature and that the
initial concentration target of 99.5% was exceeded for each size
fraction.
ProGraphite concentrate reveals favourable results and
excellent crystallographic properties
The second sample sent to ProGraphite was classified into
various fractions (+50, +80, +100, +150, +200, -200, -100 mesh).
Graphite from these fractions was used to perform several chemical
and physical characterization tests and purification trials. The
results were generally very favourable and some of the key physical
and chemical properties are outlined below, and detailed results
are provided on the Lomiko website at www.lomiko.com:
- Well-balanced size distribution (50% >100 mesh, 50% -100
mesh). The -100-mesh size fraction is the typical feed material for
anode material for lithium-ion batteries. This is consistent with
the results provided in the Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA)
analysis, also available on the Company’s website at www.lomiko.com
and published on September 10, 2021.
- Degree of graphitization of over 98%, which is very close to
the ideal graphite and a key requirement for high-end battery
applications.
- High tap densities of >0.7 kg/l for large fractions but
below average tap density of 0.47 kg/l for -200 mesh size fraction.
Optimization strategies have been identified to improve tap
densities of fines.
- The results for the electrical conductivity are within the
normal range for their respective fractions. The electric
conductivity determines the amenability of graphite for energy
storage applications.
- Achieves low levels of volatiles across all size fractions
(0.13-0.38%) showing its suitability for high-temperature
applications such as refractories.
- Achieves low springback in all size fractions (1.6 – 3.1%),
which is critical for all applications where pressure forms, such
as with friction products or refractories.
- The oxidation resistance of the larger flakes was excellent
(<10% for +80 mesh), while the smaller flakes produced average
oxidation behaviour compared to other graphite sources (up to 40%
for -200 mesh). Oxidation resistance is an important factor for
high-temperature applications.
- Low specific surface area (BET) for all size fractions.
Achieving a low BET value is an important factor for battery anode
material application.
- Expansion tests identified expansion rates of 350 ml/g for the
+80 mesh size fraction and 390 ml/g for the +50 mesh size fraction,
which were significantly better than standard values.
These characteristics support the wide use of the La Loutre
graphite in both expanded markets and the potential for further
purification into battery anode material.
ProGraphite evaluated alkaline and acid purification methods,
the two most common methods in use today. The trials using sodium
hydroxide (NaOH) treatment followed by sulphuric acid (H2SO4) leach
produced superior purities with ash contents of only 0.04% and
0.11% in the+80 mesh and -100 mesh size fractions,
respectively. Concentrations of deleterious elements were
below typical threshold values for battery anode material.
The purification tests performed by ProGraphite complement the
results obtained by Corem and indicate that the La Loutre graphite
can be upgraded to battery anode purity levels without aggressive
leach using hydrofluoric acid (HF).
Update on Metallurgical Process Optimization at SGS
Lakefield
Approximately 1,000kg of core sample from the La Loutre graphite
project was carefully selected to represent mine plan, domain and
grade composites and shipped to SGS in Lakefield, Ontario to
confirm and optimize the test results achieved in the 2021
metallurgical testing program. This will further define the process
flowsheet to aid in the plant design, which will be developed
during the Pre-Feasibility Study.
Next steps in La Loutre metallurgical studies
Corem and ProGraphite have identified opportunities for
optimization, and these will be evaluated in the upcoming months.
Results from the SGS lab testing are expected to be available in
the Fall and the Company will continue to move forward with and
update the market on further testing for battery grade material in
2022.
About Lomiko Metals Inc.
Lomiko Metals has a new vision and a new strategy in new energy.
Lomiko represents a company with purpose: a people-first company
where we can manifest a world of abundant renewable energy with
Canadian and Quebec critical minerals for a solution in North
America. Our goal is to create a new energy future in Canada where
we will grow the critical minerals workforce, become a valued
partner and neighbour with the communities in which we operate, and
provide a secure and responsibly sourced supply of critical
minerals.
The Company holds a 100% interest in its La Loutre graphite
development in southern Quebec. The La Loutre project site is
located within the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg (KZA) First Nations
territory. The KZA First Nations are part of the Algonquin Nation
and the KZA territory is situated within the Outaouais and
Laurentides regions. Located 180 kilometres northwest of Montreal,
the property consists of one large, continuous block with 48
minerals claims totaling 2,867 hectares (28.7km2). Lomiko Metals
published a PEA on September 10, 2021 which indicated the project
had a 15 year mine life producing per year 100,000 tonnes of
graphite concentrate at 95% Cg or a total of 1.5Mt of graphite
concentrate. This report was prepared as National Instrument 43-101
Technical Report for Lomiko . by Ausenco Engineering Canada Inc.,
Hemmera Envirochem Inc., Moose Mountain Technical Services, and
Metpro Management Inc., collectively the Report Authors.
The Bourier project site is located near Nemaska Lithium and
Critical Elements south-east of the Eeyou Istchee James Bay
territory in Quebec which consists of 203 claims, for a total
ground position of 10,252.20 hectares (102.52 km2), in Canada’s
lithium triangle near the James Bay region of Quebec that has
historically housed lithium deposits and mineralization trends.
Mr. Mike Petrina, Project Manager, a Qualified Person (“QP”)
under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for
Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the technical
disclosure in this news release. Oliver Peters of MetPro Management
Inc. who is leading the metallurgical development programs of the
La Loutre graphite project on Lomiko’s behalf is acting as QP has
reviewed and approved the technical disclosure in this news
release.
For more information on Lomiko Metals, review the website at
www.lomiko.com, contact Belinda Labatte at 647-402-8379 or email:
info@lomiko.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking
Information
This news release contains "forward-looking information" within
the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that
is based on expectations, estimates, projections and
interpretations as at the date of this news release. The
information in this news release about the Company; and any other
information herein that is not a historical fact may be
"forward-looking information" (“FLI”). All statements, other than
statements of historical fact, are FLI and can be identified by the
use of statements that include words such as "anticipates",
"plans", "continues", "estimates", "expects", "may", "will",
"projects", "predicts", “proposes”, "potential", "target",
"implement", “scheduled”, "intends", "could", "might", "should",
"believe" and similar words or expressions. FLI in this new release
includes, but is not limited to: the Company’s objective to become
a responsible supplier of critical minerals, exploration of the
Company’s projects, including expected costs of exploration and
timing to achieve certain milestones, including timing for
completion of exploration programs; the Company’s ability to
successfully fund, or remain fully funded for the implementation of
its business strategy and for exploration of any of its projects
(including from the capital markets); any anticipated impacts of
COVID-19 on the Company’s business objectives or projects, the
Company's financial position or operations, and the expected timing
of announcements in this regard. FLI involves known and unknown
risks, assumptions and other factors that may cause actual results
or performance to differ materially. This FLI reflects the
Company’s current views about future events, and while considered
reasonable by the Company at this time, are inherently subject to
significant uncertainties and contingencies. Accordingly, there can
be no certainty that they will accurately reflect actual results.
Assumptions upon which such FLI is based include, without
limitation: current market for critical minerals; current
technological trends; the business relationship between the Company
and its business partners; ability to implement its business
strategy and to fund, explore, advance and develop each of its
projects, including results therefrom and timing thereof; the
ability to operate in a safe and effective manner; uncertainties
related to receiving and maintaining exploration, environmental and
other permits or approvals in Quebec; any unforeseen impacts of
COVID-19; impact of increasing competition in the mineral
exploration business, including the Company’s competitive position
in the industry; general economic conditions, including in relation
to currency controls and interest rate fluctuations.
The FLI contained in this news release are expressly qualified
in their entirety by this cautionary statement, the
“Forward-Looking Statements” section contained in the Company’s
most recent management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A), which
is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, and on the investor
presentation on its website. All FLI in this news release are made
as of the date of this news release. There can be no assurance that
such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and
future events could differ materially from those anticipated in
such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue
reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not
undertake to update or revise any such forward-looking statements
or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect new
events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable
securities laws.
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 news release. No stock exchange, securities
commission or other regulatory authority has approved or
disapproved the information contained herein.
On behalf of the Board,
Belinda Labatte
CEO and Director, Lomiko Metals Inc.
For more information, please contact:
Kimberly Darlington
Communications, Lomiko Metals
k.darlington@lomiko.com
514-771-3398
Kim Darlington
Lomiko Metals Inc. (TSX-V: LMR)
1-514-771-3398
k.darlington@lomiko.com
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