Lomiko Metals Inc. (TSX.V: LMR) (“Lomiko Metals” or the
“Company”) is pleased to announce results of the spherical graphite
(“SPG") lab scale testing for its La Loutre Natural flake Graphite
property (‘’La Loutre Project’’), located approximately 180
kilometres northwest of Montréal in the Laurentian region of
Québec. The La Loutre Project is located within the Kitigan Zibi
Anishinabeg (KZA) First Nation’s territory. The testing was
completed by ProGraphite in Germany on a 10.5 kg bulk flotation
sample prepared by SGS Canada Inc. The 10.5 kg bulk flotation
concentrate was generated during the preliminary feasibility study
(PFS) metallurgical program and was dispatched to ProGraphite in
Germany for micronization, spheroidization, and purification
testing to produce spheroidized and purified graphite (SPG), which
is the needed material for the anode in Electric Vehicles
(EVs).
Highlights of the La Loutre Project SPG lab scale
testing:
- La Loutre material is suitable for the production of spherical
graphite.
- All physical characterization tests produced very good results
such as narrow particle size distribution range and high tap
density and meet the target values for Electric Vehicle and other
lithium-ion based battery applications.
- Achieved continuous and reliable production of micronized
products with homogenous properties suggesting a relatively low
specific energy input to convert the La Loutre flotation
concentrate to micronized material.
- The particle size distribution for both grades is typical for
spherical graphite.
In summary, independent bench scale micronization and
spheronization tests have demonstrated that the La Loutre material
is suitable for the production of spherical graphite. All physical
data yielded very good results and meet the target values such as
narrow particle size distribution and high tap density.
Belinda Labatte, CEO and Director stated: “We are very pleased
to achieve a high purity SPG graphite from La Loutre graphite
flotation concentrate. It is very encouraging to see that the lab
scale level of metallurgical testing shows that Lomiko can achieve
a purity of 99.99% C(g) with a yield of approximately 55%. We are
looking forward to further purification testing and coating trials
and the of start the battery trials in the next quarter. We believe
this to be an important step in validating the geological and
metallurgical potential of the deposit for a climate success story,
and directly feeding into the North American EV supply chain. We
look forward to the next steps including more field work, and
discussions with KZA First Nation and local communities.”
The flotation concentrate was analysed for the two most
important parameters of flake graphite concentrates, namely the
particle size distribution and the carbon content. The results of
the analysis is presented in Table 1.
Table 1: Screen analysis and LOI of the graphite flotation
concentrate
Name
Grade
Screening
LOI %
Micron
+300
+180
+150
+100
+71
+40
minus
Mesh
+50
+80
+100
+150
+200
+325
minus
Lomiko
Concentrate S#2225
13.2
19.4
9.8
18.3
12.9
16.9
9.6
97.38
The loss on ignition (LOI) value of the flotation concentrate
was high at 97.4% (this is achieved by flotation only using a bulk
sample produced by SGS).
A higher carbon content in the flotation concentrate is
advantageous for subsequent purification, as this normally results
in lower operating costs and possibly even lower capital costs. The
sieving also shows a positive result: despite the high carbon
content, the concentrate is relatively coarse with approximately
40% flakes over 100 mesh.
Spheronization and purification
Typical production steps to obtain spherical purified graphite
(SPG) are micronizing, spheronizing and purification.
The target size of two spherical graphite products was a d50
(50% of the mass being smaller than a specific size) of
approximately 15 micron and 20 microns respectively.
The flowability of the feed material was good and the
micronizing throughput was on a rather high level, which suggests a
relatively low specific energy input to convert the La Loutre
flotation concentrate to micronized material. It was possible to
continuously produce micronized products with homogenous
properties.
In addition to the particle size distribution, other physical
parameters were analysed. The results are shown in Table 2.
Table 2 : Properties of Spheronized Graphite
Feed Grade
Run
Target size d50
Particle Size
Distribution
Ratio
d90/10
d10
d50
d90
Concentrate S#2225
M102 M1
20
5.50
20.70
39.5
7.2
M102 M3
15
4.10
15.30
31.6
7.7
The specific surface area was measured with the BET method. For
the spheronized graphite SPG20 it was analysed at 7.4 m²/g, which
is a normal value for material that was produced with a batch
spheronizer. As expected, the BET value for the SPG16 of 8.20 m²/g
is slightly higher since a smaller particle size corresponds to
higher BET values.
The tap density, especially for the SPG20 (0.96 kg/l) is very
good for SPG material prior to coating. A high tap density is
preferred as it results in batteries with higher capacities.
Typical yield levels for batch process are around 50%, which
were exceeded by the La Loutre graphite at 55%.
Purification test work
Two purification methods were investigated on the La Loutre SPG,
namely alkaline and acid purification.
A total of 100 g of the SPG20 spherical graphite was subjected
to an intensive alkaline purification. The main chemical employed
was sodium hydroxide (NaOH). An alkaline digestion at 250°C
followed by a sulphuric acid (H2SO4) wash was carried out. The
purified SPG material graded 99.97% LOI, which exceeded the minimum
grade requirements of SPG material for electric vehicle (EV)
application of 99.95% LOI.
The purified graphite ash was examined by an ICP analysis The
results of the ICP scan are presented in Table 2.
Table 3: ICP Results of Graphite Purified with
Alkaline Purification Process
Element
ppm
Element
ppm
Ag
<1.0
Mo
<0.1
Al
7.4
Na
69.8
Ba
<0.3
Ni
4
Bi
<0.3
P
0.7
Ca
32.8
Pb
<0.2
Cd
<0.1
Si
7.7
Co
<0.1
Sn
<0.2
Cr
0.6
Sr
<0.2
Cu
0.1
Ti
1.1
Fe
11.3
V
<0.1
K
4.6
W
<0.2
Mg
3.5
Zn
0.3
Mn
<0.1
Zr
3.4
The concentrations of all impurities were at very low levels and
especially concentrations of critical elements for use in
batteries, such as Fe, Cr, Cu, Si are below the typical
specification limits. The excellent values for Fe and Si confirm
that the purification was very successful.
Two elements, namely sodium (Na) and calcium (Ca) were elevated.
The higher sodium levels were likely linked to the NaOH digestion
and can possibly be reduced significantly by further optimization
of the purification process conditions.
The same SPG20 material that was subjected to alkaline
purification was also used for the acid purification tests. The
acid purification employs HF (hydrofluoric acid) as the main
chemical, due to its ability to dissolve most of the silicates and
many other impurities. Minor portions of other acids were added as
well.
A strong acid purification process with several steps was
carried out to reach the battery grade levels of purities. Material
handling properties of the SPG such as filtration was favourable.
However, incinerating (ashing) of the purified graphite produced a
white residue, and the purity was at 99.94% LOI. The results of an
ICP-scan that was performed on the acid purified SPG20 material is
presented in Table 4.
Table 4: ICP Results for Acid Purified SPG20
Material
Element
ppm
Element
ppm
Ag
<0.8
Mo
<0.1
Al
92.8
Na
<1.1
Ba
0.3
Ni
<0.3
Bi
<0.2
P
0.6
Ca
24.2
Pb
<0.2
Cd
<0.1
Si
15.1
Co
<0.1
Sn
<0.2
Cr
0.4
Sr
<0.1
Cu
0.1
Ti
3
Fe
10.5
V
<0.1
K
<2.4
W
<0.2
Mg
97.8
Zn
0.1
Mn
<0.1
Zr
29.2
The values for silicon and iron are very low, which indicates
that the cleaning went well. However, it can be seen that the
values for aluminum and magnesium are significantly higher. It is
postulated that these elements were primarily responsible for the
white ash.. A second HF purification test with an increased acid
concentration failed to reduce the elevated aluminum and magnesium
concentrations.
It was then decided that two options should be explored to
further reduce the contamination of impurities:
- pre-purification prior to HF purification with a mixture of
hydrochloric and nitric acid,
- a post-treatment of the material that was purified with HF with
sulfuric acid.
Both options produced very good results, and the white ash was
no longer observed. The sample that was generated with
post-treatment of the HF purified SPG20 material with sulphuric
acid was incinerated and the ash/remining residue was submitted for
an ICP analysis. The purified material graded 99.99% LOI, and the
results of the ICP- analysis are presented in Table 5.
Table 5: ICP Results of Graphite Purified with
Advanced HF Purification Process
Element
ppm
Element
ppm
Ag
<0.7
Mo
0.3
Al
11
Na
1.5
Ba
<0.2
Ni
<0.3
Bi
<0.2
P
0.8
Ca
4.6
Pb
<0.2
Cd
<0.1
Si
20.2
Co
<0.1
Sn
0.2
Cr
0.8
Sr
<0.1
Cu
0.3
Ti
2.8
Fe
5.5
V
0.2
K
<2.0
W
<0.2
Mg
3.2
Zn
0.3
Mn
0.1
Zr
22
The concentrations of aluminum and magnesium were reduced by
approximately 90% and 97%, respectively. Concentrations of other
impurities such as calcium, iron, and zirconium were also reduced
noticeably.
Next steps
Parallel purification work will be conducted by Corem in Quebec
City, where Corem will further upgrade the SPG material by carbon
coating into coated, spheroidized, and purified graphite (CSPG),
which will then be evaluated in battery trials by Polaris Battery
Labs. Complete test results are expected in late Q2 or early Q3
2023. The Company continues to actively work with partners in
Quebec for battery trials as a next step.
The Company’s updated investor presentation and website can be
found at www.lomiko.com.
Qualified Persons
Mr. Oliver Peters, a Principal Metallurgist with Metpro
Management Inc., is a Qualified Person within the meaning of NI
43-101. Mr. Peters is satisfied that the analytical and testing
procedures used are standard industry operating procedures and
methodologies, and he has reviewed, approved and verified the
technical information disclosed in this news release, including
sampling, analytical and test data underlying the technical
information.
About Lomiko Metals Inc.
The Company holds mineral interests in its La Loutre Project in
southern Quebec. The La Loutre project site is located within the
Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg (KZA) First Nation’s territory. The KZA
First Nation is part of the Algonquin Nation and the KZA
traditional territory is situated within the Outaouais and
Laurentides regions. Located 180 kilometres northwest of Montreal,
the property consists of one large, continuous block with 76
mineral claims totalling 4,528 hectares (45.3 km2).
The Property is underlain by rocks belonging to the Grenville
Province of the Precambrian Canadian Shield. The Grenville was
formed under conditions that were very favourable for the
development of coarse-grained, flake-type graphite mineralization
from organic-rich material during high-temperature
metamorphism.
Lomiko Metals published a April 13, 2023 Updated Mineral
Resource Estimate (MRE) which estimated 68.2 million tonnes of
Indicated Mineral Resources averaging 4.50% Cg per tonne for 3.072
million tonnes of graphite, a tonnage increase of 195%. Indicated
Mineral Resources increased 45.01 million tonnes as a result of the
2022 drilling campaign, from 23.2 million tonnes in 2021 MRE with
additional Mineral resources reported down-dip and within marble
units resulted in the addition of 21.8 million tonnes of Inferred
Mineral Resources averaging 3.51% Cg per tonne for 0.765 million
tonnes of contained graphite; and the additional 13,107 metres of
infill drilling in 79 holes completed in 2022 combined with the
refinement of the deposit and structural models contributed to the
addition of most of the Inferred Mineral Resources to the Indicated
Mineral Resource category, relative to the 2021 Mineral Resource
estimate. The MRE assumes a US$1,098.07 per tonne graphite price
and a cut-off grade of 1.50%Cg (graphitic carbon).
In addition to La Loutre, Lomiko is working with Critical
Elements Lithium Corporation towards earning its 70% stake in the
Bourier Project as per the option agreement announced on April
27th, 2021. The Bourier project site is located near Nemaska
Lithium and Critical Elements southeast 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.
On behalf of the Board, Belinda Labatte CEO and Director, Lomiko
Metals Inc.
For more information on Lomiko Metals, review the website at
www.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: expected timing and impact of
completion of further purification testing and coating trials for
its La Loutre Natural flake Graphite property; anticipated timing
of battery trials with its partners and timing to achieve certain
milestones; and 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). 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: the ability of the
Company to successfully produce in the future, in sufficient
commercial quantities, spheroidized and purified graphite (SPG),
which is the needed material for the anode in Electric Vehicles
(EVs); ability to implement its business strategy and to fund,
explore, advance and develop each of its projects, including
results therefrom and timing thereof; uncertainties related to
receiving and maintaining exploration, environmental and other
permits or approvals in Quebec; unforseen impacts of COVID-19 on
the Company’s business objectives or projects and the Company's
financial position or operations; 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.
View source
version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230503006011/en/
Gordana Slepcev at 647-391-7344 or Belinda Labatte at
647-402-8379 or at 1-833-456-6456 or 1-833-4-LOMIKO or email:
info@lomiko.com.
Lomiko Metals (TSXV:LMR)
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Lomiko Metals (TSXV:LMR)
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