Graphano Announces Positive Preliminary Metallurgical Work Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Graphano Energy (TSXV: GEL) (OTCQB: GELEF) has announced positive preliminary metallurgical results for its Lac-Aux Bouleaux (LAB) and Standard Mine graphite properties in Quebec. Conducted by SGS Canada Inc., the tests showed that LAB achieved a concentrate grade of 95% Cg with a 70% recovery rate in open circuit, with expectations of over 90% recovery in closed circuit operations. Standard Mine produced a 94% Cg concentrate at 93% recovery. Further optimization is expected to enhance these results. The company plans to develop a large-scale beneficiation plant to process both LAB and Standard materials efficiently.

Positive

• LAB project achieved 95% Cg concentrate grade with a 70% recovery rate in open circuit.
• Standard Mine yielded 94% Cg graphite concentrate at 93% recovery.
• Future optimization expected to achieve over 96% Cg grade and at least 90% recovery for LAB.
• Graphano plans to develop a large-scale beneficiation plant for efficient processing.

Negative

• Initial LAB tests faced challenges due to overgrinding, affecting cleaner stage recoveries.
• Graphite recovery for LAB in open circuit was initially only 70%, indicating the need for further optimization.

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 13, 2024) - Graphano Energy Ltd. (TSXV: GEL) (OTCQB: GELEF) (FSE: 97G0) ("Graphano" or the "Company") is pleased to announce results of the initial metallurgical work performed by SGS Canada Inc. ("SGS") of Quebec City. Tests were performed on composite samples of drill core from the Company's 100% owned graphite properties, Lac-Aux Bouleaux ("LAB") and Standard Mine, both located in Quebec.

Luisa Moreno, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, commented: "We are extremely pleased with the preliminary metallurgical results for our LAB and Standard Mine proprieties, having achieved commercial quality products using standard processing methods. Our technical team expects results to improve further by optimizing and by customizing the flowsheet to our feed materials."

SGS conducted mineralogy analysis followed by bench-scale flotation tests using different flotation circuit configurations for LAB and Standard Mine; however, as more fully explained below, it is anticipated that a single flowsheet will be developed to beneficiate both feedstocks.

LAB Project Results:
Initial tests for the LAB project faced challenges due to overgrinding, which compromised cleaner stage recoveries. However, subsequent tests on Sample 2 (LAB Zone 3 - LB22-32, LB22-46, LB22-48), with reduced grinding time, yielded a concentrate grade of 95% Cg in several particle-size fractions, achieving an open circuit graphite recovery of 70%. It is anticipated that more than 20% of the graphite losses associated with intermediate streams will report to the final concentrate during closed circuit operation, leading to recoveries of 90% or higher.

Based on flotation results from comparable graphite projects, the SGS team believes that by adding another regrind/cleaner stage, a final grade of more than 96% Cg could potentially be achieved, with graphite recovery of at least 90% under closed-loop conditions. Further testing and process optimization will be conducted to confirm these projected results.

Standard Mine Results:
For the Standard Mine project, excellent metallurgical results were obtained immediately. Sample 4 (Standard - ST23-08, ST23-09, ST23-10) produced a graphite concentrate grading 94% Cg at 93% recovery. Optimization tests are expected to lead to even higher grades and recoveries.

Future Plans:
Despite the different flowsheets used in these tests, the technical team at Graphano is confident that both LAB and Standard materials can be treated in the same beneficiation plant. Whether processed separately or by combining the materials, appropriate plant design will ensure efficient processing. The next phase of metallurgical testing will focus on improving recovery and grades, as well as studying flake size distribution. The encouraging results obtained so far support Graphano's plan to develop a large-scale beneficiation plant.

About Graphano Energy

Graphano Energy Ltd. is an exploration and development company that is focused on evaluating, acquiring and developing energy metals resources from exploration to production.

Graphite is one of the most in-demand technology minerals that is required for a green and sustainable world. The Company's Lac Aux Bouleaux property, situated adjacent to Canada's only producing graphite mine, in Quebec, Canada, Northern Graphite Corporation's Lac des Iles Mine has historically been an active area for natural graphite. With the demand for graphite growing in some of the most prominent and cutting-edge industries, such as lithium batteries in electric cars and other energy storage technologies, the Company is developing its project to meet the demands of the future.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Luisa Moreno
Chief Executive Officer and Director
E: info@graphano.com

Neither 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 release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, relating to future operations, including exploration, drilling, metallurgical testing, and other activities of Graphano, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, optimizing and customizing the flowsheet with respect to feed materials, the next phase of metallurgical testing, and results therefrom, and plant design and development. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Graphano, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability to complete metallurgical testing, the results of metallurgical testing, continued availability of capital, and changes in general economic, market and business conditions. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Graphano does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/212767

FAQ

What were the results of Graphano's initial metallurgical tests for the LAB project?

The LAB project achieved a 95% Cg concentrate grade with a 70% recovery rate in open circuit, with expectations of over 90% recovery in closed circuit operations.

What were the results of Graphano's initial metallurgical tests for the Standard Mine project?

The Standard Mine project produced a 94% Cg graphite concentrate at a 93% recovery rate.

What is the expected outcome for Graphano's LAB project after further optimization?

By adding another regrind/cleaner stage, Graphano expects to achieve a final grade of more than 96% Cg and at least 90% graphite recovery under closed-loop conditions.

What are Graphano's future plans regarding its LAB and Standard Mine projects?

Graphano plans to develop a large-scale beneficiation plant to process both LAB and Standard materials efficiently, with further testing and optimization to improve recovery and grades.