Zentek Subsidiary Albany Graphite Corp. Achieves Five Nines Purity for Albany Graphite
Zentek (NASDAQ:ZTEK)(TSXV:ZEN) announced that its subsidiary, Albany Graphite (AGC), has achieved 99.99915% purity for a graphite sample from the Albany deposit. This ultra-high purity was attained using a two-step process without hydrofluoric acid. The material will be tested for lithium-ion battery anodes and evaluated for the nuclear market.
The company is exploring both graphite production and processing to create battery-ready anode material. An updated mineral resource estimate shows Indicated Mineral Resources of 22.9 million tonnes at 4.1% graphitic carbon and Inferred Mineral Resources of 13.1 million tonnes at 2.9% graphitic carbon. The Albany Graphite Project is located near infrastructure in Ontario, Canada, and has shown potential to compete with synthetic graphite in various applications.
- Achieved ultra-high purity of 99.99915% for Albany graphite sample
- Simple two-step purification process without using hydrofluoric acid
- Low total impurities concentration of less than 8.5 ppm
- Potential suitability for lithium-ion battery anodes and nuclear market
- Updated mineral resource estimate shows significant graphite resources
- Strategic location near infrastructure in Ontario, Canada
- Potential to compete with synthetic graphite in fuel cells and other applications
- None.
Insights
Zentek Ltd.'s announcement that its subsidiary, Albany Graphite Corporation, has achieved ultra-high purity in its graphite sample is significant for several reasons. Firstly, the 99.99915% purity, known as 'five nines', indicates a high-quality material, which is exceedingly rare and highly sought after in the market. This level of purity substantially exceeds the 500 ppm impurity threshold that is typically acceptable for advanced battery applications. The result is achieved using a relatively simple, non-toxic process, which could lead to lower production costs and safer handling compared to more complex methods utilizing hazardous chemicals.
From a financial perspective, the successful purification implies potential higher-margin applications in critical sectors like lithium-ion batteries and the nuclear industry. This may open doors to new revenue streams and partnerships, enhancing Zentek's market position. Moreover, with growing investment in the North American battery supply chain, Zentek stands to benefit significantly from the increased demand for high-purity graphite. However, investors should remain cautious until further validation from end-users in these sectors confirms the commercial viability of the purified graphite.
Ultra-high purity graphite achieving 99.99915% purity is quite a milestone, both in terms of technology advancement and market potential. The immediate next steps would involve verifying the material's suitability for specific applications like anode components in lithium-ion batteries and uses in the nuclear sector. This is crucial, as the establishment of product-market fit will drive the commercial feasibility of Zentek's new material. The fact that this product bypasses the use of hydrofluoric acid, a hazardous chemical commonly used in purification, adds an environmental and safety edge, which could be a strong selling point in today's increasingly eco-conscious market.
Additionally, the competitive landscape for high-purity graphite is relatively sparse, which might allow Zentek to secure a robust position. Coupled with the ongoing investments in battery technology and the strategic importance of securing domestic supply chains for critical minerals, Zentek’s news is timely. However, the company still faces the challenge of scaling up production while maintaining purity and quality. Investors should watch upcoming test results and commercial agreements closely to gauge the full market potential and adoption speed.
The achievement of five nines, or 99.99915%, purity in graphite by a simple purification process is worth noting for its environmental benefits. The process avoids the use of hydrofluoric acid, a highly corrosive and toxic substance, thereby reducing environmental and health risks significantly. This aligns well with increasing global regulations and standards aimed at minimizing industrial hazards and emissions.
Moreover, Zentek's focus on creating a vertically integrated supply chain for anode materials within North America can further reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and supply chain logistics. Given the escalating demand for sustainable and ethically sourced battery components, Zentek's high-purity graphite could meet the growing demand for greener alternatives. This adds a valuable dimension to the company's ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) profile, potentially attracting environmentally conscious investors and partners.
GUELPH, ON / ACCESSWIRE / July 17, 2024 / Zentek Ltd. ("Zentek" or the "Company") (NASDAQ:ZTEK)(TSXV:ZEN), an intellectual property technology development and commercialization company is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary, Albany Graphite Corporation (AGC) has achieved a five nines purity of
Highlights
Ultra-high purity "five nines" 99.99915 weight % graphite by Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry (GDMS) analysis on a 100-gram sample
Purification performed utilizing an existing, two-step graphite purification process, without the use of hydrofluoric acid
Proof of concept thermal purification testing yielded extremely low total impurities concentration of less than 8.5 ppm against the generally accepted maximum of 500 ppm for most advanced battery applications
Material to be immediately tested for suitability as anode component for lithium-ion batteries
Purified samples will be evaluated for suitability for the nuclear market
Exploring both production and processing of graphite to create battery ready anode material
In collaboration with Zentek's Canadian technology partner, a sample of the homogenized bulk flotation concentrate produced by SGS Canada Inc. in the 2017 flotation pilot plant campaign was upgraded from ~
Next Steps
The material will be evaluated for its suitability for both the lithium-ion battery and nuclear markets.
With significant investment being made in the North American battery supply chain, and growing demand for finished anode material, the Company is exploring both graphite production from the Albany deposit and processing of the graphite to produce a battery ready anode material.
The CEO of Zentek and Albany Graphite Corporation, Greg Fenton commented: "These purification results utilizing an unoptimized, simple process has exceeded our expectations. The unique nature of the Albany deposit has created a competitive advantage for Zentek and its partners and with substantial investment flowing into the North American markets, we believe we are ideally positioned to develop the Albany project. In addition, we are pursuing the value-add processing component of the anode supply chain to create a vertically integrated, anode solution."
Updated Resource Estimate
On July 26, 2023, Zentek announced an updated mineral resource estimate. SLR estimated Mineral Resources for the Albany Graphite Project using drill hole data available as of April 30, 2023. The Mineral Resource estimate was based on a potential combined Open Pit ("OP") and Underground ("UG") mining scenario using a price per tonne of purified graphite of US
Mineral Resources of graphite are contained within two vertical pipes spaced approximately 250 m apart. The East Pipe is approximately 300 m long in the NW-SE direction by 50 m wide by 600 m deep. A halo (overprint) of lower grade mineralization occurs around the East Pipe for a collective width of 150 m in the NE-SW direction. The West Pipe is approximately 300 m long in the NE-SW direction by 175 m wide by 500 m deep. Both pipes are cut by 10 m to 60 m thick barren sills located approximately 200 m to 300 m below topographic surface.
Mr. Peter Wood, P.Eng., P.Geo., Vice President, Development of AGC, a "Qualified Person" under NI 43-101, has reviewed the technical information contained in this news release.
Overview of the Albany Graphite Project
The Albany Graphite Project, an igneous-hosted fluid-derived graphite deposit located in Claim Block 4F, comprised of 521 mining claims (461 single-cell claims and 60 boundary-cell claims) is at an advanced exploration stage. The project is located west of the communities of Constance Lake First Nation ("CLFN") and Hearst, Ontario, within 30 km of the Trans-Canada Highway, close to established infrastructure including roads, rail, power transmission lines, and a natural gas pipeline. Project environmental baseline studies were initiated in 2019.
Due to its unique formation, Albany Graphite exhibits high thermal stability and corrosion resistance, as per Ballard Power's testing reported in the Company's August 12, 2015, news release. Phase 4 testing by Ballard Power concluded that Albany Graphite could compete with synthetic graphite in fuel cells as per the Company's news release on March 29, 2016.
The electrical resistivity of graphite is one of the most useful characteristics of graphite and the Albany Graphite exhibited excellent resistivity of 0.0034 ohm-centimeters. These results are comparable to high-purity synthetic graphite and registers at the top end of the range as reported in the Company's October 3, 2013, news release.
Additionally, Albany Graphite could potentially combine the carbon production footprint of natural graphite, which is considerably lower than that of synthetic graphite, with the higher performance envelope of synthetic graphite. Finally, it will help satisfy North American domestic content requirements under critical mineral support programs such as the Inflation Reduction Act and the Defense Production Act.
About Zentek Ltd.
Zentek is an ISO 13485:2016 certified intellectual property technology company focused on the research, development and commercialization of novel products seeking to give the Company's commercial partners a competitive advantage by making their products better, safer, and greener.
Zentek's patented technology platform ZenGUARD™, is shown to have 99-per-cent anti-microbial activity and to significantly increase the bacterial and viral filtration efficiency of both surgical masks and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. Zentek's ZenGUARD™ production facility is located in Guelph, Ontario. Zentek's patent pending ZenARMOR™ technology platform is focused on corrosion protection applications.
Zentek has a global exclusive license to the Aptamer-based platform technology developed by McMaster University which is being jointly developed Zentek and McMaster for both the diagnostic and therapeutic markets.
For further information:
Ryan Shacklock
Tel: (306) 270-9610
Email: rshacklock@zentek.com
To find out more about Zentek, please visit our website at www.Zentek.com. A copy of this news release and all material documents in respect of the Company may be obtained on Zentek's SEDAR profile at http://www.sedar.com/.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although Zentek believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Zentek disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.
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 release.
SOURCE: Zentek
View the original press release on accesswire.com
FAQ
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