Focusing on Bissett Creek Flake Graphite Deposit
Recently announced significant increase in estimated resources
Message: Grade and Flake Size Discussion
Below is a reply by scissors14 to a previous post on FMS NR (but on V.NGC). Attached below for info.
This is an excellent discussion on grade, flake size, C content, purity, etc. that one need to keep a sharp eye on (and a comparison between NGC and FMS). Bottom line is only high- quality large flakes can fetch top dollars. NGC large and jumbo flakes have been shown to be suitable for conversion spherical graphite which is required for top-notch Li-ion batteries and Li-ion battery storage sytems for storing power from wind and solar energy. So, grade alone is not king. If there is a large percentage of the grade, e.g. 50% of say an 8% grade deposit is considered as un-economical the the effective grade would be something like 4%. This would be thr first test, the next thing to be considered would be the distribution of flake size in the large and jumbo range.
goldhunter
-------------post by scissors14-------------------------
Re: Focus update
4/11/2012 5:21:28 PM | | 162 reads | Post #30928738
Not sure why you posted FMS news here but I guess it makes it fair ball to analyze the release so here goes:
1) Large flake cutoff is +80, not +100 so 37.9% is large flake, not 46.1% as stated.
2) Of the 37.9% only 16.6% (+48) is suitable for premium pricing as +50 or larger (the lower the number the larger the flake) is what qualifies for that pricing. The 96.1%Cg of the +48 is good (NGC is 98% Cg and 82% of its flake is +48 or larger in comparison) but must be purified to 99.9% from 96.1% and 98% respectively.
3) The overall recovery (from a batch test) is only 85.9%, not impressive (NGC is 95+%).
4) The overall grade of the concentrate across all size ranges is 92.08% Cg, again not impressive (NGC is 98%).
5) FMS can try to use the 100x150 for batteries but it will have a low yield (maybe 30%) and a tough time (and expensive) purifying from 92.6%Cg to 99.9+%. It is technically doable but many would argue not practical.
So in summary premium prices come with +50 mesh 97%+ Cg. FMS shows 16.6% +48 at 96.1% Cg that is close to the premium category. To reiterate, grade is not king despite what Byron King said when pumping FMS. The next stage of the metallurgical testing process will give a better determination of the FMS economic feasibility of Lac Knife.
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