I read this and can only see positives. Someone tell me if they see anything negative? Looks to me like the process is simplified, cost significantly less to process, higher purity starting point, less NaOH (86% less) usage. All that is left is to fully optimize it to meet customer expectations on purity. Then it will be plugged into the PEA.

Even though it has taken longer than anticipated, the SGS team has made significant progress improving upon the bench scale caustic bake process and an innovative, viable flow sheet has been developed for the Albany graphite deposit.

Highlights:

• A higher grade flotation concentrate of up to 92.5% graphitic carbon ('Cg') was produced compared to the previous 78.3% Cg concentrate;
• For the first time a fully engineered purification process has been completed providing data for energy requirements, water treatment, reagent consumption & equipment sizing;
• Optimization of NaOH consumption was achieved such that re-cycling was eliminated thereby reducing costs related to introduction of re-cycling engineering & equipment;
• Significant (~86%) reduction in the NaOH reagent dosage;
• A technically feasible & distinctive process flow sheet was developed and work continues to fully optimize it to meet customer expectations on purity.

Dr. Stephen Mackie, Manager, Hydrometallurgical Group at SGS commented, "The recent test work has simplified the overall flow sheet for the purification of the graphite concentrate. Optimization of a process at this stage of a mineral project is a common exercise. We have come a long way in the last few months and will continue to develop a distinctive process for Zenyatta's unique, hydrothermal style graphite deposit."