TIDMALBA
RNS Number : 3884O
Alba Mineral Resources PLC
09 February 2021
Alba Mineral Resources plc
("Alba" or the "Company")
Testwork Results on Amitsoq Graphite
Indicate Suitability for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Alba Mineral Resources plc (AIM: ALBA) is pleased to announce
the results of the independent testwork programme undertaken on
graphite material from the Company's high-grade Amitsoq graphite
project in southern Greenland.
The testwork has confirmed that the graphite content of Amitsoq
ore is very high, amongst the highest found in flake graphite
deposits globally. It has also demonstrated that a >96% graphite
concentrate can be produced and that many of the inherent
characteristics exhibited by Amitsoq graphite are positive.
Accordingly, subject to certain follow-up testwork which is
recommended, the testwork indicates the suitability of Amitsoq
graphite as feed material for Lithium-Ion Batteries ("LIBs"), the
fastest growing market for flake graphite globally.
Key Points
-- Latest testwork by ProGraphite confirms Amitsoq graphite's
very high carbon content - one of the highest grades for flake
graphite deposits globally
-- Carbon content of 97% achieved by flotation
o Considered probable that for some fractions 98% carbon will be achievable by flotation
-- Testwork shows Amitsoq graphite probably usable in most applications
-- Based on the results obtained so far, recommendation for
final treatment of concentrate would be to:
o screen and sell the <=150 micron material separately;
and
o use remaining -150 micron material (approx. 85% of total
concentrate mass) for spherical graphite production (LIBs require
spherical graphite)
-- Amitsoq graphite concentrate's potential suitability for LIBs is a significant finding
o Market for LIBs is fastest growing market for flake graphite
o Massive growth rates forecast for demand for LIBs in electric vehicles
George Frangeskides, Alba's Executive Chairman, commented:
"The successful completion of this testwork phase is a timely
affirmation of the potential of the Amitsoq Project and reinforces
our aim to drill the deposit later this year."
"The testwork has confirmed that a high-grade saleable
concentrate can be produced from Amitsoq graphite. With the input
of recognised graphite experts ProGraphite, we now see a path
opening up for Amitsoq graphite to be used in the dynamic and
ever-expanding global electric vehicle sector."
Introduction
Graphite ore from the Amitsoq deposit was supplied to the
ProGraphite GmbH ("ProGraphite") laboratory in Germany.
Approximately 10 kg was used by ProGraphite in the processing. The
material was screened at 710 micron and the oversized material was
ground in a rod mill until all material was below 710 microns. This
material was the feed for the flotation testwork. It had Fixed
Carbon grading 25.97%.
Flotation was conducted with a standard flotation cell. In order
to protect the flakes, multiple milling and attritioning was
applied. After the stage 7 flotation step, the carbon content of
the concentrate reached 96.2% LOI. Most of the analytical testwork
was carried out on this concentrate. However, a further 300 g of
the concentrate was subjected to a further round of attritioning
and flotation and, as a result, the carbon content reached 97.2%
LOI.
NB: As graphite mineralogy and processing is a highly technical
and specialised area of work, a general overview follows first,
followed by a section containing greater technical detail. Please
also note that a glossary of terms is set out at the end of this
release.
Overview
This testwork programme has confirmed that Amitsoq graphite has
a very high carbon content, one of the highest for flake graphite
deposits globally.
The testwork has also confirmed the following:
(a) The ore crushes easily and comminution and flotation can also be easily achieved.
(b) Carbon content of 97% was reached by flotation, and it is
considered quite probable that for at least some fractions 98%
Carbon will be achievable by flotation. This is very high and would
offer a significant advantage, as no purification would be needed
to achieve that level.
(c) While the concentrate is quite fine, with 16.5% of the mass
being larger than 150 microns, the carbon content in the different
sieve fractions is evenly distributed and the content of volatiles
is low in all fractions.
(d) The bulk density is in a normal range, whereas the specific
surface area shows an increased value which might lead to an
increased oxidation behaviour. The elemental distribution is quite
normal for this type of ore, showing increased values for silica,
iron and sulphur.
(e) Via XRD it was determined that the crystals forming the
graphite flakes are quite small. The crystal lattice has a certain
level of defects, however this is still in the normal range for
flake graphite.
The conclusion from this round of testwork is that Amitsoq
graphite can probably be used for most applications, perhaps
excepting those where high oxidation-resistance is mandatory.
Based on the results obtained so far, ProGraphite's
recommendation for the final treatment of the concentrate would be
to screen the concentrate at 150 microns, with the flakes thereby
obtained being sold separately at higher prices, and with the
remaining product (approximately 85% of the concentrate mass) being
used for spherical graphite production.
Further Technical Details
In respect of the analytical testwork carried out on the
produced concentrate:
(a) Particle size distribution
The particle size distribution shows that the portion of flakes
in the >150 micron size categories is 16.5%, which is quite low
albeit in line with some Chinese or African deposits which are
mined. It is expected that the process of repeated grinding and
attritioning in order to attain a 96% concentrate has the effect of
reducing the overall particle size.
However, it should be noted that the recovery of larger flake
graphite was not an objective for this round of testwork. The flake
size of the graphite used to produce LIB anode material is far less
important, as the graphite is micronised to less than 30 microns
prior to shaping and purification, this being the process for
producing spherical graphite for LIBs.
The latest round of testwork has shown, however, that the carbon
content of the concentrate is very homogenous for all fractions,
which is a significant advantage, as all fractions are saleable
with a high carbon content, allowing for higher prices.
(b) Volatiles
Volatiles are an important factor in graphite quality, as flake
graphite is often used in hot environments, where a high portion of
volatiles can be disturbing. The volatiles in the Amitsoq graphite
concentrate vary between 0.38% and 0.71%, which are low values and
thus a positive property of this graphite.
(c) Bulk density
The concentrate returned a bulk density of 480 g/l, which is a
medium value for flake graphite with the given particle size
distribution. It is comparable with most graphite from China.
(d) Specific Surface Analysis (SSA)
SSA is analysed with the BET method (Brunauer-Emett-Teller). The
result obtained was a SSA of 7.5 m(2)/g. Generally, the higher the
BET value, the higher the porosity or surface inhomogeneity of the
material. A high BET value (and high surface inhomogeneity) leads
to high absorptivity of the material. The test result shows quite a
high BET value for the flake graphite tested.
(e) Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
TGA analyses the oxidation behaviour of graphite. Due to its
heat-resistant properties, a major application for graphite is
refractories, where high oxidation resistance is important. The TGA
analysis shows that Amitsoq graphite has low volatiles and is very
stable at temperatures up to over 400degC, which is very positive.
When the temperature is further increased, the oxidation rate is
quite high, which might be a result of the increased specific
surface area.
(f) XRF analysis
XRF trace element analysis was conducted. The main elemental
impurity in the concentrate was found to be silicon (Si), which is
typical for flake graphite. The iron (Fe) and Sulphur (S) content
are relatively high in the Amitsoq graphite concentrate. Other
elements with an increased level are zinc (Zn) and potassium (K).
The other elements are in a normal range for flake graphite of 96%
carbon level.
(g) X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)
Full XRD analysis was conducted on a combined +100 mesh
concentrate sample.
The graphitisation level shows the degree of lattice perfection
of a sample in comparison with ideal graphite (value 1). Flake
graphite is usually close to 1. The value returned for Amitsoq
graphite was 0.98, which constitutes a good result and is
comparable to graphite which is mined in northern China.
The graphite from Amitsoq consists of quite small crystals,
which have quite a high degree of lattice deformation.
Recommendations and Next Steps
The standard feed material for LIBs is termed "-195" grade,
comprising a minimum of 80% below -100 mesh (or -150 microns) with
a minimum 95% Fixed Carbon. Based on the results obtained so far,
ProGraphite's recommendation for the final treatment of the
concentrate would be as follows:
(1) the concentrate should be screened at 150 microns, with the
flakes thereby obtained being sold separately at higher prices.
(2) The remaining material (-150 micron, approx. 85% of the
concentrate mass) appears to be a typical -195 grade product, which
could be used for spherical graphite production.
This finding that the concentrate from Amitsoq graphite appears
to be suitable for LIBs is significant, as the market for LIBs is
the fastest growing market for flake graphite, with massive growth
rates forecast for the next decade due to the expected demand for
LIBs in electric vehicles.
Alba will now commission ProGraphite to undertake the next phase
of testwork, which is to assess the purification behaviour of the
material. Given that the particle size distribution should be
suitable for usage in LIBs, it should also be confirmed that it is
possible to lower the impurities in the concentrate to typical
values for LIBs.
About Graphite
Graphite is a non-toxic, chemically inert material. Additional
characteristics of graphite are its high electric and thermic
conductivity, excellent lubricity and exceptional thermal shock
resistance. These characteristics mean that graphite is widely used
in a variety of industrial applications. However, graphite is also
an essential component in certain critical technological advances
that are at the forefront of the drive to reduce global CO (2)
emissions. In particular, graphite is the anode material in
lithium-ion batteries which are used to power electric vehicles and
domestic electricity storage systems.
Graphite and the Battery Metals Sector
To meet battery cell manufacturers' specifications for use as
the anode in lithium-ion batteries, natural flake graphite must be
purified and shaped into small spheres, at which point the material
is referred to a High Purity Spherical Graphite ("HPSG"). After
shaping, the natural flake graphite is purified by chemical
leaching to remove impurities and raise the carbon content to above
99.95% C. HPSG is further processed by coating a single layer of
carbon onto the spheres to produce spherical coated graphite.
Spherical graphite commands much a higher price than selling a
flake graphite concentrate.
Demand for graphite from the lithium-ion market alone is
forecast to rise from nearly 200,000 tonnes per year currently in a
700,000 to 800,000 tonne overall graphite market to nearly 3
million tonnes a year in a 4 million tonne graphite market by 2030
(Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, December 2020, as quoted in
www.investingnews.com , 11 January 2021) .
About ProGraphite
Headquartered in Germany, ProGraphite GmbH offers professional
expertise in natural graphite and other carbon products, acquired
during several decades of working in the graphite industry
worldwide. ProGraphite's business activities include consulting,
laboratory and mineralogical services. Additionally, due to its
extensive experience in the graphite sector, ProGraphite supports
customers and end users to evaluate the optimal graphite type and
grade for their specific projects.
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes
of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014.
Forward Looking Statements
This announcement contains forward-looking statements relating
to expected or anticipated future events and anticipated results
that are forward-looking in nature and, as a result, are subject to
certain risks and uncertainties, such as general economic, market
and business conditions, competition for qualified staff, the
regulatory process and actions, technical issues, new legislation,
uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans,
uncertainties resulting from working in a new political
jurisdiction, uncertainties regarding the results of exploration,
uncertainties regarding the timing and granting of prospecting
rights, uncertainties regarding the timing and granting of
regulatory and other third party consents and approvals,
uncertainties regarding the Company's or any third party's ability
to execute and implement future plans, and the occurrence of
unexpected events.
Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing,
uncertainties also exist in connection with the ongoing Coronavirus
(COVID-19) pandemic which may result in further lockdown measures
and restrictions being imposed by Governments and other competent
regulatory bodies and agencies from time to time in response to the
pandemic, which measures and restrictions may prevent or inhibit
the Company from executing its work activities according to the
timelines set out in this announcement or indeed from executing its
work activities at all. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may
also affect the Company's ability to execute its work activities
due to personnel and contractors testing positive for COVID-19 or
otherwise being required to self-isolate from time to time.
Actual results achieved may vary from the information provided
herein as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and
uncertainties and other factors.
Competent Person Declaration
The information in this release that relates to Exploration
Results has been reviewed by Mr Mark Austin. Mr Austin is a member
of SACNASP (Reg. No. 400235/06), Fellow of The Geological Society
and Fellow of the Geological Society of South Africa. He has a
B.Sc. Honours in Geology with 38 years' experience.
Mark Austin has sufficient experience that is relevant to the
style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and
to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person
as defined in the 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for
Reporting of Exploration targets, Exploration Results, Mineral
Resources and Ore Reserves', also known as the JORC Code. The JORC
code is a national reporting organisation that is aligned with
CRIRSCO. Mr Austin consents to the inclusion in the announcement of
the matters based on his information in the form and context in
which they appear.
Glossary
Attrition or Attritioning : the process of grinding ore in
mineral processing.
Comminution : reduction of the particle size of materials.
Crushing and grinding are the two primary comminution
processes.
Fixed Carbon (or Total Carbon) : Carbon may be present in rocks
in various forms including organic carbon, carbonates or graphitic
carbon. Carbon in rocks may be reported as fixed or total carbon
(organic carbon + carbon in carbonate minerals + carbon as
graphite) or as total graphitic carbon (or TGC) (total carbon -
(organic + carbonate carbon).
Flotation : in mineral processing, the method used to separate
and concentrate ores by altering their surfaces to a hydrophobic
condition-that is, so that the surfaces are repelled by water. A
stream of air bubbles is then passed through the pulp. The bubbles
attach to and levitate the hydrophobic particles, which collect in
a froth layer which flows over the weir of the flotation cell.
LOI : Loss on ignition (LOI) is a test used in inorganic
analytical chemistry and soil science, particularly in the analysis
of minerals and the chemical makeup of soil. It consists of
strongly heating ("igniting") a sample of the material at a
specified temperature, allowing volatile substances to escape,
until its mass ceases to change.
Mesh : mesh or mesh size refers to the mesh number (a US
measurement standard) and its relationship to the size of the
openings in a mesh and thus the size of particles that can pass
through these openings. The mesh number is equal to the number of
openings in one linear inch of screen. A 4-mesh screen means there
are four square openings across one inch of screen. A 100-mesh
screen has 100 openings per inch, and so on. As the number
indicating the mesh size increases, the size of the openings and
thus the size of particles captured by the screen decreases.
Micronising : micronisation is the process of reducing the
average diameter of a solid material's particles. Traditional
techniques for micronisation focus on mechanical means, such as
milling and grinding. Modern techniques make use of the properties
of supercritical fluids and manipulate the principles of
solubility.
Micron : a micron is the measure of length most frequently used
to describe tiny particle sizes. The term micron is shorthand for
micrometre. The official symbol for the micron or micrometer is
<MU>m, sometimes simplified as um. A micron is defined as
one-millionth of a metre, a little more than one twenty-five
thousandth of an inch.
Milling : a mill is a device that breaks solid materials into
smaller pieces by grinding, crushing or cutting.
Spherical graphite : used as the anode in lithium-ion batteries.
Natural flake graphite is first purified and shaped into small
spheres, at which point the material is referred to a High Purity
Spherical Graphite ("HPSG"). After shaping, the natural flake
graphite is purified by chemical leaching to remove impurities and
raise the carbon content to above 99.95% C. HPSG is further
processed by coating a single layer of carbon onto the spheres to
produce spherical coated graphite. The spheronisation process
decreases the surface area to allow more graphite into a smaller
volume. This creates a smaller, denser, more efficient anode
product for the battery. It also increases the rate at which the
cell can be charged and discharged.
TGA (Thermogravimetric analysis or thermal gravimetric analysis)
: a method of thermal analysis in which the mass of a sample is
measured over time as the temperature changes.
XRD (X-ray diffraction) : a rapid analytical technique primarily
used for phase identification of a crystalline material and can
provide information on unit cell dimensions. The analysed material
is finely ground, homogenized, and average bulk composition is
determined. XRD determines the mineralogy.
XRF (x-ray fluorescence) : an x-ray optical analysis technique
which is based on spectroscopic detection of fluorescence of atoms
which are excited by x-rays. It is an elemental analysis technique
which is able to confirm the concentration of different elements in
a sample. XRF analyses for chemistry.
For further information, please contact:
Alba Mineral Resources plc
George Frangeskides, Executive Chairman +44 20 3950 0725
Cairn Financial Advisers LLP (Nomad)
James Caithie / Liam Murray +44 20 7213 0880
ETX Capital (Broker)
Thomas Smith +44 20 7392 1494
Alba's Project and Investment Portfolio
Project (commodity) Location Ownership
Mining Projects
Amitsoq (graphite) Greenland 90%
----------- ----------
Clogau (gold) Wales 90%
----------- ----------
Gwynfynydd (gold) Wales 100%
----------- ----------
Inglefield (copper, cobalt,
gold) Greenland 100%
----------- ----------
Limerick (zinc-lead) Ireland 100%
----------- ----------
Melville Bay (iron ore) Greenland 51%
----------- ----------
TBS (ilmenite) Greenland 100%
----------- ----------
Oil & Gas Investments
Brockham (oil) England 5%
----------- ----------
Horse Hill (oil) England 11.765%
----------- ----------
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