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Figure 1 - Optical microscopy image of a +25 mesh fraction of the Santa Cruz flake
Once our Phase 1 plant is operational in 2022, producing high-quality flake graphite concentrates,
As part of the scope of the ongoing advanced testing program,
1
Material Characterizations
The Santa Cruz +50 mesh and +80 mesh concentrates were characterized for the key physiochemical properties. Key characteristics are presented inTable 1. Classic shaping and form factures for our concentrate are provided inFigure 1.
Table 1 - Physiochemical Characteristics of Bulk Concentrate and P50 and P80 Fractions in Santa Cruz Concentrate of 95.33 wt.% C Concentrate Grade Purity Level
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Seventy-five-element solid ICP analysis on the concentrate samples revealed no deleterious elements in any of the raw samples including a very low measurement of 1.8 ppm for Boron. This low level of Boron confirms a previous laboratory analysis and is a key attribute needed to qualify graphite for nuclear industry uses. The ICP analysis also detected measurable levels of Scandium, Yttrium, Praseodymium, Neodymium, Gadolinium, Dysprosium, as well as several other rare earth elements (REEs) are presented inTable 2. As part of the purification testing program, it may be possible to concentrate and collect these elements in the waste stream, potentially adding a high-value by-product to South Star’s processing flow sheet.
Table 2 - REEs from ICP Analysis of
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Expandability Testing of Concentrates
The Santa Cruz +50 mesh and +80 mesh concentrates were tested for expandability utilizing an industry standard chemical intercalation and heating to 950oC. Post-expansion analysis indicated an expansion coefficient average of 196.09 cm3/g and a BET Specific Surface Area (“SSA”) of 56.97 m2/g for the +50 mesh samples (Figure 2) and an expansion coefficient average of 264.29 cm3/g and a BET SSA of 99.09 m2/g for the +80 mesh samples (Figure 3). These results demonstrate excellent suitability for use in expandable and expanded graphite products such as high temperature seals, gaskets and fire retardants. With various size cuts yielding different expansion results, the Company will be able to produce intercalated graphite with tunable purity and expansion properties for a variety of potential customers in multiple market segments from fire retardants to foams, gaskets and seals.
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Figure 2 – +50 Mesh Expanded Graphite
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Figure 3 – +50 Mesh Natural & Expanded Graphite
---------------------------------------------- | |Natural Flake Graphite|Expanded Graphite| | |--------------------------------------------| | | ----------------------------------------------
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Figure 4 – +80 Mesh Natural & Expanded Graphite
---------------------------------------------- | |Natural Flake Graphite|Expanded Graphite| | |--------------------------------------------| | | ----------------------------------------------
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Additional expandability tests/data of concentrate and purified graphites will be released when completed, as part of the current testing program.
Expandable (Intercalated) Graphite
Due to the layered structure of graphite, small molecules can be introduced between the carbon layers (intercalation). Under the influence of heat the layers separate like an accordion, and the graphite flakes expand. Depending upon the grade of material, expansion can commence at as low as 180°C (Start Temperature) and can occur suddenly and rapidly. The final volume can be several hundred times greater than the initial volume of flake.
Expandable graphite is a high value-add product that has a wide range of applications due to the thermal and electrical conductivities, soft and ductile nature while extremely resistant to attack from high temperatures, corrosive chemicals, compression or radiation. Uses include heat sinks, high temperature gaskets and seals, fire retardants, paints and coatings, and fillers in chemically resistant composites, amongst others. It is widely used in automotive, petrochemical, chemical, nuclear, electronics, metal castings and building industries. Prices can range from USD thousands to tens of thousands, depending on the technical specification, purity and added value, when compared to traditional graphite.
About
This news release has been reviewed and approved by Richard Pearce, P.E., a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101 and President and CEO of
On behalf of the Board,
Mr.
Chief Executive Officer
For additional information, please contact:
Phone:416-868-1079 x251
Email: cathy@chfir.com
Mr.
Chairman
Email:davemc@telus.net
Twitter:https://twitter.com/southstarmining
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/southstarmining/
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/south-star-mining-corp/
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
Neither the
This news release and the Updated Technical Report contain references to inferred resources. The Report is preliminary in nature and includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves.
Forward-Looking Information
The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements".
Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections.
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