Valterra Returns 65.6% of Carbon Content Into Jumbo & Large Flake Graphite Fractions in Metallurgical Grab Sample at Bobcaygeon
30 November 2012 - 7:20AM
Marketwired
Valterra Resource Corporation (TSX VENTURE:VQA)(FRANKFURT:3VA)
("Valterra") reports that a second stage of metallurgical analyses
of a +20kg grab sample from the discovery trench at the +140 sq. km
Bobcaygeon Graphite Property, located near Peterborough in Southern
Ontario, returned the following highlights:
-- 65.6% graphite reported to jumbo and large flake size fraction
classifications Including 45.6% jumbo flake (+48 mesh or greater than
0.297mm)
-- 99% carbon recovery into the flash and rougher concentrate which
-- graded 65-70% C(g) prior to any upgrading via cleaning circuit
Valterra is proceeding with the next stage of metallurgical test
work at SGS Lakefield. This will include a cleaner flotation
circuit aimed at increasing the concentrate grade to +95% C(g).
Also, enhanced optical mineralogy work is proposed on sub-samples
of the different concentrate size fractions to better assess
individual flakes and needles of graphite.
President Fred Sveinson, P.Eng., stated: "Management is pleased
with the mineralogical and metallurgical testing from the discovery
trench. The results indicate a high grade, large flake graphite
system. The next step is to determine the extent of mineralization
at the discovery zone and continue exploring this large property
package looking for more deposits."
Table 1: Highlighted Jumbo and Large Flake Metallurgical Determination
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flake Combined Concentrate Assays % % Distribution
Size mm mesh C(t) C(g) C(t) C(g)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jumbo 0.500 +32 69.7 69.2 22.8 22.9
0.297 +48 75.5 75.4 22.5 22.7
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Large 0.210 +65 68.4 68.0 14.3 14.4
0.178 +80 64.4 63.5 5.7 5.6
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 65.2 65.6
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The kinetics test used a two-stage grinding strategy with the
products of each incremental flotation stage evaluated
qualitatively under an optical microscope to characterize the
quality of the flotation products. The incremental rougher
concentrates were combined into two flotation concentrates and
submitted for size fraction analysis. The two concentrates were
screened at various mesh sizes and the size fractions and the
rougher tails were subjected to LOI and C(g) analyses to generate a
mass balance. Further the rougher concentrates and the rougher
tails were subjected to a whole rock analysis by ICP. Cautionary
Note: The grab sample was selective by nature and is unlikely to
represent average grades of the deposit.
The sample, which was processed by SGS Lakefield, was comprised
of float pieces from a shallow backhoe trench and returned a
previously released high-grade assay of 34% C(g) (see NR-11-12).
Microscopic analyses of the sample provided by SGS Lakefield in an
earlier report identified the graphite as primarily flaky and platy
particles with size ranges from 0.05mm to 3mm (coarse flake
graphite is defined as greater than 80 mesh or 0.178mm) and
visually much of the sample appears to be coarse in nature.
Photomicrographs provided as part of this report show
polycrystalline aggregates and lesser acicular (needle-like) grains
making up much of the visible graphite. The complete report with
photomicrographs of the sample is available on Valterra's website
at www.valterraresource.com.
Exploration work is continuing on the property which is
approximately 1.5 hours' drive northeast of Toronto and is close to
transport, power, and numerous services. An 11 line-kilometre
gridding program is ongoing, and a trenching-sampling-mapping
program and an EM/MAG/IP ground geophysical survey are scheduled to
commence. In November, Valterra also staked an additional +4,500ha
following a regional contact which hosts numerous graphite past
producers and occurrences.
Valterra also announces that Jean-Pierre Colin has resigned as a
director effective November 14, 2012. Valterra's board of directors
has accepted Mr. Colin's resignation and wishes him well in his
future endeavors.
About Graphite
Graphite is a naturally occurring form of carbon with
wide-ranging and unique physical properties. Graphite is used in
the development of graphene, which, when developed industrially,
will be a replacement for several expensive electronic components
such as silicon semi-conductors. There are three primary graphite
occurrences naturally - vein, flake, and amorphous where the
highest quality product can sell for over $2,000 per tonne. In
pricing graphite, the flake size is a key factor with the large
flake (greater than.178mm) ores commanding the highest prices in
markets dominated by multi-national eco-automobile manufacturers,
high-tech industries and nuclear energy companies. Recent pricing
and demand increases have spurred numerous exploration and
investment opportunities in the graphite market. The Province of
Ontario is an excellent locale to explore owing to superior
geology, geoscience knowledge, infrastructure, political stability
and tax incentives. Several projects are advancing in the graphite
field including Northern Graphite Corporation, Zenyatta Ventures
Inc. and Ontario Graphite Ltd.
About Valterra Resource Corporation
Valterra is a Manex Resource Group Company. The group provides
expertise in exploration, administration, and corporate development
services for Valterra's mineral properties located in British
Columbia and Ontario. Valterra is focussed on early stage
properties with the potential to host large deposits, in regions
with excellent infrastructure. Over the last several years,
Valterra has acquired and is exploring several key projects
including "Star-Toughnut", "Swift Katie" and "Bobcaygeon" which are
located near roads, rail, power, and resource communities in
Canada.
Brian McGrath, P.Geo., is the Qualified Person responsible for
reviewing the technical information presented in this release.
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
Frederick Sveinson, President, Valterra Resource Corporation
For further information, please visit Valterra's website at
www.valterraresource.com.
This news release may contain forward-looking statements
including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and
content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations,
receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes,
etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and
conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties.
Actual results may differ materially from those currently
anticipated in such statements. These statements are based on a
number of assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions
regarding general economic conditions, interest rates, commodity
markets, regulatory and governmental approvals for Valterra
Resource Corporation's projects, and the availability of financing
for Valterra Resource Corporation's development projects on
reasonable terms. Factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those in forward looking statements include market
prices, exploitation and exploration successes, the timing and
receipt of government and regulatory approvals, and continued
availability of capital and financing and general economic, market
or business conditions. Valterra Resource Corporation does not
assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events
or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.
Neither 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.
Contacts: Valterra Resource Corporation Liana Shahinian
1.888.456.1112 or 604.641.2773liana@mnxltd.com
www.valterraresource.com