Mason Graphite’s vision concretely redefines the notion of integrated project for graphite. In addition to combining mine + concentrator (1st transformation) with the value-added products (2nd transformation), it also includes tailings valorization.
MONTREAL, Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mason Graphite inc. ("Mason Graphite" or the “Company") (TSX.V: LLG; OTCQX: MGPHF) presented the progress of its integrated project to the industry’s stakeholders at the virtual conference Benchmark Week 2020, organized by Benchmark Mineral Intelligence on December 7, 2020. Ultimately, the Company expects that all the ore extracted from the mine will be converted into commercial products, meaning that no residue from the concentrator will be stockpiled on the site (see attached image).
The presentation made during the Benchmark Week 2020 Conference is available on the web site of the Company (www.masongraphite.com).
A visionary project, well aligned with recent governmental plans
While Mason Graphite has already been working for years on the development of a fully integrated project (1st and 2nd transformations and tailings valorization), the Quebec Government recently announced several initiatives along the same lines, thus reinforcing the vision of the Company:
- The Quebec Plan for the Valorization of Critical and Strategic Minerals, which graphite is, aims to make Quebec a leader in the production, processing and recycling of critical and strategic minerals, in partnership with regional communities and First Nations, and where the innovative vision of the Company regarding the valorization of 100% of its residues supports the concept of sustainable development and circular economy;
- The Plan for a Green Economy, which, among other things, prioritizes the electrification of transportation, and to which Mason Graphite can contribute to achieving the objective of an increased number of electric vehicles in Quebec (graphite is an essential material for Li-ion batteries used in electric vehicles);
- Finally, the project also responds to the priorities and objectives favoured by the Northern Plan of the Government of Quebec: the concentrator for the 1st transformation of graphite from Lake Guéret will be built in Baie-Comeau, located north of the 49th parallel, in accordance with Quebec's desire to “live in the north” and promote a strong and diversified economy in addition to an attractive and dynamic living environment.
The Advantages of Mason Graphite’s Project
- Project with a very low environmental footprint, thanks to the high grade of the deposit (27.8% Cg on average for the first 25 years of production), to access to hydroelectricity, to non-polluting processes and to tailings valorization;
- Strong social acceptance by local communities and First Nations (IBA signed with Pessamit);
- Deposit holding 65.5 Mt of mineral resources at 17.2% Cg, one of the most important and richest deposits known;
- First transformation project with very low risk, ready to build:
- Detail engineering done at 75%, which significantly strengthens the construction costs estimate (CAPEX);
- Main process equipment already on site, thus eliminating a major construction schedule;
- Land for the concentrator owned by the Company;
- All permits required to begin construction in hand;
- Coated spherical graphite project for Li-ion batteries well advanced:
- Processes for purification, shaping and coating demonstrated at pilot scale;
- Product produced at pilot scale currently undergoing cycling tests, with excellent results (see Press Releases of December 3 and 15, 2020), testing still underway to estimate full life expectancy;
- Tailings valorization processes tested at pilot scale, applications for the commercial products under development.
Consent of the Qualified Person
Jean L'Heureux, Eng., M. Eng., COO for Mason Graphite, and a Qualified Person, as defined by NI 43-101 for Mason Graphite, was responsible for the audit of data presented in this press release and read and approved it.
About Mason Graphite
Mason Graphite is a Canadian corporation dedicated to the production and transformation of natural graphite. Its strategy includes the development of value-added products, notably for green technologies like transport electrification. The Company also owns 100% of the rights to the Lac Guéret graphite deposit, one of the richest in the world. The Company is managed by an experienced team cumulating many decades of experience in graphite, covering production, sales, as well as research and development.
For more information: www.masongraphite.com
Mason Graphite Inc.
Ana Rodrigues at info@masongraphite.com or 1 514 289-3580
Head Office: 3030, boulevard Le Carrefour, suite 600, Laval, Quebec, Canada, H7T 2P5
Cautionary Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All information contained herein that is not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. Generally, such forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: (i) volatile stock price; (ii) the general global markets and economic conditions; (iii) the possibility of write-downs and impairments; (iv) the risk associated with exploration, development and operations of mineral deposits; (v) the risk associated with establishing title to mineral properties and assets; (vi) the risks associated with entering into joint ventures; (vii) fluctuations in commodity prices; (viii) the risks associated with uninsurable risks arising during the course of exploration, development and production; (ix) competition faced by the resulting issuer in securing experienced personnel and financing; (x) access to adequate infrastructure to support mining, processing, development and exploration activities; (xi) the risks associated with changes in the mining regulatory regime governing the resulting issuer; (xii) the risks associated with the various environmental regulations the resulting issuer is subject to; (xiii) risks related to regulatory and permitting delays; (xiv) risks related to potential conflicts of interest; (xv) the reliance on key personnel; (xvi) liquidity risks; (xvii) the risk of potential dilution through the issue of common shares; (xviii) the Company does not anticipate declaring dividends in the near term; (xix) the risk of litigation; and (xx) risk management.
Forward-looking information is based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made, including but not limited to, continued exploration activities, no material adverse change in metal prices, exploration and development plans proceeding in accordance with plans and such plans achieving their stated expected outcomes, receipt of required regulatory approvals, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information has been provided for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company's business, operations and exploration plans and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update such forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
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.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b80d8a5c-0c6e-4c0f-956f-4d1670d99c9f