Hathor Exploration (TSX:HAT) is a company that is currently exploring for uranium in one of the finest uranium areas on earth. This would be the Athabasca Basin in northern Saskatchewan, Canada. Known as an area where political stability is definitely not an issue, and the grade of most uranium from this area reaching unusually high grades, including some of the highest grades known, it is viewed as a premiere address for all company's involved in uranium.
I wrote about Hathor Exploration, back on May 20, 2011, and questioned whether Hathor Exploration would become a mine or a take-over target. On Friday Aug. 26, 2011, news broke of a hostile bid by one of the world's larger uranium producers, namely Cameco. This acted as a driver to the Hathor shareprice, causing it to reach new 52 week highs Friday, and continuing on Monday and Tuesday. The closing price on Tuesday was $4.10 per share.
It would seem that shareholders are making a statement about the offer at this point, since $4.10 is a respectable premium over and above the $3.75 offer from Cameco. Hathor management has requested that shareholders not respond to Cameco's offer at the present time, in a news release dated August 29, 2011. In this news release Hathor also stated that they were unable to comment at this time since they had not received any official papers concerning this hostile bid. http://www.hathor.ca/i/pdf/NR_29aug2011_CCOresponse_V6-2.pdf
It would be my opinion that this price could conceivably appreciate from this level. Cameco may need to sweeten the offer at this point, and that is assuming that no other offers come to light. Some analysts are saying they see little chance of an alternate offer. The main argument for this view is the foreign takeover rules. However, in my opinion, while this may be somewhat of a problem, there are companies that could either present an offer since they are Canadian, or a Canadian company could JV with one of the foreign company's. This would leave several scenarios open which could include names like Areva, Denison Mines, not to mention a few others, although these would definitely standout. Of course there is the possibility of even BHP Billiton, but I'm not certain where they might stand on this. All of the company's mentioned have been unavailable for comment so far.
I do expect that Hathor will quite likely continue to gain ground with their shareprice. In any event, the one thing that Cameco has done through all this, is bring global attention to Hathor Exploration, and in so doing, it is extremely difficult to say with any certainty just where this shareprice may end up.
I do like the fact that I was able to call Hathor back in late May, and now to watch the company appreciate as I had first envisioned it. From the time I called Hathor, in May to now, represents a 59.5% ROI. If this plays out the way I expect it may, there could still be some profit to be made yet.
If anyone would like more information on Hathor, I would suggest going to their website which can be found at http://www.hathor.ca/s/Home.asp
For disclosure purposes I have received no compensation for my views or this post. I do not own any shares of Hathor Exploration.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Acceleware steps up a level with the latest news release
Acceleware (TSXV:AXE) is a Canadian based company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. Acceleware develops and markets software acceleration products that bring unparalleled performance and speed to today's most strenuous and challenging compute and/or data-intensive demands. With Acceleware solutions installed, computer processing for data processing and simulation applications can benefit from speed-ups of 10x to 50x. Acceleware also uses its unique expertise for providing consulting services for companies, and research institutions involved with High Performance Computing. These services include architecting multi-core processing solutions, code porting and training.
In a news release of Aug. 24, 2011, Paradigm states that Fugro has chosen the Paradigm Reverse Time Migration to meet its challenging depth imaging objectives. http://www.acceleware.com/press_release/fugro-selects-paradigm-and-acceleware%E2%80%99s-reverse-time-migration
The fact that Fugro is the first to choose the RTM approach is, in my opinion, of significance. The fact that Acceleware was able to work in collaboration with Paradigm to produce a product, such as Reverse Time Migration, and then to have a company of the stature of Fugro choose this as a product of value in their operations speaks volumes. Fugro is afterall a world leader in their industry, and as they say on their website, "Fugro’s mission is to be the world’s leading service provider for the collection and interpretation of data relating to the earth’s surface and sub-surface and for associated services and advice in support of infrastructure development on land, along the coast and on the seabed." http://www.fugro.com/index.asp
This is excellent news for everyone involved, but especially for Acceleware, since this is something that Acceleware has been working on for some time. Now that a company with the size and stature of Paradigm has successfully brought this into the mainstream, it definitely holds the potential for more work that is similar. Paradigm reportedly has more customers in the pipeline that could potentially use this type of service. In my opinion, this could well be the first step, of many to come, that will take Acceleware upwards in this sector of technology. As this newest technology begins to prove itself, I would expect we can look for the possibility of Paradigm and Acceleware to continue to work together on future projects. The two company's have a constructive relationship, with the RTM product bearing witness of the same.
The entire industry is preparing for the largest gathering of geophysicists, geologists, earth scientists, energy industry executives, researchers and software developers. Yes, it is time for SEG once again. In 2011, the SEG will return to San Antonio for its Eighty-first Annual Meeting. Do not miss this opportunity to share your latest case histories, technological advancements, and research discoveries with the world's greatest assembly of applied geophysicists at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. Acceleware is not only going to be present, but will also be presenting two papers. http://www.acceleware.com/events/seg-2011
For those of you who may be planning to attend SEG, I would encourage you to stop by the Acceleware booth at 3600 Hall B, I am quite confident you won't be disappointed. The dates of the SEG are Sept. 18th - 23rd, 2011, and it will be held in San Antonio, Texas.
For shareholders of AXE, the presentation of two papers by Acceleware is of particular importance. There is, however, another presentation that holds significance, and that is the presentation by Paradigm, of Paradigm 2011. http://www.pdgm.com/ This has been a long awaited presentation, and I believe this could in turn be a positive for Acceleware, since the RTM technology is an integral part of the whole Paradigm 2011 package. This years SEG definitely looks poised to be one of the best yet.
My focus, looking forward, will be to watch for the anticipated benefits that Fugro should experience with the implementation of the Paradigm RTM product. The more benefit they recognize, will only continue to build value from this technology, for Acceleware. I am very pleased that this product will be anchored by Fugro, and anticipate that this will be only the beginning of a steady trend in continuous demand. The other driver that will influence the continuing growth of Acceleware is the presentation of their training classes. These classes are being met with positive results, and I anticipate this will continue to grow, both on the CUDA level and on the OpenCL level.
Overall Acceleware has progressed quite impressively up to this point, considering that the restructuring arrangement was completed only months ago. In my opinion we will quite likely see a continued gaining in momentum. For those who may be unaware of how these training programs are affecting Acceleware, here is a link to the schedule, http://www.acceleware.com/events.
As you can see the schedule is busy, and in talking with management, subscriptions are very good.
If I am correct in my assumptions that Acceleware will continue to gain momentum, then it goes without saying just how undervalued this company is. I see a management team that is extremely dedicated and committed to building this company and keeping the shareholder in mind as they progress. I also see the successful steps they have taken thusfar and I truly expect we should start to see some appreciation in the share price in the near-term.
For those who find Acceleware a compelling investment consideration, I strongly suggest you do your own due diligence. An excellent place to start is at the Acceleware website, which is located at, http://www.acceleware.com/.
For disclosure purposes I have recieved no compensation of any kind for my views or this post. I own shares of Acceleware.
In a news release of Aug. 24, 2011, Paradigm states that Fugro has chosen the Paradigm Reverse Time Migration to meet its challenging depth imaging objectives. http://www.acceleware.com/press_release/fugro-selects-paradigm-and-acceleware%E2%80%99s-reverse-time-migration
The fact that Fugro is the first to choose the RTM approach is, in my opinion, of significance. The fact that Acceleware was able to work in collaboration with Paradigm to produce a product, such as Reverse Time Migration, and then to have a company of the stature of Fugro choose this as a product of value in their operations speaks volumes. Fugro is afterall a world leader in their industry, and as they say on their website, "Fugro’s mission is to be the world’s leading service provider for the collection and interpretation of data relating to the earth’s surface and sub-surface and for associated services and advice in support of infrastructure development on land, along the coast and on the seabed." http://www.fugro.com/index.asp
This is excellent news for everyone involved, but especially for Acceleware, since this is something that Acceleware has been working on for some time. Now that a company with the size and stature of Paradigm has successfully brought this into the mainstream, it definitely holds the potential for more work that is similar. Paradigm reportedly has more customers in the pipeline that could potentially use this type of service. In my opinion, this could well be the first step, of many to come, that will take Acceleware upwards in this sector of technology. As this newest technology begins to prove itself, I would expect we can look for the possibility of Paradigm and Acceleware to continue to work together on future projects. The two company's have a constructive relationship, with the RTM product bearing witness of the same.
The entire industry is preparing for the largest gathering of geophysicists, geologists, earth scientists, energy industry executives, researchers and software developers. Yes, it is time for SEG once again. In 2011, the SEG will return to San Antonio for its Eighty-first Annual Meeting. Do not miss this opportunity to share your latest case histories, technological advancements, and research discoveries with the world's greatest assembly of applied geophysicists at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. Acceleware is not only going to be present, but will also be presenting two papers. http://www.acceleware.com/events/seg-2011
For those of you who may be planning to attend SEG, I would encourage you to stop by the Acceleware booth at 3600 Hall B, I am quite confident you won't be disappointed. The dates of the SEG are Sept. 18th - 23rd, 2011, and it will be held in San Antonio, Texas.
For shareholders of AXE, the presentation of two papers by Acceleware is of particular importance. There is, however, another presentation that holds significance, and that is the presentation by Paradigm, of Paradigm 2011. http://www.pdgm.com/ This has been a long awaited presentation, and I believe this could in turn be a positive for Acceleware, since the RTM technology is an integral part of the whole Paradigm 2011 package. This years SEG definitely looks poised to be one of the best yet.
My focus, looking forward, will be to watch for the anticipated benefits that Fugro should experience with the implementation of the Paradigm RTM product. The more benefit they recognize, will only continue to build value from this technology, for Acceleware. I am very pleased that this product will be anchored by Fugro, and anticipate that this will be only the beginning of a steady trend in continuous demand. The other driver that will influence the continuing growth of Acceleware is the presentation of their training classes. These classes are being met with positive results, and I anticipate this will continue to grow, both on the CUDA level and on the OpenCL level.
Overall Acceleware has progressed quite impressively up to this point, considering that the restructuring arrangement was completed only months ago. In my opinion we will quite likely see a continued gaining in momentum. For those who may be unaware of how these training programs are affecting Acceleware, here is a link to the schedule, http://www.acceleware.com/events.
As you can see the schedule is busy, and in talking with management, subscriptions are very good.
If I am correct in my assumptions that Acceleware will continue to gain momentum, then it goes without saying just how undervalued this company is. I see a management team that is extremely dedicated and committed to building this company and keeping the shareholder in mind as they progress. I also see the successful steps they have taken thusfar and I truly expect we should start to see some appreciation in the share price in the near-term.
For those who find Acceleware a compelling investment consideration, I strongly suggest you do your own due diligence. An excellent place to start is at the Acceleware website, which is located at, http://www.acceleware.com/.
For disclosure purposes I have recieved no compensation of any kind for my views or this post. I own shares of Acceleware.
A walk around the Lac Knife deposit owned by Focus Metals
Recently I was invited to attend a trip, by the management of Focus Metals, for the purpose of going to the Lac Knife property and seeing first-hand what the property looked like and as a factual information opportunity. This of course offers a chance to really get a feel for what the property holds from a resource standpoint, as well as offering some insight into just how large the potential is for this project. Our tour guide was CEO Gary Economo, who was very open on most topics, but of course some questions could not be answered due to the need for confidentiality at this time, which I might add will be revealed as quickly as is practical.
The flight from Ottawa to Wabush, Labrador, which is the closest airport to Lac Knife where we could land, offers a stunning view of the several operating iron-ore mines in the area. Once we landed in Wabush, we then were driven approximately an hour and a half to the Lac Knife property.
As we entered the property, there were several outcrops, which were clearly visible at surface, that are graphite boulders. Some of them had the appearance of being just another boulder, but with little effort it was possible to chip off a sample and easily see that it was graphite. Gary explained that as we first enter the resource area, the deposit is approximately 20 meters wide and reaches widths of approximately 100 meters or more midway through the property, and then narrowing down to approximately 30 meters wide. Thus, it leaves the actual deposit with a similar shape to a North American football. The drilling to date has only accomplished reaching depths of approximately 120 meters. This leaves Lac Knife not only open at depth, but also to the south. The potential for an expansion of resources to the south are exceptional, since, while standing at the south end of the current resource area, and looking to the south, there are several large outcrop boulders of graphite visible. These outcrops to the south are approximately 250 -300 meters past the south end of the resource area. It was with relative ease that one could start to sense the actual potential of this property.
There has been a considerable amount of excavation done in the mineralized zones. Much of this work was completed by the previous owners, such as Mazarin, while they were in a JV with the town of Fermont, QC, and also Graftech who was working with Ballard Power Systems. This work has left the deposit with an overburden of 3 to 6 meters in most areas. The following are some images showing what I am attempting to describe.
This is one of several outcrops visible as we entered the mineralized zone of the property. Although it may appear to look like just another rock, it takes very little effort to chip off a sample, and it is clearly graphite.
This is an image of another of the outcrops visible as we entered the Lac Knife deposit. These two outcrops are approximately 20 meters apart. While handling some of the material shown here it is quite apparent that this is an extremely high grade sample of graphite.
In this image I am holding a small piece I found on the roadway between the first and second mineralized zones. It would appear that all the graphite that is visible at surface seems to be of an unusually high grade. CEO Gary Economo, stated in his address to the Cambridge House Critical Materials Symposium, in June, 2011, " Early indications from our consultant preparing our 43-101 resource calculation are that we shall see no inconsistencies or variations from previous non-43-101 estimates that our property contains a 17% pure carbon content." I found that in walking the Lac Knife deposit these statements become more valid.
After experiencing Lac Knife in person, I look forward to just where this company is headed looking forward. The fact that the resource size is open at depth and to the south, and shows viable signs that this will undoubtedly become reality, is something that only helps one to view this in a positive light. The fact that the grade and quality of the graphite are so noticeable, tends to inspire questions of just what industries this grade of graphite may become useful to. The possible answer to these questions will be something for another article, but it has become clear that this graphite will undoubtedly attract the attention of some of the world's most prominent buyers. Further to the study of who may be interested in purchasing this graphite, comes the speculation of what, graphite of this grade, will be capable of in the graphene arena. This will also be something covered in an upcoming post.
The one thing that stood out prominently in my mind, was the fact that, not only does Focus Metals hold ownership of a world-class graphite deposit, but they also see the importance of finding the right customers who may potentially become off-take partners. This is a very important aspect, and as such it is being addressed by management as vigorously as possible. As I pointed out in an earlier post, there are several company's that seem well suited to potentially fill this need for an off-take partner. While I was not told who these company's are, I remain optimistic that my predictions have a good potential to become a reality. The much anticipated 43-101 is expected to come very close to the historical data, but it is also causing some waves, as some investors seem reluctant to believe the historical data. While I can appreciate the fact that the 43-101 is obviously necessary by todaysde-risk the project somewhat, but after visiting the site, I truly came away with a belief that the potential for Focus Metals and their 100% owned Lac Knife deposit is large at the least. With the feasibility of a resource expansion, pending further drilling, Lac Knife will, in my opinion, stand an excellent chance of achieving the goal of management, to become a dominant factor in the world of graphite, and eventually graphene supply.
On our return trip to the airport in Wabush, Labrador we stopped off in Fermont, QC briefly, where it is expected that the processing plant will be built, and following that, the upgrader plant that will bring the graphite to the 99% - 99.99% purity level, which is what the high-tech industries will require. According to Gary, there have been meetings with the town council, which have resulted in the town expressing their interest in welcoming this plant to their town.
Overall, I found this to be an inspiring property viewing, which by the time we left, had me appreciating this company and the management more than ever. I feel justified in my opinion that Focus Metals has what it takes to become the worlds premiere graphite supplier. In the coming days I will explore some of the topics that were omitted from this post.
I strongly encourage anyone who finds this company attractive as an investment choice, to do your own due diligence. An excellent place to start would be the Focus Metals website which is located at www.focusmetals.ca,
For disclosure purposes I have not received any compensation for my point of view or for this post. My travel expenses were covered by Focus Metals. I own shares in Focus Metals.
The flight from Ottawa to Wabush, Labrador, which is the closest airport to Lac Knife where we could land, offers a stunning view of the several operating iron-ore mines in the area. Once we landed in Wabush, we then were driven approximately an hour and a half to the Lac Knife property.
As we entered the property, there were several outcrops, which were clearly visible at surface, that are graphite boulders. Some of them had the appearance of being just another boulder, but with little effort it was possible to chip off a sample and easily see that it was graphite. Gary explained that as we first enter the resource area, the deposit is approximately 20 meters wide and reaches widths of approximately 100 meters or more midway through the property, and then narrowing down to approximately 30 meters wide. Thus, it leaves the actual deposit with a similar shape to a North American football. The drilling to date has only accomplished reaching depths of approximately 120 meters. This leaves Lac Knife not only open at depth, but also to the south. The potential for an expansion of resources to the south are exceptional, since, while standing at the south end of the current resource area, and looking to the south, there are several large outcrop boulders of graphite visible. These outcrops to the south are approximately 250 -300 meters past the south end of the resource area. It was with relative ease that one could start to sense the actual potential of this property.
There has been a considerable amount of excavation done in the mineralized zones. Much of this work was completed by the previous owners, such as Mazarin, while they were in a JV with the town of Fermont, QC, and also Graftech who was working with Ballard Power Systems. This work has left the deposit with an overburden of 3 to 6 meters in most areas. The following are some images showing what I am attempting to describe.
This is an image of another of the outcrops visible as we entered the Lac Knife deposit. These two outcrops are approximately 20 meters apart. While handling some of the material shown here it is quite apparent that this is an extremely high grade sample of graphite.
In this image I am holding a small piece I found on the roadway between the first and second mineralized zones. It would appear that all the graphite that is visible at surface seems to be of an unusually high grade. CEO Gary Economo, stated in his address to the Cambridge House Critical Materials Symposium, in June, 2011, " Early indications from our consultant preparing our 43-101 resource calculation are that we shall see no inconsistencies or variations from previous non-43-101 estimates that our property contains a 17% pure carbon content." I found that in walking the Lac Knife deposit these statements become more valid.
After experiencing Lac Knife in person, I look forward to just where this company is headed looking forward. The fact that the resource size is open at depth and to the south, and shows viable signs that this will undoubtedly become reality, is something that only helps one to view this in a positive light. The fact that the grade and quality of the graphite are so noticeable, tends to inspire questions of just what industries this grade of graphite may become useful to. The possible answer to these questions will be something for another article, but it has become clear that this graphite will undoubtedly attract the attention of some of the world's most prominent buyers. Further to the study of who may be interested in purchasing this graphite, comes the speculation of what, graphite of this grade, will be capable of in the graphene arena. This will also be something covered in an upcoming post.
The one thing that stood out prominently in my mind, was the fact that, not only does Focus Metals hold ownership of a world-class graphite deposit, but they also see the importance of finding the right customers who may potentially become off-take partners. This is a very important aspect, and as such it is being addressed by management as vigorously as possible. As I pointed out in an earlier post, there are several company's that seem well suited to potentially fill this need for an off-take partner. While I was not told who these company's are, I remain optimistic that my predictions have a good potential to become a reality. The much anticipated 43-101 is expected to come very close to the historical data, but it is also causing some waves, as some investors seem reluctant to believe the historical data. While I can appreciate the fact that the 43-101 is obviously necessary by todaysde-risk the project somewhat, but after visiting the site, I truly came away with a belief that the potential for Focus Metals and their 100% owned Lac Knife deposit is large at the least. With the feasibility of a resource expansion, pending further drilling, Lac Knife will, in my opinion, stand an excellent chance of achieving the goal of management, to become a dominant factor in the world of graphite, and eventually graphene supply.
On our return trip to the airport in Wabush, Labrador we stopped off in Fermont, QC briefly, where it is expected that the processing plant will be built, and following that, the upgrader plant that will bring the graphite to the 99% - 99.99% purity level, which is what the high-tech industries will require. According to Gary, there have been meetings with the town council, which have resulted in the town expressing their interest in welcoming this plant to their town.
Overall, I found this to be an inspiring property viewing, which by the time we left, had me appreciating this company and the management more than ever. I feel justified in my opinion that Focus Metals has what it takes to become the worlds premiere graphite supplier. In the coming days I will explore some of the topics that were omitted from this post.
I strongly encourage anyone who finds this company attractive as an investment choice, to do your own due diligence. An excellent place to start would be the Focus Metals website which is located at www.focusmetals.ca,
For disclosure purposes I have not received any compensation for my point of view or for this post. My travel expenses were covered by Focus Metals. I own shares in Focus Metals.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Focus Metals will be supported by the pace of research and demand for graphite and graphene
It is quite amazing when one looks at the incredible pace that researchers seem to be progressing with the research being done on graphene and its many potential uses. Some of these potential uses have progressed to the point that reportedly we should see graphene start to enter devices, that are commonly used in our day to day lives, by early next year. Nokia is virtually depending on graphene to put their company back into a leading spot in their sector of the mobile industry. There are many company's clamouring for graphene technology and the patents race seems nearly insatiable. Thompson-Reuters has an article that illustrates this quite well, http://www.ipsolutionsblog.com/?p=427.
I believe that for Focus Metals, the graphene research will undoubtedly bring the company to a level that will be at the forefront of global recognition. Although the research into potential uses of graphene has reached an incredible pace, this is something that will in all probability take time to perfect. There are some products that are destined to use graphene and should be hitting the market possibly as early as next year. I truly believe that as this research continues there will be more and more breakthroughs, which in turn will lead to more patented uses. With the joint venture that Focus Metals is involved with, this could potentially lead to an enormous area of growth within the company.
We can also expect many exciting things from Focus Metals looking forward, in regards to graphite. Graphite is a product that has been around for quite some time, but recently has started to enjoy an ever-increasing demand. This will continue in my opinion as scientists find ever more uses for graphite, and with the superiority of graphite in comparison to many of the products we traditionally used, this is not that difficult to expect. The demand for graphite has risen dramatically over the last few years, which in turn has driven prices up considerably compared to prices a decade ago.
Graphite is being implemented into many sectors currently, some of which include, steel, aluminum, automotive, chemical and glass/ceramics industries. However, manufacturers in the semiconductor, battery, solar/wind energy, environmental protection, aerospace and defense industries as well as in the nuclear energy industry also figure among the varied sectors developing an appetite for graphite.
There are a large number of company's that are avidly pursuing the evolution of graphite use, as well as constantly researching more potential uses, one company that is note-worthy is the SGL Group. This is a company that has a clear vision of just where carbon and graphite products are leading the entire globe. SGL Group - The Carbon Company - is one of the world's leading manufactures of carbon-based products. As this company continues to grow along with the increased demand for their products, it would be my opinion that Focus Metals will look towards this type of company in regards to a market for the high quality of graphite that can be supplied from the Lac Knife deposit. I will provide a link to the home page of SGL Group, and I would encourage you to view the 2 short video presentations as well as the interactive tour. I believe this will help everyone to see just how realistic it is to view graphite and graphene as the next wonder material that will change the world as we now know it, and how graphite can improve upon our quality of life. http://www.sglgroup.com/cms/international/home/index.html?__locale=en. An example of how one industry is making a significant change towards the future of carbon useage is the joint venture between SGL Group and the automotive manufacturer BMW. http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/07/07/sgl-automotive-carbon-fibers-breaks-ground-in-moses-lake/
These are the types of advancement that will lead to an increase in demand for quality graphite, which is exactly what Focus Metals possesses, and is continuing in their efforts to bring their Lac Knife deposit into production. In my opinion this is precisely the type of demand that will equate into Focus Metals progressing towards a significant supplier of graphite on a global standing.
Another company that is equally committed to the overall use and research of carbon and graphite use is Superior Graphite. I have previously expressed that in my opinion there is the possibility of Superior Graphite becoming a source for Focus Metals to sell graphite. I continue to view this as entirely possible. Superior Graphite is also experiencing an increase in demand for carbon and graphite products, which of course in turn leads to an increase in their need for more graphite. Superior Graphite also has a team that is devoted to researching further uses of carbon and graphitic applications at each of 3 R&D facilities. Each facility, located at a specific manufacturing site is designed to support various processing technologies and to develop new products and processes. Superior Graphite also attended GIFA, which is basically a quartet of trade fairs, comprised of GIFA, METEC, THERMPROCESS, and NEWCAST, held once every four years in Dusseldorf, Germany, and at closing they came away quite impressed with the amount of international visitors they received at their booth. Dr. Eric Salmon from Superior Graphite,“This has been my third GIFA and this year we had more stand area than ever before", says Dr Eric Salmon of Superior Graphite from Sweden. "And that was well worth it since we experienced good approaches with our clients that may result in future business. Great!”.
It was reported that the trade fairs posted new records both in terms of exhibitors and visitors. 1,958 exhibitors from throughout the world met with 79,000 visitors from 83 countries.
graphene are only just beginning on a journey that will truly bring these products to front and center of the global stage of innovative design and implementation. To view just how many industries are using products that Superior Graphite produce from graphite you can go to their website, http://www.superiorgraphite.com/index.php.
Boeing and Airbus are two of the main airplane manufacturers. Both have found themselves utilizing carbon and graphite in the production of their latest efforts. You might not normally think of making things out of carbon, but lately the material of the future is carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) as used in the new Boeing 787 airliner. In a whole different approach to commercial aircraft design, body sections of composites act as both skin and structure.
Meanwhile HITCO has supplied Airbus with the delivery of the first operational ship set of the carbon fiber tail structure parts for the vertical tail plane of the Airbus A380. http://composite.about.com/cs/aerospacenews/a/bpr_hitco.htm
These are only a couple of a multitude of company's that are directly involved with graphite research and the manufacture of products that require graphite. The list of company's on a global scale would be staggering, then add to that the research being focused on graphene, and I think it should start to become much clearer just how large the graphite industry is set to become.
After examining the company's I have touched on here, this brings me to the question of, what will this do for Focus Metals. In my opinion the Lac Knife deposit, holds an enormous value for Focus Metals. Focus Metals has a slogan found directly below the company insignia on the home page of their website, this slogan speaks volumes in my opinion, "Think Graphite Today, Think Graphene Tomorrow". With plans for 25,000 tons per year over a mine life of 40 years, which has the potential to be extended considerably pending further drilling which is currently on-going, one can easily see how Focus Metals could come to be known as a world-class supplier of graphite. However, what really sets this company apart from most other graphite deposits globally, is the fact that the Lac Knife property is unique in the world because of its cost-mitigating, high concentration (some 17% in pre-NI 43-101 terms) of large, medium and small flake graphite destined to meet rising global demand from both industrial and high technology end users. The Lac Knife graphite property has a proven history. Nearly developed in the early 2000’s in a joint venture between Graftech International and Ballard Power Systems, previous studies are being recast to NI 43-101 standards.
When one takes into account all the reports of present day usage of graphite, and with the upcoming utilization of graphene, it leads to yet another question of just how much will demand grow for graphite looking forward. According to a new report issued by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., the global carbon and graphite market is set to reach $7.5 Billion dollars by 2015. That is just over 3 years from now. http://www.prweb.com/releases/carbon/graphite/prweb4545674.htm
All of these facts and forecasts have caused me to consider whether graphite and graphene will actually become the worlds next wonder material. At this time it would seem nearly inevitable, however, just how big this will really become remains to be seen. Historically we have seen what steel and plastic have done for our lives. Looking into the future is not easily done but I would have to say I have little difficulty recognizing the immense potential with a company like Focus Metals. They possess a world class deposit (which will be 43-101 compliant soon), are working diligently on off-take agreements, and they have a management team that is very committed and focused on advancing Focus Metals to the top of the list of global graphite supply companies.
For those who find Focus Metals to be of interest as a possible investment choice, I will advise you to do your own due diligence. The website for Focus Metals is a very good starting point and can be found at www.focusmetals.ca.
For disclosure purposes I have received no compensation of any kind for this post. I do own shares of Focus Metals.
I believe that for Focus Metals, the graphene research will undoubtedly bring the company to a level that will be at the forefront of global recognition. Although the research into potential uses of graphene has reached an incredible pace, this is something that will in all probability take time to perfect. There are some products that are destined to use graphene and should be hitting the market possibly as early as next year. I truly believe that as this research continues there will be more and more breakthroughs, which in turn will lead to more patented uses. With the joint venture that Focus Metals is involved with, this could potentially lead to an enormous area of growth within the company.
We can also expect many exciting things from Focus Metals looking forward, in regards to graphite. Graphite is a product that has been around for quite some time, but recently has started to enjoy an ever-increasing demand. This will continue in my opinion as scientists find ever more uses for graphite, and with the superiority of graphite in comparison to many of the products we traditionally used, this is not that difficult to expect. The demand for graphite has risen dramatically over the last few years, which in turn has driven prices up considerably compared to prices a decade ago.
Graphite is being implemented into many sectors currently, some of which include, steel, aluminum, automotive, chemical and glass/ceramics industries. However, manufacturers in the semiconductor, battery, solar/wind energy, environmental protection, aerospace and defense industries as well as in the nuclear energy industry also figure among the varied sectors developing an appetite for graphite.
There are a large number of company's that are avidly pursuing the evolution of graphite use, as well as constantly researching more potential uses, one company that is note-worthy is the SGL Group. This is a company that has a clear vision of just where carbon and graphite products are leading the entire globe. SGL Group - The Carbon Company - is one of the world's leading manufactures of carbon-based products. As this company continues to grow along with the increased demand for their products, it would be my opinion that Focus Metals will look towards this type of company in regards to a market for the high quality of graphite that can be supplied from the Lac Knife deposit. I will provide a link to the home page of SGL Group, and I would encourage you to view the 2 short video presentations as well as the interactive tour. I believe this will help everyone to see just how realistic it is to view graphite and graphene as the next wonder material that will change the world as we now know it, and how graphite can improve upon our quality of life. http://www.sglgroup.com/cms/international/home/index.html?__locale=en. An example of how one industry is making a significant change towards the future of carbon useage is the joint venture between SGL Group and the automotive manufacturer BMW. http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/07/07/sgl-automotive-carbon-fibers-breaks-ground-in-moses-lake/
These are the types of advancement that will lead to an increase in demand for quality graphite, which is exactly what Focus Metals possesses, and is continuing in their efforts to bring their Lac Knife deposit into production. In my opinion this is precisely the type of demand that will equate into Focus Metals progressing towards a significant supplier of graphite on a global standing.
Another company that is equally committed to the overall use and research of carbon and graphite use is Superior Graphite. I have previously expressed that in my opinion there is the possibility of Superior Graphite becoming a source for Focus Metals to sell graphite. I continue to view this as entirely possible. Superior Graphite is also experiencing an increase in demand for carbon and graphite products, which of course in turn leads to an increase in their need for more graphite. Superior Graphite also has a team that is devoted to researching further uses of carbon and graphitic applications at each of 3 R&D facilities. Each facility, located at a specific manufacturing site is designed to support various processing technologies and to develop new products and processes. Superior Graphite also attended GIFA, which is basically a quartet of trade fairs, comprised of GIFA, METEC, THERMPROCESS, and NEWCAST, held once every four years in Dusseldorf, Germany, and at closing they came away quite impressed with the amount of international visitors they received at their booth. Dr. Eric Salmon from Superior Graphite,“This has been my third GIFA and this year we had more stand area than ever before", says Dr Eric Salmon of Superior Graphite from Sweden. "And that was well worth it since we experienced good approaches with our clients that may result in future business. Great!”.
It was reported that the trade fairs posted new records both in terms of exhibitors and visitors. 1,958 exhibitors from throughout the world met with 79,000 visitors from 83 countries.
graphene are only just beginning on a journey that will truly bring these products to front and center of the global stage of innovative design and implementation. To view just how many industries are using products that Superior Graphite produce from graphite you can go to their website, http://www.superiorgraphite.com/index.php.
Boeing and Airbus are two of the main airplane manufacturers. Both have found themselves utilizing carbon and graphite in the production of their latest efforts. You might not normally think of making things out of carbon, but lately the material of the future is carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) as used in the new Boeing 787 airliner. In a whole different approach to commercial aircraft design, body sections of composites act as both skin and structure.
Meanwhile HITCO has supplied Airbus with the delivery of the first operational ship set of the carbon fiber tail structure parts for the vertical tail plane of the Airbus A380. http://composite.about.com/cs/aerospacenews/a/bpr_hitco.htm
These are only a couple of a multitude of company's that are directly involved with graphite research and the manufacture of products that require graphite. The list of company's on a global scale would be staggering, then add to that the research being focused on graphene, and I think it should start to become much clearer just how large the graphite industry is set to become.
After examining the company's I have touched on here, this brings me to the question of, what will this do for Focus Metals. In my opinion the Lac Knife deposit, holds an enormous value for Focus Metals. Focus Metals has a slogan found directly below the company insignia on the home page of their website, this slogan speaks volumes in my opinion, "Think Graphite Today, Think Graphene Tomorrow". With plans for 25,000 tons per year over a mine life of 40 years, which has the potential to be extended considerably pending further drilling which is currently on-going, one can easily see how Focus Metals could come to be known as a world-class supplier of graphite. However, what really sets this company apart from most other graphite deposits globally, is the fact that the Lac Knife property is unique in the world because of its cost-mitigating, high concentration (some 17% in pre-NI 43-101 terms) of large, medium and small flake graphite destined to meet rising global demand from both industrial and high technology end users. The Lac Knife graphite property has a proven history. Nearly developed in the early 2000’s in a joint venture between Graftech International and Ballard Power Systems, previous studies are being recast to NI 43-101 standards.
When one takes into account all the reports of present day usage of graphite, and with the upcoming utilization of graphene, it leads to yet another question of just how much will demand grow for graphite looking forward. According to a new report issued by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., the global carbon and graphite market is set to reach $7.5 Billion dollars by 2015. That is just over 3 years from now. http://www.prweb.com/releases/carbon/graphite/prweb4545674.htm
All of these facts and forecasts have caused me to consider whether graphite and graphene will actually become the worlds next wonder material. At this time it would seem nearly inevitable, however, just how big this will really become remains to be seen. Historically we have seen what steel and plastic have done for our lives. Looking into the future is not easily done but I would have to say I have little difficulty recognizing the immense potential with a company like Focus Metals. They possess a world class deposit (which will be 43-101 compliant soon), are working diligently on off-take agreements, and they have a management team that is very committed and focused on advancing Focus Metals to the top of the list of global graphite supply companies.
For those who find Focus Metals to be of interest as a possible investment choice, I will advise you to do your own due diligence. The website for Focus Metals is a very good starting point and can be found at www.focusmetals.ca.
For disclosure purposes I have received no compensation of any kind for this post. I do own shares of Focus Metals.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Focus Metals could realize a huge benefit in regards to the success and speed of graphene research
Focus Metals (TSXV:FMS)(OTCQX:FCSMF) is currently working diligently to bring their Lac Knife graphite deposit to production. There is of course much work to be done before the company reaches this goal, but with the amount of dedication and commitment that management is expending on this project, it is quite conceivable to view this goal as attainable. Lac Knife is a graphite deposit, that although lacking a NI 43-101 compliant document which is being completed currently, does have according to historical records 8.1MT of large flake graphite. The historical data is considered to be accurate to a large degree, since this property has had studies completed regarding resource size and grade, due to the fact that Lac Knife was nearly put into production twice.
The first feasibility study on Lac Knife was completed in 1989 by Mazarin Inc., and updated by Cambior Inc., in 1991. A recession and falling commodity prices delayed further progress for 10 years.
In 2001, Graftech International entered the picture in a joint agreement with Ballard Power Systems Inc. to produce fuel cell batteries. Strathcona Mineral Services did a worldwide search of graphite deposits and found Lac Knife’s quality of graphite to be two to three times the average grade of most deposits being mined at that time.Although Focus Metals has many advantages that help to bring Lac Knife to the forefront of most, if not all graphite deposits currently known, the one that really stands out is the "Factor 17". Focus Metals’ Lac Knife, Quebec, property holds the highest concentrate flake graphite resource in the world at nearly 17% (pre-NI 43-101). It has attracted worldwide attention because of its purity and its economic value. When comparing Lac Knife to the average graphite deposit globally we will find that 17% is not only uncommon, we will come to learn that the average graphite deposit grades at between 2.5% and 5%. To help you grasp the depth of this statement, here is a link that will help you see just what this Factor 17 means in financial terms for Focus Metals, http://www.focusmetals.ca/investors/reasons-to-own-fms/the-7-factors.
We now know that graphite holds a large value for Focus Metals. What if Focus Metals could increase this financial benefit many fold? Well that is exactly what the potential is for Focus Metals, and this comes because of a product being discovered that ultimately led to two scientists receiving the Nobel Prize in Physics. I'm sure you have already heard of this product by now, as it continues to gain attention on many fronts. Yes, it is the world's next wonder material, and it is called graphene. Since its discovery, graphene has had a virtual avalanche of interest in research. Currently there are very few universities, corporate, and government labs that do not have some type of research program in place. The future for this product appears to be so huge at this time that many are describing this as the next product that will change the world as we know it. With all the recent attention being garnered upon graphene research, and the fact that some of these research projects are reaching rather successful results, helps us to gain some insight into just how quickly graphene could become a part of our everyday life.
The novel material graphene makes faster electronics possible. Scientists at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology at the Vienna University of Technology (TU Vienna) developed light-detectors made of graphene and analyzed their astonishing properties. This research has found a way for graphene to considerably improve the speed at which data can be exchanged between computers. The exact speed is not definitively known, since we have no known technology that can measure at these speeds. http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-06-material-faster-electronics.html
What has turned out to be some very interesting research, is something that is being done at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Graphene, a form of pure carbon arranged in a lattice just one atom thick, has interested countless researchers with its unique strength and its electrical and thermal conductivity. But one key property it lacks -- which would make it suitable for a plethora of new uses -- is the ability to form a band gap, needed for devices such as transistors, computer chips and solar cells. The research being conducted at MIT may have found a way to overcome this deficiency. http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-06-layer-method-two-three-tier-graphene.html
Graphene researchers have been troubled with one aspect of graphene. According to Dr. Dan Li, of the Monash University Department of Materials Engineering, “The reason graphene isn’t being used everywhere is that these very thin sheets, when stacked into a usable macrostructure, immediately bond together, reforming graphite. When graphene restacks, most of the surface area is lost and it doesn’t behave like graphene anymore.” However, Dr. Li and his team feel they may have discovered the key to this obstacle. Here is a link to an article that was released July 15, 2011, by Monash University, http://www.monash.edu.au/news/show/graphite-water-the-future-of-energy-storage. This is the type of research that brings an understanding of just how quickly graphene could be implemented into many uses in our daily lives.
Quantum dots are something that have been studied considerably, but most of these studies have involved the composition of toxic substances, such as lead and cadmium. The seriousness of the threats posed, by large-scale application of these, is completely unacceptable. In contrast, the 9-nm quantum dots made of graphenegraphene has a high charge carrier mobility, which means that it can quickly transport charges to the electrodes, reducing current losses and improving solar cell efficiency. In their experiments, the researchers found that GQDs blended with a conjugated polymer exhibit significantly enhanced characteristics compared to graphene sheets blended with the same polymer. http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-07-graphene-quantum-dots-low-cost-solar.html
One of the more interesting avenues of research being conducted with graphene currently is the research involving supercapacitors. Supercapacitors have the ability to hold a charge, but unlike a battery which relys on a chemical reaction to store the electric energy, supercapacitors hold this charge in the form of ions. Supercapacitors have been around for quite some time, but with the advent of graphene, now have the potential of being produced to much higher standards. Research teams from the Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory and the University of Texas-Austin developed a new material using graphene, a carbon-based nanomaterial, to increase the storage performance of supercapacitors. This research has led to a seemingly positive outlook for activated graphene, to become quite useful in the creation of supercapacitors capable of high storage performance. When we make reference to high storage performance, this would mean a supercapacitor capable of dramatically increased performance. http://www.ecoseed.org/technology-article-list/article/2-technology/9818-supercapacitors-reach-high-storage-performance-with-activated-graphene-
As has been mentioned numerous times, the amount of research being conducted on graphene is virtually without limit. In many instances graphene has been viewed to have tremendous potential for any number of potential uses. In the case of possible renewable energy applications, researchers have had difficulties in attempting to grow graphene. In this article by Kristin Dian Mariano, it is explained how researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered how hydrogen plays a vital role with graphene. http://www.ecoseed.org/technology-article-list/article/2-technology/10454-hydrogen-influences-graphene-growth-–-o-r-n-l-
This is of course, just a sampling of some of the research being done with graphene, and with new discoveries being made almost daily, it truly is a very exciting time to witness the birth of such a pivotal product with huge potential in so many areas of our lives.
From all this, which like I have pointed out is just a sampling, it stands clear in my opinion that this world changing product known as graphene will come to benefit Focus Metals immensely. As I pointed out at the beginning of this post, Focus Metals has a world class project, which is open to further exploration and therefore further possible expansion of resources. This coupled with a continual rising of graphite prices recently, especially the highly purified large flake graphite capable of producing graphene, and further global demand expected to sustain this trend, leaves one sensing the significant financial benefit available. On that note, I would urge anyone who may find Focus Metals of interest, as a possible investment choice, to do your own due diligence. The company's new website is an excellent place to start. Here is the link to Focus Metals' site, http://www.focusmetals.ca/
For disclosure purposes, I have received no compensation of any kind for this post. I do own shares in Focus Metals.
The first feasibility study on Lac Knife was completed in 1989 by Mazarin Inc., and updated by Cambior Inc., in 1991. A recession and falling commodity prices delayed further progress for 10 years.
In 2001, Graftech International entered the picture in a joint agreement with Ballard Power Systems Inc. to produce fuel cell batteries. Strathcona Mineral Services did a worldwide search of graphite deposits and found Lac Knife’s quality of graphite to be two to three times the average grade of most deposits being mined at that time.Although Focus Metals has many advantages that help to bring Lac Knife to the forefront of most, if not all graphite deposits currently known, the one that really stands out is the "Factor 17". Focus Metals’ Lac Knife, Quebec, property holds the highest concentrate flake graphite resource in the world at nearly 17% (pre-NI 43-101). It has attracted worldwide attention because of its purity and its economic value. When comparing Lac Knife to the average graphite deposit globally we will find that 17% is not only uncommon, we will come to learn that the average graphite deposit grades at between 2.5% and 5%. To help you grasp the depth of this statement, here is a link that will help you see just what this Factor 17 means in financial terms for Focus Metals, http://www.focusmetals.ca/investors/reasons-to-own-fms/the-7-factors.
We now know that graphite holds a large value for Focus Metals. What if Focus Metals could increase this financial benefit many fold? Well that is exactly what the potential is for Focus Metals, and this comes because of a product being discovered that ultimately led to two scientists receiving the Nobel Prize in Physics. I'm sure you have already heard of this product by now, as it continues to gain attention on many fronts. Yes, it is the world's next wonder material, and it is called graphene. Since its discovery, graphene has had a virtual avalanche of interest in research. Currently there are very few universities, corporate, and government labs that do not have some type of research program in place. The future for this product appears to be so huge at this time that many are describing this as the next product that will change the world as we know it. With all the recent attention being garnered upon graphene research, and the fact that some of these research projects are reaching rather successful results, helps us to gain some insight into just how quickly graphene could become a part of our everyday life.
The novel material graphene makes faster electronics possible. Scientists at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology at the Vienna University of Technology (TU Vienna) developed light-detectors made of graphene and analyzed their astonishing properties. This research has found a way for graphene to considerably improve the speed at which data can be exchanged between computers. The exact speed is not definitively known, since we have no known technology that can measure at these speeds. http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-06-material-faster-electronics.html
What has turned out to be some very interesting research, is something that is being done at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Graphene, a form of pure carbon arranged in a lattice just one atom thick, has interested countless researchers with its unique strength and its electrical and thermal conductivity. But one key property it lacks -- which would make it suitable for a plethora of new uses -- is the ability to form a band gap, needed for devices such as transistors, computer chips and solar cells. The research being conducted at MIT may have found a way to overcome this deficiency. http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-06-layer-method-two-three-tier-graphene.html
Graphene researchers have been troubled with one aspect of graphene. According to Dr. Dan Li, of the Monash University Department of Materials Engineering, “The reason graphene isn’t being used everywhere is that these very thin sheets, when stacked into a usable macrostructure, immediately bond together, reforming graphite. When graphene restacks, most of the surface area is lost and it doesn’t behave like graphene anymore.” However, Dr. Li and his team feel they may have discovered the key to this obstacle. Here is a link to an article that was released July 15, 2011, by Monash University, http://www.monash.edu.au/news/show/graphite-water-the-future-of-energy-storage. This is the type of research that brings an understanding of just how quickly graphene could be implemented into many uses in our daily lives.
Quantum dots are something that have been studied considerably, but most of these studies have involved the composition of toxic substances, such as lead and cadmium. The seriousness of the threats posed, by large-scale application of these, is completely unacceptable. In contrast, the 9-nm quantum dots made of graphenegraphene has a high charge carrier mobility, which means that it can quickly transport charges to the electrodes, reducing current losses and improving solar cell efficiency. In their experiments, the researchers found that GQDs blended with a conjugated polymer exhibit significantly enhanced characteristics compared to graphene sheets blended with the same polymer. http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-07-graphene-quantum-dots-low-cost-solar.html
One of the more interesting avenues of research being conducted with graphene currently is the research involving supercapacitors. Supercapacitors have the ability to hold a charge, but unlike a battery which relys on a chemical reaction to store the electric energy, supercapacitors hold this charge in the form of ions. Supercapacitors have been around for quite some time, but with the advent of graphene, now have the potential of being produced to much higher standards. Research teams from the Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory and the University of Texas-Austin developed a new material using graphene, a carbon-based nanomaterial, to increase the storage performance of supercapacitors. This research has led to a seemingly positive outlook for activated graphene, to become quite useful in the creation of supercapacitors capable of high storage performance. When we make reference to high storage performance, this would mean a supercapacitor capable of dramatically increased performance. http://www.ecoseed.org/technology-article-list/article/2-technology/9818-supercapacitors-reach-high-storage-performance-with-activated-graphene-
As has been mentioned numerous times, the amount of research being conducted on graphene is virtually without limit. In many instances graphene has been viewed to have tremendous potential for any number of potential uses. In the case of possible renewable energy applications, researchers have had difficulties in attempting to grow graphene. In this article by Kristin Dian Mariano, it is explained how researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered how hydrogen plays a vital role with graphene. http://www.ecoseed.org/technology-article-list/article/2-technology/10454-hydrogen-influences-graphene-growth-–-o-r-n-l-
This is of course, just a sampling of some of the research being done with graphene, and with new discoveries being made almost daily, it truly is a very exciting time to witness the birth of such a pivotal product with huge potential in so many areas of our lives.
From all this, which like I have pointed out is just a sampling, it stands clear in my opinion that this world changing product known as graphene will come to benefit Focus Metals immensely. As I pointed out at the beginning of this post, Focus Metals has a world class project, which is open to further exploration and therefore further possible expansion of resources. This coupled with a continual rising of graphite prices recently, especially the highly purified large flake graphite capable of producing graphene, and further global demand expected to sustain this trend, leaves one sensing the significant financial benefit available. On that note, I would urge anyone who may find Focus Metals of interest, as a possible investment choice, to do your own due diligence. The company's new website is an excellent place to start. Here is the link to Focus Metals' site, http://www.focusmetals.ca/
For disclosure purposes, I have received no compensation of any kind for this post. I do own shares in Focus Metals.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Compliance Energy - A well diversified company
Compliance Energy (TSXV:CEC) is a Canadian company. They are based in British Columbia, with their flagship property being, the Raven Project. Through the Comox Joint Venture (‘CJV’), CEC owns 60% of the Raven Underground Coal project and is the manager & operator of the CJV. The semi–soft coking coal resource is 43–101 compliant and consists of 97.5M tonnes of measured & indicated, as well as, 34.5M tonnes of inferred. Just 82km (50 miles) from a deep water port, the Raven project is a near term producer ideally situated near power and transportation corridors. Currently Compliance Energy has completed just over half of the required permitting process.
The public comment period on the draft AIR/EIS guidelines was conducted from May 18, 2011 until June 27, 2011 and included three public meetings. After taking all public comments into consideration and ensuring responses are adequate, the CEAA and the BC EAO will finalize the AIR/EIS Guidelines and issue it. At that point the Comox Joint Venture can begin preparation of its applications for environmental certification and approval. At this time, Compliance Energy is currently tracking, tabling, and responding to all comments from this public comment period.
Compliance Energy has just released news of a planned drilling program at other properties that the company holds 100% ownership of. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/compliance-energy-receives-vancouver-island-exploration-permit-125966703.html
The Company acquired five properties in 2010 and performed early stage exploration which included geological mapping, soil and rock geochemistry, and airborne geophysical surveys totalling 927 kilometre. http://www.complianceenergy.com/index.php?id=115
The following is a list of the mineral properties that Compliance Energy owns and gives an indication of what resources may be potentially found.
Property Approx. loc. Size(Ha) Exploration Objectives/Targets
| Camp lake | Campbell River | 3,441 | Magnetite skarn and porphyry copper deposits |
| Hisnit | Tahsis | 1,294 | Porphyry and skarn deposits containing Copper, Molybdenum, and Gold |
| Tower | Sayward | 2,107 | Porphyry deposits containing Copper, Molybdenum, and Gold |
| NIC | Port Alice | 7,533 | Porphyry deposits containing Copper, Molybdenum, and Gold |
| CJD | Gold River | 1,042 | Porphyry deposits containing Copper |
It is not difficult to see the advantages offered by a company that is this diversified, and even more so when the targeted resources are in a strong demand group. With current forecasts of strong demand of these resources, and to continue for some time to come yet, bodes well for Compliance Energy.
These properties all have good potential for copper, molybdenum, and gold, except for the CJD property which to-date has only shown potential for copper. Globally, copper saw an estimated deficit of approximately 250,000 metric tonnes of refined copper in 2010. This deficit is expected to grow to approximately 380,000 metric tonnes for 2011. http://www.icsg.org/images/stories/pdfs/icsg_press_release_-_2011_04__forecast.pdf
Currently copper prices are in the $4.35 range, and have been on an uptrend, no doubt in part because of the supply deficit. http://www.metalprices.com/FreeSite/metals/cu/cu.asp
With this deficit forecast to grow, it is not difficult to see the trend continue regarding the price of copper. Last year it was reported that Mexico experienced a reduction in the amount of copper being produced by approximately 19%. Another aspect that will have a major impact on copper is the fact that there are only a handful of new deposits coming on-line globally over the next couple of years.
Molybdenum is also facing growing demand. According to ASM, in an article from June 13, 2011 they report that Molybdenum demand has hit new highs. http://www.asminternational.org/portal/site/www/NewsItem/?vgnextoid=43d89d3a43980310VgnVCM100000621e010aRCRD
Moly Investing News, in an article written by Michael Montgomery, reports that although molybdenum is being supplied at a rate which is satisfying global demand, there is an expected increase that will leave molybdenum production in a deficit. In the article it is stated, that demand is expected to rise to approximately 300 million pounds from the approximate 400 million pound consumption range we currently are experiencing. http://molyinvestingnews.com/3869-molybdenums-long-term-potential.html. As with everything, if this deficit in supply is accurate, then we can expect molybdenum prices to obviously increase.
Gold is something that has been experiencing an uptrend that is unprecedented. To get a feel for what the future for gold may be, let's look at the amount of exploration being conducted at present for this elusive metal. To-date gold has continued to set new record highs.
Compliance Energy has not only proven there value in regards to the Raven Project Underground Coal Project, but the management has taken the strategic steps to acquire these other properties, and has positioned the company to display an inordinate amount of potential. This becomes even clearer when we consider that Compliance Energy has just over 76 million shares on a fully diluted basis. While we view all of these properties as exceptional in terms of potential for copper, molybdenum, and gold, it goes without saying, that the Raven Project is, at this point, truly the focus of Compliance Energy. The fact that Compliance Energy entered into the joint venture in 2009 with 2 stellar companies, namely I-Comox Coal Co. (100% sub of Itochu Corp. of Japan), and LG International Investments (Canada) Ltd. (100% sub of LG of Korea), speaks volumes about the management and their commitment to this company and shareholders alike. This joint venture leaves Compliance Energy owning 60% with both I-Comox and LG both owning 20% each respectively.
The fact that transportation costs are reduced, in comparison to many competitors, is due to the fact that Compliance Energys' properties are situated on Vancouver Island, with access to deep water port facilities. In the case of Raven Project, the majority of the coal if not all, will probably find its way to the Asian market, due to the nature of business that the joint venture partners are involved in. Itochu and LG are both International trading company's. Itochu's 2010 annual trading of energy metals and minerals accounted for US $35 billion. LG is Asia's largest coal trader.
After considering all this, it is my opinion, that Compliance Energy is not only a very attractive investment possibility, but also one of the best diversified company's. For anyone who finds Compliance Energy to be a company of interest, I would suggest doing your own due diligence. An excellent place to start would be the Compliance Energy website, which can be located at www.complianceenergy.com
For disclosure purposes I have not received any compensation of any kind for this post. I do own shares in Compliance Energy.
Currently copper prices are in the $4.35 range, and have been on an uptrend, no doubt in part because of the supply deficit. http://www.metalprices.com/FreeSite/metals/cu/cu.asp
With this deficit forecast to grow, it is not difficult to see the trend continue regarding the price of copper. Last year it was reported that Mexico experienced a reduction in the amount of copper being produced by approximately 19%. Another aspect that will have a major impact on copper is the fact that there are only a handful of new deposits coming on-line globally over the next couple of years.
Molybdenum is also facing growing demand. According to ASM, in an article from June 13, 2011 they report that Molybdenum demand has hit new highs. http://www.asminternational.org/portal/site/www/NewsItem/?vgnextoid=43d89d3a43980310VgnVCM100000621e010aRCRD
Moly Investing News, in an article written by Michael Montgomery, reports that although molybdenum is being supplied at a rate which is satisfying global demand, there is an expected increase that will leave molybdenum production in a deficit. In the article it is stated, that demand is expected to rise to approximately 300 million pounds from the approximate 400 million pound consumption range we currently are experiencing. http://molyinvestingnews.com/3869-molybdenums-long-term-potential.html. As with everything, if this deficit in supply is accurate, then we can expect molybdenum prices to obviously increase.
Gold is something that has been experiencing an uptrend that is unprecedented. To get a feel for what the future for gold may be, let's look at the amount of exploration being conducted at present for this elusive metal. To-date gold has continued to set new record highs.
Compliance Energy has not only proven there value in regards to the Raven Project Underground Coal Project, but the management has taken the strategic steps to acquire these other properties, and has positioned the company to display an inordinate amount of potential. This becomes even clearer when we consider that Compliance Energy has just over 76 million shares on a fully diluted basis. While we view all of these properties as exceptional in terms of potential for copper, molybdenum, and gold, it goes without saying, that the Raven Project is, at this point, truly the focus of Compliance Energy. The fact that Compliance Energy entered into the joint venture in 2009 with 2 stellar companies, namely I-Comox Coal Co. (100% sub of Itochu Corp. of Japan), and LG International Investments (Canada) Ltd. (100% sub of LG of Korea), speaks volumes about the management and their commitment to this company and shareholders alike. This joint venture leaves Compliance Energy owning 60% with both I-Comox and LG both owning 20% each respectively.
The fact that transportation costs are reduced, in comparison to many competitors, is due to the fact that Compliance Energys' properties are situated on Vancouver Island, with access to deep water port facilities. In the case of Raven Project, the majority of the coal if not all, will probably find its way to the Asian market, due to the nature of business that the joint venture partners are involved in. Itochu and LG are both International trading company's. Itochu's 2010 annual trading of energy metals and minerals accounted for US $35 billion. LG is Asia's largest coal trader.
After considering all this, it is my opinion, that Compliance Energy is not only a very attractive investment possibility, but also one of the best diversified company's. For anyone who finds Compliance Energy to be a company of interest, I would suggest doing your own due diligence. An excellent place to start would be the Compliance Energy website, which can be located at www.complianceenergy.com
For disclosure purposes I have not received any compensation of any kind for this post. I do own shares in Compliance Energy.
| Property | Approximate Location | Size (Hectares) | Exploration Objectives/Targets |
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Graphite and Graphene - The backbone of Focus Metals
Currently the world is experiencing a tremendous surge in the demand for graphite. This appears to not only be a trend that will be sustainable but seems that it will most certainly continue to grow for the foreseeable future. Of course, as with all things, the supply and demand factors play a huge part in the setting of prices.
Many people are asking why the seemingly sudden increase in graphite demand. This seems like a rather simple question to answer but in fact there are a variety of answers that collectively lead to the increase in demand. Definitely the fact that China has control over approximately 80% of the global supply of graphite at present, coupled with the fact that they have imposed limits on the amount of graphite they are prepared to export, has undoubtedly had a significant impact. It is also becoming realized that the amount of global supply has continually diminished. This played a large part in China's decision to ensure they retained enough graphite supply for their own domestic use as their economic growth continues at a record level. This growth, which is being witnessed in several areas of the world besides China, has led to an enormous need for steel. As more and more people are buying automobiles and building, the amount of steel required continues to grow. This affects graphite since a considerable amount of graphite is used in refractories. Natural graphite is used mostly in what are called refractory applications. Refractory applications are those that involve extremely high heat and therefore demand materials that will not melt or disintegrate under such extreme conditions. One example of this use is in the crucibles used in the steel industry. Such refractory applications account for the majority of the usage of graphite. It is also used to make brake linings, lubricants, and molds in foundries. A variety of other industrial uses account for the remaining graphite consumed each year.
As we can see there are a number of uses that graphite has in our world today. As technology advances, we are coming up with more and more ingenius applications. Take for instance the researchers from Rice University, who have used graphite to produce a "super-sand." This might not sound like a life-changing product, however, for many people it has the potential to be just that. So called super-sand is regular sand that has been coated with nanosheets of graphite. The point of all this, is to allow people to have access to safe drinking water, in areas where this is not something that is available currently. http://inhabitat.com/rice-university-uses-graphite-to-make-water-filtering-super-sand/. To think that one out of eight people does not have access to safe drinking water in today's world is difficult to fathom, especially for those of us who happen to take this luxury for granted.
Actually the list goes on, and I feel confident it will continue to grow as research continues to find ever-more applications for graphite. All of this truly leads us to the realization that graphite definitely seems poised to become the next product that will define the world. Steel had a similar effect, as did plastic, and now seems to be the perfect time for graphite to enter the world. I anticipate many new discoveries to come from graphite research.
The research of graphite has already led to the discovery of graphene, and this is almost beyond words, where this could take our lives and the world as we know them. The amount of research currently being conducted on graphene is virtually unlimited. There are few university, corporate, and government labs around the globe that are not researching some possible application for graphene. If we think that graphite is cause for excitement, graphene only magnifies this many fold. http://www.techradar.com/news/world-of-tech/graphene-the-miracle-material-explained-968797
This article is by Gary Marshall in Techradar.com, and as is stated near the end, that many of these potential uses are still in research mode as of yet. However, it was not that long ago that Nokia and Samsung started the research that has led to Nokia reporting, they expect to introduce a product based on this research of graphene. Andre Geim, one of the scientists awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics just last year, is reported saying to Nature, "Nokia banks on graphene for future tech". This should help us to more clearly see that not only is graphene causing a huge stir in the global community, but is also starting to breakout of the research labs and into our lives. This will only continue and at an accelerated pace in my opinion.
This is an exciting time to be living in, what with all the limitless possibilities of graphite and graphene. What I find just as exciting is that there is access to this market through a company known as Focus Metals (TSXV:FMS)(OTCQX:FCSMF). Focus Metals owns one of the worlds purest graphite deposits called Lac Knife. Lac Knife is situated in Quebec, Canada, which happens to be probably the most stable mining area in the world. The Lac Knife deposit has a proven history. Nearly developed in the early 2000’s in a joint venture between Graftech International and Ballard Power Systems, previous studies are being recast to NI 43-101 standards.
The Lac Knife property is unique in the world because of its cost-mitigating, high concentration (some 17% in pre-NI 43-101 terms) of large, medium and small flake graphite destined to meet rising global demand from both industrial and high technology end users.
A 17% carbon content means Focus Metals will have the most competitively priced technology graphite in the world.
extendable mine life. http://www.focusmetals.ca/global-operations/lac-knife
Early indications from our consultant preparing our 43-101 resource calculation are that we shall see no inconsistencies or variations from previous non-43-101 estimates that our property contains a 17% pure carbon content.
We recently filed those indications with the securities regulator.
With supplies continuing to become tighter globally, and forecasts that the demand will continue to grow in the coming years, it is not difficult to see almost unimaginable potential with Focus Metals. Another aspect that could potentially take Focus Metals, to a level that would be described as a global leader in this space, is the fact that they have announced a joint venture to develop, patents and secure global rights for applications of graphene technologies. http://www.focusmetals.ca/news/press-releases/2011-2/feb232011
The potential of this joint venture is something that could surpass many if not all expectations. Add to this that Focus Metals' treasury is flush with money at present. http://www.focusmetals.ca/news/press-releases/2011-2/may122011
Management has stated that several possible acquisitions are possible as the company strives to position themselves as a major in the graphite and graphene space.
As you can see there is more than ample reason to view Focus Metals as a desirable investment choice. For those who agree, I would suggest that you do your own due diligence, and an excellent place to start is the company's new website. If you have looked at this company in the past, I am sure you will be impressed with the newest addition to the company. The link for Focus Metals is http://www.focusmetals.ca/.
For disclosure purposes I have received no compensation of any kind for this post. I do own shares in Focus Metals.
Many people are asking why the seemingly sudden increase in graphite demand. This seems like a rather simple question to answer but in fact there are a variety of answers that collectively lead to the increase in demand. Definitely the fact that China has control over approximately 80% of the global supply of graphite at present, coupled with the fact that they have imposed limits on the amount of graphite they are prepared to export, has undoubtedly had a significant impact. It is also becoming realized that the amount of global supply has continually diminished. This played a large part in China's decision to ensure they retained enough graphite supply for their own domestic use as their economic growth continues at a record level. This growth, which is being witnessed in several areas of the world besides China, has led to an enormous need for steel. As more and more people are buying automobiles and building, the amount of steel required continues to grow. This affects graphite since a considerable amount of graphite is used in refractories. Natural graphite is used mostly in what are called refractory applications. Refractory applications are those that involve extremely high heat and therefore demand materials that will not melt or disintegrate under such extreme conditions. One example of this use is in the crucibles used in the steel industry. Such refractory applications account for the majority of the usage of graphite. It is also used to make brake linings, lubricants, and molds in foundries. A variety of other industrial uses account for the remaining graphite consumed each year.
As we can see there are a number of uses that graphite has in our world today. As technology advances, we are coming up with more and more ingenius applications. Take for instance the researchers from Rice University, who have used graphite to produce a "super-sand." This might not sound like a life-changing product, however, for many people it has the potential to be just that. So called super-sand is regular sand that has been coated with nanosheets of graphite. The point of all this, is to allow people to have access to safe drinking water, in areas where this is not something that is available currently. http://inhabitat.com/rice-university-uses-graphite-to-make-water-filtering-super-sand/. To think that one out of eight people does not have access to safe drinking water in today's world is difficult to fathom, especially for those of us who happen to take this luxury for granted.
Actually the list goes on, and I feel confident it will continue to grow as research continues to find ever-more applications for graphite. All of this truly leads us to the realization that graphite definitely seems poised to become the next product that will define the world. Steel had a similar effect, as did plastic, and now seems to be the perfect time for graphite to enter the world. I anticipate many new discoveries to come from graphite research.
The research of graphite has already led to the discovery of graphene, and this is almost beyond words, where this could take our lives and the world as we know them. The amount of research currently being conducted on graphene is virtually unlimited. There are few university, corporate, and government labs around the globe that are not researching some possible application for graphene. If we think that graphite is cause for excitement, graphene only magnifies this many fold. http://www.techradar.com/news/world-of-tech/graphene-the-miracle-material-explained-968797
This article is by Gary Marshall in Techradar.com, and as is stated near the end, that many of these potential uses are still in research mode as of yet. However, it was not that long ago that Nokia and Samsung started the research that has led to Nokia reporting, they expect to introduce a product based on this research of graphene. Andre Geim, one of the scientists awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics just last year, is reported saying to Nature, "Nokia banks on graphene for future tech". This should help us to more clearly see that not only is graphene causing a huge stir in the global community, but is also starting to breakout of the research labs and into our lives. This will only continue and at an accelerated pace in my opinion.
This is an exciting time to be living in, what with all the limitless possibilities of graphite and graphene. What I find just as exciting is that there is access to this market through a company known as Focus Metals (TSXV:FMS)(OTCQX:FCSMF). Focus Metals owns one of the worlds purest graphite deposits called Lac Knife. Lac Knife is situated in Quebec, Canada, which happens to be probably the most stable mining area in the world. The Lac Knife deposit has a proven history. Nearly developed in the early 2000’s in a joint venture between Graftech International and Ballard Power Systems, previous studies are being recast to NI 43-101 standards.
The Lac Knife property is unique in the world because of its cost-mitigating, high concentration (some 17% in pre-NI 43-101 terms) of large, medium and small flake graphite destined to meet rising global demand from both industrial and high technology end users.
A 17% carbon content means Focus Metals will have the most competitively priced technology graphite in the world.
extendable mine life. http://www.focusmetals.ca/global-operations/lac-knife
Early indications from our consultant preparing our 43-101 resource calculation are that we shall see no inconsistencies or variations from previous non-43-101 estimates that our property contains a 17% pure carbon content.
We recently filed those indications with the securities regulator.
With supplies continuing to become tighter globally, and forecasts that the demand will continue to grow in the coming years, it is not difficult to see almost unimaginable potential with Focus Metals. Another aspect that could potentially take Focus Metals, to a level that would be described as a global leader in this space, is the fact that they have announced a joint venture to develop, patents and secure global rights for applications of graphene technologies. http://www.focusmetals.ca/news/press-releases/2011-2/feb232011
The potential of this joint venture is something that could surpass many if not all expectations. Add to this that Focus Metals' treasury is flush with money at present. http://www.focusmetals.ca/news/press-releases/2011-2/may122011
Management has stated that several possible acquisitions are possible as the company strives to position themselves as a major in the graphite and graphene space.
As you can see there is more than ample reason to view Focus Metals as a desirable investment choice. For those who agree, I would suggest that you do your own due diligence, and an excellent place to start is the company's new website. If you have looked at this company in the past, I am sure you will be impressed with the newest addition to the company. The link for Focus Metals is http://www.focusmetals.ca/.
For disclosure purposes I have received no compensation of any kind for this post. I do own shares in Focus Metals.
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