THUNDER BAY – Zenyatta Ventures Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:ZEN) are providing an update on developments at the Albany Graphite Deposit. To date, Zenyatta has submitted two (2) samples to SGS Canada Inc. (Minerals Services Division of Lakefield, ON) (“SGS”) to conduct a bench-scale test program on drill core from the Albany Graphite Deposit. One (100kg) sample was selected from hole #5, which contained high grade graphitic material while another 100kg sample was selected from hole #1, and contained lower grade graphitic material.
Aubrey Eveleigh, President and CEO states “Following up on the successful drill results, Zenyatta is looking forward to developing a better understanding of graphite size distribution, purity, and to gauge an overall recoverability of graphite to concentrate. SGS is recognized as the world leader in the development and demonstration of bankable flowsheets, pilot plant programs, mineralogy, technical audits and geometallurgy. Although we have experienced a delay, it is anticipated that the report will be available next month or early September.”
The goal is to develop a preliminary flowsheet to assess the metallurgical response of the graphite material. The work will also include: chemical analysis, mineralogical characterization, heavy liquid separation, gravity, and various flotation tests. SGS has begun analysis of both graphite-bearing zones.
Some of the highest quality natural graphite used in industrial applications occurs as vein type (or hydrothermal). Past discoveries of vein type graphite deposits can be found at Borrowdale, UK and Sri Lanka. The newest discovery of this type is Zenyatta’s Albany Graphite deposit in Northern Ontario, Canada. In spite of the rarity and global economic significance of this type of graphite, very little is known or published on it.
The Albany ‘Vein Type’ Graphite Deposit is possibly related to the emplacement of a carbonatite intrusion. The vein graphite has been interpreted as being derived by CO2 and CH4 rich hydrothermal fluids. This CO2 rich fluid could promote hydraulic fracturing (brecciation) and precipitation of vein graphite. The Bogala Mine, a Sri Lankan graphite deposit, has been in production since 1847. It is a high grade, narrow vein, underground mine. Sri Lankan graphite still enjoys a great demand due to its unusually high purity and unique physical properties.
Zenyatta will support a Lakehead University M.Sc. research program, using various global publications on ‘Vein Type’ (or hydrothermal) graphite deposits to serve as a basis to provide a comprehensive assessment of the Albany graphite deposit.
There are very few known Vein Type graphite deposits globally, resulting in a large information gap. The research will focus on the overall genesis of the Albany deposit. Specific questions that need to be addressed: A) Age of mineralization B) Source and chemical nature of the graphite-forming fluids C) Mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of the graphite.
Apart from providing new insights into vein type graphite deposits, the research will also aid Zenyatta’s exploration and mineral beneficiation programs. With respect to the former, increasing our understanding of the genesis of the deposit will provide insights regarding its relationship to structural and magmatic events. In terms of mineral beneficiation the research will complement existing work by SGS Lakefield, but will focus on the mineralogical aspects of graphite.
The graphite discovery is located 30km north of the Trans Canada Highway, power line and natural gas pipeline. A rail line is located 70km away and an all-weather road approximately 4-5km from the graphite deposit. The Albany graphite deposit is near surface, underneath glacial till overburden.
Mr. Aubrey Eveleigh, P.Geo., President and CEO, is the “Qualified Person” under NI 43-101 and has reviewed the technical information contained in this news release. Analyses was carried out by ALS Chemex Labs using a total carbon (LECO) method code of C-IR07.
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