Focus Graphite Announces that its Superfine, High-Performance, Conductive Graphite used in the Production of Lithium-Ion Batteries is Currently Being Tested by Major Battery Companies
November 21st, 2018
For Immediate Release
FMS: TSX-VENTURE
Focus Graphite Announces that its Superfine, High-Performance, Conductive
Graphite used in the Production of Lithium-Ion Batteries is Currently
Being Tested by Major Battery Companies
OTTAWA – Focus Graphite Inc. (FMS: TSX -V; OTCQX: FCSMF; FSE: FKC) (“Focus” or the
“Company”) is pleased to announce that its superfine, high -performance, conductive graphite
used in the production of Lithium -Ion batteries is currently being tested by Major Battery
Companies.
Typically, a lithium-ion battery requires up to 15 times more graphite than lithium depending on
which cathode is used. This is due to the high surface area and layered crystal structure of
graphite making it highly suitable for use as an anode material into which the lithium Ions are
intercalated. Additionally, some battery technologies require that the graphite in use be almost
100% pure. Sources of pure, high-grade graphite are scarce and not readily available in
consistent supply. Focus Graphite’s proprietary thermal process has the ability to provide a
consistent supply of superfine, high-performance, conductive graphite for the purity needs of
these battery technologies. This is evident by the current testing of Focus Graphite’s products by
battery companies who view potential suppliers like Focus Graphite as critical supply chain
partners to meet their respective opportunities for growth.
With estimates predicting electric car and plug-in hybrid vehicle sales reaching approximately
14.2 million by 2025 and reflecting a compound average growth rate of 38 per cent per year
from 2016 to 2025, these battery companies are refining their product roadmaps to service this
rapidly growing demand for efficient and effective energy storage.1
For the last 4 years, Focus Graphite has been delivering innovations that represent potential
advancements for the industry on a whole. Under the supervision of Dr. Joseph Doninger,
Focus’ Director of Manufacturing and Technology, Focus achieved a number of significant in-
house manufacturing and technological milestones that reflect the high quality and physical
attributes of its wholly owned Lac Knife graphite resource.
In a presentation at the International Battery Seminar in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on March 26,
2017, Dr. Doninger presented long-term cycling test results demonstrating that the zero loss in
capacity of the standard grade of coated spherical graphite lasted for 250 cycles and showed a
loss of only 4.5% in capacity after 570 cycles.
This is significant when compared with a competitive supplier’s spherical graphite, which we
used for testing purposes, that lost 11.7% after 440 cycles and 10.5% after 510 cycles. With a
better than 50% cycling performance in comparative testing, these results suggest that Focus
Graphite’s coated SPG could last beyond 2000 cycles in full sized batteries. These results are
significant to battery manufacturers who factor life cycle economics as a key benefit to end-
users.
Gary Economo, CEO of Focus Graphite states that, “ The testing of our superfine, high -
performance, conductive graphite by our battery partners bodes well for the industry on a whole.
Not only does it demonstrate the strategic foresight of our partners in finding a reliable supply of
high-grade graphite but is demonstrates a real commitment to solving what will become one of the
most pressing needs of the future – reliable energy.”
About Focus Graphite
Focus Graphite Inc. is an advanced exploration and mining company with an objective of
producing graphite concentrate at its wholly owned Lac Knife flake graphite deposit located 27 km
south of Ferm ont, Québec. In a second stage, to meet Quebec stakeholder interests of
transformation within the province and to add shareholder value. Focus is evaluating the feasibility
of producing value added graphite products including battery-grade spherical graphite.
Focus Graphite is a technology-oriented graphite mining development company with a vision for
building long-term, sustainable shareholder value. Focus also holds a significant equity position
in graphene applications developer Grafoid Inc.
For more information about Focus Graphite, please visit www.focusgraphite.com.
Disclaimer & Forward Looking Statement
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in
policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this
release.
Certain information included in this press release is forward-looking and may involve risks and
uncertainties. The results or events predicted in these statements may differ materially from actual
results or events. Factors that might cause a difference include, but are not limited to, competitive
developments, risks associated with Focus Graphite’s growth, the state of the financial markets,
regulatory risks and other factors. Forward -looking statements included or incorporated by
reference in this press release include statements with respect to proposed ter ms of the private
placement transaction. There can be no assurance that any statements of forward -looking
information contained in this release will prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events
could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. These and all subsequent written
and oral statements containing forward -looking information are based on the estimates and
opinions of management on the dates they are made and expressly qualified in their entirety by
this notice. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, Focus Graphite disclaims any
intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of
new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place u ndue reliance
on any statements of forward -looking information that speak only as of the date of this release.
More detailed information about potential factors that could affect Focus Graphite's financial and
business results is included in public documen ts Focus Graphite files from time to time with
Canadian securities regulatory authorities and which are available at www.sedar.com.
Contact
Focus Graphite Inc.
Mr. Gary Economo
President and Chief Executive Officer
+1 613-241-4040
www.focusgraphite.com
1. https://business.financialpost.com/business-trends/is-graphite-the-next-battery-metal-bull-market