Focus Graphite Reports Major Maiden Mineral Resource Estimate at Lac Tétépisca, Québec Results include Indicated Mineral Resources of 59.3 Million Tonnes (“Mt”) grading 10.61% graphitic carbon (“Cg”), equivalent to 6.3 Mt of in-situ graphite, and suggest the deposit has the
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 17, 2022
TSX-VENTURE: “FMS”
Focus Graphite Reports Major Maiden Mineral Resource Estimate at Lac Tétépisca,
Québec
Results include Indicated Mineral Resources of 59.3 Million Tonnes (“Mt”) grading 10.61%
graphitic carbon (“Cg”), equivalent to 6.3 Mt of in-situ graphite, and suggest the deposit has the
potential to become one of the largest sources of high-quality flake graphite in North America
Kingston, Ontario, February 17, 2022 – Focus Graphite Inc. (TSX.V:FMS, OTCQX:FCSMF)
(FRANKFURT:FKC) (“Focus” or the “Company”) is pleased to report its maiden mineral resource
estimate for its 100%-owned Lac Tétépisca graphite project (the “Project”) located southwest of
the Manicouagan Reservoir in the Côte-Nord administrative region of Québec on the Nitassinan
of the Pessamit Innu.
The mineral resource estimate (“MRE”), prepared by DRA Global Limited ’s (“DRA”) Montréal,
Québec office, includes a pit -constrained Indicated resource for the Manicouagan- Ouest
Graphitic Corridor (“MOGC”) Lac Té tépisca project of 59.3 Mt tonnes (“Mt”) grading 10.61%
Graphitic Carbon1 (“Cg”) for an estimated content of 6.3 Mt of natural flake graphite (in-situ), and
an Inferred resource of 14.9 Mt grading 11.06% Cg1 for an estimated content of 1.6 Mt of natural
flake graphite (in-situ) (Tables 1, 2).
1A cut-off grade of 3.9% Cg was applied to all estimates.
Focus will file a technical report pursuant to National Instrument (N) 43-101 to support disclosure
of the MRE on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) within 45 days of the issuance of this press release.
“The results of this maiden mineral resource estimate for the MOGC prospect have exceeded
our expectations. They show the great potential of our Lac Tétépisca project, which we can now
claim hosts one of the largest undeveloped flake graphite deposits in Québec,” said Marc Roy,
President and CEO of Focus Graphite. “Along with our flagship Lac Knife graphite project, we
now have two significant graphite deposits in Québec, which puts Focus in a strong position to
occupy a vital link in the North American prim ary graphite supply chain. We aim to become a
secure and reliable supplier of critical and strategic minerals to reduce North American
dependence on foreign sources.”
Mr. Roy continued, “While our focus remains on bringing our flagship Lac Knife graphite project
to commercial production, we will also begin investigating the best way to advance the
development of our Lac Tétépisca graphite project. We plan to consult the communities that could
potentially be impacted by the next stages in the development of the project to listen to their
concerns and expectations and to offer them an opportunity to participate in project steering
committees. We will also consult the Québec Government about potential incentives and
initiatives that could help facilitate the development of the project and achieve social acceptability,
particularly incentives provided under its Plan for the Development of Critical and Strategic
Minerals 2020-2025. At the same time, we intend to continue exploring the remainder of the
project or other significant flake graphite occurrences.”
Mineral Resources
Table 1: Mineral Resources (at 3.9% Cg Cut-Off) – MOGC, Lac Tétépisca Project.
Mineral Resource Category Tonnes (Mt) Graphitic Carbon (%) In-Situ Graphite
(Mt)
Measured 1,2,3,4 ⁻ ⁻ ⁻
Indicated 1,2,3,4 59.3 10.61 6.3
Total Measured and Indicated 59.3 10.61 6.3
Inferred 1,2,3,4,5 14.9 11.06 1.6
Notes:
1. The Mineral Resources were estimated using the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum
(CIM), CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions and Guidelines prepared by the CIM
Standing Committee on Reserve Definitions and adopted by CIM Council.
2. Resources are constrained by a Lersch Grossman (LG) optimized pit shell using HxGn MinePlan software.
3. Pit shell defined using 45-degree pit slope, $USD 1,171 /t concentrate sales price, $USD 4.61/t mining costs,
$USD 26.71/t processing costs, $USD 8.36/t G&A and $USD 167/t for concentrate transportation costs, 86.6%
process recovery and 96.4% concentrate grade and an assumed 100,000 tpy concentrate production.
4. Mineral Resources, which are not Mineral Reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. The
estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation,
sociopolitical, marketing, or other relevant issues.
5. The Inferred Mineral Resource in this estimate has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated
Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority
of the Inferred Mineral Resource could be upgraded to an Indicated Mineral Resource with continued
exploration.
6. No mineral reserves have been established for the Lac Tétépisca Project.
Table 2: Sensitivity Analysis.
Mineral Resource Category
Measured Indicated Inferred
Cut-off
Tonnes
(Mt)
Graphitic
Carbon
(%)
In-Situ
Graphite
(Mt)
Tonnes
(Mt)
Graphitic
Carbon
(%)
In-Situ
Graphite
(Mt)
Tonnes
(Mt)
Graphitic
Carbon (%)
In-Situ
Graphite
(Mt)
Base Case
(3.9% Cg) - - - 59.3 10.61 6.3 14.9 11.06 1.6
7.0% Cg - - - 39.1 12.92 5.1 9.8 13.37 1.3
10.0% Cg - - - 26.8 14.87 4.0 6.4 15.21 1.0
13.0% Cg - - - 15.1 16.72 2.5 2.6 16.76 0.4
Plan and longitudinal views of the conceptual 2D pit shell with mineral resource blocks for the
MOGC graphite deposit are available on the Company’s website at www.focusgraphite.com.
Resource Estimation Summary and Parameters
The maiden m ineral resource estimate (“MRE”) for the Lac Tétépisca project is based on 106
inclined diamond drill holes performed between 2014 and 2020 on the Manicouagan- Ouest
Graphitic Corridor ( “MOGC”) graphite prospect, for a total of 16,467 metres. Focus discovered
the MOGC prospect in July 2012 while conducting reconnaissance geological mapping,
prospecting, and outcrop sampling on the Property. The MOGC is defined by a linear kilometre-
long ground geophysical Magnetic (MAG) – Electromagnetic (EM) anomaly that trends N035 o.
Drilling was conducted in a 1.4 km long segment of the MOGC, along fences up to 300-metres
long, with fences oriented N305o and spaced 100 metres, 50 metres or 25 metres apart.
The MRE for the MOGC deposit incorporates analytical results from a total of 5,177 core samples
(QA/QC samples excluded), including: 625 samples sent for analysis in 2015, representing 16
drill holes; 946 samples sent for analysis in 2017, samples representing 18 drill holes; 2 ,168
samples sent for analysis in 2018, representing 42 drill holes; with the remaining 1,438 samples
representing 30 drill holes being sent for analysis in 2021. Assays from the various programs
were done using the same sampling, assaying and QA/QC procedures. The MRE is established
for the unoxidized profile of the deposit, from surface to a vertical depth of about 200 metres with
an average true thickness of about 85 metres. The deposit remains open along strike to the
Southwest and at depth.
IOS Services Géoscientifiques Inc. ( “IOS”) of Saguenay, Québec, designed and operated the
drilling programs targeting the MOGC prospect for Focus or provided logistical and technical
support, while Table Jamésienne de Concertation Minière ( “TJCM”) of Chibougamau, Québec,
provided independent project supervision services. Drilling was performed by Forage s Rouillier
of Amos, Québec, Forages Chibougamau of Chibougamau, Québec, and Forage G4 of Val D’Or,
Québec.
Core logging, sampling and sample preparation were performed at the IOS laboratory facilities in
Saguenay, Québec. Pulverized splits were then sent to COREM, an ISO/IEC 17025:2005 certified
facility located in Québec City, for graphitic carbon (code LSA -M-B10) and total sulphur (code
LSA-M-B41) analysis using LECO combustion in induction furnace w ith infrared spectrometry.
The analytical quality control program for the Lac Tétépisca project was implemented by an IOS
certified chemist. Approximately 10% of the samples were also analyzed by COREM for total
carbon (code LSA-M-B45), organic carbon (code LSA-M-B58) and inorganic carbon (code LSA-
M-B11). Duplicates of the same samples were sent to ACTLABS Laboratories of Ancaster,
Ontario (ISO/IEC 17025:2005 with CAN-P-1579) for graphitic carbon (code 5D – C Graphitic) and
total sulphur (code 4F – S Combustion infrared detection) determinations and for 35 trace element
analysis using ICP-MS after an aqua-regia digestion (code 1E2 – Aqua Regia). Also, IOS inserted
certified or internal reference material samples (CDN-GR1, CMRI12, Oreas-724, GLC-004, NSC-
DC-60119, NSC-DC-60120, NSC-DC-60121), duplicates (quarter-split core, crushing or grinding
duplicates), and blanks into the sample sequences representing about 15% of all samples for
each of the four drilling programs.
The mineral resource estimate was prepared by Schadrac Ibrango, P.Geo (QC), PhD, MBA, Lead
Geologist and Qualified Person (“QP”) for DRA. The geology was interpreted in 2D vertical
sections followed by the construction of 3D envelopes of the mineralized zones. Three (3)
mineralized zones were modelled; a principal one and two small grade zones. Compositing was
made at a 2 -metre length which represent the second statistical mode of the assays sampling
length histogram. Block size of 10 m x 10 m x 5 m was selected based on the average drill spacing
over the estimation domain. Geological modelling and mineral resource estimate were performed
using HxGN MinePlan 3D (previously MineSight) with Cg% and Sulphur content (%) grades
estimated using Inverse Distance Squared ( “ID2”). No capping was applied on Cg% since its
statistical distribution doesn’t show extreme high values population associated with a nugget
effect. A mathematical regression model developed between density and Sulphur content was
used to allocate a density for each block interpolated based on its Sulphur content.
Three (3) successive passes were used to inform all blocks within the estimation domain. In the
first pass an ellipsoid of 40 m x 40 m x 40 m (sphere) was used and a maximum and minimum
numbers of composites to interpolate a block were respectively set to 15 and 9. The maximum
number of composites allowed for a single hole was set to 3. As consequence of the combination
of both constrains a least three (3) holes are required to allow a block to be coded during this first
pass. In the second pass an ellipsoid of 60 m x 60 m x 60 m (sphere) was used and a maximum
and minimum numbers of composites to interpolate a block were respectively set to 15 and 6.
The maximum number of composites allowed for a single hole was set to 3. As consequence of
the combination of both constrains a least two (2) holes are required to allow a block to be coded
during this second pass. The third pass has same parameters than the second pass with the
exception that the ellipsoid was relaxed to 100 m x 100 m x 100 m (sphere). All ellipsoids were
oriented according to a strike of 35 ⁰ and a dip of -55⁰. The oriented search ellipsoids were
constrained within the mineralized grade/geological solids and no composite located outside the
estimation domain was used for blocks interpolation. A preliminary open pit optimization algorithm
was run on the estimated grade block model to constrain the resources and to support the
Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum’s (“CIM”) requirement that mineral
resources have “reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction.” Only mineralization
contained within the preliminary pit shell has been included in the resource estimate.
The mineral resources have been classified according to the CIM definition for classification of
Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources. All blocks interpolated during the first and the second
pass have been classified as Indicated Mineral Resources. All blocks interpolated during the third
pass have been classified as Inferred Mineral Resources. A cut-off of 3.9 % Cg has been applied
to disclose the estimated Mineral Resources.
The effective date of the MRE is September 17, 2021 which is the date of reception of the final
version of the drill hole database.
Qualified Persons
DRA consultant Schadrac Ibrango, P.Geo. (QC), PhD, MBA , is responsible for estimating the
mineral resources and has reviewed and approved the contents of this press release. Mr. Ibrango
is a Qualified Person ("QP"), independent of Focus Graphite, within the meaning of NI 43-101 –
Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators.
Mr. Marc -André Bernier, géo. (QC), P.Geo. (ON), M.Sc., Senior Geoscientist for Table
Jamésienne de Concertation Minière, a consultant to the Company and a Qualified Person as
defined under National Instrument (NI) 43 – 101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects has
reviewed and approved the non-technical content this news release.
About the Lac Tétépisca Graphite Project
Focus Graphite’s 100% -owned Lac Tétépisca Graphite Project comprises two contiguous
properties, Lac Tétépisca and Lac Tétépisca Nord, located in the Southwest Manicouagan
reservoir area of the Côte- Nord region of Québec, 234 km north -northwest of the city of Baie-
Comeau, an industrial city located where the Manicouagan River intersects the north shore of the
St. Lawrence River. Together, the two properties form a block of 115 map-designated claims (total
area: 6,198.27 ha). Focus purchased a 100% unencumbered interest of the mineral rights in the
67 CDC claims constituting the original Lac Tétépisca property from a third party in August 2011.
The Lac Tétépisca Nord property was map-staked by the Company in 2012. The Lac Tétépisca
Project is accessible year-round by way of a network of secondary gravel roads that extend north
from Highway 389, 10 km to the south of the Manic 5 hydroelectric power station.
A map of the Lac Tétépisca property showing the location of the MOGC graphite deposit , along
with drill sections, are available on the Company’s website at www.focusgraphite.com.
About DRA Global Limited
DRA Global Limited (ASX: DRA | JSE: DRA) (DRA) is a multi-disciplinary consulting, engineering,
project delivery and operations management group predominantly focused on the mining and
minerals resources sector. DRA has an extensive global track record, spanning more than three
decades and more than 7,500 studies and projects as well as operations, maintenance , and
optimisation solutions across a wide range of commodities.
DRA has expertise in mining, minerals and metals processing and related non- process
infrastructure including sustainability, water and energy solutions for the mining industry. DRA
delivers advisory, engineering and project delivery services throughout the capital project lifecycle
from concept through to operational readiness and commissioning as well as ongoing operations,
maintenance, and shutdown services.
DRA, headquartered in Perth, Australia, services its global customer base through 20 offices
across Asia-Pacific, North and South America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
About Focus Graphite
Focus Graphite Inc. is an exploration and development company that seeks to produce flake
graphite concentrate at its wholly owned Lac Knife and Lac Tétépisca flake graphite projects
located in the Côte-Nord administrative region of Québec. As part of its mission to build long-term,
sustainable shareholder value, Focus is also evaluating the feasibility of producing value- added
specialty graphite products, including battery -grade spherical graphite. Focus Graphite is a
technology-oriented graphite development company with a vision for building long- term,
sustainable shareholder value. Focus also holds an equity position in graphene applications
developer Grafoid Inc. Focus is committed to operating in a socially, environmentally and ethically
responsible manner.
For more information about Focus Graphite and the Company’s Lac Tétépisca and Lac Knife
projects, please visit Focus’s website at www.focusgraphite.com or contact:
Kimberly Darlington
Communications, Focus Graphite
Judith Mazvihwa-MacLean
CFO, Focus Graphite
(613) 581-4040
Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of
the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward- looking information" within the meaning of Canadian
securities legislation. All information contained herein that is not clearly historical in nature may
constitute forward- looking information, including references to the plans and project of the
Company such as proceeding with production at the Company’s P roject, proceeding with
exploration activities on its permits on Lac Tétépisca. Generally, such forward-looking information
can be identified by the use of forward- looking terminology such as “potential”, “high- potential”,
“expected”, “optimistic”, “looking forward”, “moving forward”, or variations of such words and
phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would" or "might". Forward-
looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that
may cause the actual results, level of activity, performanc e or achievements of the Company to
be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward- looking information,
including but not limited to: (i) volatile stock price; (ii) the general global markets and economic
conditions; (iii) the poss ibility of write -downs and impairments; (iv) the risk associated with
exploration, development and operations of mineral deposits; (v) the risk associated with
establishing title to mineral properties and assets; (vi) fluctuations in commodity prices; (vii ) the
risks associated with uninsurable risks arising during the course of exploration, development and
production; (viii) competition faced by the issuer in securing purchasers, off-taker markets, clients
and experienced personnel and financing; (ix) access to adequate infrastructure to support
mining, processing, development and exploration activities; (x) the risks associated with changes
in the mining regulatory regime governing the issuer; (xi) the risks associated with the various
environmental regulations the issuer is subject to; (xii) risks related to regulatory and permitting
delays; (xiii) risks related to potential conflicts of interest; (xiv) the reliance on key personnel; (xv)
liquidity risks; (xvi) the risk of litigation; and (xvii) risk management.
Forward-looking information is based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable at
the time such statements are made, including but not limited to, continued exploration activities,
no material adverse change in metal prices, exploration, and development plans to proceed in
accordance with plans and such plans to achieve their stated expected outcomes, receipt of
required regulatory approval, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although
the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those contained in the forward-looking information, there may be other factors that
cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that
such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events
could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward- looking information. Such forward-
looking information has been provided for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the
Company's business, operations and exploration plans and may not be appropriate for other
purposes. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward- looking information.
Forward-looking information is given as of the date of this press release, and the Company does
not undertake to update such forward -looking information except in accordance with applicable
securities laws.