Very Coarse Flake Graphite Production
Perth, May 26, 2015 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Valence Industries Limited (the 'Company') (
ASX:VXL) (VXLO) is pleased to announce the metallurgical analysis from its Uley GraphiteTM plant during the first stage of the commissioning.
Highlights of Metallurgical Analysis
The graphite product mix includes significantly larger proportions of large flake graphite than expected. Larger flake graphite generally commands a higher price in the graphite market.
- Product mix includes more than 71% in larger flake sizes with size distribution as follows:
* 9% reported as extra-large coarse flake graphite (+500µm or +35-24 mesh) (Super-Jumbo flake)
* 24% reported as large-coarse flake graphite (+300µm or +50-35 mesh) (Jumbo flake)
* 28% reported as coarse flake (+180µm or +80-50 mesh) (Very large flake)
* 10% reported as medium flake (+150µm or +100-80 mesh)
- Purity levels ranging between 90% and 95% based on the production processing runs to meet different customer needs.
"The results from production processing at our existing plant demonstrate the unique quality and value of the flake graphite from our Uley Graphite project.
We can produce very coarse flake in volumes and sizes that will demand premium pricing in the graphite market. Multiple customer contracts and multi-year MoUs signed for up to 37,000 tpa attest to the demand for our quality products." said Christopher Darby, Valence Industries CEO & MD
Production Metallurgy Test Work
Samples from production processing of the first ~1,500 tonnes of existing run of mine stockpiles have been analysed to inform changes to process optimisation in the commissioning program. The samples were collected in the final thickener at the end of the full production process prior to final drying, screening and bagging.
The table in link below shows the flake size distribution achieved from commissioning production using the existing run of mine stockpiles as feedstock.
These results are from actual production outcomes not lab-scale tests. It is anticipated that as commissioning continues and graphite production increases in coming weeks these results should improve as part of a process of optimising production. Further improvements are anticipated once the Company starts processing new material from Uley Pit 2 including in the zones of Arterial FlakeTM graphite.
Construction of process water ponds and tailings storage facilities are scheduled to be completed by mid-June 2015. This work will allow for effective and safe management of tailings from processing, and the return, recycling and reuse of significant proportions of the water used in the facility. Graphite production has been suspended temporarily during the construction of the process water and tailings facilities, which has provided an opportunity for further maintenance, plant assessment and optimisation.
The first export shipment in April 2015 tested the loading, packaging and transport logistics program through Singapore to the destination port and has arrived with the customer and been paid for. The results of that first shipment of commissioning-level material have verified the integrity of the packaging system and the product palletising stability through multiple ports and transhipments. Customer shipments will increase progressively in volumes and value as production re-commences and ramps up in coming weeks.
To view tables and figures, please visit:
http://media.abnnewswire.net/media/en/docs/ASX-VXL-859580.pdf
About Valence Industries Ltd
Valence Industries Limited (ASX:VXL) is an industrial manufacturing company producing high grade flake graphite products for distribution and sale to global markets. Valence Industries owns established processing facilities and infrastructure to manufacture a wide range of graphite product lines for multiple applications and multiple industries. Valence Industries produces and sells its graphite products from its Uley Graphite facilities in regional South Australia for delivery to diversified markets for graphite in the Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Visit Valence Industries
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