Production of flake graphite has begun at Victoria Graphite’s (CDN) property near Portland, in southeastern Ontario. Full-scale open-pit production is expected to be 10 tonnes per day from ore grading 6-8% graphitic carbon.
The deposit, some 50 miles north of Kingston, Ont., was discovered in the early 1930s but was not explored until 1987 when drilling and electromagnetic surveys confirmed the presence of a readily accessible source of flake graphite.
From 1987 to 1989, 53 holes totaling 5,917 metres were drilled, which outlined 750,000 tonnes of ore averaging 7.04% graphite in three zones. In the fall of 1989, a smaller program of drilling and trenching was undertaken to confirm 250,000-300,000 tonnes of near-surface reserves. Earlier this winter, a ramp was excavated to the 10-metre level and 7,000 tonnes of ore were excavated. The bulk sample confirmed the grade and tonnage indicated by surface exploration.
The concentrate contains a high percentage of “coarse” flake and can be upgraded to more than 99% graphitic carbon. The concentrate is apparently free of contaminants and suitable for production of sheet graphite.
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