Seruwila Graphite
Among the Highest Grades in the World
Sri Lankan graphite has long been prized for being the purest in the world, but until AMECA Global’s discovery, the country has only produced relatively small quantities of lump graphite from narrow vertical vein structures. AMECA Mining’s significant new source of flake graphite lies in wide, multiple-layered horizontal beds. Seruwila is among the highest-grade deposits in the world, with carbon grades of over 14% and ultra low impurities. Testing and analysis in Sri Lanka, Ireland, and Canada confirms the graphite flakes (including Super Jumbo flakes) to be of the highest natural purity (99.9%) making it suitable for the highest value uses – including expandable graphite, graphene, and upgrading to battery anode material.
Seruwila Graphite Specifications
Graphite Composition:
Based upon analysis conducted in Sri Lanka and observations to date, the graphite is predominately composed of very large flake sizes (see chart). However, this will be shortly confirmed by an assay of 44 representative samples chosen by Dr. Christian Derosier.
Green Processing
Piloting in Canada has demonstrated that the graphite is not intercalated with the host rock – allowing for completely dry processing through advanced air separation technology. Accordingly, less water, energy, and harsh chemicals are required compared to other graphite projects. The sophisticated air classification system will be fully automated using the gentlest possible means to liberate and categorize the graphite. It will be capable of separating out graphite flakes from fine (<75μm)to super jumbo (>300μm) simultaneously. The flakes will remain largely unbroken, unscratched or otherwise damaged – which is not possible in many other projects that require extensive, severe processing. The resulting 95-97% purity flakes will then be spherified and bagged for shipping. Few other projects are capable of reaching this level of purity without flotation – which breaks down the flakes.
Initially, the goal will be to produce as green and untouched a product as possible while achieving a very high level of natural purity. The end user will have a primary product of unmatched quality suitable for many secondary applications (see Graphite Market).
However, in addition to selling minimally processed powder at high margins, AMECA Mining recognizes that there are value
added opportunities for secondary processing. AMECA Mining has already completed the high-level design for a flex centre (see virtual data room) and is currently exploring several strategic partnerships to obtain the capabilities required to benefit from the significant upside gained by moving up the value chain.
Quantity
Prior to AMECA Global’s unexpected “new source” discovery, Sri Lanka was known for producing the world’s purest graphite. However, the existing mines were located in the Western part of the country and predominantly produced relatively small amounts of lump graphite from thin vertical vein structures. In contrast, Seruwila graphite formed in wide, horizontal beds. To date, 7 layers have been discovered – including one layer measuring 14 metres. Geological evidence strongly indicates an extremely large deposit (perhaps one of the world’s largest) with the strike rock estimated to extend as far as 200 kilometres. However, further drilling is required to measure and quantify a resource. Dr. Christian Derosier has designed a 24 hole drill plan that will establish a resource on a 43-101 and provide the initial data for the Preliminary Economic Assessment. Based upon internal reports* (not 43-101 compliant), AMECA Mining has designed a 9-line mill capable of producing up to 120,000 tonnes/year to + 50 mesh powder.