Aben Resources Ltd. has announced the completion of the first phase of field exploration at the Slocan Graphite Project. Field reconnaissance, geological mapping, rock and soil sampling, and the analysis of probable drill sites comprised the early phase of exploration for a potential 2022 fall drill program.
Slocan Infrastructure. Image Credit: Aben Resources
Aben geologists collected 52 surface rock samples from a diverse array of potential lithologies over many kilometers during phase 1 exploration. The extensive network of logging roads that traverse the Property and provide widespread rock exposure has significantly assisted geologic sampling and mapping.
The year 2022 marks the start of the first detailed exploration program to evaluate the Property’s potential for economic graphite mineralization. Based on previous field observations, Aben has added 439.4 hectares to the Slocan Graphite tenure by staking, bringing the total hectarage to 2826.
The British Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation is currently reviewing Aben’s Multi-Year Area Based (MYAB) application for the Property. The dialogue between Aben, the Ministry, and the First Nations is ongoing and evolving. During this consultation process, mechanically undisturbed ground exploration is permitted.
About Slocan Graphite Project:
The Slocan Graphite Project has excellent facilities, including forestry road access to and through the property, a high-voltage transmission line within 1.0 km of the property boundary, and an operating graphite processing facility within 1.5 km. Eagle Graphite Corporation owns the facility, which is one of only two main flake graphite production sites in North America.
Aben has the exclusive potential to obtain a 100% interest in the road-accessible Slocan Graphite Project, which is located 34 km northwest of Castlegar, British Columbia.
The 2,826-hectare Slocan Graphite Property contains a few flakes of graphite-bearing outcrops (high values of 3.36 and 4.43 % graphitic Carbon) at the Tedesco Zone, which coincides with a powerful conductive anomaly discovered in 2010 and is thought to extend up to 2.0 km from the known surficial incidences.
About Graphite:
Natural flake graphite is the quickest-growing product type and will maintain its lead with a 9.5% increase in value between 2021 and 2025.
Batteries are expected to grow at the fastest rate of 17.9% between 2021 and 2025 in terms of both value and volume. A typical HEV contains up to 10 kg of graphite, whereas EVs contain up to 70 kg.
Synthetic graphite is usually the best material for battery anode materials. However, because of its affordability and effectiveness, natural flake graphite has seen a major shift in the last few years.
Graphite is the most popular battery anode material for rechargeable batteries, and the battery segment is expected to generate a US$4.6 billion incremental opportunity between 2020 and 2025.
In 2019, Asia Pacific was the largest consumer of graphite, with a 9.1% increase in value between 2021 and 2025.
Due to environmental concerns, China’s graphite production is expected to consolidate. New businesses are entering the graphite industry, particularly in the extraction of natural flake graphite. Graphite is regarded as a green energy and technology material.