en.Wedoany.com Reported - Focus Graphite Inc. has announced the completion of a hydrogeological assessment for its wholly-owned Lac Knife graphite project. This assessment concludes years of environmental planning and completes the major technical work required to support the submission of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment.
The assessment was conducted by Yves Leblanc, Professional Geologist, of Richelieu Hydrogeologie Inc., under the supervision and management of IOS Geosciences Inc. Based on monitoring of over thirty wells, the assessment confirmed that the natural groundwater conditions in the Lac Knife project area are well understood. The study shows that groundwater near the deposit is slightly acidic and rich in sulfates, related to the natural oxidation of sulfide-bearing graphite mineralization, but the acidity is gradually buffered as groundwater moves away from the deposit. The study also established natural background concentrations of certain elements associated with mineralization, providing a scientifically supported baseline for future groundwater monitoring and environmental modeling.
The assessment confirmed that regional groundwater runoff naturally deviates from the deposit due to the hydraulic gradient of the Pekan River valley. While some surface water from the deposit flows naturally toward Knife Lake, underground groundwater flows southwest, reducing the potential for interaction between groundwater and the surrounding aquatic environment.
The study also focused on evaluating the long-term performance of the redesigned dry-stack tailings storage facility. Based on the 2021 feasibility study update prepared by NewFields Canada, the facility combines dry-stack tailings with approximately 10% dolomitic lime to buffer acid generated from sulfide oxidation. The design includes an engineered impermeable liner system, non-acidic waste rock containment dikes, underdrain infrastructure, and a water collection and treatment system designed to recycle water back into the processing circuit. The assessment simulated groundwater infiltration scenarios using contaminant concentrations derived from 2021-2022 column leach tests. The hydrogeological model indicates that, under the engineering design assumptions, dissolved constituents will be sufficiently diluted before reaching potential groundwater resurgence zones, and long-term compliance with applicable environmental standards set by Quebec's Ministry of the Environment is expected. Sensitivity analyses also demonstrated the resilience of the design while reinforcing the importance of multiple engineered containment measures.
Additionally, an assessment of climate change precipitation scenarios did not indicate significant adverse impacts on the facility's long-term environmental performance. The assessment concluded with recommendations for future monitoring and mitigation measures, which will be incorporated into the project's environmental management framework.
Focus Graphite CEO Dean Hanisch stated that completing these remaining environmental studies is a significant milestone for the Lac Knife project. He noted that with a grade of 15.6% Cg, Lac Knife positions the company to profitably produce and sell graphite concentrate and help reduce North American and G7 supply chain dependence on foreign sources.
Vice President of Corporate Development Jason Latkowcer added that environmental permitting is one of the most important value creation catalysts in project development. The company will now focus on advancing the regulatory process and will proceed with the preparation and submission of an updated ESIA package to Quebec's Ministry of the Environment, Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks. This submission is expected to initiate the next phase of the regulatory process, including public consultation activities.
The technical content disclosed in this news release was reviewed and approved by Rejean Girard, Professional Geologist (Quebec), President of IOS Geosciences Inc., a consultant to the company and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument NI-43-101.
The Lac Knife project is recognized as one of the highest-grade graphite deposits in North America, strategically positioned to support demand for critical minerals in energy storage, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, industrial, and defense applications.
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