The Leader in the June issue of IM is about graphite. Subsequent to that has come news of a new application. Hexavalent chromium compounds are a key ingredient in coatings used to rust-proof steel, but they are carcinogenic. Researchers have been looking for non-toxic alternatives that could be used to keep steel items from corroding. Recently, scientists from the University at Buffalo announced that they have developed such a substance. It’s a varnish that incorporates graphene. “In recent times, many western governments have assessed graphite as being a mineral of strategic importance. Concurrently, producers in China have been lobbying the government to provide graphite with protections similar to those which rare earths presently receive. China, Brazil, India and Canada produce most of the world’s graphite; with China alone producing more than 70% of the world’s supply. If China’s approach to rare earths was applied to graphite, the impact on global demand, supply and prices would be significant,” says Intierra.
It is within this context that graphite has become the commodity of interest for many North American explorers. Canadian companies in particular are well-placed to leverage local reserves of the mineral.
Intierra Resource Intelligence Executive Director, Glen Jones, will offer insights into the current situation when he presents Graphite: Who are the Players and Where are the Properties? at Vancouver’s World Resource Investment Conference.
Commencing at 11.00 am, Sunday June 3, Jones’s presentation will focus on companies that are listed on the Toronto Exchange and Toronto Venture Exchange..
http://www.im-mining.com/2012/05/31/...oduce-fears-and-opportunities/