"..However, a lot of research is underway about processes that will convert high-grade graphite into much larger quantities of graphene. That offers a huge investment upside. TCMR: The graphite space today is where REEs were in mid-2010. The tide is floating all boats. How long do you expect the run in graphite equities to last? BK: When I look at graphite, it's all about the overall grade and quality of the material. The higher grade, the higher the quality. Of course, the larger the tonnage, the better the prospects. A producer has to deliver and price a product based on its cost per ton. In that sense, higher grade and better initial quality of the graphite in the ground make for better prospects for a given company. "Processes [in the research phase] could convert high-grade graphite into much larger quantities of graphene. That offers a huge investment upside." –Byron King The bloom is already coming off the rose. In the last month, graphite prices out of China were down about 20%. The slowdown in China's economy translates into less internal need. Less internal usage means more graphite is available for export. In the West, developers with graphite plays will have to work their deposits up to NI 43-101 standards, then build a mine and a processing plant. The good news is that mining and processing graphite is a lot cheaper and a lot less technically complex than an REE play, or even most gold mines. TCMR: Graphite prices are set between buyer and seller. But we have yet to see a graphite deal with an end user. How far off is that? BK: I think you'll see agreements this summer and certainly by the end of the year. Developers need those agreements to fund engineering and construction. The companies that make end-user agreements will move the market the day they announce an agreement.." http://www.theaureport.com/pub/na/13597
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