Friday, July 29, 2011

Focus Metals could realize a huge benefit in regards to the success and speed of graphene research

Focus Metals (TSXV:FMS)(OTCQX:FCSMF) is currently working diligently to bring their Lac Knife graphite deposit to production. There is of course much work to be done before the company reaches this goal, but with the amount of dedication and commitment that management is expending on this project, it is quite conceivable to view this goal as attainable. Lac Knife is a graphite deposit, that although lacking a NI 43-101 compliant document which is being completed currently, does have according to historical records 8.1MT of large flake graphite. The historical data is considered to be accurate to a large degree, since this property has had studies completed regarding resource size and grade, due to the fact that Lac Knife was nearly put into production twice.
The first feasibility study on Lac Knife was completed in 1989 by Mazarin Inc., and updated by Cambior Inc., in 1991. A recession and falling commodity prices delayed further progress for 10 years.
In 2001, Graftech International entered the picture in a joint agreement with Ballard Power Systems Inc. to produce fuel cell batteries. Strathcona Mineral Services did a worldwide search of graphite deposits and found Lac Knife’s quality of graphite to be two to three times the average grade of most deposits being mined at that time.Although Focus Metals has many advantages that help to bring Lac Knife to the forefront of most, if not all graphite deposits currently known, the one that really stands out is the "Factor 17". Focus Metals’ Lac Knife, Quebec, property holds the highest concentrate flake graphite resource in the world at nearly 17% (pre-NI 43-101). It has attracted worldwide attention because of its purity and its economic value. When comparing Lac Knife to the average graphite deposit globally we will find that 17% is not only uncommon, we will come to learn that the average graphite deposit grades at between 2.5% and 5%. To help you grasp the depth of this statement, here is a link that will help you see just what this Factor 17 means in financial terms for Focus Metals, http://www.focusmetals.ca/investors/reasons-to-own-fms/the-7-factors.

We now know that graphite holds a large value for Focus Metals. What if Focus Metals could increase this financial benefit many fold? Well that is exactly what the potential is for Focus Metals, and this comes because of a product being discovered that ultimately led to two scientists receiving the Nobel Prize in Physics. I'm sure you have already heard of this product by now, as it continues to gain attention on many fronts. Yes, it is the world's next wonder material, and it is called graphene. Since its discovery, graphene has had a virtual avalanche of interest in research. Currently there are very few universities, corporate, and government labs that do not have some type of research program in place. The future for this product appears to be so huge at this time that many are describing this as the next product that will change the world as we know it. With all the recent attention being garnered upon graphene research, and the fact that some of these research projects are reaching rather successful results, helps us to gain some insight into just how quickly graphene could become a part of our everyday life.

The novel material graphene makes faster electronics possible. Scientists at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology at the Vienna University of Technology (TU Vienna) developed light-detectors made of graphene and analyzed their astonishing properties. This research has found a way for graphene to considerably improve the speed at which data can be exchanged between computers. The exact speed is not definitively known, since we have no known technology that can measure at these speeds. http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-06-material-faster-electronics.html

What has turned out to be some very interesting research, is something that is being done at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Graphene, a form of pure carbon arranged in a lattice just one atom thick, has interested countless researchers with its unique strength and its electrical and thermal conductivity. But one key property it lacks -- which would make it suitable for a plethora of new uses -- is the ability to form a band gap, needed for devices such as transistors, computer chips and solar cells. The research being conducted at MIT may have found a way to overcome this deficiency. http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-06-layer-method-two-three-tier-graphene.html

Graphene researchers have been troubled with one aspect of graphene. According to Dr. Dan Li, of the Monash University Department of Materials Engineering, “The reason graphene isn’t being used everywhere is that these very thin sheets, when stacked into a usable macrostructure, immediately bond together, reforming graphite. When graphene restacks, most of the surface area is lost and it doesn’t behave like graphene anymore.” However, Dr. Li and his team feel they may have discovered the key to this obstacle. Here is a link to an article that was released July 15, 2011, by Monash University, http://www.monash.edu.au/news/show/graphite-water-the-future-of-energy-storage. This is the type of research that brings an understanding of just how quickly graphene could be implemented into many uses in our daily lives.

Quantum dots are something that have been studied considerably, but most of these studies have involved the composition of toxic substances, such as lead and cadmium. The seriousness of the threats posed, by large-scale application of these, is completely unacceptable. In contrast, the 9-nm quantum dots made of graphenegraphene has a high charge carrier mobility, which means that it can quickly transport charges to the electrodes, reducing current losses and improving solar cell efficiency. In their experiments, the researchers found that GQDs blended with a conjugated polymer exhibit significantly enhanced characteristics compared to graphene sheets blended with the same polymer. http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-07-graphene-quantum-dots-low-cost-solar.html

One of the more interesting avenues of research being conducted with graphene currently is the research involving supercapacitors. Supercapacitors have the ability to hold a charge, but unlike a battery which relys on a chemical reaction to store the electric energy, supercapacitors hold this charge in the form of ions. Supercapacitors have been around for quite some time, but with the advent of graphene, now have the potential of being produced to much higher standards. Research teams from the Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory and the University of Texas-Austin developed a new material using graphene, a carbon-based nanomaterial, to increase the storage performance of supercapacitors. This research has led to a seemingly positive outlook for activated graphene, to become quite useful in the creation of supercapacitors capable of high storage performance. When we make reference to high storage performance, this would mean a supercapacitor capable of dramatically increased performance. http://www.ecoseed.org/technology-article-list/article/2-technology/9818-supercapacitors-reach-high-storage-performance-with-activated-graphene-


As has been mentioned numerous times, the amount of research being conducted on graphene is virtually without limit. In many instances graphene has been viewed to have tremendous potential for any number of potential uses. In the case of possible renewable energy applications, researchers have had difficulties in attempting to grow graphene. In this article by Kristin Dian Mariano, it is explained how researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered how hydrogen plays a vital role with graphene. http://www.ecoseed.org/technology-article-list/article/2-technology/10454-hydrogen-influences-graphene-growth-–-o-r-n-l-

This is of course, just a sampling of some of the research being done with graphene, and with new discoveries being made almost daily, it truly is a very exciting time to witness the birth of such a pivotal product with huge potential in so many areas of our lives.

From all this, which like I have pointed out is just a sampling, it stands clear in my opinion that this world changing product known as graphene will come to benefit Focus Metals immensely. As I pointed out at the beginning of this post, Focus Metals has a world class project, which is open to further exploration and therefore further possible expansion of resources. This coupled with a continual rising of graphite prices recently, especially the highly purified large flake graphite capable of producing graphene, and further global demand expected to sustain this trend, leaves one sensing the significant financial benefit available. On that note, I would urge anyone who may find Focus Metals of interest, as a possible investment choice, to do your own due diligence. The company's new website is an excellent place to start. Here is the link to Focus Metals' site, http://www.focusmetals.ca/

For disclosure purposes, I have received no compensation of any kind for this post. I do own shares in Focus Metals.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Compliance Energy - A well diversified company

Compliance Energy (TSXV:CEC) is a Canadian company. They are based in British Columbia, with their flagship property being, the Raven Project.  Through the Comox Joint Venture (‘CJV’), CEC owns 60% of the Raven Underground Coal project and is the manager & operator of the CJV. The semi–soft coking coal resource is 43–101 compliant and consists of 97.5M tonnes of measured & indicated, as well as, 34.5M tonnes of inferred. Just 82km (50 miles) from a deep water port, the Raven project is a near term producer ideally situated near power and transportation corridors. Currently Compliance Energy has completed just over half of the required permitting process.
The public comment period on the draft AIR/EIS guidelines was conducted from May 18, 2011 until June 27, 2011 and  included three public meetings. After taking all public comments into consideration and ensuring responses are adequate, the CEAA and the BC EAO will finalize the AIR/EIS Guidelines and issue it. At that point the Comox Joint Venture can begin preparation of its applications for environmental certification and approval. At this time, Compliance Energy is currently tracking, tabling, and responding to all comments from this public comment period.

Compliance Energy has just released news of a planned drilling program at other properties that the company holds 100% ownership of. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/compliance-energy-receives-vancouver-island-exploration-permit-125966703.html
 The Company acquired five properties in 2010 and performed early stage exploration which included geological mapping, soil and rock geochemistry, and airborne geophysical surveys totalling 927 kilometre.  http://www.complianceenergy.com/index.php?id=115

The following is a list of the mineral properties that Compliance Energy owns and gives an indication of what resources may be potentially found.

Property   Approx. loc.   Size(Ha)     Exploration Objectives/Targets

Camp lakeCampbell River3,441 Magnetite skarn and porphyry copper deposits
HisnitTahsis1,294Porphyry and skarn deposits containing Copper, Molybdenum, and Gold
TowerSayward2,107Porphyry deposits containing Copper, Molybdenum, and Gold
NICPort Alice7,533Porphyry deposits containing Copper, Molybdenum, and Gold
CJDGold River1,042Porphyry deposits containing Copper

It is not difficult to see the advantages offered by a company that is this diversified, and even more so when the targeted resources are in a strong demand group. With current forecasts of strong demand of these resources, and to continue for some time to come yet, bodes well for Compliance Energy.

These properties all have good potential for copper, molybdenum, and gold, except for the CJD property which to-date has only shown potential for copper. Globally, copper saw an estimated deficit of approximately 250,000 metric tonnes of refined copper in 2010. This deficit is expected to grow to approximately 380,000 metric tonnes for 2011. http://www.icsg.org/images/stories/pdfs/icsg_press_release_-_2011_04__forecast.pdf
Currently copper prices are in the $4.35 range, and have been on an uptrend, no doubt in part because of the supply deficit. http://www.metalprices.com/FreeSite/metals/cu/cu.asp
With this deficit forecast to grow, it is not difficult to see the trend continue regarding the price of copper. Last year it was reported that Mexico experienced a reduction in the amount of copper being produced by approximately 19%. Another aspect that will have a major impact on copper is the fact that there are only a handful of new deposits coming on-line globally over the next couple of years.

Molybdenum is also facing growing demand. According to ASM, in an article from June 13, 2011 they report that Molybdenum demand has hit new highs. http://www.asminternational.org/portal/site/www/NewsItem/?vgnextoid=43d89d3a43980310VgnVCM100000621e010aRCRD
Moly Investing News, in an article written by Michael Montgomery, reports that although molybdenum is being supplied at a rate which is satisfying global demand, there is an expected increase that will leave molybdenum production in a deficit. In the article it is stated, that demand is expected to rise to approximately 300 million pounds from the approximate 400 million pound consumption range we currently are experiencing. http://molyinvestingnews.com/3869-molybdenums-long-term-potential.html. As with everything, if this deficit in supply is accurate, then we can expect molybdenum prices to obviously increase.

Gold is something that has been experiencing an uptrend that is unprecedented. To get a feel for what the future for gold may be, let's look at the amount of exploration being conducted at present for this elusive metal. To-date gold has continued to set new record highs.

Compliance Energy has not only proven there value in regards to the Raven Project Underground Coal Project, but the management has taken the strategic steps to acquire these other properties, and has positioned the company to display an inordinate amount of potential. This becomes even clearer when we consider that Compliance Energy has just over 76 million shares on a fully diluted basis. While we view all of these properties as exceptional in terms of potential for copper, molybdenum, and gold, it goes without saying, that the Raven Project is, at this point, truly the focus of Compliance Energy. The fact that Compliance Energy entered into the joint venture in 2009 with 2 stellar companies, namely I-Comox Coal Co. (100% sub of Itochu Corp. of Japan), and LG International Investments (Canada) Ltd. (100% sub of LG of Korea), speaks volumes about the management and their commitment to this company and shareholders alike. This joint venture leaves Compliance Energy owning 60% with both I-Comox and LG both owning 20% each respectively.

The fact that transportation costs are reduced, in comparison to many competitors, is due to the fact that Compliance Energys' properties are situated on Vancouver Island, with access to deep water port facilities. In the case of Raven Project, the majority of the coal if not all, will probably find its way to the Asian market, due to the nature of business that the joint venture partners are involved in. Itochu and LG are both International trading company's. Itochu's 2010 annual trading of energy metals and minerals accounted for US $35 billion. LG is Asia's largest coal trader.

After considering all this, it is my opinion, that Compliance Energy is not only a very attractive investment possibility, but also one of the best diversified company's. For anyone who finds Compliance Energy to be a company of interest, I would suggest doing your own due diligence. An excellent place to start would be the Compliance Energy website, which can be located at www.complianceenergy.com

For disclosure purposes I have not received any compensation of any kind for this post. I do own shares in Compliance Energy.




PropertyApproximate LocationSize (Hectares)Exploration Objectives/Targets





Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Graphite and Graphene - The backbone of Focus Metals

Currently the world is experiencing a tremendous surge in the demand for graphite. This appears to not only be a trend that will be sustainable but seems that it will most certainly continue to grow for the foreseeable future. Of course, as with all things, the supply and demand factors play a huge part in the setting of prices.

Many people are asking why the seemingly sudden increase in graphite demand. This seems like a rather simple question to answer but in fact there are a variety of answers that collectively lead to the increase in demand. Definitely the fact that China has control over approximately 80% of the global supply of graphite at present, coupled with the fact that they have imposed limits on the amount of graphite they are prepared to export, has undoubtedly had a significant impact. It is also becoming realized that the amount of global supply has continually diminished. This played a large part in China's decision to ensure they retained enough graphite supply for their own domestic use as their economic growth continues at a record level. This growth, which is being witnessed in several areas of the world besides China, has led to an enormous need for steel. As more and more people are buying automobiles and building, the amount of steel required continues to grow. This affects graphite since a considerable amount of graphite is used in refractories. Natural graphite is used mostly in what are called refractory applications. Refractory applications are those that involve extremely high heat and therefore demand materials that will not melt or disintegrate under such extreme conditions. One example of this use is in the crucibles used in the steel industry. Such refractory applications account for the majority of the usage of graphite. It is also used to make brake linings, lubricants, and molds in foundries. A variety of other industrial uses account for the remaining graphite consumed each year.

As we can see there are a number of uses that graphite has in our world today. As technology advances, we are coming up with more and more ingenius applications. Take for instance the researchers from Rice University, who have used graphite to produce a "super-sand." This might not sound like a life-changing product, however, for many people it has the potential to be just that. So called super-sand is regular sand that has been coated with nanosheets of graphite. The point of all this, is to allow people to have access to safe drinking water, in areas where this is not something that is available currently. http://inhabitat.com/rice-university-uses-graphite-to-make-water-filtering-super-sand/. To think that one out of eight people does not have access to safe drinking water in today's world is difficult to fathom, especially for those of us who happen to take this luxury for granted.


Actually the list goes on, and I feel confident it will continue to grow as research continues to find ever-more applications for graphite. All of this truly leads us to the realization that graphite definitely seems poised to become the next product that will define the world. Steel had a similar effect, as did plastic, and now seems to be the perfect time for graphite to enter the world. I anticipate many new discoveries to come from graphite research.

The research of graphite has already led to the discovery of graphene, and this is almost beyond words, where this could take our lives and the world as we know them. The amount of research currently being conducted on graphene is virtually unlimited. There are few university, corporate, and government labs around the globe that are not researching some possible application for graphene. If we think that graphite is cause for excitement, graphene only magnifies this many fold. http://www.techradar.com/news/world-of-tech/graphene-the-miracle-material-explained-968797
This article is by Gary Marshall in Techradar.com, and as is stated near the end, that many of these potential uses are still in research mode as of yet. However, it was not that long ago that Nokia and Samsung started the research that has led to Nokia reporting, they expect to introduce a product based on this research of graphene. Andre Geim, one of the scientists awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics just last year, is reported saying to Nature, "Nokia banks on graphene for future tech". This should help us to more clearly see that not only is graphene causing a huge stir in the global community, but is also starting to breakout of the research labs and into our lives. This will only continue and at an accelerated pace in my opinion.

This is an exciting time to be living in, what with all the limitless possibilities of graphite and graphene. What I find just as exciting is that there is access to this market through a company known as Focus Metals (TSXV:FMS)(OTCQX:FCSMF). Focus Metals owns one of the worlds purest graphite deposits called Lac Knife. Lac Knife is situated in Quebec, Canada, which happens to be probably the most stable mining area in the world. The Lac Knife deposit has a proven history. Nearly developed in the early 2000’s in a joint venture between Graftech International and Ballard Power Systems, previous studies are being recast to NI 43-101 standards.
The Lac Knife property is unique in the world because of its cost-mitigating, high concentration (some 17% in pre-NI 43-101 terms) of large, medium and small flake graphite destined to meet rising global demand from both industrial and high technology end users.
A 17% carbon content means Focus Metals will have the most competitively priced technology graphite in the world.
extendable mine life. http://www.focusmetals.ca/global-operations/lac-knife
Early indications from our consultant preparing our 43-101 resource calculation are that we shall see no inconsistencies or variations from previous non-43-101 estimates that our property contains a 17% pure carbon content.
We recently filed those indications with the securities regulator.
With supplies continuing to become tighter globally, and forecasts that the demand will continue to grow in the coming years, it is not difficult to see almost unimaginable potential with Focus Metals. Another aspect that could potentially take Focus Metals, to a level that would be described as a global leader in this space, is the fact that they have announced a joint venture  to develop, patents and secure global rights for applications of graphene technologies. http://www.focusmetals.ca/news/press-releases/2011-2/feb232011
The potential of this joint venture is something that could surpass many if not all expectations. Add to this that Focus Metals' treasury is flush with money at present. http://www.focusmetals.ca/news/press-releases/2011-2/may122011
 Management has stated that several possible acquisitions are possible as the company strives to position themselves as a major in the graphite and graphene space.

As you can see there is more than ample reason to view Focus Metals as a desirable investment choice. For those who agree, I would suggest that you do your own due diligence, and an excellent place to start is the company's new website. If you have looked at this company in the past, I am sure you will be impressed with the newest addition to the company. The link for Focus Metals is http://www.focusmetals.ca/.

For disclosure purposes I have received no compensation of any kind for this post. I do own shares in Focus Metals.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Focus Metals continues to deliver on promises

Focus Metals - (TSXV:FMS)(OTCQX:FCSMF) has had a few changes in the last few days. One change that should stand out is the fact that Focus Metals has received approval to begin trading on the OTC exchange. It should be noted that the OTCQX exchange is the highest tier of the three available tiers. This will allow Focus Metals to potentially attract many new investors. http://www.focusmetals.ca/news/press-releases/2011-2/july132011-2

For those who might not realize it, Focus Metals has launched their new website. This came into effect July 14, 2001, and is in my opinion, a site that is very user friendly, as well as containing more information than the old site. Many people had been requesting that a new website was in order, and CEO Gary Economo had stated that this was something the company would take under advisement. It was then decided that a new website was in order. This is one more example of just how in-tune the management team attempts to be with shareholders.
The website can be found at the same address, http://www.focusmetals.ca/
I find this new website addresses some of the more recent concerns and also gives good direction in where management is attempting to take Focus Metals. This all adds to the potential that this company has had all along, and continues to build on that potential.

Another decision that I think is crucial, considering the amount of activity at the Lac Knife project, as well as at Kwyjibo, is the announcement of the opening of a field office in Quebec. This only stands to reason both from a time management standpoint as well as the monetary costs involved with flying people back and forth from the project to the office in Ottawa. The fact that the Ottawa office will be moving to a more central location in the city is also a positive in my opinion. As reported the cost of the the premise will be shared with other junior exploration companies, and is one more decision in which management has endeavored to keep costs as low as possible in my opinion.

As we look forward through the coming summer months, I anticipate that Gary and the rest of the team will continue to deliver on the promise that they have the shareholders interest at heart. To date this project has progressed at a very fast pace, and although we all enjoy when a stock rises with the speed that Focus Metals has over the last year, it is not realistic to expect that there will not be some issues that stall that progress. As was mentioned, by Mr. Economo, there are some things that are beyond managements control. For those who are investing in this as a long-term investment I see absolutely nothing that would indicate anything other than this company's huge potential. Although there have been delays in some areas, I see nothing that indicates that any fundamental changes have occurred with Focus Metals, and that management has delivered on everything they have stated they would.

Of particular interest is the statement by Mr.Economo, "With a view to building and consolidating our flake graphite mineral holdings, Focus Metals is continuing early discussions with a number of potential domestic and international operators to acquire their properties.
The aim of any potential acquisitions is multifold: to build Focus into a major graphite player; to generate cash flows, and; to secure new sources of product to supply future technology demand."
This is a very strategic decision, in my opinion, since the future of graphite appears to be on an uptrend in terms of demand, which correlates directly to the increase in graphite prices. Expectations are that this increase in demand will remain constant for a considerable time. Any acquisitions carried out by Focus Metals would only help to solidify their position as a major supplier of graphite globally. This being said, I view this as just one more point where the management is displaying there un-ending quest to bring the most value forward by attempting to position Focus Metals at the forefront of the graphite sector.

I would like to remind you at this point, that Focus Metals has what could potentially be, almost a license to print money. Yes, I am referring to the joint venture that was announced February 23, 2011.
http://www.focusmetals.ca/news/press-releases/2011-2/feb232011
The potential of what this joint venture could hold, in terms of financial benefit, is staggering. Graphene has reached a point where a multitude of researchers are anxious to do research with graphene. 
Not only is graphene selling for up to as much as 10 times what graphite sells for, but the licensing of proprietary knowledge and products, from this joint venture, stands to leave Focus Metals positioned to benefit greatly. Just one more point, where the management of Focus Metals is striving to bring the most value to shareholders.

www.focusmetals.ca.

For disclosure purposes I have received no compensation of any kind for this post. I do own shares in Focus Metals.


Saturday, July 9, 2011

Acceleware news release shows a very positive accomplishment - with lots of potential

Acceleware Ltd. (TSXV:AXE) has released a news release on July 7, 2011, in which they have reported the successful completion of a professional services engagement with MicroSeismic, Inc. For those who may not be familiar with who MicroSeimic Inc is, and what they do, let's take a look. I would like to cover just briefly what Acceleware does for the benefit of anyone not yet familiar with them.

Acceleware provides High Performance Computing software solutions to the Oil & Gas and Computer Engineering markets for multi-core CPUs and compute GPUs. Additionally, our HPC consulting services are utilized by enterprises needing to harness the power of parallel computing. At Acceleware the goal is always the same – Go Faster!
Acceleware develops and markets software acceleration products that bring unparalleled performance and speed to today's most strenuous and challenging compute and/or data-intensive demands. With Acceleware solutions installed, computer processing for data processing and simulation applications can benefit from speed-ups of 10x to 50x. Acceleware also uses its unique expertise for providing consulting services for companies, and research institutions involved with High Performance Computing. These services include architecting multi-core processing solutions, code porting and training.
Our customers share a common and urgent need - the need for powerful and timely computer modeling and testing. They are pushing the boundaries of innovation and demand faster product-development cycles for more complex products. They want more effective tools to interpret vast amounts of data.
With Acceleware's products and services - you buy time.
Our target markets are served by a network of distribution partners and include: computer aided engineering, oil and gas, image reconstruction, pharmaceuticals, defense and other HPC related industries.

This should help us all to easily see the value that Acceleware could bring and has brought to MicroSeismic. MicroSeismic is not just your average oil and gas player, they are in fact quite prominent in their area of this sector. They were incorporated in 2003, and the purpose of the company was to commercialize passive seismic. From their very inception they appear to have aligned themselves with some of the more powerful companies in this sector. They received venture funding in the amount of $450,000. The lead investor was the Altira Group of Denver, Colorado joined by Chevron Technology Ventures, the venture capital arm of Chevron Corporation. MicroSeismic has a lengthy list of accomplishments which can be seen at http://www.microseismic.com/history.html.
Also of note in the history of MicroSeismic is the fact that they have built a nice track record of increasing revenues. For example, in 2006 they doubled their revenues over 2005. In 2007 they again realized a huge gain in revenues with an increase of 231% over 2006. Again in 2008 they realized a gain of 25% in revenue. I would dare say this is quite impressive since this was the beginning of the economic crisis that became a global economic crisis. To drive this point home, MicroSeismic reported record revenues for 2009.

As MicroSeismic has progressed from 2003 to present, they have in a very literal sense, turned themselves into a prominent international company. In 2008 they doubled  the size of the North American sales team, hired a VP of Sales for US, named a VP of Sales for International, added sales representatives in China, Argentina, and Mexico. Then just last year they opened offices in both Poland and China. This truly is a company with a very focused mission, and as such, I think all shareholders and prospective investors alike should be able to see the potential of this relationship.

The management of MicroSeismic is very experienced and display dedication and commitment.

Dr. Peter M. Duncan

Founder and President

Peter M. Duncan is founding President of MicroSeismic, Inc. a Houston based geophysical service company. He holds a Ph.D. in Geophysics from the University of Toronto. He began his career as an exploration geophysicist with Shell Canada before joining Digicon Geophysical, first in Calgary then in Houston. In 1987 he helped Digicon found ExploiTech Inc, an exploration and production consultancy. He was named President of ExploiTech when it became a subsidiary of Landmark Graphics in 1989. In 1992 he was one of 3 founders of 3DX Technologies Inc., an independent oil and gas exploration company where he served as Vice President and Chief Geophysicist. Duncan was 2003-04 President of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG). Duncan was the Fall 2008 SEG/AAPG Distinguished Lecturer speaking on the subject of passive seismic at 45 venues around the world. He is a Life Member of SEG and an Honorary Member of the Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists (CSEG) and the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE).
To see some of the exceptional milestones achieved by MicroSeismic take a look at their website at http://www.microseismic.com/

When Acceleware conducted a restructuring arrangement back in April of 2011, (http://www.stockhouse.com/tools/?page=%2FFinancialTools%2Fsn%5Fnewsreleases%2Easp%3Fsymbol%3DV%2EAXE%26newsid%3D8144079), it was stated that the nearly 1M dollars of non-dilutive financing received by the company, would be used to accelerate its product development efforts, to increase its marketing and sales presence in its target markets, and for general working capital purposes. This latest news release would indicate that management is definitely on-track with the model they previously stated. The success that MicroSeismic has realized through the use of Acceleware's software and training will undoubtedly bring many benefits to both companies. This also helps the industry to see the actual benefits of engaging AccelewareAcceleware is all about, and I believe the type of success enjoyed in this news release is just the beginning of where Acceleware will progress to. Geoff Clark and the entire Acceleware team deserve recognition for an excellent effort. This will definitely help to unlock some of the value that this company possesses in the form of their proprietary software technology. As a shareholder of Acceleware I find this quite re-assuring, in that they have proven, that the potential of Acceleware stands to be extremely good looking forward. I anticipate we will see more of this type of work in the coming months, which will help to bolster my belief that the potential of Acceleware has only started to be uncovered.
For those who may be interested in Acceleware as an investment possibility, I suggest doing your own due diligence. An appropriate place to start would be at Acceleware's website which can be found at http://www.acceleware.com/.

For disclosure purposes I have received no compensation of any kind for this post. I do own shares of Acceleware.   



 

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Focus Metals continues in their attempt to unlock more value for shareholders

Focus Metals (TSXV:FMS) has released news on June 30, 2011 that shows the determination with which management is striving to unlock the most value for shareholders. http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/focus-metals-to-expand-drilling-at-its-lac-knife-graphite-property-tsx-venture-fms-1533492.htm
While some people may view this negatively, this is exciting news for long term investors in Focus Metals. The desire to attract long term off-take agreements with some of the companies globally, that provide the potential for bringing the most value to Focus Metals, and ultimately the shareholder, stands out prominently in this news release.

As Focus Metals President and CEO Gary Economo stated in the release,  that unlike precious metals, the true economic value of technology grade graphite is dependent on the specifications of the end users. Focus Metals is currently in negotiations with several undisclosed companies regarding off-take agreements. It should only be considered normal due diligence, on the part of the companies that Focus Metals is conducting negotiations with, to request samples of an appropriate size so that the grade of the graphite can be studied to determine if in fact it meets their specifications. This whole process is obviously paramount to finding companies, that the graphite meets or exceeds their requirements. What we must bear in mind is that graphite of a certain grade may be extremely desirable to one company, but may for another company be unusable.

In addition to requiring a specific grade of graphite, companies that may potentially sign off-take agreements with Focus Metals, will most likely be interested in the amount of graphite that meets their specifications. As Mr. Economo also pointed out, the grade of the Lac Knife deposit varies from 8% to 40% grade and can be mined more efficiently when a more complete data picture from drilling is completed this summer. This in my opinion displays the complete professionalism and dedication this management team is delivering as they attempt to progress this project towards the goal of Focus Metals, and that being to bring this project to a mine to market position. The current steps to conduct further drilling will only serve to help in the designing of a mine and ultimately to unlock the most shareholder value over the long term.
This expansion of drilling will facilitate a more thorough understanding of the deposit, which in turn, will give the company an even better understanding of the Lac Knife deposit. Looking forward this decision is not only a positive decision from the off-take agreement issue but we should not ignore the basic fact, knowledge is power. The more knowledge Focus Metals can obtain from further drilling, will in turn bring more potential value to the company, since this will only strengthen their position in on going negotiations and also possible future negotiations. It also tends to serve the company well in terms of aiding in determination of the best mining scenario to capture the most value from the project on a whole.

It would be my opinion that this expansion of drilling seems to be fuelled more by potential customers requests than from a lack of understanding in regards to Lac Knife deposit. As such, this truly leads me to believe that this could unlock untold value for Focus Metals. Potential customers who may be willing to sign off-take agreements will be in a position to critique the samples and thus help the management of Focus Metals in their decisions concerning the actual mining of this deposit. There is an extensive amount of information regarding Lac Knife deposit available to management, albeit non 43-101 compliant at this point, which has already been stated by Roche Consulting Group Ltd, that they believe to be very consistent with the information supplied to them for the purpose of issuing a
43-101 document. At last report, Roche had advised Focus Metals that they could expect little to no change from the historical data, in regards to size and grade of the Lac Knife deposit. Here is a quote from a presentation made by Gary Economo at the Cambridge House Critical Materials Investment Symposium, "Early indications from our consultant preparing our 43-101 resource calculation
are that we shall see no inconsistencies or variations from previous non-43-101
estimates that our property contains a 17% pure carbon content. We recently filed those indications with the securities regulator.
" http://www.focusmetals.ca/technology-applications-investment.html


Once again I view Mr.Economo and the entire Focus Metals team, displaying their desire to not only consider Focus Metals future, but to wholeheartedly consider how they might bring shareholders even more value as this project progresses. Considering how fast technology is advancing, it is with little difficulty, that we can easily see graphite use being applied to an ever-increasing amount of products and applications. This is something that will bring an inordinately high value to Focus Metals, however this will only be the beginning. The graphene market has only started to become a part of this whole equation. Once graphene really begins to gain momentum with more and more positive results coming from current and future research, graphene could conceivably bring untold value to Focus Metals. One of the main facts that positions Focus Metals to benefit from this aspect of the graphene side of things, is the joint venture the company has entered into regarding graphene research and the licensing of  intellectual property rights to such graphene applications and then work to commercialize
such applications through license arrangements with industry. http://www.focusmetals.ca/news-focus-metals/mar2-graphene-technologies.html


graphene will undoubtedly change the world as we know it, and this in turn opens the potential for investors of Focus Metals to invest in a company that could change our world from a financial standing. I would suggest for those who find Focus Metals as an appealing investment possibility, please do your own due diligence, and at the very least I would suggest putting Focus Metals on your watchlist. The company website can be found at www.focusmetals.ca and this would be an appropriate place to start.

For disclosure purposes I have received no compensation of any kind for this post. I do own shares of Focus Metals and have intentions of adding to my position from time to time as I see appropriate.