Canadian Metals Announces Preliminary Results of Characterization Study by Genivar on its Langis Deposit

Canadian Metals Inc. is pleased to announce preliminary results of the characterization study including metallurgical tests prepared by Genivar on our Langis deposit.

INTRODUCTION

Metallurgical test work was performed on three (3) drill core samples of silica quartz taken from the Langis deposit at the CTMP laboratory in Thetford Mines. These tests included:

• Chemical analysis of major oxides and trace elements by XRF;
• Thermal shock evaluation of lump silica;
• Physical characterization of silica sand at -600 +106 microns including grains shape.

Highlights of the test work results are:

ANALYSIS OF CORE SAMPLES

The average silica content is 98.55%, including loss on ignition (LOI) between 0.3% and 0.5%. For high temperature applications, the corrected grade, excluding LOI, indicates a silica grade in the order of 98.95% SiO₂, 0.14% Fe₂O₃, 0.48% Al₂O₃ and 0.05% TiO₂.

THERMAL SHOCK RESISTANCE

This evaluation was based on the 'SKW' procedure, in which the sample is introduced into a furnace at 1000°C for at least 15 minutes. After cooling and light mechanical breakage, it is screened at 12.5 mm and the percentage retained is determined. Based on industry practice a result of more than 80% demonstrates the material has a high resistance to thermal shock. Our preliminary results on four samples to date indicate an average value of 93.8%.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SILICA SAND

By removing the -106 microns fines fraction a proportion of the impurities are eliminated. The residual sand is of higher purity. Preliminary analysis of a homogenized sample from the third drill core (PL-13-05) is in the order of 99.47% SiO₂, 0.04% Fe₂O₃, 0.20% A1₂O₃ and 0.03% TiO₂.

Further tests were conducted to evaluate the effects of attrition and magnetic separation on the overall reduction of impurities. Results will be forthcoming.

ROUNDNESS AND SPHERICITY

A preliminary evaluation of a homogenized sample based on API RP 19C standards indicates the silica grains have a roundness and sphericity in the order of 0.6, which is the minimum requirement for hydraulic fracturing sand (frac sand). Further tests are required to properly determine if the material lies within the industry standards. This would include tests for apparent density, crush resistance and acid solubility.