Graphite exploration: the importance of planning

DD is however the preferred method of exploration drilling for graphite, as the graphite flakes and host rock are relatively undisturbed when retrieved as core ( Figure 4 ). Many exploration companies employ both RC and DD methods to optimise drilling density. Carbon may be present in rocks in several different forms, including organic carbon, carbonates or graphitic carbon. Depending on the method used, carbon in rocks may be reported as total carbon (organic carbon + carbon in carbonate minerals + carbon as graphite) or as total graphitic carbon (TGC) (total carbon - (organic + carbonate carbon)). Assaying for graphitic carbon quantifies the amount of graphite contained within a deposit, but does not indicate the amount of graphite that may be recoverable; the purity of such graphite; the particle size distribution of recovered (liberated) graphite; the process required to liberate and produce a graphite concentrate; or likely markets for that product.