The Kilbourne Target is an exploration stage graphite target within the active use permit of the Empire State Mine. Phase I of Kilbourne drilling began in December 2023 and was completed in June 2024. A total of 11,916 ft (3,632 m) was drilled in this initial phase. The Program successfully tested roughly 8,250 ft (2,515 m) of strike length, with mineralized intercepts documented in all 39 holes completed. Assays returned an average grade of 3% graphitic carbon (Cg) from the identified upper and lower zones of mineralization.
The Kilbourne target was initially generated through the review of historic geologic data, recent drilling and assays within the known stratigraphic sequence that hosts Empire State Mines’ zinc ore bodies. The high metamorphic grade of the host rocks has increased the size and morphology of the contained graphite to flake sizes to those suitable for industrial and battery applications. Further metallurgical testing is underway to aid in the determination of specific end uses.
The presence of graphite mineralization in the district is well documented, with historic exploration and very limited production occurring in the first half of the 20th century. The Company currently holds over 80,000 acres of mineral rights within St. Lawrence County, NY and will continue to evaluate historic occurrences, prospective lithologies, and geophysical data to aid in identifying additional graphite exploration targets within the district.
Key Facts and Highlights
- Location: Gouverneur, New York
- Ownership: 100%
- Primary commodity: Graphite
- Property: All 27,000 ft (8,230 m) of historically documented graphite mineralization is within ESM held mineral rights. All Phase I drilling was within, or targeting mineralization within ESM’s active use permit and took place on ESM surface property.
- The project is located 4,000 ft (1,219 m) from ESM’s active zinc operation.
- Flake graphite is a key input to the auto industry battery supply chain and designated as a Critical Material by the United States Department of Energy
- There is no domestic source of flake graphite production; China, which accounts for nearly all global production, has recently announced export restrictions that may threaten the market
- ESM lands hosting the Kilbourne graphite trend are fully permitted for drilling, with the initial target area inside ESM’s active mine permit.
- Aggressive plan to fast-track exploration and development with goal of being first domestic supplier of materials to the auto industry battery market
