History

In 2006, the Black Crystal graphite quarry and processing plant was acquired by Eagle Graphite, a privately owned Canadian corporation based in Courtenay, British Columbia. Since the purchase, Eagle Graphite has invested in retooling the operation and is now producing 1200 metric tons per year of high carbon natural flake graphite, with a projected capacity of over 8000 tons per year in the near future.

As one of only 2 producing flake graphite mines in North America, strategically located close to both the US city of Spokane, Wa. and the Canadian port of Vancouver, Eagle Graphite offers efficient and economical shipping of high grade material to destinations worldwide.

The extent and size of the high caliber deposit, a highly skilled production team, and Eagle Graphite’s commitment to stringent quality standards ensure customers receive a steady and secure source of first class product now and in the future.

Chronology of the Eagle Graphite Mine

1960's:	Property near Hoder Creek is staked by Mr. Steve Paszty. Subsequently the claims are allowed to lapse.
1993:	Mr. Paszty restakes claims (2000 hectares). Industrial Mineral Park Mining Corporation (IMP) acquires the property through an option agreement with Mr. Paszty. Preliminary sample testing carried out by DDH Geomanagement Ltd.
1994:	DDH conducts a 6-hole reverse circulation drilling program totaling 250 metres of 4.5" borehole. 400 kg bulk sample subjected to floatation testing.
1995:	13-hole drilling program; total of 577 metres of NQ diameter drill hole, with hole depth ranging from 30 to 92 metres. 3,000 tonne bulk sample hauled to the processing plant site for beneficiation.
1996:	Construction begins on the processing plant, located near the junction of Little Slocan River and Koch Creek. The site provides year-round road access, electricity, and water for floatation. Industrial Mineral Resources, an unrelated company (later Worldwide Graphite), begins staking the Superior group of claims south of IMP's Hoder claims. Worldwide Graphite ultimately goes on to stake roughly 7,000 hectares in the area, which remain undeveloped today.
1997:	27-hole further NQ holes drilled; total of 914 metres.
1998:	Handheld augur drilling program: 90 holes totaling 675 metres on a 100ft x 100ft grid. Encouraging results from floatation testing prompts further development.
1999:	IMP adds an additional 1000 hectares to Hoder Creek claims, totaling 3000 hectares.
2000:	176 slit trenches plus 1855 metres of linear trench excavated for bulk sampling; 37 samples collected. 22 NQ diamond drill holes totaling 1180 metres. Control of Black Crystal project passes from IMP to Crystal Graphite Corporation (CGC).
2001:	166 slit trenches constructed; 368 samples of till and regolith taken. 42 NQ diamond drill holes totaling 1895 metres. CGC adds 5000 hectares of new claims in the Plant area, bringing the total to 8000 hectares
2002:	AMEC consultant compiles NI43-101 compliant resource estimates covering roughly 25% of the quarry. CGC is awarded Mining Permit M-211, allowing 250,000 tonnes of graphitic feed to be quarried annually.
2003-2004:	CGC develops small-scale production capability, and produces roughly 20 tonnes of fuel-cell grade graphite. CGC's focus on fuel cells proves to be premature.
2006:	CGC falls into bankruptcy. Eagle Graphite Corporation acquires the Black Crystal project.
2007:	Quarry operation made self-sufficient with the purchase of screening, loading, and hauling equipment. Processing plant upgraded to allow for economically viable production rates; plant achieves rate of 100 tonnes of concentrate per month in trials.
2008:	Graphite production resumes.

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