Focus Graphite (CVE:FMS)(OTCQX:FCSMF) shares advanced Monday after the company announced the appointment of Benoit Lafrance as its new VP of exploration. 

Fundamental Research Corp has raised its fair value estimate on Focus Graphite (CVE:FMS), after a recent preliminary economic assessment (PEA) on the graphite explorer's Lac Knife deposit in Quebec, and exploration work on its Lac Tétépisca property. 

Focus Graphite (CVE:FMS)(OTCQX:FCSMF) has said that Grafoid Inc - a privately held joint venture in which it holds a 40 per cent stake - has inked a three-year research and development agreement with Hydro-Quebec's Research Institute for the development of next generation rechargeable batteries, using graphene and lithium iron phosphate materials. 

After a very busy year, Focus Graphite (CVE:FMS) (OTCQX:FCSMF) is on its way to meeting its objective of becoming one of “the biggest and best high-end graphite suppliers in the world”.

Focus Graphite (CVE:FMS)(OTCQX:FCSMF)(FRANKFURT:FKC) Monday unveiled its long awaited preliminary economic assessment (PEA) on its flagship Lac Knife graphite project in Quebec, showing average concentrate grades of 92% graphitic carbon.

Canadian shares stretched gains for a second day on Tuesday, after stronger economic data from the U.S. bolstered energy producers, and as investors await news from a two-day U.S. Federal Reserve meeting. Tim Hortons' jump paced gains.

Avrupa Minerals (CVE:AVU) says it has agreed to option out its Arga tungsten-gold project to tungsten explorer Blackheath Resources (CVE:BHR), giving Blackheath the option to acquire up to an 85 per cent interest in the property over several years. 

Shares of Largo Resources (CVE:LGO) were on the rise Thursday after the company said that construction was still progressing on plan at its Maracás vanadium project in Brazil, with the property on schedule and within budget to start commissioning at the end of the fourth quarter. 

Selwyn Resources (CVE:SWN) has unveiled an updated and improved preliminary economics report for its ScoZinc mine in Nova Scotia, which it is focused on restarting after earlier this month completing the sale of its second project in the Yukon. 

North American Palladium (TSE: PDL) says it secured US$130 million in debt that will go towards expansion at its Lac des Iles mine in Ontario. Part of the loan will also go towards the repayment of C$72 million in senior secured notes.