Alabama Graphite Reports Additional Naturally Occurring Graphene Derivatives Found at Its Coosa Property in Alabama, USA

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - May 14, 2015) - Alabama Graphite Corp. ("Alabama Graphite" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:ALP)(OTCQX:ABGPF)(FRANKFURT:1AG) (WKN:A1J35M) (ISIN:CA0102931080) is pleased to announce that it has found additional types of naturally occurring graphene-based derivatives called few-layer graphene (2-5 layers), multi-layer graphene (2-10 layers), and graphite nanoplates (less than 100 nm thick)^[1] at its Coosa Property in Alabama, USA. This material was obtained using the same cost- effective process, as was previously used by the Company to obtain graphene (see press release dated March 12, 2015). These types of graphene-based derivatives are valued because they exhibit unique electrical, optical, mechanical, and thermal properties. This work was conducted by Dr. Nitin Chopra, Associate Professor at The University of Alabama under our sponsored research partnership.

Graphene is not only the strongest material known to man (200 times stronger than steel and lighter in weight), but is also one of the most flexible. "These graphene-based derivative materials hold promise for uses in exciting new applications such as thermal management, structures, coatings, power storage, transparent conductive films, conductive inks, structural electronics and sensors," said Dr. Chopra. "The prime interest is in the observation of electron thin flakes of graphite (also referred as few-layer graphene, multi-layer graphene, or graphite nanoplates) in various mesh sizes (#50-#400) from the Company's Coosa material. These sizes contain significant importance for advanced graphene/graphite applications because current scientific findings anticipate that as the flake thickness changes, the properties of the material also change. Such size-dependent behavior is commonly observed in synthetic graphene and its derivatives but having a natural counterpart could provide the potential to overcome the existing fabrication challenges associated with synthetic graphite nanoplates/multi, or few-layer graphene."

Today the biggest challenge with synthetic graphene is the way it is currently produced, which is produced using a variety of expensive, tedious methods that do not lend themselves to large-scale production and are prone to produce defective graphene with uncontrolled flake size. Current synthetic methods for developing graphene include chemical vapor deposition (CVD), mechanical exfoliation, solution exfoliation, and chemo-mechanical methods. This implies higher costs including greater energy consumption and extended manufacturing time.

"We are very excited about finding these additional types of graphene derivatives on our Property as it continues to enhance the potential business dimensions of our project. Work is ongoing on commercial scalability of our naturally occurring graphene and graphene-based derivatives. We are encouraged by the potential of developing natural alternatives to synthetic quality graphene derivatives at a lower cost," said Ron Roda, CEO of Alabama Graphite.

An item of technical significance is that these graphene derivatives can be referred to as electron transparent due to the ability of these flakes to be visualized under a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Typically, a truly thick graphite flake (>100 nm) will not be visualized under a transmission electron microscope. Furthermore, the greater the electron transparency of a graphite flake, the closer the characteristics of such graphite to that of graphene as long as the flake is defect-free.

Various graphene-based derivatives found by the Company are shown in Figure 1. These flakes being electron transparent were easily observed in TEM and many flakes were oriented orthogonal to the electron beam and allowed for estimating the number of layers in a specific graphene derivative. The Company and Dr. Chopra continue to jointly develop methodologies to isolate various graphene-based derivatives and explore more novel architectures of graphitic carbon.

To view Figure 1, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/alp.png.

Rick Keevil, P. Geo., a Director of the Company and VP of Project Development, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has approved the disclosure of the scientific or technical information concerning the Coosa Property contained in this press release.

About Alabama Graphite

Alabama Graphite Corp.'s mission is to become one of the greenest graphite producers in the world. The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Alabama Graphite Company Inc., is conducting exploration and development both at its flagship Coosa Graphite Project in Coosa County, Alabama, USA and the recently acquired Bama project in Chilton County, Alabama, USA. These two advanced-stage projects are 100% owned by Alabama Graphite and are on private land. The two projects encompass over 43,000 acres and are located in an area with significant historical production of crystalline flake graphite. The Company has the largest NI 43-101 indicated flake graphite resource in the United States based on drilling 0.18 square miles (0.3% of the total acreage). The Alabama deposits are unique in that a significant portion of the graphite-bearing material is oxidized and has been broken down into an extremely soft rock. Both projects have in place critical infrastructure, are within close proximity to transportation routes and enjoy a hospitable climate allowing for year-round production and delivery. For further information and updates on the Company, please visit www.alabamagraphite.com.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements") that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect Alabama Graphite Corp.'s current expectations. When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current view of Alabama Graphite Corp. with respect to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward - looking statements.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among other things, the interpretation and actual results of current exploration activities; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; future prices of graphite; possible variations in grade or recovery rates; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; the failure of contracted parties to perform; labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of exploration, as well as those factors disclosed in the Company's publicly filed documents. Forward- looking statements are also based on a number of assumptions, including that contracted parties provide goods and/or services on the agreed timeframes, that equipment necessary for exploration is available as scheduled and does not incur unforeseen breakdowns, that no labour shortages or delays are incurred, that plant and equipment function as specified, that no unusual geological or technical problems occur, and that laboratory and other related services are available and perform as contracted.

Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and Alabama Graphite Corp. undertakes no obligation to update forward- looking statements (unless required by law) if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward- looking statements.

Alabama Graphite Corp. cautions that the foregoing list of material factors and assumptions are not exhaustive. When relying on Alabama Graphite Corp. forward-looking statements to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and assumptions and other uncertainties and potential events. Alabama Graphite Corp. has also assumed that the material factors and assumptions will not cause any forward-looking statements to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors and assumptions is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICE PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

¹ Alberto Bianco, Hui-Ming Cheng, Toshiaki Enoki, Yury Gogotsi, Robert H. Hurt, Nikhil Koratkar, Takashi Kyotani, Marc Monthioux, Chong Rae Park, Juan M.D. Tascon, Jin Zhang. "All in the graphene family-a recommended nomenclature for two-dimensional carbon materials." Carbon 65 (2013): 1-6.

Contact

Alabama Graphite Corp.
Ron S. Roda
President & Chief Executive Officer
(609) 785-1581
rroda@alabamagraphite.com
www.alabamagraphite.com
The University of Alabama
Dr. Nitin Chopra
Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
(205) 348-4153
nchopra@eng.ua.edu
http://eng.ua.edu/people/nchopra/