Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy Highlights Graphite One's Graphite Creek Project as Strategic to U.S. Critical Mineral Security

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy publicly highlighted the Graphite Creek Project as strategically vital to U.S. critical mineral security, noting it could potentially meet the entire nation's graphite demand for a century. The release reinforces Graphite One Inc.'s vertically integrated supply chain model, which includes mining in Alaska, logistics through the Port of Nome, and advanced graphite and anode manufacturing in Ohio. The company notes Graphite Creek's acceptance as a "covered project" under the federal FAST-41 permitting process, which provides enhanced federal agency coordination and a structured permitting timetable. The announcement emphasizes the company's ongoing engagement with federal stakeholders and its goal to reduce U.S. reliance on 100% import-dependent natural graphite.

Graphite One Inc. (GPH) received a Governor’s endorsement, a move that aligns with the company’s longstanding public relations and government engagement strategy. The endorsement does not constitute a binding financial commitment, permit approval, or operational milestone.

The company’s FAST-41 status, which was already disclosed in April 2026, remains a procedural framework rather than a guarantee of timely approval. No new capital, offtake agreements, or construction milestones are attached to this release. The narrative is consistent with prior updates and serves to maintain political and investor visibility rather than drive immediate financial value.

Given the company's pre-revenue status and heavy reliance on future financing, political endorsements alone do not de-risk the project or alter the capital requirements.

Graphite One Inc. is developing a vertically integrated, U.S.-based graphite supply chain centered on its flagship Graphite Creek project in Alaska, which the U.S. Geological Survey recognizes as the largest known natural graphite deposit in the United States. The company’s downstream strategy involves a planned Active Anode Materials (AAM) facility in Conneaut, Ohio, targeting Phase 1 production of 10,000 tonnes per year by the fourth quarter of 2027, with expansion to 25,000 tonnes per year by the fourth quarter of 2028. The project aims to mine natural graphite in Alaska, transport it via the Port of Nome, and process it into battery-grade anode materials in Ohio, with potential co-located recycling facilities. A feasibility study completed in February 2025 outlined a $5.0 billion total capital expenditure, a $6.4 billion pre-tax net present value, and a 30% pre-tax internal rate of return.