Focus Graphite Engages BBA for Environmental Field Program Supporting Lac Knife Access Road

Focus Graphite Inc. (FMS) has engaged Groupe Synergis (BBA Consultants) to conduct a complementary environmental field program at its 100%-owned Lac Knife Graphite Project in Quebec. The initiative supports ongoing access road planning, engineering, and permitting activities, building on federally funded infrastructure initiatives.

Fieldwork is expected to be completed by early November 2026, with a preliminary technical report due before winter 2026. The company plans to submit the updated Environmental Impact Study to Quebec authorities in late autumn 2026. This study updates environmental inventories originally completed between 2013 and 2020 to support the broader Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA).

Funding for the work builds on a federally supported infrastructure program announced June 3, 2026, where Focus secured up to C$1,378,700 in non-dilutive funding from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) through the First and Last Mile Fund (FLMF). Indigenous and community engagement is now integrated directly into the ESIA pathway.

Focus Graphite Inc. (FMS) announced a standard, expected step in the regulatory permitting process for its Lac Knife project. This development aligns with previous announcements regarding the FLMF funding, access road desktop studies, and the ongoing ESIA submission timeline.

The announcement did not disclose any new financial data, strategic partnerships, or operational milestones. Consequently, the news is considered incremental and does not alter the company's fundamental risk profile or near-term liquidity position. Market reaction is likely to be muted, as the permitting timeline was already priced in and communicated in prior updates.

Focus Graphite Inc. (FMS) is advancing two 100%-owned graphite projects in Quebec, Canada. The company’s flagship Lac Knife project features a completed 2023 NI 43-101 Feasibility Study Update, outlining a 27-year mine life with annual production of approximately 50,000 tonnes of graphite concentrate. The project boasts a pre-tax net present value (NPV) of C$500.6 million and an average grade of 15.4% Cg.

The second asset, Lac Tetepisca, is a large-scale resource project with an updated mineral resource of 144 million tonnes. It is currently in the resource definition and metallurgical testing phase.

On the downstream front, Focus Graphite is pursuing electrothermal purification technology to produce ultrahigh-purity graphite exceeding 99.95% carbon for use in battery anodes, defense applications, and advanced materials. This initiative is supported by a $14.1 million grant from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). The company has also established collaborations with Charge CCCV LLC (C4V), Forge Nano Inc., PermaTint Ltd., and the Thermal & Material Engineer Center (TMEC) for battery validation, atomic layer deposition coating, and RF shielding applications.