Focus Graphite Advances Lac Knife Toward Construction Readiness with Up to C$1.93 Million in Combined Government Infrastructure Support

Focus Graphite Inc. (FMS) has engaged Construction & Expertise PG to conduct geotechnical investigations and detailed engineering for the proposed all-season access road to its Lac Knife Graphite Project. The initiative is supported by up to C$1,932,750 in combined non-dilutive government funding, comprising C$554,050 from the Société du Plan Nord (SPN) and C$1,378,700 from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) via the First and Last Mile Fund (FLMF).

The scope of work includes seismic surveys, geotechnical test pits, material sourcing, targeted drilling, and drone topographic surveys to produce engineering drawings, cost estimates, and tender documents. The access road will connect the project to Highway 389, while parallel planning supports an electrical connection to Hydro-Quebec’s grid. This work aligns with previously announced infrastructure planning milestones and government funding agreements.

Focus Graphite Inc. (FMS) announced expected, incremental progress in the permitting and infrastructure planning phase, marking a routine follow-up to prior funding announcements for the FLMF and GPI projects. The company is leveraging non-dilutive public funding for essential infrastructure, a move that reduces near-term equity dilution and de-risks development.

The announcement does not introduce new strategic partnerships, offtake agreements, or changes to the project timeline. It confirms management’s disciplined capital allocation but does not materially alter the investment thesis or stock valuation in the short term. As this is not an earnings release, no new financial results or guidance are provided. Prior-period context shows negative operating cash flows and a working capital deficiency, underscoring the company's reliance on external financing to execute these planned activities.

Focus Graphite Inc. (FMS) is advancing two 100%-owned graphite projects in Quebec: Lac Knife and Lac Tetepisca. Lac Knife serves as the company’s flagship asset, featuring a completed 2023 NI 43-101 Feasibility Study Update. The deposit hosts high-grade flake graphite averaging ~15.4% Cg and supports a projected 27-year mine life, with annual production of approximately 50,000 tonnes of concentrate.

The company is strategically pivoting toward downstream processing, aiming to produce ultrahigh-purity graphite exceeding 99.95% C for use in battery anodes, defense applications, and advanced materials. A government-funded electrothermal purification demonstration plant is targeted for operational status by 2028. Meanwhile, Lac Tetepisca holds a significant resource of approximately 144 million tonnes and is currently undergoing metallurgical testing and Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) development.