NMG Reaches a Major Regulatory Milestone with the Granting of the Mining Lease by Quebec's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests for the Matawinie Mine

Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. (NMG) has received mining lease no. 1057 from Quebec's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests for the Matawinie Mine. The grant marks a major regulatory milestone following the completion of environmental, social, and permitting phases. Key milestones in this process include the December 2024 Impact and Benefit Agreement with the Atikamekw community of Manawan and the 2026 approval of the mine's closure plan.

Construction at the Matawinie Mine is actively underway and progressing on schedule. The mine is positioned to become Canada's largest natural graphite operating mine and serves as the cornerstone of NMG's integrated strategy, which includes the 13ktpy Bécancour Battery Material Plant targeting a final investment decision (FID) in the coming months. Management highlighted the collaborative effort with local communities and regulatory authorities, emphasizing disciplined execution and the development of a secure, domestic graphite supply chain.

Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. (NOU) has received its mining lease grant, a standard regulatory step following the confirmation of the Final Investment Decision in May 2026 and the subsequent launch of construction. The announcement reinforces the project's bankability and validates the execution roadmap previously communicated to the market.

The news provides incremental progress on the construction timeline without introducing new financial terms, volume changes, or unexpected commercial developments. The positive regulatory clearance reduces near-term permitting risk and supports the continued allocation of capital toward construction activities. The market impact is expected to be measured, as the milestone aligns with prior guidance.

Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. is developing a fully integrated natural graphite production platform in the G7, spanning mining, concentration, purification, and active anode material manufacturing. The company leverages low-cost hydroelectricity, existing infrastructure, and strategic partnerships to position itself as a leading North American graphite supplier.

The flagship Matawinie Mine (Phase 2) is under construction in Quebec, targeting 106,000 tonnes per year of natural graphite concentrate with a mine life of 25 years. The Bécancour Battery Material Plant will refine graphite concentrate into active anode material, with a planned capacity of 13,000 tonnes per year dedicated to Panasonic Energy.

ESG commitments include progressive land management, water protection, biodiversity programs, and a target zero-emission fleet post-commercial operation.