Focus begins hydrogeological study at Lac Knife

Executive Summary

• Focus Graphite has commenced a hydrogeological study at its wholly owned Lac Knife project to support a redesigned tailings system aimed at eliminating acid mine drainage risks.
• The study is a critical component of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), serving as a final major technical milestone toward mine permitting in Quebec.
• Results from the hydrogeological modelling are expected by February 2026, aligning with the planned submission of the final ESIA revision.

Key Details

• Study Scope: The hydrogeological program will characterize groundwater flows, aquifer properties, and potential interactions with project infrastructure, specifically the open pit and the redesigned tailings storage facility.
• Contractors: The study is executed by Yves Leblanc, PGeo, of Richelieu Hydrogeologie Inc. (RHI), under the supervision of IOS Geosciences Inc.
• Regulatory Context: The study addresses concerns raised in 2019 by Quebec's Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change (MDDELCC) regarding the original 2014 environmental study.
• Tailings Redesign: The 2021 feasibility study update fully redesigned the tailings storage facility to incorporate nearby dolomitic marble, which eliminates the risk of acid mine drainage. This design change required a complete remodelling of the aquifer system.
• Timeline: Hydrogeological modelling results are expected by February 2026.
• Additional Studies: Focus is collaborating with IOS to finalize contracting for remaining studies, including tailings dam breach analysis and dust dispersion modelling.
• Project Resources: The Lac Knife deposit hosts one of the world's highest-grade flake graphite deposits, with measured and indicated resources grading 14.95% graphitic carbon (Cg).
• Government Funding: On Nov 3, 2025, the company announced conditional approval for a non-repayable contribution of up to $14,062,500 from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) under the Global Partnership Initiatives (GPI), pending final due diligence.

Notable Quotes

• "The launch of the hydrogeological study marks another important step toward permit readiness... We are systematically closing out the final technical components of the ESIA -- with hydrogeological modelling being the most time sensitive -- ensuring that every environmental and social consideration is addressed with scientific rigour." — Jason Latkowcer, Vice-President, Corporate Development, Focus Graphite.