Graphite One Supports EIS Pathway for America's Largest Known Natural Graphite Deposit; No Anticipated Delay to 2029 Graphite Creek Project Startup as U.S. Remains 100% Import Reliant for Natural Graphite

Graphite One Inc. (GPH) announced on July 9, 2026, that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has determined an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is the appropriate regulatory pathway for the Graphite Creek Project. This decision follows collaborative work conducted during the Environmental Assessment (EA) phase. The company supports this determination and confirmed that the EIS schedule aligns with State of Alaska permitting requirements.

Management stated there is no anticipated delay to the targeted 2029 production startup date. The project continues under the federal FAST-41 program, with Bering Straits Native Corporation (BSNC) supporting the comprehensive review process.

Graphite One Inc. (GPH) confirmed that the transition from an Environmental Assessment (EA) to an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a standard, expected regulatory step for major mining projects in the U.S., particularly those under the FAST-41 expedited permitting program. Management stated that the 2029 startup timeline remains intact, indicating the company anticipated this pathway and has factored it into its schedule. The update provides regulatory validation but introduces no new financial terms, offtake agreements, or capital raises.

Graphite One Inc. is developing a vertically integrated, 100% U.S.-based graphite supply chain centered on its flagship Graphite Creek project in Alaska, which the U.S. Geological Survey has identified as the largest known natural graphite deposit in the country. The company’s strategy involves mining natural graphite concentrate at Graphite Creek and transporting it via the Port of Nome to a planned manufacturing facility in Conneaut, Ohio.

The project’s feasibility study outlines a 20-year mine life with a concentrate capacity of 175,000 tons per year and a post-tax internal rate of return of 27%. The Ohio facility aims to produce synthetic graphite and active anode materials, targeting an initial production of 10,000 tons per year by the fourth quarter of 2027, with plans to expand capacity to 25,000 tons per year by the fourth quarter of 2028.