UQAC Research Partnership Advances Understanding of Ni -Cu Mineralization at Coniagas' Graal Property
UQAC Research Partnership Advances Understanding of Ni -Cu
Mineralization at Coniagas' Graal Property
Vancouver, BC – August 20, 2025 – Coniagas Battery Metals Inc. (TSXV: COS) (“Coniagas” or the
“Company”), today announced its cooperation with Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC) to
investigate metallogenic processes responsible for nickel-copper sulfide formation at the Company’s
Graal Property, located within the Lac-Saint-Jean Anorthositic Suite (SALSJ). Laurentia Exploration
continues to manage exploration activities while advancing the permitting process.
This work represents a significant academic contribution to understanding Proterozoic anorthositic
mineralization in Quebec's Grenville Province, deposits increasingly recognized for their critical and
strategic metal content. The economic potential of Ni-Cu deposits has been demonstrated by world-
class discoveries like Voisey's Bay in Labrador.
Research Initiative
The master's project at UQAC, led by Professors S. Dare and R-L Simard, focuses on the northern
margin of the Lac-Saint-Jean Anorthositic Suite, in the Lac à Paul region hosting the Discovery, Gravi,
and MHY mineralized zones discovered on Coniagas’s Graal Property.
Having previously mapped and studied petrographic and geochemical data from these showings in
2024, three members of the research team examined and sampled drill core from these zones at the
Company's core shack last month. Their work on petrogeochemical characterization and mapping of
anorthositic facies will help better define geological control and mechanisms responsible for the
genesis and emplacement of these and other Ni-Cu occurrences in the area and will provide essential
knowledge to improve exploration models across the region.
"This partnership exemplifies how academic research can accelerate mineral discovery," states Frank
Basa, Coniagas CEO. "UQAC's work provides critical geological insights while we advance a project
containing nickel, copper, cobalt, and platinum group metals in one of North America's most stable
mining jurisdictions. Quebec offers clean hydroelectric power, established infrastructure, and proximity
to both traditional and emerging markets for these minerals."
2025 Exploration Program
Key activities planned for the coming months include:
• Completion of airborne EM-mag survey with detailed coverage in areas of known prospectivity
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• Initiation of diamond drilling campaign
• Integration of UQAC research findings into exploration targeting
• Continued advancement of permitting and stakeholder engagement
The collaboration between industry and academia at Graal demonstrates Quebec's emergence as a
center for critical minerals research and development. As global supply chains reconfigure and
demand for secure, ethically sourced minerals intensifies, projects with strong technical foundations
and academic validation are increasingly valued by investors and end-users alike.
Academic Research: A Foundation for Success
Partnerships with academic research institutions have proven invaluable in shaping the direction and
effectiveness of exploration using:
• Refined models for magmatic sulfide formation and associated metal zonation
• New interpretations of the local geotectonic setting, drawing on deep geophysical data
• New applications of machine learning for anomaly detection in exploration data
Currently, a team from Université de Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC) is conducting detailed mapping
and studying the petrogeochemical characterization of anorthositic facies and associated
mineralization in the northern margin of the Lac -Saint-Jean Anorthositic Suite in the vicinity of the
Discovery, Gravi, and MHY Ni-Cu mineralized zones.
Proterozoic anorthositic massifs are abundant in the Grenville Province of Quebec and host
mineralization rich in critical and strategic metals.
The master's project at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC), aims to better understand the
metallogenic processes responsible for the formation of Ni-Cu sulfide mineralization associated with
the Lac-Saint-Jean Anorthositic Suite (SALSJ). The study f ocuses on the northern margin of the
SALSJ, more specifically in the Lac à Paul region, which hosts the Discovery, Gravi and MHY
mineralized zones. These studies will provide key information to improving exploration models for such
deposits (Bounour, O., Dare, S., Simard, R-L., Moukhsil, A. 2025. Cartographie à l’aide du XRF portatif
des faciès de la marge nord de la Suite anorthositique de Lac -Saint-Jean associés à des
minéralisations en Ni-Cu-Co, Province de Grenville (MB 2025-09).
Strategic Context
The global landscape for critical minerals continues to evolve rapidly. While electric vehicle
applications remain important, demand drivers now encompass aerospace alloys, advanced
manufacturing, telecommunications infrastructure, and various industrial applications requiring high-
performance materials. Recent developments in copper -nickel alloy research highlight expanding
applications beyond traditional uses. Quebec's advantages for critical mineral development include:
• Established mining infrastructure and skilled workforce
• The Québec Plan for the Development of Critical and Strategic Minerals 2020-2025
• Proximity to the St. Lawrence Seaway providing ocean access
• Integration with North American manufacturing corridors
• Stable regulatory environment with clear permitting pathways
Commitment to Environmental Responsibility and Community Engagement
Incorporating academic research goes hand-in-hand with our commitment to responsible resource
development. Stakeholder engagement remains a cornerstone of the project, with regular
consultations involving First Nation communities, and local governments. Academic partners are
contributing to knowledge-sharing and public education, fostering a culture of transparency and mutual
respect.
Frank Basa, Coniagas CEO states, “This is a new era of mineral exploration where science,
technology, and community values are equally prioritized. This cooperation between our exploration
team and academic researchers is unlocking new opportunities and setting new standards for the
industry.”
Dr Renée-Luce Simard, Department of Applied Sciences, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi said “We
hope that our findings will offer a clearer picture of the processes that formed copper and nickel
deposits at Graal. This knowledge is crucial for guiding exploration and ensuring sustainable resource
development.”
As the world accelerates toward a low -carbon future, the Graal Cu -Ni Property stands at the
intersection of innovative exploration and academic excellence. The ongoing collaboration between
industry and academia is not only advancing the science of mineral discovery but also ensuring that
resource development proceeds with integrity and respect for the environment and local communities.
The coming year promises to be a defining chapter in the project’s history, setting the stage for
responsible resource development in a changing world.
Grades used above are found in GM60730 MERN; GM58807 MERN; GM61185 MERN, and the Company’s NI
43-101 Technical Report.
Qualified Person
The technical information reported in this news release was reviewed and approved by Maxime
Bouchard, Geo, M.Sc. (OGQ #1752), an independent Qualified Person as defined by Canadian NI 43-
101 standards. The Qualified Person has not completed sufficient work to verify the historical
information on the Property, particularly regarding historical drill results. However, the Qualified Person
believes that drilling and analytical results were completed to industry standard practices. The
information provides an i ndication of the exploration potential of the Property but may not be
representative of expected results.
About Coniagas Battery Metals Inc.
Coniagas Battery Metals Inc. is a Canadian junior mining company focused on nickel, copper and
cobalt and platinum group metals in Québec. Coniagas’ strategy is to create value for shareholders
through the development of its mineral properties, with the intention of developing Coniagas into a
critical metals supplier to the electric vehicle (EV) market.
At its 100% owned Graal project near Saguenay, Quebec, Coniagas has conducted successful
exploration involving geophysics as well as shallow drilling that hit mineralization in almost every hole.
It has confirmed an open-pit deposit model at Graal along a 6 km strike length of high -grade nickel
and copper with cobalt, platinum and palladium byproducts. The Company plans in the near-term to
conduct additional drilling leading to the production of a Ni 43-101 resource report, metallurgical testing
and consultations with First Nations. The Graal project and immediate work plan are outlined in detail
in the “NI 43-101 Technical Report Graal Nickel & Copper Project, Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, Quebec,
Canada” dated January 17, 2024. The report is available along with other information at the
Company’s website https://coniagas.com/
“Frank J. Basa”
Frank J. Basa, P . Eng. Member of Professional Engineers Ontario
Chief Executive Officer
For further information, contact:
Frank J. Basa, P . Eng. Ontario
Chief Executive Officer
416-625-2342
or:
Wayne Cheveldayoff, Corporate Communications
P: 416-710-2410 E: [email protected]
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This news release may contain forward-looking statements regarding Coniagas Battery Metals Inc.
(“Coniagas” or the “Company”) which include, but are not limited to, comments that involve future
events and conditions, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Except for statements of
historical facts, comments that address the Coniagas trading on the TSX Venture Exchange, resource
potential, upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt and security of mineral property
titles, availability of funds, and others are forward-looking. No assurance can be given that any of the
foregoing will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and
actual results may vary materially from those statements. General business conditions are factors that
could cause actual results to vary materially from forward-looking statements. The Company does not
undertake to update any forward-looking information in this news release or other communications
unless required by law.