First Canadian Graphite Inc. Appoints John Lagourgue as CEO and Board Member
2200 – 1250 Rene Levesque Blvd. Montreal, QC, H3B 4W8
Phone: (438) 469-0705
#1100 - 1111 Melville Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 3V6
Phone: (604) 343-7740
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.firstcanadiangraphite.com/
FIRST CANADIAN GRAPHITE INC. APPOINTS JOHN LAGOURGUE AS CEO AND BOARD MEMBER
Vancouver, BC and Montreal, QC – February 23, 2026 – First Canadian Graphite Inc. (TSX.V: FCI | Frankfurt:
BR2 | OTC: GBMIF) (“First Canadian”, “FCI” or the “Company”), a dynamic junior mining company focused on
advancing high-grade graphite projects in Quebec to meet the growing demand for onshore sourced critical minerals,
is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. John LaGourgue as Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board
of Directors, effective immediately.
Mr. LaGourgue brings extensive experience in leadership, capital markets, commercial and governmental relations,
business development, and operations in the resource sector. He has a proven track record in project oversight,
corporate finance, risk management, and commercial operations. This includes over 25 years in senior executive roles,
board positions, advisory roles, and investments in private and public companies with a focus on microcap issuers.
Mr. LaGourgue has successfully led commercial and mining exploration programs, secured more than $100 million
in debt and equity funding, and advanced projects through multiple stages.
John LaGourgue, CEO of First Canadian, stated: “I am honored to join the FCI team and look forward to driving an
exciting new phase for the Company. I see tremendous potential to position First Canadian Graphite as a leader in the
global graphite supply chain. Our world-class graphite district features some of the highest-grade and highest-quality
graphitic bodies in existence, located in Quebec’s mining-friendly jurisdiction with excellent road access and global
shipping capabilities. These graphitic bodies have drawn me to this opportunity, and my vision is to make First
Canadian a premier low-cost, high-quality graphite producer.”
This appointment aligns with First Canadian's strategic vision to accelerate development of its flagship Berkwood
Graphite Project in northern Quebec. The project hosts a high-grade, large-flake graphite resource with a historical NI
43-101 estimate of 3.2 million tonnes of indicated and inferred at an average grade of 17%. It is positioned adjacent
to major world-class graphite developments and benefits from Quebec's clean hydroelectric power and supportive
infrastructure.
“We are thrilled to welcome John LaGourgue to lead First Canadian at this pivotal time,” said Thomas Yingling, who
will focus on his role as President to execute a busy 2026 program of field operations and steps toward
commercializing the Company’s resource. “John’s expertise, energy in expanding investor awareness, and clear vision
for maximizing shareholder value through commercialization will be instrumental as we advance Berkwood,
strengthen our management team and board, and capitalize on the surging global demand for graphite.”
ABOUT FIRST CANADIAN GRAPHITE INC.
First Canadian Graphite Inc. is an exploration Company advancing its flagship Berkwood Graphite Project, located in
northern Quebec, Canada. The Company has a 43-101 Resource Estimate Report revealing 3.2 million tonnes of
indicated and inferred graphite, averaging grades of 17%.
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Pessamit Innu First Nation
First Canadian Graphite respectfully acknowledges that the Berkwood Project is located within the traditional territory
of the Pessamit Innu First Nation. The Company is committed to fostering respectful, transparent, and collaborative
relationships with local Indigenous communities throughout the development process.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on assumptions and beliefs of
management and involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those
anticipated.
On Behalf of the Board of Directors
First Canadian Graphite lnc.
SIGNED: “Thomas Yingling”
Thomas Yingling, President & Director
2200 – 1250 Rene Levesque Blvd. Montreal, QC, H3B 4W8
Phone: (438) 469-0705
#1100 - 1111 Melville Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 3V6
Phone: (604) 343-7740
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
[email protected] or 1-604-343-7740
Website: www.firstcanadiangraphite.com
Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information: Certain statements in this document which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including any statements regarding beliefs,
plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Forward looking statements in this news release include that the Company will carry out the drill program described in this news release,
conduct the Offering and expend funds on Berkwood Graphite Project exploration. It is important to note that the Company's actual business outcomes and exploration results could differ materially
from those in such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include that further permits may not be granted timely or at all; the mineral claims may prove to be unworthy of further
expenditure; there may not be an economic mineral resource; methods we thought would be effective may not prove to be in practice or on our claims; economic, competitive, governmental,
environmental and technological factors may affect the Company's operations, markets, products and prices; our specific plans and timing drilling, field work and other plans may change; we may
not have access to or be able to develop any minerals because of cost factors, type of terrain, or availability of equipment and technology; and we may also not raise sufficient funds to carry out
our plans. Additional risk factors are discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for its recently completed fiscal period, which is
available under Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what
benefits the Company will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions, which may
prove to be incorrect. Except as required by law, we will not update these forward-looking statement risk factors.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of
this News Release.