First Canadian Graphite Launches 2026 Lac Guéret South Exploration Program Campaign will systematically assess potentially new kilometre-scale graphite deposits at Lac Guéret South
First Canadian Graphite Launches 2026 Lac Guéret South
Exploration Program
Campaign will systematically assess potentially new kilometre-scale
graphite deposits at Lac Guéret South
MONTREAL, QC – June 16, 2026 – First Canadian Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FCI) (OTC: GRAPF)
("FC graphite" or the "Company") is finalizing the design of its inaugural field exploration
program following its recent corporate reorganization. This ambitious campaign is
engineered to evaluate p riority targets in the Company’s existing and expanded claim
package at the flagship Lac Guéret South Project, with an immediate focus on high-priority
electromagnetic (EM) targets identified during the heliborne geophysical survey flown earlier
this year (see press release dated May 20, 2026). The data gathered during this program will
establish the foundational framework for a subsequent diamond drilling campaign
scheduled for late fall 2026.
The upcoming exploration program will be executed in two distinct, sequential phases:
Phase I: Ground Truthing and Geological Mapping
The initial phase will focus on grassroots prospecting, sampling, and regional geological
mapping. Field crews equipped with Beep Mat instruments will systematically cross the
property to ground -truth, locate, and delineate the precise surface footprints o f the
conductors highlighted by the heliborne EM survey. While several of these anomalies have
previously been exposed and successfully tested —specifically within Zone 1 and Zone 6 —
numerous priority conductors remain entirely untested. In conjunction with Beep Mat
surveying, the geological team will map out the structural parameters of these horizons,
evaluating their surface widths, lateral extents, structural orientations, and dips. Grab
samples will be collected systematically across the target zones to provide a preliminary
assessment of graphite grades and regional distribution.
Phase II: Advanced Surface Work and Drill Target Selection
Phase II will focus exclusively on the high-potential anomalies prioritized during Phase I,
advancing them toward definitive drill targeting. This phase of work will entail mechanical
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stripping and continuous channel sampling across the most promising graphite -bearing
horizons, complemented by high-resolution structural mapping to optimize the upcoming
drill grid geometry. Execution of Phase II is subject to receiving an Authorization for impact-
causing exploration work (ATI), for which the regulatory application package is currently
being compiled for immediate submission.
Looking Ahead: Fall Drilling Program
The culmination of this season's fieldwork will feed directly into a comprehensive diamond
drilling program slated to commence in late fall. This drilling campaign will systematically
test both the down-dip depth and lateral continuity of the prioritized graphite horizons, with
the ultimate objective of expanding and defining the project's resource base to support
ongoing economic development.
John LaGourgue, FC graphite CEO stated, "We are highly encouraged by the scale and
quality of the conductive anomalies identified across our expanded Lac Guéret South
Project. With multiple kilometre -scale targets remaining largely untested, this program
positions us to unlock significant new graphite resources in one of Québec’s most
prospective districts. Combined with our existing high-grade Zone 1 resource, these results
reinforce our confidence in the district-scale potential of the project as we advance toward
resource expansion and long-term development."
Beyond the exploration results themselves, the Company believes one of the project’s most
compelling strategic advantages is its access to existing regional infrastructure —an
attribute that can materially influence development timelines, capital intensity, and long-
term project economics. The Lac Guéret South Project is positioned within reach of
established transportation and logistics corridors including all -season road access,
regional rail connectivity, deep-water shipping infrastructure through the Saguenay corridor,
and international air transport networks. Together, this infrastructure network provides the
potential to connect future production into North American and international markets within
approximately four hours of the project area. For many critical mineral projects globally,
comparable infrastructure access would typically require substantial capital investment
and years of development and permitting.
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Recent Site Visit to Québec’s North Shore and Baie-Comeau
As part of the ongoing advancement of the Lac Guéret South Project, the Company’s
management team recently completed a productive site visit to the North Shore region of
Québec, including key meetings and reconnaissance in Baie-Comeau.
The visit provided a valuable opportunity to assess the project’s strategic proximity to Baie-
Comeau’s port facilities, road infrastructure, and established mining support services. The
team engaged with local stakeholders, government representatives, and community
leaders in the Manicouagan and Côte-Nord regions, gaining important insights into regional
priorities and opportunities for collaboration.
Preliminary reconnaissance of accessible portions of the ~165 km² property further
reinforced the district -scale potential, particularly around the multiple kilometre -scale
conductive anomalies. These on-the -ground observations, combined with constructive
discussions during the Baie -Comeau stop, will directly inform the design of the upcoming
summer exploration program and support responsible, community-aligned development as
the Company advances toward resource expansion and contribution to North America’s
critical minerals supply chain.
Qualified Person
The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Antoine
Fournier, P.Geo., Vice President Exploration for FG graphite and a Qualified Person under
National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
The Company has filed an NI 43 -101 Technical Report with a detailed Mineral Resource
Estimate for the Lac Guéret South Project (formerly known as the Berkwood Project)
completed by independent experts Edward Lyons (Tekhne Resources), Florent Baril
(Bumigeme), and Claude Duplessis (Goldminds Geoservices). For the full report and
updates visit https://FirstCanadianGraphite.com or under the Company’s profile at the
SEDAR website at https://SedarPlus.ca.
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About FC graphite
FC graphite is engaged in the exploration of critical minerals and is committed to advancing
its Lac Guéret South high -grade graphite property to support applications in energy
transition and advanced technologies.
The Lac Guéret South Project , formerly known as the Berkwood Project, borders Nouveau
Monde Graphite's Uatnan graphite project in the southwest Manicouagan reservoir area,
234 km north-northwest of Baie-Comeau, in the Côte-Nord administrative region of Québec
on the Nitassinan (ance stral territory) of the Pessamit Innu. Lac Guéret South features
surface-exposed graphite and a NI 43 -101 resource at Zone 1 containing: 1.76 million
tonnes indicated at 17% Cg and 1.53 million tonnes inferred at 16.4% Cg (NI 43-101
Technical Report Mineral Resource Estimate) . The property also features several other
zones with surface graphite samples, offering strong exploration potential. In early 2026,
the Company increased its land holdings to 167 km², establishing one of the most extensive
claim portfolios within the Lac Guéret Graphite District. With substantial exploration
opportunities remaining and total investments exceeding $10 million, FC graphite is actively
engaged in expanding its resources and advancing toward the completion of its Preliminary
Economic Assessmen t (PEA). The Company possesses sufficient funding to further
advance this project throughout 2026.
Pessamit Innu First Nation Engagement
FC graphite formally acknowledges that the Lac Guéret South Project is situated within
the Nitassinan (ancestral territory) of the Pessamit Innu First Nation. The Company
remains dedicated to cultivating respectful, transparent, and cooperative relationshi ps
with local Indigenous communities at every stage of the project's development.
On Behalf of the Board of Directors
First Canadian Graphite Inc.
Signed: “John LaGourgue”
John LaGourgue, CEO & Director
For more information, contact:
(604) 838-3376
https://firstcanadiangraphite.com/
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