Focus Graphite Commences Hydrogeological Study Supporting Redesigned Tailings System to Eliminate Mine Drainage at Lac Knife One of the final studies required to complete the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and
Focus Graphite Commences Hydrogeological
Study Supporting Redesigned Tailings System
to Eliminate Mine Drainage at Lac Knife
One of the final studies required to complete the
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and
advance toward mine permitting.
Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 10, 2025) -
Focus Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FMS) (OTCQB:
FCSMF) (FSE: FKC0)
("
Focus
" or the "
Company
"), a leading Canadian graphite developer
advancing high-grade projects in Quebec, is pleased to announce the commencement of a
hydrogeological study (the "
Study
") at its wholly owned Lac Knife Project (the "
Project
").
The Study will be executed by Yves Leblanc, P.Geo., of Richelieu Hydrogeologie Inc. ("
RHI
"), a Quebec
based consulting firm specializing in groundwater management, mining and environmental
hydrogeology, geothermal systems, and individual well design. RHI has supported Focus and the Lac
Knife Project since 2019. The program will be carried out under the supervision and management of IOS
Geosciences Inc. ("
IOS
"), the Company's geological consulting firm and general contractor for the Lac
Knife Project.
This Study represents one of the final major technical milestones in advancing the Company's
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ("
ESIA
") - a critical step toward the mine permitting
phase for the Project. The hydrogeological program will characterize groundwater flows, aquifer
properties, and potential interactions with Project infrastructure such as the open pit and tailings storage
facility, ensuring responsible water management and full compliance with Quebec's regulatory
standards.
The Lac Knife deposit is located on a hillcrest between Knife Lake and Pecan River, both tributaries of
the Moisie River, which is designated as a planned aquatic reserve. As such, the highest standards of
aquifer protection must be applied. This Study aims to address concerns outlined in the second round of
questions received in 2019 from Quebec's Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment, and the
Fight Against Climate Change ("
MDDELCC
") during its review of the Company's original Environmental
and Social Impact Study submitted in 2014. As part of the 2021 Lac Knife Feasibility
Study ("
Feasibility
") update, the Project's tailings storage facility was fully redesigned to incorporate
nearby dolomitic marble, which will amend the tailings and eliminate the risk of acid mine drainage. This
new design concept required a complete remodelling of the aquifer system. Results from the current
hydrogeological modelling are expected by February 2026, aligning with the planned submission of the
final ESIA revision.
Focus continues to collaborate with IOS to finalize contracting for the remaining studies, including tailings
dam breach analysis and dust dispersion modelling.
“The launch of the hydrogeological study marks another important step toward permit readiness,” said
Jason Latkowcer, Vice President, Corporate Development, Focus Graphite. “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. Our commitment remains to advance Lac Knife responsibly, in alignment with Indigenous and
Quebec environmental standards and the growing global demand for ethically sourced graphite.”
The Lac Knife Project hosts one of the highest-grade flake graphite deposits in the world, with measured
and indicated resources grading 14.95% graphitic carbon (Cg). Once in production, Lac Knife is
expected to supply high-purity graphite for defense, battery, and advanced materials markets, supporting
Canada's Critical Minerals Strategy.
On November 3, 2025 the Company announced that it had been selected by Natural Resources Canada
("
NRCan
") under the Global Partnership Initiatives ("
GPI
") for conditional approval for a non-repayable
contribution of up to $14,062,500, pending final due diligence.
Qualified Persons
The technical content disclosed in this news release was reviewed and approved by Réjean Girard,
P.Geo. (QC), President of IOS Geosciences Inc., a consultant to the Company, and a qualified person
as defined under National Instrument NI-43-101.
About Richelieu Hydrogeologie Inc.
Founded in 2005, Richelieu Hydrogeologie Inc. is a hydrogreology firm offering interdisciplinary services
across groundwater management, mining hydrogeology, environmental hydrogeology, geothermal
systems, and individual well design.
Their clientele includes mining companies, engineering-consulting firms, municipalities, commercial
enterprises and private interests.
For more information on Richelieu Hydrogeologie Inc. please visit
https://www.richelieu-hydro.com
About Focus Graphite Advanced Materials Inc.
Focus Graphite Advanced Materials is redefining the future of critical minerals with two 100% owned
world-class graphite projects and cutting-edge battery technology. Focus Graphite's flagship Lac Knife
project stands as one of the most advanced high-purity graphite deposits in North America, with a fully
completed feasibility study. Lac Knife is set to become a key supplier for the battery, defense, and
advanced materials industries.
Focus Graphite's Lac Tetepisca project further strengthens our portfolio, with the potential to be one of
the largest and highest-purity and grade graphite deposits in North America. At Focus, they go beyond
mining - we are pioneering environmentally sustainable processing solutions and innovative battery
technologies, including our patent-pending silicon-enhanced spheroidized graphite, designed to
enhance battery performance and efficiency.
Focus Graphite's commitment to innovation ensures a chemical-free, eco-friendly supply chain from
mine to market. Collaboration is at the core of our vision. We actively partner with industry leaders,
research institutions, and government agencies to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation
graphite materials. As a North American company, we are dedicated to securing a resilient, locally
sourced supply of critical minerals - reducing dependence on foreign-controlled markets and driving the
transition to a sustainable future.
For more information on Focus Graphite Inc. please visit
http://www.focusgraphite.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-graphite/
X:
https://x.com/focusgraphite
Investors Contact:
Dean Hanisch
CEO, Focus Graphite Inc.
+1 (613) 612-6060
Jason Latkowcer
VP Corporate Development
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These
statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could," "intend,"
"expect," "believe," "will," "projected," "estimated," and similar expressions, as well as statements
relating to matters that are not historical facts, are intended to identify forward-looking information and
are based on the Company's current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such
future events.
In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information regarding, among other things,
the anticipated timing, scope, and outcomes of the hydrogeological study at the Lac Knife Project; the
completion of the Company's Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ("ESIA") and related
technical studies, including tailings dam breach analysis and dust dispersion modelling; the expected
timing of regulatory submissions and approvals; the potential for successful mine permitting and
development; and the advancement of the Lac Knife Project toward production. Forward-looking
information also includes statements regarding the Company's expectations concerning the
effectiveness of proposed environmental management measures, the ability to meet Québec's
regulatory standards, the anticipated role of the Lac Knife and Lac Tetepisca projects within Canada's
Critical Minerals Strategy, and the Company's capacity to secure future project financing or
partnerships required for construction and commercialization.
Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors
that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed
or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks
related to market conditions, regulatory approvals, changes in economic conditions, the ability to
raise sufficient funds on acceptable terms or at all, operational risks associated with mineral
exploration and development, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's public
disclosure documents available under its profile on SEDAR+.
The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the
Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of
new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because
of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue
reliance on forward-looking information.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services accepts responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.
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https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/273801