Focus Graphite Develops and Validates AI- Enabled Graphite Flake Sizing Technology to Enhance Resource Valuation and Mine Planning Low-Cost In Situ Technology Integrated into the Lac Tetepisca Geometallurgical Model, Supporting Upcoming
Focus Graphite Develops and Validates AI-
Enabled Graphite Flake Sizing Technology to
Enhance Resource Valuation and Mine
Planning
Low-Cost In Situ Technology Integrated into the Lac
Tetepisca Geometallurgical Model, Supporting Upcoming
MRE and Future Application at Lac Knife
Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 13, 2026) -
Focus Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FMS) (OTCQB:
FCSMF) (FSE: FKC0)
("
Focus
" or the "
Company
"), a leading developer of high-grade flake graphite
deposits and advanced graphite materials for battery, defence, and industrial applications, is pleased to
announce the successful development and validation of a novel, low-cost AI-enabled in situ graphite flake
size characterization technology (the "
Technology
") and its integration into the geometallurgical model
of the Company's 100%-owned Lac Tetepisca Graphite Project (the "
Project
") in Quebec.
Key Highlights
Developed and validated a low-cost, AI-enabled in situ graphite flake size characterization
technology, integrated directly into the Lac Tetepisca geometallurgical model
Enables high-resolution characterization of flake size distribution across the deposit without the
need for extensive bulk metallurgical testing, supporting improved resource valuation and mine
planning
Preliminary results indicate an inverse relationship between graphite grade and flake size,
supporting the potential for a lower cut-off grade and improved Project economics
Results from this work are expected to be incorporated into the upcoming MOGC mineral resource
estimate update, anticipated in late Q1 2026
Methodology validated against bench-scale metallurgical testing and scanning electron
microscopy analysis, with approximately 300 samples currently being processed
Following validation at Lac Tetepisca, the Company intends to apply the technology to its Lac
Knife Project, supporting efficient, scalable, and ESG-aligned mining strategies from the outset
The Technology enables high-resolution mapping of graphite flake size distribution directly from
conventional drill core material, without the need for extensive bulk metallurgical testing. By materially
improving visibility into the spatial distribution of flake sizes across the deposit, the Technology supports
enhanced resource valuation, more selective mine planning, and value-driven production strategies.
Results from this work are expected to be incorporated into the upcoming mineral resource estimate
("
MRE
") update for the Manicouagan-Ouest Graphitic Corridor ("
MOGC
") deposit, anticipated in late Q1
2026. The Technology was developed by the research and development team at IOS Services
Geoscientifiques Inc. ("
IOS
") of Saguenay, Quebec with partial funding provided through Quebec's
Programme quebecois de valorisation des mineraux critiques et strategiques
("
PQVMCS
"),
administered by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources ("
MERN
").
Following successful validation at Lac Tetepisca, Focus intends to apply the same AI-enabled flake size
characterization methodology to its Lac Knife Graphite Project, which is at a more advanced stage of
development and nearing completion of permitting deliverables. The Company believes this approach
supports efficient, scalable, and ESG-aligned mining strategies across its graphite portfolio.
Technology Overview and Key Findings
Graphite pricing is strongly dependent on flake size, with market prices ranging from approximately
US$300 per tonne for fine flakes (-200 mesh) to over US$1,400 per tonne for jumbo flakes (+48 mesh).
Historically, graphite resource valuation has relied on basket pricing derived from limited bulk
metallurgical composite samples, which may not adequately capture spatial variability in flake size
distribution within a deposit.
The newly developed AI-enabled methodology addresses this limitation by enabling low-cost, high-
resolution characterization of flake size distribution across a deposit, down to individual geological
domains or resource blocks. The Technology applies AI-based RGB image analysis to high-resolution
optical microscopy images of graphite flakes recovered from coarse rejects generated during routine
assaying, providing a scalable and repeatable approach to flake size characterization.
The methodology has been benchmarked against bench-scale metallurgical testing on 30 composite
samples and independently validated using automated particle analysis by scanning electron
microscopy ("
SEM
"). Approximately 300 samples are currently being processed to populate a
geometallurgical model for the MOGC deposit.
Preliminary results indicate an inverse relationship between graphite grade and flake size, with lower-
grade zones hosting a significantly higher proportion of jumbo flakes. These findings suggest that a
lower cut-off grade may be appropriate for the forthcoming MRE, with potential positive implications for
mine life, operational flexibility, and Project economics. This level of spatial resolution provides a direct
input into resource valuation, cut-off grade selection, and value-driven mine planning.
Richard Pearce, graphite mining industry veteran and technical consultant to the Company, commented,
"In traditional graphite operations, limited visibility into flake size variability forces operators to rely on
large stockpiles and higher inventories to manage production and sales risk. From hands-on
experience, knowing where different flake sizes occur materially improves mine planning and operational
efficiency. This AI-based flake size characterization tool enables mining with intent — aligning extraction
with customer requirements, reducing waste, and improving overall economics. Applying it at Lac
Tetepisca and extending it to the Lac Knife positions Focus to develop efficient, customer-driven
operations from the outset."
Operational and ESG Implications
Improved spatial mapping of flake size distribution enables more selective mining, enhanced alignment
of production with customer specifications, reduced inventory requirements, and improved control over
process costs. Understanding where specific flake size populations occur within the deposit allows
Focus to mine with intent-optimizing extraction based on end-market demand while minimizing waste
and unnecessary material movement.
This upstream mining discipline complements the Company's downstream ESG initiatives, including the
development of low-emission, chemical-free purification technologies. Together, these strategies
support a lower-impact, mine-to-market value chain and responsible stewardship of a critical mineral.
Dean Hanisch, Chief Executive Officer of Focus Graphite, added, "As Focus advances ESG-aligned
downstream initiatives, it is equally important that responsibility and efficiency begin at the mining and
extraction level. Technologies that enable selective mining, reduced waste, and optimized resource use
are essential to maintaining consistency across the value chain. We are grateful for the support provided
through Quebec's PQVMCS program and for the technical leadership of IOS, which together enabled the
development of a novel approach that strengthens both environmental stewardship and economic
efficiency."
MOGC Resource Background
The MOGC flake graphite deposit is part of the Company's Lac Tetepisca Project, located southwest of
the Manicouagan Reservoir on the Nitassinan of the Pessamit Innu First Nation, in Quebec's Cote-Nord
region. The MOGC is currently defined by a linear 1.5 km long segment of an 8 km long folded
geophysical magnetic-electromagnetic anomaly that trends N035°. The April 4, 2022 NI 43-101
Technical Report, prepared by DRA America's Inc. ("
DRA
"), outlines a pit-constrained Indicated
Resource of 59.3 million tonnes (Mt) grading 10.61% Graphitic Carbon (Cg) for an estimated content of
6.3 Mt of natural flake graphite (in situ), plus an Inferred Resource of 14.9 Mt grading 11.06% Cg for an
estimated content of 1.6 Mt of natural flake graphite. This maiden resource predates all drilling
completed in 2022. An updated MRE incorporating all 2022 drill holes is expected in late Q1 2026. This
maiden resource estimate is available on
www.sedarplus.ca/
on the Company's profile. As
demonstrated in previous releases, the 2022 drill program extended the mineralization at depth and to
the southwest, and now to the West limb.
The current maiden resource used a basket price for graphite concentrate of US$1,171 per tonne
1
,
using the flake size distribution obtained by metallurgical testing conducted by SGS-Canada in 2020
(18% Jumbo Flakes, 22% Large Flakes, 22% Medium Flakes, and 37% fine flakes). These metallurgy
tests were performed on a 308-kilogram bulk samples composited from large diameter 2014 and 2016
drill core, assumed to be representative of the then delimited MOGC deposit.
Sample selection and preparation
The geometallurgy project is based on a selection of 300 core samples from 2014, 2016, 2017, 2020,
and 2022 drill programs, for a total of 459.56 metres from 107 holes. These samples were selected in
order to be as representative as possible with regard to position within the deposit, lithologies and
graphite abundance. Material consists of the coarse rejects (70% +2mm) from the assaying procedure,
preserved in nitrogen-filled drums to prevent sulphide oxidation and stored in IOS facilities. The material
has been screened at 2 mm, and the coarse fraction reground with the use of a laboratory ring mill. Grain
size distribution of the resulting material has been measured with a Fritsch Analysette-22 laser
diffraction particle size analyzer. A few-gram aliquot was used to manufacture polished epoxy mounts for
microscopic studies. A mosaic of high magnification image is then acquired with a Zeiss Axio-imager
M2C motorized microscope and processed with a proprietary algorithm to extract and measure
individual graphite flakes larger than 20 um.
As quality control procedure, samples were concatenated by group of 10 to produce 30 samples
dedicated to metallurgical testing. The testing procedure included sequence of milling with a rod mill and
bench scale flotation including flash flotation, a rougher and multiple cleaner cycles. Quality of the
concentrates was monitored using both graphitic carbon assays and optical flake measurement. Flake
size distribution of the graphite concentrate was measured through laser diffraction particle sizing as well
as conventional screening.
Sample processing is expected to be completed by mid Q1 2026, with results incorporated into the
geometallurgical model and supporting the upcoming Project MRE update expected in late Q1 2026.
Figure 1
-
Map of the location of drill core intervals selected for the graphite flake size analysis.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1963/280179_d6bad0f604e238f9_001full.jpg
Qualified Person
The technical content disclosed in this news release was reviewed and approved by Rejean 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 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. Our 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, defence, and advanced
materials industries.
Our 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, we 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.
Our 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, without limitation: (i)
the timing, scope, and outcomes of the planned mineral resource estimate ("MRE") update for the
Lac Tetepisca Project; (ii) the integration of AI-enabled graphite flake size characterization data into
the Project's geometallurgical model; (iii) the interpretation of geological, metallurgical, and flake size
distribution data, including the potential implications for cut-off grade selection, mine planning,
operational flexibility, and Project economics; (iv) the timing, progression, and completion of sample
processing and technical work supporting the upcoming MRE update; (v) the potential application of
the AI-enabled flake size characterization methodology to the Lac Knife Project; and (vi) the potential
for the Company's projects to support efficient, value-driven, and ESG-aligned mining strategies.
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.
1
Used in 2022 maiden mineral resource estimate, DRA.
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