Focus Graphite's Lac Knife Material Passes C4V Validation Testing, Advances to Next- Stage Battery Qualification Independent U.S. laboratories confirm Phase I battery performance, paving the way for pouch cell and OEM-scale
Focus Graphite's Lac Knife Material Passes
C4V Validation Testing, Advances to Next-
Stage Battery Qualification
Independent U.S. laboratories confirm Phase I battery
performance, paving the way for pouch cell and OEM-scale
testing
Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 22, 2025) -
Focus Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FMS) (OTCQB:
FCSMF) (FSE: FKC0)
("
Focus
" or the "
Company
"), a leading developer of high-grade flake graphite
deposits and innovator of next-generation lithium-ion battery technology, is pleased to announce that its
Lac Knife graphite anode material has successfully passed Phase I battery validation testing, conducted
by both Charge CCCV LLC
("C4V")
and American Energy Technologies Company
("AETC")
. The
concurrent, independent U.S. laboratory test programs confirmed that Lac Knife natural graphite
achieved near-theoretical electrochemical capacity (~371 mAh/g)
,
demonstrating high purity, crystallinity
,
and strong suitability for lithium-ion battery anode applications. The successful completion of these
evaluations represents a major milestone toward commercial-scale qualification within C4V's global
supply-chain program and future OEM-level validation.
The testing was conducted using material refined at AETC under Focus's direction. AETC performed
control testing based on its established parameters for Focus's graphite, while C4V carried out
independent validation through its proprietary Digital DNA™ ("
DDNA
") program, which applies industry-
standard cell performance benchmarks. Despite minor variations inherent to coin-cell assembly and
laboratory calibration, both laboratories confirmed that Focus's Lac Knife material exceeded internal
baseline qualification thresholds. Based on these results, C4V has advanced the material to Phase II of
its qualification program, which includes pouch-cell fabrication and large-format validation for
commercial-scale evaluation. In parallel, Focus plans to explore additional large-format testing initiatives
with AETC to further assess scalability and performance consistency.
Under identical test conditions, Focus's natural graphite (lot number GN250619002) was compared to
C4V's baseline synthetic graphite reference material. The Focus sample achieved a first-cycle
discharge capacity of approximately 373 mAh/g-essentially reaching the theoretical maximum for
graphite-while exhibiting good stability. Although electrode density and long-cycle performance were
modestly lower than the baseline, the material surpassed C4V's qualification benchmarks, confirming its
readiness for large-format pouch-cell validation-a more accurate and scalable measure of performance
using a semi-automated testing platform that directly correlates with electric-vehicle ("
EV
") and energy-
storage-system ("
ESS
") cell designs required by original equipment manufacturers ("
OEMs
").
The Company previously demonstrated strong lithium-ion battery performance from its Lac Knife
material; however, these independently verified, third-party results now supersede earlier findings and
establish a modern, industry-standard baseline that will support future offtake qualification and
commercial evaluation.
"These results validate the quality of our Lac Knife graphite and its suitability for next-generation anode
production," said Dean Hanisch, CEO of Focus Graphite. "Having both AETC and C4V confirm the
material's strong performance gives us confidence as we move into pouch cell testing - the next step
toward commercial readiness."
"C4V is pleased to see Focus Graphite's Lac Knife material successfully complete our Phase 1
validation process under our DDNA program," said Baasit Ali, VP Supply Chain at C4V. "The material
has demonstrated strong electrochemical validation and purity characteristics that align well with our
high-performance anode requirements. We look forward to advancing into pouch cell fabrication and
validation, which will provide a clearer picture of its scalability for EV and ESS applications."
Next Steps
Fabrication and testing of pouch cells using Focus's Lac Knife graphite by C4V
Long-term cycling and safety validation under C4V's DDNA qualification program
Subsequent scaling to large-format cell testing with industry partners for commercial qualification
Focus Graphite's continued collaboration with C4V and AETC underscores its commitment to
establishing a North American supply of high-performance, ESG-compliant graphite anode material,
supporting the energy transition and critical minerals independence objectives shared by both Canada
and its allies. The Company will continue to prioritize dual-use battery initiatives serving both civilian and
defense-sector applications.
About Charge CCCV LLC (C4V™).
C4V™ is a lithium-ion battery technology company possessing critical insights related to the optimum
performance of lithium-ion batteries and Gigafactory's. C4V's discoveries have been fruitful in vastly
extending battery life, safety and charge performance, however more important is the Gigafactory
offering that allows emerging countries to establish their own robust manufacturing ecosystem. C4V
works with industry-leading raw material suppliers and equipment supply chain to bring to market fully
optimized batteries possessing key economic advantages providing the ultimate "best in class"
performance for various applications and end- to-end solutions to produce them on a Gigawatt hour
scale. With its unique and innovative business model C4V is rapidly gearing towards 100+GWh of cell
production capacity globally by 2032 and its Digital DNA Supply Chain solution ensures materials meet
the highest industry standards for performance and reliability.
For more information on C4V please visit
http://www.chargecccv.com
About American Energy Technologies Co. (AETC).
American Energy Technologies Co. (AETC) is a woman-owned, privately-held business which conducts
operations out of the greater Chicago area. In its Wheeling, IL facility, AETC operates three business
units: a manufacturing plant making battery-ready graphite and carbon materials, a pilot demonstration
facility for battery materials and graphite dispersions, and a fully functional applications laboratory
supporting the above business units.
AETC works with industrial partners and manufacturing groups worldwide, including the U.S. Department
of War, to ensure materials meet performance standards and strategic requirements. Their facilities are
equipped for testing, downstream processing, AI-driven manufacturing and carbon material
development.
For more information on AETC please visit
https://www.usaenergytech.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. 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, defense, 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, among other things,
the anticipated benefits of the Company's recent battery testing results; the advancement of Focus
Graphite's Lac Knife graphite anode material through C4V's multi-phase validation process; the
potential performance of the material in future pouch cell, large-format, or commercial-scale testing;
and the possible qualification of the material within original equipment manufacturer (OEM) supply
chains. Forward-looking information also includes statements about the Company's objectives to
expand downstream partnerships, strengthen its technology development and commercialization
initiatives, and position its Lac Knife and Lac Tetepisca projects as key contributors to North
America's graphite supply chain and energy-transition ecosystem.
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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