Nouveau Monde Graphite (NMG) is making significant strides in advancing its Phase-2 Matawinie Mine and Bécancour Battery Material Plant towards a final investment decision (FID).
This progress comes amidst a backdrop of increased electric vehicle (EV) adoption and energy storage demand, positioning NMG favourably in the North American market.
The Phase-2 Matawinie Mine is undergoing detailed engineering, contract negotiations and preparation for construction tenders to align with project financing activities.
NMG is also working on key environmental infrastructure at the demonstration mining site for additional flake production.
Concurrently, the company is focusing on engineering at the Phase-2 Bécancour Battery Material Plant, with support from specialised Asian companies.
Large-scale testing at partnering facilities is planned to fine-tune processing technologies and inform commercialisation strategies. These steps are crucial for reaching FID and launching construction.
NMG is actively engaging with customers, potential lenders and institutional investors to secure bankable offtake agreements and strategic investments.
The company has received letters of interest for more than $1bn (C$1.38bn) in debt financing for the Phase-2 projects, with contributions expected from governmental bodies, public institutions and export credit agencies like Export Development Canada and Canada Infrastructure Bank.
NMG's proactive approach to project development and financing, coupled with the favourable market conditions due to the US Department of Commerce's duties on Chinese graphite materials, positions the company to capitalise on the growing demand for EVs and energy storage solutions.
NMG founder, president and CEO Eric Desaulniers said: "Resource nationalism, tariffs, policy headwinds and shifting global alliances are creating uncertainty in global supply chains and investment planning.
"Nevertheless, we remain centred on our mission to develop a responsible and resilient North American graphite value chain for the battery sector to help meet the expansion of the electric vehicle and energy storage markets. We are refining our execution plan to capitalise on positive political and commercial interests, while reducing vulnerabilities associated with uncertainties."
