Focus Graphite Completes Air Quality Assessment for the Lac Knife Project; Advancing Towards ESIA Completion

Focus Graphite Inc. has successfully completed a comprehensive air quality assessment for its 100%-owned Lac Knife Graphite Project in northeastern Quebec, marking a significant milestone in the company's environmental permitting process. The study, conducted by WSP Canada Inc. under the supervision of IOS Géosciences Inc., evaluated emissions from all proposed operations including the open pit mine, processing facility, tailings storage, and supporting infrastructure under conservative maximum operating scenarios.

The assessment employed sophisticated atmospheric dispersion modelling using Aeromod software in full compliance with Quebec's air quality regulations and guidance from the provincial environment ministry. The results demonstrate that all predicted contaminant concentrations, including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, crystalline silica, and various metals, remain well within applicable Quebec ambient air quality standards. The study also identified that prevailing winds direct emissions away from nearby public infrastructure and residential areas, further reducing potential impacts.

This environmental milestone represents another critical step toward completing the broader environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) process required for project permitting. With the air quality assessment now complete, Focus Graphite is advancing remaining environmental workstreams including hydrogeological assessment and dam breach analysis. These studies collectively strengthen the project's regulatory foundation and reduce development risk for what the company positions as a strategically important North American graphite asset.

The completion comes at a particularly significant time as demand for secure, domestically-sourced graphite continues to grow, driven by battery manufacturing and defense applications. Focus Graphite's systematic approach to environmental compliance and technical de-risking positions Lac Knife as a potential key supplier in the North American critical minerals supply chain, offering an alternative to foreign-controlled graphite markets while supporting the transition to sustainable energy technologies.