Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. (“NMG“ or the “Company”) has attained tangible milestones in preparing for the construction of the Phase-2 Matawinie Mine through key procurement activities, detailed engineering, construction planning and community investment. Among these is the awarding of the 120kV electrical substation to ABB as part of the construction preparation and strategy to secure long-lead items for the establishment of an all-electric 103,000-tpa graphite mining and concentrator complex at Matawinie, 120 kilometers north of Montréal, Canada.
Arne H Frandsen, Chair of NMG, declared: “The North American market is eagerly awaiting the start-up of our Phase-2 ore-to-active-anode-material operations to access a local and carbon-neutral alternative to China’s supply. With Canada having only mined 0.2% of the global natural graphite production last year – and the US 0% (US Geological Survey, January 2024) – Matawinie is set to be a gamechanger in today’s reshoring effort. We are pioneering a new era of mining here, in North America, supported by top-tier engineering and local partnerships, setting new standards in sustainability and community integration.”
Eric Desaulniers, Founder, President, and CEO of NMG, stated: “We are excited to move one step closer to building the mine of the future, powered by clean energy to responsibly extract and produce a critical mineral for global decarbonization. Our environmental stewardship and innovative mindset have been matched by the team at ABB, from the commencement of our electrification journey, to translate our vision into reality. Now, we have local and Indigenous businesses rallying to help us build the Matawinie Mine, what a great opportunity for shared value creation.”
Construction Readiness: Procurement, Engineering and Supply Chain Engagement
NMG has awarded ABB the contract to supply, construct and commission the 120kV substation for the Phase-2 Matawinie Mine. The site will be connected to the provincial hydropower network, enabling the access to clean energy to support mining activities and concentrator production of carbon-neutral graphite concentrate destined to the lithium-ion battery market. Through its collaboration with Caterpillar Inc., NMG is set to equip the Matawinie Mine with a zero-emission mining fleet and associated charging infrastructure, which would make it the world's first all-electric open-pit mine.
A recognized global leader in mine electrification, ABB will lead construction of the substation as the primary connection point between the mining site and Hydro-Québec’s hydropower line, enabling full electrification of the Matawinie Mine using renewable energy. NMG will benefit from robust technical expertise and dedicated resources overseeing engineering, supply, commissioning and start-up of the substation.
Moreover, detailed engineering continues to progress steadily with AtkinsRéalis and SRK, underpinning the advancement of long-lead items procurement packages. Also part of the integrated project team, Pomerleau is acting as pre-construction manager to support NMG with the construction sequence and logistics, budget revisions, procurement strategy, as well as health, safety and environment preparedness.
Pomerleau joined the Company’s leaders at a networking event at the Matawinie site this week to meet local and Indigenous businesses representatives. The event enabled NMG and Pomerleau to document the capacity, service offerings and availability of businesses in the region, while providing contractors with an opportunity to visit the site, meet the project team, inquire into safety and ESG requirements, and understand the construction procurement strategy.
Contribution to the Community’s Vitality
Originated from NMG’s stakeholder engagement and commitment to harmonious integration within the milieu, a four-season recreational center is being implemented adjacent to the Matawinie mining site. The non-for-profit organization leading the project development, espace nature Haute-Matawinie, has secured over $4.1 million in government funding and community investments, including a financial and in-kind contribution from NMG, to support the construction and launch of operations.
The center will offer recreational, sporting, educational and cultural activities accessible to the local community and visitors, thus contributing to the region's quality of life and economic development. It was conceived in collaboration with the community and local tourism stakeholders to enhance the region's recreational and tourism offering. Infrastructure will include a graphite interpretation center; 35 kilometers of trails for mountain biking, hiking, running, snowshoeing and fat biking; a 360° observation tower with views of the mine site and surrounding landscape; and service building. Initial work has already begun, with trail marking, trail construction and preparation of the parking lot.
Set to open in fall 2025, the center is expected to attract some 20,000 visitors and hire 9 people, offering long-term benefits to the region, beyond the life of mine. The center was part of NMG’s sustainable development pledge to the community and reflected in the parameters of its mining decree. Securing the financing for the construction of the center helps demonstrate to the community, the government, and key stakeholders, NMG’s commitment to a socially responsible operation that generates shared value.
Grant of stock options
NMG also announces the grant of 25,000 stock options to Mr. Stéphane Leblanc, the Company's new director, in accordance with the terms of the Company's stock option plan. Each option entitles the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $1.90 per share, with an expiry date of September 20, 2029.
