+ Advancement of technical and commercial parameters for a definitive multi-year offtake agreement with Panasonic Energy covering a significant portion of NMG’s active anode material production from the Company’s “ore-to-anode-material” Phase-2 facilities.
+ 2022 groundwork at Matawinie Mine completed, with key environmental infrastructures built in preparation for the start of civil work.
+ Continued advancement of Phase-2 project financing activities through export credit agencies’ due diligence exercises and engagement with governmental branches.
+ Preparation for construction of NMG’s Phase-2 sites through the development of an execution and contracting strategy, a hiring plan and advancement of engineering.
+ Active engagement towards offtake agreements with other potential tier-1 customers in the EV and battery sector via the production of battery-grade samples, site visits, quality checks, commercial discussions, and environmental reviews.
+ Publishing of a preliminary economic assessment of the Uatnan Mining Project demonstrating strong returns for a production of approximately 500,000 tpa of graphite concentrate over a 24-year life of mine, in line with NMG’s Phase-3 plans.
+ Securing of CA$3.6 million in grants from the Government of Québec to support advanced graphite transformation and R&D projects.
+ Deployment of NMG’s Climate Action Plan through reduction efforts, proactive disclosure, and compensation for 2022 emissions in line with the Company’s commitment to transition to Net Zero by 2030.
+ Rapid development of the lithium-ion battery value chain totaling record 8.1 TWh of production capacity projected by 2030, driving demand for graphite up to 10,363,000 tpa (Benchmark, March 2023).
+ Continued focus on the safe conduct of operational and construction activities with a year-end OSHA rate of 2.25 at the Company’s facilities and 0 at contractors’ work sites, with no major environmental incidents.