Mr. Dean Hanisch reports

FOCUS GRAPHITE'S LAC KNIFE MATERIAL PASSES C4V VALIDATION TESTING, ADVANCES TO NEXT-STAGE BATTERY QUALIFICATION

Focus Graphite Inc.'s 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 (approximately 371 milliampere-hours per gram), 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 (original equipment manufacturer) 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 No. GN250619002) was compared with C4V's baseline synthetic graphite reference material. The Focus sample achieved a first-cycle discharge capacity of approximately 373 milliampere-hours per gram -- 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, chief executive officer 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 I validation process under our DDNA program," said Baasit Ali, vice-president, 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 (environmental, social and governance) 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 defence-sector applications.

About Focus Graphite Inc.

Focus Graphite is redefining the future of critical minerals with two 100-per-cent-owned graphite projects and battery technology. Focus Graphite's 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, defence and advanced materials industries.

Focus Graphite's Lac Tetepisca project further strengthens the company's portfolio, with the potential to be one of the largest and highest-purity and highest-grade graphite deposits in North America. At Focus, the company goes beyond mining -- it is pioneering environmentally sustainable processing solutions and innovative battery technologies, including the company's patent-pending silicon-enhanced spheroidized graphite, designed to enhance battery performance and efficiency.

Focus Graphite's commitment to innovation ensures a chemical-free, eco-friendly supply chain from mine to market. Collaboration is at the core of the company's vision. Focus Graphite actively partners with industry leaders, research institutions and government agencies to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation graphite materials. As a North American company, Focus Graphite is 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.

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