Mr. Dean Hanisch reports

FOCUS GRAPHITE DEVELOPS AND VALIDATES AI-ENABLED GRAPHITE FLAKE SIZING TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE RESOURCE VALUATION AND MINE PLANNING

Focus Graphite Inc. has successfully developed and validated a novel, low-cost AI-enabled in situ graphite flake size characterization technology and its integration into the geometallurgical model of the company's 100-per-cent-owned Lac Tetepisca graphite project in Quebec.

Key highlights

• Developed and validated a low-cost, AI-enabled in situ graphite flake size characterization technology, integrated directly into the Lac Tetepisca geometallurgical model;
• Enables high-resolution characterization of flake size distribution across the deposit without the need for extensive bulk metallurgical testing, supporting improved resource valuation and mine planning;
• Preliminary results indicate an inverse relationship between graphite grade and flake size, supporting the potential for a lower cut-off grade and improved project economics;
• Results from this work are expected to be incorporated into the upcoming MOGC mineral resource estimate update, anticipated in late Q1 2026;
• Methodology validated against bench-scale metallurgical testing and scanning electron microscopy analysis, with approximately 300 samples currently being processed;
• Following validation at Lac Tetepisca, the company intends to apply the technology to its Lac Knife project, supporting efficient, scalable, and environmental-, social- and governance-aligned mining strategies from the outset.

The technology enables high-resolution mapping of graphite flake size distribution directly from conventional drill core material, without the need for extensive bulk metallurgical testing. By materially improving visibility into the spatial distribution of flake sizes across the deposit, the technology supports enhanced resource valuation, more selective mine planning and value-driven production strategies. Results from this work are expected to be incorporated into the upcoming mineral resource estimate (MRE) update for the Manicouagan-Ouest graphitic corridor (MOGC) deposit, anticipated in late Q1 2026. The technology was developed by the research and development team at IOS Services Geoscientifiques Inc. of Saguenay, Que., with partial funding provided through Quebec's programme quebecois de valorisation des mineraux critiques et strategiques (PQVMCS), administered by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MERN).

Following successful validation at Lac Tetepisca, Focus intends to apply the same AI-enabled flake size characterization methodology to its Lac Knife graphite project, which is at a more advanced stage of development and nearing completion of permitting deliverables. The company believes this approach supports efficient, scalable and ESG-aligned mining strategies across its graphite portfolio.

Technology overview and key findings

Graphite pricing is strongly dependent on flake size, with market prices ranging from approximately $300 (U.S.) per tonne for fine flakes (negative 200 mesh) to over $1,400 (U.S.) per tonne for jumbo flakes (plus 48 mesh). Historically, graphite resource valuation has relied on basket pricing derived from limited bulk metallurgical composite samples, which may not adequately capture spatial variability in flake size distribution within a deposit.

The newly developed AI-enabled methodology addresses this limitation by enabling low-cost, high-resolution characterization of flake size distribution across a deposit, down to individual geological domains or resource blocks. The technology applies AI-based RGB image analysis to high-resolution optical microscopy images of graphite flakes recovered from coarse rejects generated during routine assaying, providing a scalable and repeatable approach to flake size characterization.

The methodology has been benchmarked against bench-scale metallurgical testing on 30 composite samples and independently validated using automated particle analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Approximately 300 samples are currently being processed to populate a geometallurgical model for the MOGC deposit.

Preliminary results indicate an inverse relationship between graphite grade and flake size, with lower-grade zones hosting a significantly higher proportion of jumbo flakes. These findings suggest that a lower cut-off grade may be appropriate for the forthcoming MRE, with potential positive implications for mine life, operational flexibility and project economics. This level of spatial resolution provides a direct input into resource valuation, cut-off grade selection and value-driven mine planning.

Richard Pearce, graphite mining industry veteran and technical consultant to the company, commented: "In traditional graphite operations, limited visibility into flake size variability forces operators to rely on large stockpiles and higher inventories to manage production and sales risk. From hands-on experience, knowing where different flake sizes occur materially improves mine planning and operational efficiency. This AI-based flake size characterization tool enables mining with intent -- aligning extraction with customer requirements, reducing waste and improving overall economics. Applying it at Lac Tetepisca and extending it to the Lac Knife positions Focus to develop efficient, customer-driven operations from the outset."

Operational and ESG implications

Improved spatial mapping of flake size distribution enables more selective mining, enhanced alignment of production with customer specifications, reduced inventory requirements and improved control over process costs. Understanding where specific flake size populations occur within the deposit allows Focus to mine with intent -- optimizing extraction based on end-market demand while minimizing waste and unnecessary material movement.

This upstream mining discipline complements the company's downstream ESG initiatives, including the development of low-emission, chemical-free purification technologies. Together, these strategies support a lower-impact, mine-to-market value chain and responsible stewardship of a critical mineral.

Dean Hanisch, chief executive officer of Focus Graphite, added: "As Focus advances ESG-aligned downstream initiatives, it is equally important that responsibility and efficiency begin at the mining and extraction level. Technologies that enable selective mining, reduced waste and optimized resource use are essential to maintaining consistency across the value chain. We are grateful for the support provided through Quebec's PQVMCS program and for the technical leadership of IOS, which together enabled the development of a novel approach that strengthens both environmental stewardship and economic efficiency."

MOGC resource background

The MOGC flake graphite deposit is part of the company's Lac Tetepisca project, located southwest of the Manicouagan Reservoir on the Nitassinan of the Pessamit Innu First Nation, in Quebec's Cote-Nord region. The MOGC is currently defined by a linear 1.5-kilometre-long segment of an eight km long folded geophysical magnetic-electromagnetic anomaly that trends north 035 degrees. The April 4, 2022, National Instrument 43-101 technical report, prepared by DRA America's Inc., outlines a pit-constrained indicated resource of 59.3 million tonnes (Mt) grading 10.61 per cent graphitic carbon (Cg) for an estimated content of 6.3 Mt of natural flake graphite (in situ), plus an inferred resource of 14.9 Mt grading 11.06 per cent Cg for an estimated content of 1.6 Mt of natural flake graphite. This maiden resource predates all drilling completed in 2022. An updated MRE incorporating all 2022 drill holes is expected in late Q1 2026. This maiden resource estimate is available on SEDAR+ on the company's profile. As demonstrated in previous releases, the 2022 drill program extended the mineralization at depth and to the southwest, and now to the West limb.

The current maiden resource used a basket price for graphite concentrate of $1,171 (U.S.) per tonne, using the flake size distribution obtained by metallurgical testing conducted by SGS-Canada in 2020 (18 per cent jumbo flakes, 22 per cent large flakes, 22 per cent medium flakes and 37 per cent fine flakes). These metallurgy tests were performed on a 308-kilogram bulk samples composited from large diameter 2014 and 2016 drill core, assumed to be representative of the then delimited MOGC deposit.

Sample selection and preparation

The geometallurgy project is based on a selection of 300 core samples from 2014, 2016, 2017, 2020 and 2022 drill programs, for a total of 459.56 metres from 107 holes. These samples were selected in order to be as representative as possible with regard to position within the deposit, lithologies and graphite abundance. Material consists of the coarse rejects (70 per cent plus two millimetres) from the assaying procedure, preserved in nitrogen-filled drums to prevent sulphide oxidation and stored in IOS facilities. The material has been screened at two mm, and the coarse fraction reground with the use of a laboratory ring mill. Grain size distribution of the resulting material has been measured with a Fritsch Analysette-22 laser diffraction particle size analyzer. A few-gram aliquot was used to manufacture polished epoxy mounts for microscopic studies. A mosaic of high magnification image is then acquired with a Zeiss Axio-imager M2C motorized microscope and processed with a proprietary algorithm to extract and measure individual graphite flakes larger than 20 micrometres.

As quality control procedure, samples were concatenated by group of 10 to produce 30 samples dedicated to metallurgical testing. The testing procedure included sequence of milling with a rod mill and bench-scale flotation including flash flotation, a rougher and multiple cleaner cycles. Quality of the concentrates was monitored using both graphitic carbon assays and optical flake measurement. Flake size distribution of the graphite concentrate was measured through laser diffraction particle sizing as well as conventional screening.

Sample processing is expected to be completed by mid Q1 2026, with results incorporated into the geometallurgical model and supporting the upcoming project MRE update expected in late Q1 2026.

Qualified person

The technical content disclosed in this news release was reviewed and approved by Rejean Girard, PGeo (Quebec), president of IOS Geosciences Inc., a consultant to the company, and a qualified person as defined under National Instrument NI-43-101.

About Focus Graphite Advanced Materials Inc.

Focus Graphite Advanced Materials is redefining the future of critical minerals with two 100-per-cent-owned world-class graphite projects and cutting-edge battery technology. The company'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.

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

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