The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday edition that Northern Graphite is upbeat about securing more funding to extend the life of North America's only active graphite mine, following a $6.2-million interest-free loan from Ottawa. The Globe's Niall McGee writes that this funding will help extend the life of the Lac des Iles graphite mine in Quebec, which has been in operation since 1989 and is expected to run out of resources by the end of the year. The extension could add another 10 years to its operation. Graphite is a critical mineral essential for low-carbon energy and the defence sector. Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasizes that Canada needs to boost critical mineral production to meet NATO spending targets. Northern Graphite supplies U.S. industrial customers with graphite for brake pads, lubricants, fuel cells and defence equipment. Chief executive officer Hugues Jacquemin said the funding is a "watershed" moment for the company that will likely inspire other private-sector investors to follow. The loan was provided by Natural Resources Canada and delivered through Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. Northern Graphite now has sufficient funds to cover 75 per cent of the mine extension program.