Mr. Eric Desaulniers reports

NMG'S MATAWINIE MINE RECOGNIZED AS A "MAJOR PROJECT OF NATIONAL INTEREST" BY THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA

Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. is welcoming the Canadian government's referral of the phase 2 Matawinie mine to the Major Projects Office. This recognition as a Major Project of National Interest reiterates the strategic importance of the company's business plan, which is on track to build one of the largest integrated natural graphite production in the G7.

Dominic LeBlanc, president of the King's Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-United States Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy, declared: "As Canada shifts from reliance to resilience, the Matawinie mine and Becancour battery materials plant represent nation-building projects essential for our defence and economic security. By developing our critical mineral deposits, we are unleashing Canada's boundless economic potential and securing long-term prosperity for all Canadians."

Eric Desaulniers, founder, president and chief executive officer of Nouveau, stated: "After a rigorous process of project development, engagement with first nations and communities, regulatory approvals, marketing, and financing preparation, we are excited to receive this recognition, which will support us in taking the final step toward financing commercial facilities that serve the economies of Canada and allied countries. This designation underscores the importance of building stronger and more sustainable supply chains, supporting our energy and industrial independence, and attracting investment for the responsible production of critical minerals."

Sipi Flamand, chief of the Atikamkew First Nation of Manawan, reacted: "We welcome the announcement that the mining project will be included in the list of major projects of national interest. This announcement by the federal government is perfectly in line with the process of economic reconciliation. I look forward to the positive benefits for our community that will be generated by this promising project, developed collaboratively and with respect for the environment."

This recognition confirms the essential role of the future Nouveau production in strengthening energy sovereignty, supporting Western supply chains and reducing dependence on concentrated markets. By stimulating local production of high-quality graphite for batteries and strategic applications, Nouveau is helping Canada attract international investment, meet growing global demand for critical minerals and position itself as the supplier of choice for allied markets.

Matawinie mine

The Matawinie mine is fully aligned with the vision of a more resilient, diversified and forward-looking Canada.

Discovered in 2015 as part of an exhaustive helicopter-based exploration campaign, the Matawinie natural graphite deposit located in Saint-Michel-des-Saints, 150 kilometres north of Montreal, Que., has completed all key development milestones. The company plans to operate an open pit mine and a concentrator for an average nominal annual production of 106,000 tonnes per year (tpa) of natural graphite concentrate.

Nouveau has invested time and effort over the years in active collaboration with the Atikamekw First Nation and the local community of Saint-Michel-des-Saints to ensure a responsible, sustainable and inclusive development. The company operates a demonstration plant (phase 1) in Saint-Michel-des-Saints to support product qualification with customers, engineering advancement, and the training and recruitment of a high performing technical team. In anticipation of the launch of commercial operations (phase 2), Nouveau has established a partnership with Caterpillar Inc. for the development and procurement of a zero-emission fleet and infrastructure for the future mine, signed key agreements for strategic equipment and services, and entered into commercial agreements with the potential to cover 100 per cent of the flake graphite production from the phase 2 Matawinie mine.

The Matawinie mine is expected to create 150 full-time jobs during operation and hire up to 450 workers during peak construction, with a total potential economic impact of $1.8-billion on Canada's gross domestic product (AppEco, 2025).

In addition, Nouveau intends to develop the phase 2 Becancour battery materials plant for the production of active anode material and advanced graphite materials for niche applications. The company continues to actively advance the engineering and execution strategy for this industrial project, which aims to ensure the local valorization of graphite for the electric vehicle, energy storage, high-tech and defence markets.

Project financing has progressed significantly in recent months. Due diligence exercises -- covering organizational, technical, commercial and ESG (environmental, social and governance) aspects -- are nearing completion and will guide the preparation of legal documentation and loan structure prior to review by the credit committees of targeted lenders. The main terms of the financing are currently being negotiated, in parallel with the finalization of purchase agreements with the Government of Canada and allied countries, as well as other buyers.

With the support of the Major Projects Office and the government of Canada's commitment to accelerating strategic projects, Nouveau is well positioned to complete the final steps toward reaching a final investment decision. The Major Projects Office will, namely, support the effective coordination of the financial and administrative branches of the federal government.

About Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc.

Nouveau Monde Graphite is an integrated company developing responsible mining and advanced processing operations to supply the global economy with carbon-neutral advanced graphite materials. The company is developing in Quebec, Canada, a fully integrated ore-to-processed-graphite value chain to serve tomorrow's industries in energy, defence, technology and manufacturing. With recognized ESG standards and structuring partnerships with major customers, Nouveau is set to become a strategic supplier of advanced materials to leading specialized manufacturers while promoting sustainability, innovation and supply chain traceability.

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