Mr. Eric Desaulniers reports

NMG AWARDS KEY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS FOR THE PHASE-2 MATAWINIE MINE AHEAD OF FID

Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. is preparing for the construction of its phase 2 Matawinie mine -- a major project of national interest as identified by the government of Canada -- via the procurement of key construction capacity, services, equipment and materials. Major contracts awarded over the past few months, with provisions for full execution upon the company having reached a positive final investment decision (FID), represent over 50 per cent of the project's capex (capital expenditure) and are within estimates of Nouveau Monde's updated feasibility study for the phase 2 Matawinie mine in accordance with National Instrument 43-101.

Eric Desaulniers, founder, president and chief executive officer of Nouveau, stated: "By locking in top-tier partners ahead of FID, we are further derisking the final financing steps and upcoming project execution. Efforts invested in rigorous construction planning and early contractor involvement is yielding tangible benefits -- securing the capacity to mobilize immediately upon a positive FID and to deliver within the pricing envelope set by our latest technical report. We are proud to deepen our relationship with the Atikamekw First Nation of Manawan through the civil works contract awarded to Manawan-Fournier and to extend our collaboration with Pomerleau, whose work to date has sharpened our execution strategy. We are planning on expanding this group of like-minded partners who share our values of safety, quality and sustainability, via contracts in concrete, structures, systems and specialized services, always striving to create direct and indirect opportunities for indigenous and local businesses and workers."

In continuity with the preconstruction mandate, Nouveau Monde has appointed Pomerleau as construction manager for the construction and commissioning stages of the Matawinie mine, namely the industrial platform, concentrator, environmental infrastructure, water treatment plant and associated facilities. Through its direct involvement in planning and optimizing the Matawinie mine construction over the past two years, Pomerleau has acquired a deep understanding of the project and contributed to mapping the execution strategy. As part of Nouveau Monde's integrated project team, Pomerleau will oversee the detailed construction sequence and schedule, contractors' supervision, work site logistics, implementation of the health and safety, environment, and quality programs, as well as cost control.

The first and largest construction package that will kick-start construction activities upon reaching a positive FID was awarded to Manawan-Fournier, an Atikamekw joint-venture between the Manawan Atikamekw Band Council and L. Fournier & Fils, an established East Canadian mining and civil contractor who had carried out the construction of the access road and preparatory work for the industrial platform in 2021 to 2022. Civil work includes the construction and development of various networks (such as stormwater, sanitary, firefighting and water), industrial structures (basins, platforms, buildings, domes, roads), as well as concrete work, temporary structures and maintenance work necessary for the complete realization of the project.

The collaboration with Manawan-Fournier further advances Nouveau Monde's commitment to stimulate business opportunities, training and employment for the Atikamekw First Nation of Manawan, as reflected in the company's long-term engagement in the community and formalized in the impact and benefit agreement. In collaboration with the commission de la construction du Quebec, Nouveau Monde and the Atikamekw First Nation of Manawan co-hosted special information activities for the community Feb. 10 and Feb. 11, 2026, to facilitate the participation of workers and contractors in the construction. Training sessions for the ASP Construction card are also being offered in the community.

The steel structures package has been awarded to Beauce Atlas, a Quebec-based company specializing in the engineering, detailing, fabrication and installation of complex structural steel for buildings and heavy industrial facilities. Through an early contractor involvement approach, Beauce Atlas will actively participate in the final engineering and constructability optimization of the industrial facilities. Beauce Atlas's scope of work will include the strategic sourcing of steel, fabrication of structural components and full on-site installation, encompassing buildings, crane rails, as well as all associated works and logistics.

Nouveau Monde is finalizing an agreement with Metso, an international market leader in sustainable technologies, end-to-end solutions and services in mineral processing, to supply key processing equipment, including the crushing station, apron feeders, mills, flotation cells and filter presses. Engineering for the equipment is 90 per cent complete. This agreement is set to further strengthen Nouveau Monde and Metso's partnership, supporting co-ordinated planning for long-lead items and alignment with the construction schedule.

Additional contracts secured include mechanical equipment, turnkey solutions for facilities, electrical substation and powerline, and specialized consultants. These contracts, combined with close to 80-per-cent advancement level on detailed engineering, solidify the company's execution plan to bring the Matawinie mine from shovel-ready to commissioning.

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, advanced technology and manufacturing. With recognized ESG (environmental, social and governance) standards and structuring partnerships with major customers, Nouveau Monde is set to become a strategic supplier of advanced materials to leading specialized manufacturers while promoting sustainability, innovation and supply chain traceability.

We seek Safe Harbor.