Focus Graphite Achieves 99.9996 wt.% Ultra-High Purity and 2.03 ppm EBC in Follow-On Testing

Rhea-AI Summary

Focus Graphite (OTCQB: FCSMF) reported follow-on purification of Lac Knife concentrate (Lot GN25073005) produced 99.9996 wt.% (5N+) carbon and an Equivalent Boron Concentration (EBC) of 2.03 ppm, below the 3 ppm nuclear-grade threshold. The chemical-free electrothermal process achieved this result in two hours.

Results support potential supply to nuclear, defence, graphene, semiconductor thermal management, and advanced materials markets and align with a non-repayable $14.1 million contribution from Natural Resources Canada under the GPI to advance scale-up.

Positive

• Purity: 99.9996 wt.% (5N+)
• EBC: 2.03 ppm, below 3 ppm nuclear threshold
• Processing speed: Purification achieved in 2 hours
• Funding: Up to $14.1 million non-repayable GPI contribution
• Large-flake potential: High proportion of large and jumbo flake
• Graphene yield: Few-layer graphene yield ~22% ± 3% in tests

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

+7.89%

1 alert

+7.89% News Effect

On the day this news was published, FCSMF gained 7.89%, reflecting a notable positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Graphite purity: 99.9996 wt.% Equivalent Boron Concentration: 2.03 ppm NRCan contribution: up to $14.1 million +5 more

8 metrics

Graphite purity 99.9996 wt.% Thermally purified Lac Knife concentrate Lot ID GN25073005

Equivalent Boron Concentration 2.03 ppm Calculated per ASTM C1233‑15, below 3 ppm nuclear‑grade threshold

NRCan contribution up to $14.1 million Non‑repayable GPI funding to accelerate advanced material processing

Few‑layer graphene yield 22% ± 3% AETC–Yale testing, record‑high FLG yield for Lac Knife graphite

Graphene obscurant price US$30,000 per ton Approximate procurement price cited for U.S. Department of War graphene‑based obscurants

5N graphite premium up to US$50,000 per ton Premium paid in defence and shielding markets for 5N‑grade material

Tap density 0.6 g/cc Thermally purified Lac Knife Lot ID GN250730005, Table 2

Median particle size D50 = 337.3 µm Particle size distribution, thermally purified Lac Knife Lot ID GN250730005

Market Reality Check

Price: $0.3297 Vol: Volume 8,533 is only 0.23...

low vol

$0.3297 Last Close

Volume Volume 8,533 is only 0.23x the 20‑day average of 36,933, suggesting limited pre‑news positioning. low

Technical Price 0.24075 is trading above the 200‑day MA of 0.17, indicating a pre‑existing uptrend into this technical update.

Peers on Argus

Peers in Other Industrial Metals & Mining showed mixed moves, from -2.88% (AMYZF...

Peers in Other Industrial Metals & Mining showed mixed moves, from -2.88% (AMYZF) to +8.08% (ATCMF). FCSMF was nearly flat at +0.04%, pointing to a company‑specific, low‑volume reaction rather than a broad sector drive.

Common Catalyst Multiple peers (e.g., AMYZF, LFLRF) also released corporate development news, but price reactions were stock‑specific rather than sector‑wide.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Dec 08 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 08	Government funding	Positive	-9.7%	Non‑repayable NRCan contribution up to <b>$14.0626M</b> for purification project.
Dec 03	Leadership hire	Positive	-0.2%	Appointment of veteran battery executive Dr. Sunho Kang as strategic advisor.
Nov 19	Leadership hire	Positive	-0.7%	Strategic advisor Richard Pearce added to accelerate purification and production.
Nov 17	ESIA study	Positive	+14.3%	Commissioning WSP for air‑dispersion and dust study supporting ESIA at Lac Knife.
Nov 10	ESIA study	Positive	-4.7%	Hydrogeological study to support redesigned tailings and ESIA completion at Lac Knife.

Pattern Detected

Recent news has generally been constructive, yet the stock often showed negative or muted 24h reactions, with only one clear positive alignment.

Recent Company History

This announcement builds on a series of Lac Knife and advanced‑materials milestones. Since Nov 2025, Focus Graphite reported a hydrogeological study and air‑dispersion work to support a redesigned, environmentally focused tailings system and ESIA completion. It then expanded its technical leadership with seasoned graphite and battery specialists, and executed a non‑repayable NRCan funding agreement of up to $14.0626M covering about three‑quarters of project costs. Today’s ultra‑high‑purity and nuclear‑grade EBC data operationalize those initiatives by validating the performance of the purification pathway they are scaling.

Market Pulse Summary

The stock moved +7.9% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with the...

Analysis

The stock moved +7.9% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with the highly specialized nature of this update, which confirms 99.9996 wt.% purity and an EBC of 2.03 ppm suitable for nuclear‑grade applications. Historical data show that past operational and funding milestones sometimes saw muted or even negative moves, so a large gain would represent a departure from that pattern. Investors would need to watch how quickly engineering scale‑up and customer qualification convert these technical metrics into commercial traction.

Key Terms

scanning electron microscopy, few-layer graphene, electromagnetic pulse, electromagnetic interference, +2 more

6 terms

scanning electron microscopy medical

"as evidenced by ultra-fine features observed through scanning electron microscopy"

A scanning electron microscope is a powerful imaging tool that scans a sample with a focused beam of electrons to produce extremely detailed, high-magnification pictures of surface structure and composition—think of it as a camera that uses electrons instead of light to reveal features at the scale of billionths of a meter. Investors care because these images help verify product quality, materials performance, manufacturing defects, or claims about new technologies, which can affect a company’s competitive position, regulatory approvals, and production costs.

few-layer graphene technical

"Influence of graphite geography on the yield of mechanically exfoliated few-layer graphene"

A form of graphene made from a small stack of atom-thin carbon sheets that keeps many of graphene’s prized traits—high strength, excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, and large surface area—while being easier to produce and handle than a single atomic layer. Investors care because few-layer graphene can improve performance and lower costs in products like batteries, sensors, coatings and composites, acting like a super-strong, ultra-thin fabric that can enable new applications and market opportunities.

electromagnetic pulse technical

"against high-altitude electromagnetic pulses (HEMP), intentional electromagnetic interference (IEMI)"

A burst of electromagnetic energy that can overload or disrupt electronic systems and power grids, similar to a sudden, massive power surge hitting wiring and devices. It matters to investors because an electromagnetic pulse can interrupt production, data centers, communications and supply chains, create repair and liability costs, and trigger sudden drops in revenue or stock value for companies reliant on electronics and uninterrupted operations.

electromagnetic interference technical

"against high-altitude electromagnetic pulses (HEMP), intentional electromagnetic interference (IEMI)"

Electromagnetic interference is unwanted electric or magnetic energy that disrupts the normal operation of electronic devices, like static on a radio or someone speaking over a phone call. It matters to investors because interference can reduce product reliability, trigger regulatory testing or recalls, raise development and compliance costs, and hurt sales or reputation—any of which can affect a company’s revenue and risk profile.

coefficient of friction technical

"includes detailed characterization of particle size distribution, compressibility, electrical resistivity, and coefficient of friction"

The coefficient of friction is a simple number that compares the force needed to make two surfaces slide against each other with the force pushing them together, and it tells how easily those surfaces move. For investors it matters because it influences product performance, safety, energy use, wear and regulatory compliance—think of it like the grip between a shoe and pavement that affects longevity, liability and operating costs.

tap density technical

"Tap Density | Scott Volume | Surface Area | LOI"

Tap density is a measure of how tightly a powder packs when it is gently tapped or vibrated, expressed as the mass per unit volume after settling. Investors should care because it affects how powders flow, are filled into capsules or battery electrodes, and ultimately the cost, yield and performance of manufactured products; think of it like how much sugar can fit into a jar after you shake it — higher tap density often means more efficient processing and shipping.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

5N+ Purity and On-Spec EBC Confirm Lac Knife's Potential as a North American Source of Ultra-High-Performance Graphite Applications

Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 11, 2025) - Focus Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FMS) (OTCQB: FCSMF) (FSE: FKC0) ("Focus" or the "Company") a Canadian developer of high-grade flake graphite deposits and innovator of next-generation battery technology, is pleased to announce that follow-on purification and elemental analysis of material from its Lac Knife deposit (concentrate Lot ID: GN25073005) achieved 99.9996 wt.% ("5N+") and an Equivalent Boron Concentration ("EBC") of 2.03 ppm, confirming the material is within nuclear-grade specification and meets the technical thresholds required for several high-value advanced materials markets.

The test work, conducted using electrothermal purification with no halogen gases (e.g. chlorine) or acids, produced this ultra-pure result in two (2) hours, further validating a chemical-free, environmentally advantageous pathway compared to conventional purification methods. These results directly support Focus's ongoing engineering and scale-up programs funded under Natural Resources Canada's ("NRCan") Global Partnerships Initiative ("GPI"), under which the Company was awarded a non-repayable contribution of up to $14.1 million to accelerate North American capacity for clean, advanced material processing.

Subsequent elemental analysis calculated in accordance with ASTM C1233-15: Standard Practice for Determining Equivalent Boron Contents of Nuclear Materials yielded an Equivalent Boron Concentration ("EBC") of 2.03 ppm (Table 1), which falls below the critical 3 ppm threshold often cited for nuclear-grade graphite applications. The calculated EBC value is the most critical test of purity for nuclear industry use.

These results suggest that Lac Knife graphite has the potential to serve markets requiring ultra-high-purity large and jumbo flake natural graphite. Achieving both 5N+ purity and a high proportion of large-flake concentrate is uncommon in the natural graphite industry and may provide Focus with opportunities in markets historically reliant on synthetic graphite or otherwise inaccessible to peers. These findings are consistent with peer-reviewed research published in ACS Omega ("Ultrahigh Temperature Purification of Graphite for the Development of a Continuous Process," ACS Omega, 2025), conducted by American Energy Technologies Company ("AETC") and NRCan, which demonstrated that ultrahigh-temperature purification of natural Canadian graphite can produce materials exhibiting purity and crystallinity suitable for advanced applications. Focus's ongoing testwork indicates that residual impurities appear primarily on the surface of the graphite flake—as evidenced by ultra-fine features observed through scanning electron microscopy—suggesting that purification efficiency is strongly influenced by surface cleaning dynamics rather than structural defects within the carbon lattice.

Dean Hanisch, Chief Executive Officer of Focus commented, "These results validate Lac Knife as one of the rare unique natural graphite deposits capable of competing in high margin advanced technological markets and as a potential alternative to synthetic materials that are more expensive and have a larger environmental impact. With support from Canada's Federal Government, through Natural Resources Canada's Global Partnerships Initiative, we are now positioned to accelerate our scale-up work and unlock commercial pathways across nuclear energy, defense systems, graphene production, and next-generation electronics."

Lac Knife graphite's combination of ultra-high purity and large flake distribution positions it for a range of advanced industrial, clean energy, and high-technology applications.

Unlocking Advanced Markets Beyond Nuclear

Beyond nuclear applications, the ultra-high purity and medium-grain morphology of Lac Knife graphite position the material as a strategic feedstock for several advanced technology markets facing supply shortages, performance bottlenecks, and increasing scrutiny over material purity.

Graphene & Few-Layer Graphene (FLG) Production

In the graphene sector, precursor quality is the primary determinant of performance. Impurities commonly found in natural graphite—typically 0.5-1 microns in size, or roughly one thousand (1000) times thicker than a graphene layer—are known to disrupt electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties unless fully removed. Lac Knife's 5N+ purity eliminates these defects at the source, allowing the flake to exfoliate cleanly into high-value graphene structures.

Peer-reviewed research published in Carbon ("Influence of graphite geography on the yield of mechanically exfoliated few-layer graphene," Carbon, 2023) demonstrates the significance of geological origin in FLG production. In follow-on AETC—Yale University testing based on the methodologies outlined in that study, Lac Knife graphite achieved a record-high few-layer graphene yield of 22% ± 3%, outperforming all other natural samples evaluated and showing exfoliation behavior that synthetic graphite could not replicate.

Taken together, these results position Lac Knife as one of the few North American natural flake sources capable of supplying advanced graphene markets, including conductive coatings, EMI-shielding materials, flexible electronics, sensors, and next-generation energy storage systems.

Defence: IR Obscuration & Countermeasure Systems

The defence sector presents another major opportunity. Modern warfare increasingly requires materials capable of obscuring both visible and infrared signatures. Traditional obscurants—such as bronze flakes, titanium dioxide, and red phosphorus—pose toxicity, safety, and performance challenges. High-purity graphite and graphene derived from Lac Knife offer a lightweight, non-toxic, and thermally stable alternative capable of generating rapid-dispersion and longer-lasting obscurant clouds.

These materials are applicable to 40 mm muzzle-blast cartridges, airburst obscuration rounds for UAVs and rotorcraft, countermeasure dispenser systems, and naval surface-ship defence platforms. The U.S. Department of War currently procures graphene-based obscurants at approximately US$30,000 per ton, reflecting both strategic importance and limited supply. Lac Knife's purity is essential here, as impurities directly interfere with graphene formation and degrade obscurant performance.

Stealth Coatings & Electromagnetic Protection Systems

Ultra-high purity graphite also plays a critical role in stealth coatings and electromagnetic protection systems. Engineered systems operating across the 400 MHz to 30 GHz spectrum require materials that deliver highly reproducible electrical conductivity, thermal stability, and particle uniformity.

These coatings and composites are used in radar-absorbing structures for stealth UAVs, thermal-vision targeting systems, and a range of low-observable technologies. Because deviations in graphite purity can compromise system reliability or operator safety, defence and shielding markets pay substantial premiums—often up to US$50,000 per ton—for 5N-grade material. Lac Knife's combination of purity, consistency, and grain structure aligns closely with these stringent requirements and allows for further refinement into fine, superfine, ultrafine, or microfine grades without compromising integrity.

Critical Infrastructure Hardening (HEMP, IEMI and Geomagnetic Storms)

The same purity advantages extend into critical infrastructure protection. As governments and utilities work to harden electrical grids, substations, and 5G networks against high-altitude electromagnetic pulses (HEMP), intentional electromagnetic interference (IEMI), and severe geomagnetic storms, materials must perform reliably across high-frequency ranges and under extreme operating conditions.

Graphite-based shielding and coatings designed for these systems rely on predictable, reproducible material behavior—standards that only ultra-high purity graphite can meet. Lac Knife's 5N+ output offers the reliability required for these mission-critical applications.

Additional High-Value Markets Enabled by 5N+ Purity

In addition to these strategic sectors, Lac Knife's purity profile and particle characteristics also unlock potential in several high-value industries, including thermal management components for semiconductors and LEDs, high-pressure synthetic diamond production, PEM and SOFC fuel-cell bipolar plates, and laboratory-grade graphite consumables where contamination must be tightly controlled. In each of these markets, ultra-high purity reduces defects, increases stability, and improves overall system performance, enabling natural graphite to compete directly with synthetic alternatives.

Next Steps in Technical Validation

Focus is advancing a comprehensive technical qualification program to further define Lac Knife's suitability for nuclear and advanced material markets. Ongoing nuclear graphite testing includes detailed characterization of particle size distribution, compressibility, electrical resistivity, and coefficient of friction—parameters that determine whether a graphite material can perform reliably under the thermal, mechanical, and irradiation stresses present in high-temperature reactor environments. The Company expects to fabricate and evaluate near-net-shape graphite bricks, an essential step toward assessing Lac Knife material in full-scale core component geometries and within ASME Division 5 design criteria.

In parallel, Focus is extending its validation program—supported through NRCan's Global Partnerships Initiative ("GPI")—advanced materials markets. Current work programs under consideration include assessing Lac Knife graphite as a precursor for high-yield graphene, nano-wafer substrates, thin-film semiconductors, next-generation electronic components, and aerospace composites, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS). These sectors demand highly reproducible, ultra-high-purity carbon materials traditionally sourced from synthetic graphite. Early results indicate that Lac Knife's 5N+ natural graphite may offer a technically competitive—and potentially more sustainable—North American alternative to synthetic feedstocks across multiple high-value applications.

Element	Impurity Limit  (mg/kg)	EBC Factor	EBC Calculation
Ag	0.05	0.0083	0.000415
Al	1	0.0001	0.0001
B	0.12	1	0.12
Ca	0.36	0.0002	0.000072
Cd	5	0.3172	1.586
Cl	1.5	0.0134	0.0201
Co	0.05	0.0089	0.00445
Cr	0.12	0.0008	0.000096
Cu	0.25	0.0008	0.0002
Dy	0.05	0.0818	0.00409
Eu	0.1	0.425	0.0425
Fe	0.21	0.0006	0.000126
Gd	0.05	4.3991	0.219955
K	0.6	0.0008	0.00048
Li	0.03	0.1439	0.004317
Mn	0.12	0.0034	0.000408
Mo	0.15	0.0004	0.00006
Na	0.085	0.0003	0.0000255
Ni	0.18	0.0011	0.00198
S	1.4	0.0002	0.00028
Si	1.46	0.0001	0.000146
Sm	0.05	0.5336	0.02668
Th	0.01	0.0005	0.000005
Ti	0.53	0.0018	0.000954
U	0.05	0.0005	0.000025
V	0.08	0.0014	0.000112
Total			2.0277895

 

Table 1: EBC Calculation, Thermally Purified Lac Knife Lot ID: GN250730005

Figure 1: Particle Size Distribution, Thermally Purified Lac Knife Lot ID: GN250730005

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1963/277711_279dc9a07490cbe0_001full.jpg

Tap Density	Scott Volume	Surface Area	LOI
g/cc	g/cc	m2 /g	Wt. % C
0.6	0.4	1.4	99.9996

 

Table 2: Data, Thermally Purified Lac Knife Lot ID: GN250730005

% Tile	Size (um)
D10	105.2
D50	337.3
D90	673.8
MV	368.5

 

Table 3: Data (2), Thermally Purified Lac Knife Lot ID: GN250730005

Qualified Person

Dr. Joseph Doninger, Director of Technology and Manufacturing for Focus Graphite, is the Qualified Person ("QP") as defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Dr. Doninger has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. Dr. Doninger is a chemical engineer and the developer or co-developer of multiple U.S., European, and Canadian patents relating to carbon processing technologies and purification equipment. He has authored or co-authored more than two dozen technical papers and studies on graphite composite anodes, carbon-based materials for electrochemical energy storage systems, and advanced graphite for lithium-ion batteries.

About Focus Graphite Advanced Materials Inc.

Focus Graphite Advanced Materials is redefining the future of critical minerals with two 100% owned world-class graphite projects and cutting-edge battery technology. Our 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, defense, and advanced materials industries.

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

Our commitment to innovation ensures a chemical-free, eco-friendly supply chain from mine to market. Collaboration is at the core of our vision. We actively partner with industry leaders, research institutions, and government agencies to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation graphite materials. As a North American company, we are 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.

For more information on Focus Graphite Inc. please visit http://www.focusgraphite.com.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-graphite/
X: https://x.com/focusgraphite

Investors Contact:

Dean Hanisch
CEO, Focus Graphite Inc.
dhanisch@focusgraphite.com
+1 (613) 612-6060

Jason Latkowcer
VP Corporate Development
jlatkowcer@focusgraphite.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could," "intend," "expect," "believe," "will," "projected," "estimated," and similar expressions, as well as statements relating to matters that are not historical facts, are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events.

In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information regarding, among other things, the anticipated performance and downstream applicability of ultra-high-purity graphite derived from the Lac Knife project; the potential for 5N+ purification results and nuclear-grade Equivalent Boron Concentration ("EBC") values to be replicated at larger scale; the implications of testwork conducted under Natural Resources Canada's Global Partnerships Initiative ("GPI") and the expected outcomes of related engineering, scale-up, and validation programs; the ability of Lac Knife graphite to meet nuclear, graphene, defense, electromagnetic shielding, thermal management, semiconductor, and other advanced material specifications; the potential commercial pathways associated with supplying high-purity natural graphite as an alternative to synthetic graphite; and the Company's strategy to position itself within North American supply chains for clean energy, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and critical infrastructure markets.

Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to market conditions, regulatory approvals, changes in economic conditions, the ability to raise sufficient funds on acceptable terms or at all, operational risks associated with mineral exploration and development, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's public disclosure documents available under its profile on SEDAR+.

The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277711

FAQ

What purity did Focus Graphite report for Lac Knife on December 11, 2025 (FCSMF)?

Focus reported 99.9996 wt.% (5N+) carbon from Lac Knife concentrate Lot GN25073005.

What Equivalent Boron Concentration (EBC) did Lac Knife material achieve and is it nuclear-grade (FCSMF)?

The calculated EBC was 2.03 ppm, which is below the commonly cited 3 ppm nuclear-grade threshold.

How quickly was the 5N+ purity achieved during Lac Knife purification (FCSMF)?

The electrothermal, chemical-free purification produced 5N+ material in two hours.

What government support is backing Focus Graphite's scale-up for Lac Knife (FCSMF)?

Focus received a non-repayable contribution of up to $14.1 million from Natural Resources Canada under the GPI.

Which advanced markets could Lac Knife graphite serve given the December 2025 results (FCSMF)?

The company cites potential for nuclear components, defence obscurants, graphene production, semiconductors, and fuel-cell/diamond precursor markets.

What particle size distribution and density metrics were reported for Lac Knife purified material (FCSMF)?

Reported metrics include D50 337.3 µm, D90 673.8 µm, tap density 0.6 g/cc, and LOI showing 99.9996 wt.% C.