Focus Graphite Appoints Renowned Battery Executive Dr. Sunho Kang as Strategic Advisor for Cell Technology

Rhea-AI Summary

Focus Graphite (OTCQB: FCSMF) appointed Dr. Sunho Kang as Strategic Advisor, Battery Technology & Materials on December 3, 2025.

Dr. Kang brings 26 years of battery‑materials and cell engineering experience from Apple, Samsung SDI, Volkswagen, Argonne National Laboratory and UT Austin. His advisory role covers material selection, cell design, silicon‑graphite anode development, dual‑use (defense and civilian) cell R&D, IP roadmap support, and scaling battery‑testing infrastructure.

The appointment follows a $14.1 million conditional funding announcement from Natural Resources Canada (Nov 3, 2025) for a chemical‑free electro‑thermal graphite purification demonstration plant. As part of his engagement, Dr. Kang was granted 50,000 options exercisable at C$0.60 for five years, subject to regulatory approval, and may receive cash compensation for advisory services.

Positive

• Conditional NRCan funding of $14.1 million (announced Nov 3, 2025)
• Appointed Dr. Sunho Kang with 26 years battery and materials experience
• Granted 50,000 options at C$0.60 exercisable for five years

Negative

• NRCan funding is described as conditional, not final
• Option grant and advisory fees are subject to regulatory approval and may dilute

Former Apple and Samsung SDI Battery Expert to Guide High-Purity Anode Materials and Dual-Use Next-Generation Cell Platforms.

Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 3, 2025) - Focus Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FMS) (OTCQB: FCSMF) (FSE: FKC0) ("Focus" or the "Company"), a leading developer of high-grade flake graphite deposits and innovator of next-generation lithium-ion battery technology, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Sunho Kang, Ph.D., as Strategic Advisor, Battery Technology & Materials.

This appointment follows the Company's November 3, 2025 announcement of a conditional $14.1 million in funding from Natural Resources Canada ("NRCan") under the Global Partnership Initiative (GPI), which supports the development of Canada's first chemical-free electro-thermal graphite purification demonstration plant. Dr. Kang's expertise directly aligns with the Company's plan to commercialize high-purity, battery-grade materials from its Lac Knife and Lac Tetepisca deposits.

Dr. Kang is a globally respected battery-materials scientist and industry executive with 26 years of experience across leading research institutions, national laboratories, and global battery and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers. His expertise includes lithium-ion cell engineering, silicon-anode development, cathode innovation, dry-electrode manufacturing, and root-cause failure analysis.

A former member of Professor John B. Goodenough's laboratory at the University of Texas at Austin and a former Staff Scientist at Argonne National Laboratory, Dr. Kang has held senior executive positions at leading global companies including Samsung SDI (Vice President Research and Product Development), Apple (Senior Manager), and Volkswagen Group of America (Senior Vice President, Battery Technology).

In his role at Focus, Dr. Kang will provide expert guidance across lithium-ion battery technologies, including material selection, cell design, and performance optimization as the Company advances its purification and anode-materials strategy. He will advise on the development and testing of battery-grade graphite and silicon composites, contribute to high-energy-density cell research and development for dual-use (defense and civilian) battery-anode applications, and provide direction on establishing and scaling battery-testing infrastructure, including next-generation cell formats. Dr. Kang will also help identify strategic collaborations with industry, academia, and national laboratories; contribute to the Company's intellectual property (IP) and patent roadmap; drive supplier-ecosystem development and technical due diligence for funding and partnership initiatives; and support the advancement of potential off-take and commercialization pathways.

"At Focus, we are committed to bringing in industry leaders who have delivered at the highest levels," said Jason Latkowcer, Vice President of Corporate Development. "Dr. Kang's appointment significantly strengthens our downstream integration strategy and adds deep technical credibility to our purification and battery-materials programs. His experience with cell qualification, supplier ecosystems, and next-generation battery materials enhances our ability to engage with OEMs and defense partners, while helping ensure our battery-testing efforts are efficient, coordinated, and technically rigorous."

"Focus Graphite's deposits and chemical-free purification process have strong potential for next-generation anode materials," said Dr. Kang. "I look forward to helping bridge upstream graphite production with downstream cell-maker specifications and supporting the Company's patent-pending battery technologies. Strengthening a secure North American graphite supply chain is essential for advanced energy storage, particularly in defense and automotive applications, and I am pleased to contribute to Focus Graphite's commercialization strategy in these critical markets."

As part of his engagement, Dr. Kang has been granted 50,000 stock options, exercisable at C$0.60 per share for five (5) years under the Company's incentive stock option plan, subject to regulatory approval, and may also receive cash compensation for certain advisory services.

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, defence, 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 benefits and outcomes of the Global Partnerships Initiative ("GPI") funding award from Natural Resources Canada ("NRCan"); the design, construction, and commissioning of the Company's proposed electro-thermal graphite purification demonstration plant; the expected contributions of Dr. Sunho Kang in his role as Strategic Advisor; and the advancement of the Company's Lac Knife and Lac Tetepisca projects through permitting, pilot testing, and potential future production. Forward-looking information also includes statements concerning the Company's expectations with respect to its ability to commercialize high-purity anode materials, integrate upstream and downstream operations, establish technical and offtake partnerships, and position both projects as strategic contributors to Quebec's and North America's critical-minerals and battery-materials supply chains.

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/276767

FAQ

Who is Dr. Sunho Kang and what role did he accept at Focus Graphite (FCSMF) on December 3, 2025?

Dr. Sunho Kang is a battery‑materials executive with 26 years experience; he was appointed Strategic Advisor, Battery Technology & Materials.

How does the November 3, 2025 $14.1 million NRCan commitment relate to Focus Graphite (FCSMF)?

The $14.1 million commitment supports a chemical‑free electro‑thermal graphite purification demonstration plant and aligns with commercialization plans.

What compensation did Focus Graphite (FCSMF) grant Dr. Sunho Kang as part of his advisory engagement?

Dr. Kang was granted 50,000 stock options exercisable at C$0.60 for five years, subject to regulatory approval, and may receive cash compensation.

What technical areas will Dr. Kang advise on for Focus Graphite (FCSMF)?

He will advise on material selection, cell design, silicon‑graphite anode development, high‑energy cell R&D, dual‑use applications, and testing infrastructure.

Will Dr. Kang's appointment accelerate Focus Graphite's commercialization of battery‑grade graphite (FCSMF)?

The appointment adds senior technical guidance to commercialization efforts, IP roadmap development, and supplier/partner engagement tied to purification and anode programs.

Is the NRCan funding for Focus Graphite (FCSMF) final and unconditional?

No; the funding is described in the announcement as conditional.