Graphano Applauds Canada's New Major Projects Office as Catalyst for North American Graphite Supply

Rhea-AI Summary

Graphano Energy (OTC:GELEF) welcomes Canada's new Major Projects Office (MPO) initiative, which aims to accelerate approval processes for critical minerals projects from five years to two years. The government has allocated $40 million to support Indigenous participation in major projects.

The company recently reported an initial mineral resource estimate at its Lac Saguay graphite project, including 1.64 million tonnes of Indicated Mineral Resource and 1.58 million tonnes of Inferred Mineral Resource, both at 7.00% graphitic carbon. This resource could potentially supply Northern Graphite's Lac des Îles facility under their development agreement.

The timing is strategic given new 163% U.S. tariffs on Chinese graphite imports, creating opportunities for North American suppliers.

Positive

• Initial mineral resource estimate shows significant graphite deposits with 7.00% graphitic carbon content
• MPO initiative will reduce project approval timelines from 5 to 2 years
• Strategic positioning to benefit from 163% U.S. tariffs on Chinese graphite imports
• Existing mineral development agreement with Northern Graphite for supply to Lac des Îles facility

Negative

• Project still in early stages requiring additional drilling and testing
• Pending closure of non-brokered private placement financing needed for upcoming programs
• Resources currently include significant portion in Inferred category requiring upgrade

Near-Surface, High-Grade Resource at Graphano's Lac Saguay Project Well Positioned to Meet Emerging Market Demand

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 3, 2025) - Graphano Energy Ltd. (TSXV: GEL) (FSE: 97G0) (OTC Pink: GELEF) ("Graphano" or the "Company") welcomes the launch of Canada's Major Projects Office ("MPO") by Prime Minister Mark Carney. The MPO will accelerate approval processes for major projects, reducing timelines from five years to two, with a strong focus on critical minerals and energy developments. The initiative also dedicates $40 million to support Indigenous participation in major projects.

"The MPO's streamlined approvals come at exactly the right time, as our LAB and Standard project resources are advancing," said Dr. Luisa Moreno, CEO of Graphano. "This creates an opportunity for us to move toward development more efficiently and support Canada's ambition to become a leading supplier of graphite to Western energy markets."

Graphano recently announced an initial mineral resource estimate at its Lac Saguay graphite project, which includes the Lac Aux Bouleaux (LAB) and Standard properties. The estimate outlines:

• Indicated Mineral Resource: 1,640,000 tonnes at 7.00% graphitic carbon (Cg)
• Inferred Mineral Resource: 1,580,000 tonnes at 7.00% Cg

(See the National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report, Lac Saguay Graphite Project, Quebec, Canada" with an effective date of July 15, 2025, and a report date of August 29, 2025, as prepared by Mercator Geological Services Limited and filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ www.sedarplus.ca.)

These resources represent potential additional graphite supply for Northern Graphite's Lac des Îles mine and processing facility under the companies' mineral development agreement. As the projects advance, Graphano's graphite portfolio holds the potential to strengthen the North American and European supply chain. With China currently the largest global producer and supplier of graphite to the U.S. and new U.S. tariffs (163%) creating barriers to Chinese imports, the need for reliable North American alternatives has never been greater.

Next Steps

Graphano's near-term milestones include:

• Drilling program at the Black Pearl property
• Bulk sampling and metallurgical testing
• Infill drilling to upgrade Inferred resources to Indicated and Measured categories
• Economic evaluation and permitting activities

The Company plans to engage with the MPO as projects advance and expects to soon close its previously announced non-brokered private placement financing pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption ("LIFE Offering") (see news release dated August 15, 2025), which remains subject to final acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange. Proceeds raised from the LIFE Offering will help fund these upcoming programs.

Qualified Person

The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Roger Dahn, B.Sc., P.Geo., a director of the Company and a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Graphano Energy

Graphano Energy Ltd. is an exploration and development company focused on evaluating, acquiring, and developing energy metals resources from exploration to production.

Graphite is one of the most in-demand technology minerals that is required for a green and sustainable world. The Company's Lac Aux Bouleaux property, situated adjacent to Canada's only producing graphite mine, in Québec, Canada, has historically been an active area for natural graphite. With the demand for graphite growing in some of the most prominent and cutting-edge industries, such as lithium batteries in electric cars and other energy storage technologies, the Company is developing its project to meet the demands of the future.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Luisa Moreno
Chief Executive Officer and Director
T: +1-647-462-6039
E: info@graphano.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, the impact of the MPO in accelerating approval processes for major projects and reducing timelines and other initiatives thereof, the Company's engagement with the MPO, the Company's mineral resources providing a potential additional graphite supply for the Lac des Îles mine and strengthening the supply chain, further advancing the Company's projects, mineral exploration programs, exploration results and any impact thereof, and the anticipated closing of the LIFE Offering. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Graphano, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, risks associated with possible accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, risks associated with the interpretation of exploration results, the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other governmental clearances necessary to carry out the Company's exploration plans, the risk that the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plans, and the risk of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects. These risks, as well as others, are disclosed within the Company's filing on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, the Canadian Securities Administrators' national system that all market participants use for filings and disclosure, which investors are encouraged to review prior to any transaction involving the securities of the Company. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Graphano does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264905

FAQ

What is the size of Graphano Energy's (GELEF) initial mineral resource estimate at Lac Saguay?

The initial mineral resource estimate includes 1.64 million tonnes of Indicated Mineral Resource and 1.58 million tonnes of Inferred Mineral Resource, both at 7.00% graphitic carbon.

How will Canada's new Major Projects Office (MPO) benefit Graphano Energy?

The MPO will reduce approval timelines from 5 to 2 years for critical minerals projects, allowing Graphano to advance its development more efficiently.

What are Graphano Energy's (GELEF) next steps for project development?

Graphano plans to conduct a drilling program at Black Pearl property, perform bulk sampling and metallurgical testing, complete infill drilling to upgrade resources, and proceed with economic evaluation and permitting activities.

How does the U.S. tariff on Chinese graphite affect Graphano Energy's market opportunity?

The 163% U.S. tariff on Chinese graphite imports creates a significant opportunity for Graphano as a North American supplier to fill the market gap.

What is Graphano's relationship with Northern Graphite?

Graphano has a mineral development agreement with Northern Graphite to potentially supply graphite to their Lac des Îles mine and processing facility.