# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001649752
**File Stem:** 0001104659-25-113538
**Filing Date:** 2025-11
**Character Count:** 993864
**Document Hash:** 3c6d0ffa97fa923db2fa2aeeb6efb730
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001104659-25-113538.hdr.sgml**: 20251118

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001104659-25-113538

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 6-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 142

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20251112

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20251118

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20251118

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001649752
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** MISCELLANEOUS METAL ORES [1090]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 01 Energy & Transportation
- **EIN:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** Z4
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 6-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-40416
- **FILM NUMBER:** 251493465

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **ADDRESS IS A NON US LOCATION:** YES
- **STREET 1:** 6 CHEMIN DES BOULEAUX
- **CITY:** L'ANGE-GARDIEN
- **NON US STATE TERRITORY:** QUEBEC, CANADA
- **PROVINCE COUNTRY:** A8
- **ZIP:** J8L 0G2
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 819-923-0333

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **ADDRESS IS A NON US LOCATION:** YES
- **STREET 1:** 6 CHEMIN DES BOULEAUX
- **CITY:** L'ANGE-GARDIEN
- **NON US STATE TERRITORY:** QUEBEC, CANADA
- **PROVINCE COUNTRY:** A8
- **ZIP:** J8L 0G2

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** Nouveau Monde Mining Enterprises Inc.
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20150731

**UNITED STATES<br> SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<br> Washington, D.C. 20549**

**FORM 6-K**

**REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16<br> UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934**

**For the month of March 2025**<br> Commission File Number: **001-40416**

**Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc.** ****<br> (Translation of registrant's name into English)

**481 rue Brassard<br> Saint-Michel-des-Saints, Quebec<br> Canada J0K 3B0**

(Address of principal executive office)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F ◻ Form 40-F ⌧

**DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED AS PART OF THIS FORM 6-K**

[99.1](tm2530895d2_ex99-1.htm) [NI 43-101 Technical Report: 2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine, dated November 12, 2025](tm2530895d2_ex99-1.htm)

**SIGNATURE**

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, there unto duly authorized.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc.** |
|  | (Registrant) |
| Date: November 18, 2025 | */s/ Josée Gagnon* |
|  | Josée Gagnon |
|  | Vice President, Legal Affairs & Corporate Secretary |

---

## Exhibit 99.1

**Exhibit 99.1**

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp1img001.jpg)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

---

**DATE AND SIGNATURE PAGE**

**This technical report is effective as of the 12<sup>th</sup> day of November 2025.**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| *Signed and Sealed on file* | &nbsp;&nbsp;*November 12, 2025* |
| Jean L'Heureux, P.Eng., M.Eng.<br> BBA Inc. | &nbsp;&nbsp;Date |
| *Signed and Sealed on file* | &nbsp;&nbsp;*November 12, 2025* |
| Jeffrey Cassoff, P.Eng.<br> BBA Inc. | &nbsp;&nbsp;Date |
| *Signed and Sealed on file* | &nbsp;&nbsp;*November 12, 2025* |
| Bernard-Olivier Martel, P.Geo.<br> B.O. Martel Inc.<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;Date |
| *Signed and Sealed on file* | &nbsp;&nbsp;*November 12, 2025* |
| Simon Fortier, P.Eng.<br> Soutex Inc. | &nbsp;&nbsp;Date |
| *Signed and Sealed on file* | &nbsp;&nbsp;*November 12, 2025* |
| Yann Camus, P.Eng.<br> SGS Geological Services | &nbsp;&nbsp;Date |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | BBA Document No.: 3936029-000000-40-ERA-0001-R00 |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| *Signed and Sealed on file* | &nbsp;&nbsp;*November 12, 2025* |
| Christian Fréchette, P.Eng.<br> AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc. | &nbsp;&nbsp;Date |
| *Signed and Sealed on file* | &nbsp;&nbsp;*November 12, 2025* |
| Jean-François St-Laurent, P.Eng., M.Sc.<br> SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. | &nbsp;&nbsp;Date |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | BBA Document No.: 3936029-000000-40-ERA-0001-R00 |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | 990 de l'Église Road<br> Suite 590<br> Québec, QC G1V 3V5<br> **T +**1 418.657.2110<br> **F +**1 450.464.0901<br>**BBAconsultants.com** |

---

**CERTIFICATE OF QUALIFIED PERSON**

**Jean L'Heureux, P.Eng., M.Eng.**

This certificate applies to the "NI 43-101 Technical Report: 2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine, Saint-Michel-des-Saints, Québec, Canada" (the "Technical Report"), prepared for Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc., dated November 12, 2025, with an effective date of November 12, 2025.

I, Jean L'Heureux, P.Eng., M.Eng., as a co-author of the Technical Report, do hereby certify that:

1. I
 am a Senior Process Engineer with the consulting firm BBA Inc. located at 990, route de l'Église,
 Suite 590, Québec, Québec, Canada, G1V 3V5.

2. I
 graduated from Laval University with a bachelor's degree (B.Eng.) in Materials and
 Metallurgy Engineering in 1993 and from Sherbrooke University with a master's degree
 (M.Eng.) in engineering management in 2015.

3. I
 am a member in good standing of the Order of Engineers of Québec (OIQ No. 112499).

4. I
 have practiced my profession continuously since my graduation in 1993. My relevant experience
 includes 25 years in project development, production, research and development, marketing
 and sales technical support for natural graphite, 3 years in the production of andalusite
 as well as 4 years in technical studies for graphite and other mineral commodities.

5. I
 have read the definition of "qualified person" set out in the NI 43-101
 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and certify
 that, by reason of my education, affiliation with a professional association, and past relevant
 work experience, I fulfill the requirements to be a qualified person for the purposes
 of NI 43-101.

6. I
 am independent of the issuer applying all the tests in Section 1.5 of NI 43-101.

7. I
 am author and responsible for the preparation of Chapters 2, 3, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, and Sections
 18.1 to 18.3, and 18.6 to 18.11. I am also co-author and responsible for Chapters 1, 25,
 26 and 27 of the Technical Report.

8. I
 have not visited the Matawinie Property that is the subject of this Technical Report in my
 capacity of QP for this Technical Report.

9. I
 have prior involvement with the Property that is the subject of this Technical Report, having
 visited the site and met with Nouveau Monde Graphite's management in May 2020
 while working for another employer.

10. I
 have read NI 43-101, and the sections of the Technical Report for which I am responsible
 have been prepared following its rules and guidelines.

11. As at the effective
 date of the Technical Report, to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, the sections
 of the Technical Report for which I am responsible contain all scientific and technical information
 that is required to be disclosed to make the portions of the Technical Report for which I
 am responsible not misleading.

Signed and sealed this 12<sup>th</sup> day of November 2025.

<u>*Signed and Sealed on file*</u>

Jean L'Heureux, P.Eng., M.Eng.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | 2020 Robert-Bourassa Blvd.<br> Suite 300<br> Montréal, QC H3A 2A5<br> T +1 514.866.2111<br> F +1 514.866.2116<br>**BBAconsultants.com** |

---

**CERTIFICATE OF QUALIFIED PERSON**

**Jeffrey Cassoff, P.Eng.**

This certificate applies to the "NI 43-101 Technical Report: 2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine, Saint-Michel-des-Saints, Québec, Canada" (the "Technical Report"), prepared for Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc., dated November 12, 2025, with an effective date of November 12, 2025.

I, Jeffrey Cassoff, P.Eng., as a co-author of the Technical Report, do hereby certify that:

1. I
 am a Principal Mining Engineer in the consulting firm BBA Inc. located at 2020 Robert-Bourassa
 Blvd., Suite 300, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3A 2A5.

2. I
 graduated from McGill University of Montréal with a bachelor's degree (B.Eng.)
 in Mining in 1999.

3. I
 am a member in good standing of the Order of Engineers of Québec (#5002252), the Professional
 Engineers and Geoscientists, Newfoundland and Labrador (#06205), and the Northwest Territories
 Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists (NAPEG Member No. L4142).

4. I
 have practiced my profession continuously since my graduation in 1999. My relevant experience
 includes open pit mining operations and many NI 43-101 studies, including several for
 Graphite Projects.

5. I
 have read the definition of "qualified person" set out in the NI 43-101
 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and certify
 that, by reason of my education, affiliation with a professional association, and past relevant
 work experience, I fulfill the requirements to be a qualified person for the purposes
 of NI 43-101.

6. I
 am independent of the issuer applying all the tests in Section 1.5 of NI 43-101.

7. I
 am author and responsible for the preparation of Chapter 15, and Sections 16.1 to 16.6, 16.7.3,
 16.7.4, 16.8.3 and 16.10. I am also co-author and responsible for the relevant portions of
 Chapters 1, 25, 26 and 27 of the Technical Report.

8. I
 have visited the Matawinie Property that is the subject of the Technical Report on October 20,
 2021.

9. I
 have prior involvement with the Property that is the subject of this Technical Report, having
 participated as a Qualified Person in the preparation of previous Feasibility Study reports
 dated August 10, 2022 and March 31, 2025.

10. I
 have read NI 43-101, and the sections of the Technical Report for which I am responsible
 have been prepared following its rules and guidelines.

11. As
 at the effective date of the Technical Report, to the best of my knowledge, information and
 belief, the sections of the Technical Report for which I am responsible contain all scientific
 and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make the portions of the Technical
 Report for which I am responsible not misleading.

Signed and sealed this 12<sup>th</sup> day of November 2025.

<u>*Signed and Sealed on file*</u>

Jeffrey Cassoff, P.Eng.

**B.O. Martel Inc.**

5500, chemin de Chambly, bureau #1

St-Hubert, Québec, Canada, J3Y 3P3

**CERTIFICATE OF QUALIFIED PERSON**

**Bernard-Olivier Martel, P.Geo.**

This certificate applies to the "NI 43-101 Technical Report: 2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine, Saint-Michel-des-Saints, Québec, Canada" (the "Technical Report"), prepared for Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc., dated November 12, 2025, with an effective date of November 12, 2025.

I, Bernard-Olivier Martel, P.Geo., as a co-author of the Technical Report, do hereby certify that:

1. I
 am a Consulting Geologist with the consulting firm B.O. Martel Inc., located at 5500, chemin
 de Chambly, bureau #1, St-Hubert, Québec, Canada, J3Y 3P3.

2. I
 graduated from *Université du Québec à Montréal* with a
 bachelor's degree in geology in 1999.

3. I
 am a member in good standing of the *Ordre des géologues du Québec*, Member
 #492.

4. I
 have worked as a geologist continuously since my graduation from university.

5. I
 have extensive expertise in planning, executing, and monitoring a wide range of technical
 projects. My experience covers many types of mineralization, including iron, diamond, copper,
 zinc, gold, silver, nickel, lithium, rare earth elements, and graphite. In addition to the
 Matawinie Graphite Mine project, I also contributed to the resource definition for Northern
 Graphite's Lac des Iles project.

6. I
 have read the definition of "qualified person" set out in the NI 43-101
 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and certify
 that, by reason of my education, affiliation with a professional association, and past relevant
 work experience, I fulfill the requirements to be a qualified person for the purposes
 of NI 43-101.

7. I
 am independent of the issuer applying all the tests in Section1.5 of NI 43-101.

8. I
 am author and responsible for the preparation of Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 23.
 I am also co-author and responsible for the relevant portions of Chapters 1, 25, 26 and 27
 of the Technical Report.

9. I
 have visited the Matawinie Property on several occasions in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019,
 2020 and 2021, with the last visit on December 7, 2022, as a consulting geologist responsible
 for exploration and infill drilling campaigns.

10. I
 have prior involvement with the Property that is the subject of the Technical Report, having
 participated as a Qualified Person in the preparation of previous Feasibility Study reports
 dated August 10, 2022 and March 31, 2025.

11. I
 have read NI 43-101, and the sections of the Technical Report for which I am responsible
 have been prepared following its rules and guidelines.

12. As
 at the effective date of the Technical Report, to the best of my knowledge, information and
 belief, the sections of the Technical Report for which I am responsible contain all scientific
 and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make the portions of the Technical
 Report for which I am responsible not misleading.

Signed and sealed this 12<sup>th</sup> day of November 2025.

<u>*Signed and Sealed on file*</u>

Bernard-Olivier Martel, P.Geo.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp1img002.jpg) | 1990 Rue Cyrille-Duquet,<br> Local 204, <br> Québec (QC), Canada, G1N 4K8<br> soutex.ca |

---

**CERTIFICATE OF QUALIFIED PERSON**

**Simon Fortier, P. Eng.**

This certificate applies to the "NI 43-101 Technical Report: 2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine, Saint-Michel-des-Saints, Québec, Canada" (the "Technical Report"), prepared for Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc., dated November 12, 2025, with an effective date of November 12, 2025.

I, Simon Fortier, P.Eng., as a co-author of the Technical Report, do hereby certify that:

1. I
 am a Senior Metallurgist with the consulting firm Soutex, located at 1990 Rue Cyrille-Duquet,
 Local 204, Québec (QC), Canada, G1N 4K8.

2. I
 graduated from Laval University of Quebec with a B. Eng. in Metallurgy in 2000.

3. I
 am a member in good standing of the "Ordre des Ingénieurs du Québec"
 (OIQ#125118).

4. I
 have practiced my profession continuously since 2000 and have been involved in mineral processing
 for a total of 24 years since my graduation from University. This has involved working in
 Canada and my experience in principally in ore processing. I have experience in flotation
 projects in engineering project, plant start-up and in plant support and optimization and
 for several different minerals (Iron ore, base metal, graphite, gold ore, lithium):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Raglan,
 Plant expansion study, Metallurgical support (2003 to 2007);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Carol
 Lake Pellet plant, Several Engineering studies (2010-2013);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Nunavik
 Nickel, Canadian Royalties, Plant Start-up and metallurgical support (2012-2013);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Lac
 Guéret, Mason Graphite, Testwork supervision, Feasibility study, Detailed Eng., QP
 (2014-2018);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Fruta
 del Norte, Lundin, Detailed engineering (2018-2019);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Lola
 graphite, SRG mining, process review of a feasibility study (2022).

5. I
 have read the definition of "qualified person" set out in the NI 43-101
 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and certify
 that, by reason of my education, affiliation with a professional association, and past relevant
 work experience, I fulfill the requirements to be a qualified person for the purposes
 of NI 43-101.

6. I
 am independent of the issuer applying all the tests in Section 1.5 of NI 43-101.

7. I
 am author and responsible for the preparation of Chapter 13. I am also co-author and responsible
 for the relevant portions of Chapters 1, 25, 26 and 27 of the Technical Report.

8. I
 have not visited the Matawinie Property that is the subject of the Technical Report as it
 was not required for the purpose of this mandate.

9. I
 have prior involvement with the Property that is the subject of the Technical Report, having
 participated as a Qualified Person in the preparation of previous Feasibility Study reports
 dated August 10, 2022 and March 31, 2025.

10. I
 have read NI 43-101, and the sections of the Technical Report for which I am responsible
 have been prepared following its rules and guidelines.

11. As
 at the effective date of the Technical Report, to the best of my knowledge, information and
 belief, the sections of the Technical Report for which I am responsible contain all scientific
 and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make the portions of the Technical
 Report for which I am responsible not misleading.

Signed and sealed this 12<sup>th</sup> day of November 2025.

<u>*Signed and Sealed on file*</u>

Simon Fortier, P.Eng.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp1img003.jpg)

**CERTIFICATE OF QUALIFIED PERSON**

**Yann Camus, P.Eng.**

This certificate applies to the "NI 43-101 Technical Report: 2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine, Saint-Michel-des-Saints, Québec, Canada" (the "Technical Report"), prepared for Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc., dated November 12, 2025, with an effective date of November 12, 2025.

I, Yann Camus, P.Eng., as a co-author of the Technical Report, do hereby certify that:

1. I
 am a Mineral Resource Estimation Engineer for SGS Canada Inc, - SGS Geological Services with
 an office at 10 Boul. de la Seigneurie Est, Suite 203, Blainville Quebec Canada, J7C
 3V5.

2. I
 am a graduate of the École Polytechnique de Montréal (B.Sc. Geological Engineer,
 in 2000).

3. I
 am a member of good standing, No. 125443, of the l'Ordre des Ingénieurs du Québec
 (Order of Engineers of Quebec).

4. My
 relevant experience includes continuous mineral resource estimation since my graduation in
 2000, covering graphite, iron ore, precious and base metals, rare earths, and many more.
 I have conducted mineral resource estimates, audits, technical reporting and more. Notable
 graphite projects include Canada Carbon Miller (2015, 2017), and Asbury (2024), Nouveau Monde
 Graphite Matawinie (2018), and Northern Graphite Lac des Iles (2022). This experience across
 early-stage to producing projects supports my competence to the current report.

5. I
 have read the definition of "qualified person" set out in the NI 43-101 - Standards
 of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and certify that, by reason
 of my education, affiliation with a professional association, and past relevant work experience, I
 fulfill the requirements to be a qualified person for the purposes of NI 43-101.

6. I
 am independent of the issuer applying all the tests in Section1.5 of NI 43-101.

7. I
 am author and responsible for the preparation of Chapters 12 and 14. I am also co-author
 and responsible for the relevant portions of Chapters 1, 25, 26 and 27 of the Technical Report.

8. I
 have visited the Matawinie Property that is the subject of the Technical Report on five occasions:
 September 17, 2024, August 18, 2021, November 27, 2019, June 21, 2018,
 and November 9, 2016.

9. My
 prior involvement with the Property is the preparation of the updated mineral resources presented
 in the press release "Nouveau Monde Updates Mineral Resource Estimate for its West
 Zone Deposit, Matawinie Graphite Property" dated March 2, 2017, and in the corresponding
 technical report issued on Dec. 8, 2017. Also, I updated the resources for the
 report entitled "NI 43-101 Updated Technical Pre-feasibility Study Report for the Matawinie
 Graphite Project" prepared for Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. issued on August 10,
 2018. And I updated the resource for the press release "Nouveau Monde Announces Updated
 Resource Estimate and Increases Meas. & Indicated Resources by 25% to 120.3 Mt @
 4.26 % Cg" dated March 19, 2020. I also participated as QP on the previous Updated
 FS Report for the Matawinie Mine and the Bécancour Battery Material Plant Integrated
 Graphite Projects, dated March 31, 2025.

10. I
 have read NI 43-101, and the sections of the Technical Report for which I am responsible
 have been prepared following its rules and guidelines.

11. As
 at the effective date of the Technical Report, to the best of my knowledge, information and
 belief, the sections of the Technical Report for which I am responsible contain all scientific
 and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make the portions of the Technical
 Report for which I am responsible not misleading.

Signed and sealed this 12<sup>th</sup> day of November 2025.

<u>*Signed and Sealed on file*</u>

Yann Camus, P.Eng.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp1img004.jpg)

**CERTIFICATE OF QUALIFIED PERSON**

**Christian Fréchette, P.Eng.**

This certificate applies to the "NI 43-101 Technical Report: 2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine, Saint-Michel-des-Saints, Québec, Canada" (the "Technical Report"), prepared for Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc., dated November 12, 2025, with an effective date of November 12, 2025.

I, Christian Fréchette, P.Eng., as a co-author of the Technical Report, do hereby certify that:

1. I
 am currently employed as Plant Engineering Expert with the consulting firm AtkinsRéalis
 Canada Inc., located at 5500 Boulevard des Galeries, suite 200, Québec, Quebec, Canada,
 G2K 2E2.

2. I
 graduated from Laval University with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mining and Mineral
 Engineering in1994. I have practiced my profession continuously since my graduation.

3. I
 am a member in good standing of the Ordre des Ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ#114070)
 and of the Canadian Institute of Mining Metallurgy and Petroleum.

4. I
 have continuously practiced my profession since graduating in 1994, specializing in mineral
 processing as a metallurgist and in plant engineering as a consulting engineer.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· From
 1996 to 2004, I worked as Metallurgist and later as Chief Metallurgist at Les Mines
 Selbaie, which was owned by BHP Billiton.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Between
 2005 and 2012, I served as a Consulting Engineer at the Raglan Mine Concentrator, currently
 operated by Glencore.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· From
 2012 to 2014, I contributed to the detailed engineering of the Goldcorp Éléonore
 Mine processing plant and subsequently worked as a Consulting Engineer at this facility until
 2019.

5. I
 have read the definition of "qualified person" set out in the NI 43-101
 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and certify
 that, by reason of my education, affiliation with a professional association, and past relevant
 work experience, I fulfill the requirements to be a qualified person for the purposes
 of NI 43-101.

6. I
 am independent of the issuer applying all the tests in Section 1.5 of NI 43-101.

7. I
 am responsible for the preparation of Chapter 17. I am also co-author and responsible for
 the relevant portions of Chapters 1 and 25 of the Technical Report.

8. I
 have not visited the Matawinie Property that is the subject of the Technical Report as it
 was not required for the purpose of this mandate.

9. I
 have prior involvement with the Property that is the subject of the Technical Report, having
 participated as a Qualified Person in the preparation of the updated Feasibility Study report
 for the Matawinie Mine and the Bécancour Battery Material Plant Integrated Graphite
 Projects, dated March 31, 2025.

10. I
 have read NI 43-101, and the sections of the Technical Report for which I am responsible
 have been prepared following its rules and regulations.

11. As
 at the effective date of the Technical Report, to the best of my knowledge, information and
 belief, the sections of the Technical Report for which I am responsible contain all scientific
 and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make the portions of the Technical
 Report for which I am responsible not misleading.

Signed and sealed this 12<sup>th</sup> day of November 2025.

<u>*Signed and Sealed on file*</u>

Christian Fréchette, P.Eng.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp1img005.jpg)

**CERTIFICATE OF QUALIFIED PERSON**

**Jean-François St-Laurent, P.Eng., M.Sc.**

This certificate applies to the "NI 43-101 Technical Report: 2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine, Saint-Michel-des-Saints, Québec, Canada" (the "Technical Report"), prepared for Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc., dated November 12, 2025, with an effective date of November 12, 2025.

I, Jean-François St-Laurent, P.Eng., M.Sc., as a co-author of the Technical Report, do hereby certify that:

1. I
 am a Principal Consultant (Mine Waste Management & Geoenvironmental Engineering)
 with SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. located at located at 1066 Hastings St W, Vancouver BC
 V6E 3X1 , Canada

2. I
 am a graduate of University Laval (Québec, QC, Canada) as Geological Engineer in 2005.
 I completed a master's degree in civil engineering in 2007 at University Laval.

3. I
 am a member in good standing of the Ordre des Ingénieurs du Québec (#140 657),
 and Professional Engineer Ontario (#100541518). .

4. Principal
 geological engineer with 18 years of experience in soils geotechnics, mine waste management
 and site reclamation. Currently Engineer of Record of two closed sites in Québec.
 His experience includes modelling embankment behaviour under various loading conditions,
 performing risk assessments, statutory inspections and safety reviews of tailings storage
 facilities. He's been involved in the preparation of detailed engineering designs with
 drawings and technical specifications for numerous embankment and tailings storage facilities.
 Since March 2025 I'm an active member of an independent technical review board
 supporting a mining company operating a filtered tailings facility. In October 2025, I
 completed a PEA design of a filtered tailings facility.

5. I
 have read the definition of "qualified person" set out in the NI 43-101
 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and certify
 that, by reason of my education, affiliation with a professional association, and past relevant
 work experience, I fulfill the requirements to be a qualified person for the purposes
 of NI 43-101.

6. I
 am independent of the issuer applying all the tests in Section 1.5 of NI 43-101.

7. I
 am author and responsible for the preparation of Sections 16.7 (except 16.7.3 and 16.7.4),
 16.8.1, 16.8.2, 16.9, 18.4, 18.5 and 18.12. I am also co-author and responsible for the relevant
 portions of Chapters 1, 25, 26 and 27 of the Technical Report.

8. I
 visited the Matawinie Property on September 6, 2024 and October 10, 2025 as part
 of this current mandate.

9. I
 have provided the material take off quantities related to the design for which I am responsible,
 but I have not been involved in the CAPEX, Sus-CAPEX and OPEX cost estimate.

10. I
 have prior involvement with the Property that is the subject of this Technical Report, having
 participated as a Qualified Person in the preparation of the previous updated Feasibility
 Study dated March 31, 2025.

11. I
 have read NI 43-101, and the sections of the Technical Report for which I am responsible
 have been prepared following its rules and guidelines.

12. As
 at the effective date of the Technical Report, to the best of my knowledge, information and
 belief, the sections of the Technical Report for which I am responsible contain all scientific
 and technical information that is required to be disclosed to make the portions of the Technical
 Report for which I am responsible not misleading.

Signed and sealed this 12<sup>th</sup> day of November 2025.

<u>*Signed and Sealed on file*</u>

Jean-François St-Laurent, P.Eng., M.Sc.

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**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

**1.** **Summary** **1-1** 

1.1. Property Description,
Location and Ownership 1-1

1.2. Geological Setting
and Mineralization 1-3

1.3. Exploration 1-3

1.4. Drilling 1-4

1.5. Mineral Processing
and Metallurgical Testing 1-5

1.6. Mineral Resource Estimate 1-6

1.7. Mineral Reserve Estimate 1-7

1.8. Mining Methods 1-8

1.9. Recovery Methods 1-10

1.10. Project Infrastructure 1-12

1.11. Market Studies and
Contracts 1-13

1.11.1. Market Studies and
Final Product Pricing 1-13

1.11.2. Project Contracts 1-14

1.12. Environmental Studies,
Permitting, and Social or Community Impact 1-14

1.13. Capital and Operating
Costs 1-17

1.13.1. Matawinie Mine and Concentrator
Capital Cost Estimate 1-17

1.13.2. Matawinie Mine and Concentrator
Operating Cost Estimate 1-18

1.14. Economic Analysis 1-19

1.15. Interpretation and
Conclusions 1-21

1.16. Recommendations 1-22

**2.** **Introduction** **2-1** 

2.1. Introduction 2-1

2.2. Material Change Since
Last Report - Material Commercial Arrangements 2-1

2.3. Report Responsibility
and Qualified Persons 2-1

2.4. Site Visits 2-3

2.5. Effective Dates and
Declaration 2-3

2.6. Sources of Information 2-4

2.7. Previous Technical
Reports 2-4

2.8. Units and Currency 2-5

2.9. Acknowledgement 2-5

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**3.** **Reliance on Other Experts** **3-1** 

3.1. Introduction 3-1

3.2. Mineral Tenure and
Surface Rights 3-1

3.3. Taxation 3-1

3.4. Markets 3-1

**4.** **Property Description and Location** **4-1** 

4.1. Mining Property Description 4-1

4.2. Location and Access 4-1

4.3. Type of Mineral Tenure 4-2

4.4. Agreements and Royalties
Obligations 4-10

4.4.1. Pallinghurst Agreement 4-11

4.4.2. Saint-Michel-des-Saints Municipality Agreement 4-11

4.4.3. Conseil des Atikamekw Agreement 4-11

4.5. Permits and Environmental
Liabilities 4-12

4.6. Significant Factors
and Risks 4-13

**5.** **Accessibility, Climate, Local Resources, Infrastructure and Physiography** **5-1** 

5.1. Mining Property Accessibility 5-1

5.2. Physiography 5-1

5.3. Climate 5-2

5.4. Local Resources and
Infrastructure 5-3

5.5. Surface Rights 5-4

**6.** **History** **6-1** 

6.1 Regional Government
Surveys 6-5

6.2 Mineral Exploration
Work 6-5

**7.** **Geological Setting and Mineralization** **7-1** 

7.1 Regional Geology 7-1

7.2 Property Geology 7-6

7.2.1 Paragneisses – Migmatites –
Mobilizate 7-6

7.2.2 Marble and Calc-Silicate Rocks 7-7

7.2.3 Metagabbro 7-8

7.2.4 Charnockite 7-9

7.2.5 Graphite 7-9

7.2.6 West Zone Geological Model 7-9

7.2.7 Surficial Geology 7-12

7.3 Mineralization 7-12

7.3.1 Regional Mineralization 7-12

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7.3.2 Tony Block Graphite Mineralization 7-13

**8.** **Deposit Types** **8-1** 

8.1 Crystalline Flake Graphite
Deposit Type 8-1

8.2 Exploration Methods 8-2

**9.** **Exploration** **9-1** 

9.1 Exploration History 9-1

9.2 Exploration Methodology
and Results 9-3

9.2.1 Airborne Geophysical Surveying 9-5

9.2.2 Prospecting 9-5

9.2.3 PhiSpy Surveying 9-7

9.2.4 Trenching and Channel Sampling Program 9-7

**10.** **Drilling** **10-1** 

10.1 Drilling Program Overview 10-3

10.2 Drilling Protocols and
Procedures 10-8

10.2.1 Drill Hole Location 10-8

10.2.2 Drilling Supervision 10-8

10.2.3 Core Handling 10-9

10.2.4 Core Sampling 10-10

10.2.5 Sample Quality Assurance and Quality
Control Measures 10-10

10.3 Drilling Results 10-10

10.3.1 Drilling Results for the West Zone
Deposit 10-10

10.3.2 Drilling Results for the South-East
Zone 10-13

10.3.3 Drilling Results for the South-West
Zone 10-14

10.3.4 Drilling Results on the Far-West,
North, North-East, and East Zones 10-14

**11.** **Sample Preparation, Analyses, and Security** **11-1** 

11.1 Sample Procedure and
Sample Security 11-1

11.2 Sample Preparation
and Analysis 11-3

11.3 Quality Assurance and
Quality Control Procedure 11-5

11.4 Analysis Standards 11-6

11.5 Analysis Blanks 11-7

11.6 Core Duplicates 11-8

11.7 Specific Gravity 11-10

11.8 Quality Control Program
Conclusions 11-11

**12.** **Data Verification** **12-1** 

12.1. Site Visits 12-1

12.1.1. Independent Sampling During
the 2019 Site Visit 12-2

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12.2. Database Verification 12-6

12.3. Mineral Resource Block
Model Verification 12-6

12.4. Conclusion 12-6

**13.** **Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing** **13-1** 

13.1 Historic Metallurgical
Results 13-2

13.1.1 Preliminary Economical Assessment 13-2

13.1.2 Pre-feasibility Study 13-4

13.1.3 2018 Feasibility Study 13-9

13.2 Internal Test Programs
Conducted at NMG's Demonstration Plant 13-15

13.2.1 Position of the Magnetic Separator
in the Desulphurization Circuit 13-16

13.2.2 Flash Flotation 13-16

13.2.3 Tank Cell Flotation Tests 13-17

13.2.4 Polishing Mill 13-18

13.2.5 Attrition Mills 13-19

13.3 External Test Programs
Conducted by Manufacturers and Research Laboratories 13-23

13.3.1 Comminution (SMC) at SGS Lakefield 13-23

13.3.2 Classification Tests at Derrick
Screens and at Multotec 13-26

13.3.3 Sulphide Rejection Circuit 13-26

13.3.4 Thickening Tests at Diemme and Metso
Outotec 13-27

13.3.5 Filtration Tests at Diemme and
Metso Outotec 13-28

13.3.6 Concentrate Drying Tests at Five
Different Suppliers 13-29

13.3.7 Flammability Tests at XPS 13-29

13.3.8 Rheology Test at Saskatchewan Research
Centre 13-30

13.4 Internal Test Programs
Conducted at NMG Lab 13-30

13.4.1 Open Circuit Tests 13-31

13.4.2 Locked-cycle Tests 13-37

13.5 Conclusions and Recommendations 13-42

13.5.1 Grinding 13-42

13.5.2 Graphite Flotation 13-42

13.5.3 Desulphurization Circuit 13-42

13.5.4 Solid-Liquid Separation 13-42

13.5.5 Concentrate Results 13-43

**14.** **Mineral Resource Estimates** **14-1** 

14.1. Drill Hole Database 14-1

14.2. Mineralized Volumes 14-2

14.3. Composite Data 14-5

14.4. Capping 14-7

14.5. Density 14-8

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14.6. Resource Block Modelling 14-8

14.6.1. Variography 14-9

14.6.2. Grade Interpolation Methodology 14-11

14.7. Classification 14-11

14.7.1. Definitions 14-11

14.7.2. Classification Method 14-13

14.8. Pit Shell and Cut-off
Grade Used to Constrain the Mineral Resources 14-14

14.8.1. Pit Shell 14-14

14.9. Mineral Resource Estimates
(West Zone Base Case) 14-18

14.10. Mineral Resource Estimates
(South Zone Base Case) 14-19

14.11. Mineral Resource Estimates
(West Zone Sensitivity Analysis) 14-20

14.12. Conclusion 14-21

**15.** **Mineral Reserve Estimate** **15-1** 

15.1. General Parameters
Used to Estimate the Mineral Reserves 15-2

15.1.1. Topographical Data 15-2

15.2. Mineral Resource Block
Model 15-2

15.3. Material Properties 15-3

15.4. Modifying Factors that
Affect the Mineral Reserves 15-4

15.4.1. Mining Dilution and Ore Loss 15-4

15.4.2. Pit Optimization 15-4

15.5. Open Pit Design 15-9

15.5.1. Bench Height 15-9

15.5.2. Geotechnical Pit Rock Slope Parameters 15-9

15.5.3. Haul Ramp Design 15-17

15.5.4. Minimum Mining Width 15-18

15.5.5. Final Bench Access 15-18

15.5.6. Open Pit Design Results and Mineral
Reserves 15-19

**16.** **Mining Methods** **16-1** 

16.1. Introduction 16-1

16.2. Geotechnical Pit Slope
Parameters 16-1

16.3. Hydrogeology 16-1

16.4. Phase Designs 16-1

16.5. Mine Planning 16-7

16.5.1. Mine Planning Parameters 16-7

16.5.2. Matawinie Mine Production Schedule 16-8

16.6. Mine Equipment Fleet 16-12

16.6.1. Operating Schedule 16-12

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16.6.2. Equipment Utilization Model 16-13

16.6.3. Drilling and Blasting 16-14

16.6.4. Loading 16-16

16.6.5. Hauling 16-16

16.6.6. Auxiliary Equipment 16-17

16.7. Stockpiles and Co-disposal
Facility 16-17

16.7.1. Topsoil Stockpiles 16-18

16.7.2. Overburden Stockpile 16-18

16.7.3. Pre-production Ore Stockpile 16-19

16.7.4. Emergency Ore Stockpile 16-20

16.7.5. Co-disposal Facility (CDF) 16-20

16.8. Mine Dewatering 16-22

16.8.1. Surface Runoff 16-22

16.8.2. Rainfall and Snowmelt 16-23

16.8.3. Groundwater 16-23

16.9. Co-disposal Facility
Construction and Operation 16-23

16.10. Mine Workforce 16-25

**17.** **Recovery Methods** **17-1** 

17.1 Mineral Processing Facility
Design 17-1

17.2 Design Criteria 17-1

17.3 Mass and Water Balances 17-2

17.4 Process Flowsheet and
Process Description 17-6

17.4.1 Crushing 17-7

17.4.2 G rinding and Flotation 17-7

17.4.3 Cleaning Circuits 17-8

17.4.4 G raphite Concentrate Dewatering 17-8

17.4.5 Tailings Thickening 17-9

17.4.6 G raphite Concentrate Drying, Screening
and Bagging 17-9

17.4.7 Desulphurization and Stockpiles
- Magnetic Separation and Sulphide Flotation 17-10

17.4.8 Tailings Dewatering 17-10

17.4.9 Reagent Area 17-11

17.5 Equipment Sizing and
Selection 17-12

17.5.1 Crushing 17-13

17.5.2 Primary Grinding and Rougher/Scavenger
Flotation 17-13

17.5.3 Primary and Secondary Cleaning Circuits 17-14

17.5.4 G raphite Concentrate Dewatering 17-15

17.5.5 G raphite Dry Screening and Bagging 17-15

17.5.6 Tailings Thickener 17-17

17.5.7 Tailings Processing and Dewatering 17-17

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17.6 Reagents 17-18

17.6.1 Fuel Oil 17-18

17.6.2 Methyl Isobutyl Carbinol 17-19

17.6.3 Flocculant 17-19

17.6.4 Potassium Amyl Xanthate 17-19

17.6.5 Lime 17-19

17.7 Utilities 17-19

17.7.1 Concentrator Water Services 17-19

17.7.2 Compressed Air, Air Blowers 17-20

**18.** **Project Infrastructure** **18-1** 

18.1 Matawinie Mine and
Concentrator 18-1

18.2 Main Electrical Power
Supply 18-4

18.3 Main Access Road and
Site Roads 18-7

18.4 Surface Water Management 18-8

18.5 Water Management Facilities 18-13

18.6 Water Treatment 18-23

18.7 Camp Site Accommodations 18-26

18.8 Site Buildings 18-26

18.9 Site Services 18-30

18.10 Electrical Distribution
 – Concentrator 18-31

18.11 Automation and Telecommunication 18-35

18.12 Co-disposal Facility
(CDF) 18-40

**19.** **Market Studies and Contracts** **19-1** 

19.1 Market Studies and
Final Product Contracts 19-1

19.1.1 Introduction 19-1

19.1.2 Uses and Demand Trends 19-3

19.1.3 Producers 19-9

19.1.4 Price Forecast of Natural Graphite
Flakes 19-10

19.1.5 G eopolitical Environment 19-11

19.1.6 NMG's Graphite Flake Materials'
Contracts 19-12

19.1.7 Matawinie Mine Price Forecast 19-13

19.2 Matawinie Mine Suppliers'
Contract 19-14

**20.** **Environmental Studies, Permitting, and Social or Community Impact** **20-1** 

20.1 Physical Environment
Baseline Studies 20-1

20.1.1 Air Quality 20-1

20.1.2 Soil Characterization 20-3

20.1.3 Surface Water and Sediment 20-4

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20.1.4 Geochemistry 20-5

20.1.5 Hydrology 20-7

20.1.6 G roundwater 20-9

20.1.7 Noise Environment 20-12

20.2 Vegetation and Wildlife
Baseline Studies 20-13

20.2.1 Vegetation, Wetlands and Special
Status Plant Species 20-13

20.2.2 Aquatic Fauna and Fish Habitat 20-15

20.2.3 Terrestrial Fauna 20-16

20.2.4 Bats 20-18

20.2.5 Birds 20-19

20.3 Phase-2 Matawinie Mine
Authorization 20-20

20.3.1 Permits for Construction and Exploitation 20-23

20.3.2 Environmental Monitoring 20-26

20.3.3 Tailings Management 20-27

20.3.4 Mine Electrification 20-29

20.4 Social and Community
Impact Update 20-29

20.5 GHG Emissions Phase-2
Matawinie Mine 20-33

20.6 Closure Plan 20-33

**21.** **Matawinie Mine Capital and Operating Costs** **21-1** 

21.1. Matawinie Mine and
Concentrator Capital Cost Estimate 21-2

21.1.1. Estimate Type and Purpose 21-2

21.1.2. Major Assumptions 21-2

21.1.3. Major Exclusions 21-4

21.1.4. Capital Costs Summary 21-4

21.1.5. Sustaining Capital 21-6

21.1.6. Basis of Estimate – General 21-6

21.1.7. Basis of Estimate – Infrastructure 21-8

21.1.8. Basis of Estimate – Mining 21-9

21.1.9. Basis of Estimate – Crushing
Areas 21-10

21.1.10. Basis of Estimate – Processing
Areas 21-11

21.1.11. Base of Estimate – Tailings
Management Facilities 21-13

21.1.12. Base of Estimate – Indirect
Costs 21-15

21.1.13. Contingency 21-17

21.1.14. Closure Costs 21-17

21.1.15. Sustaining Capital Expenditures 21-18

21.2. Matawinie Mine and
Concentrator Operating Cost Estimate 21-18

21.2.1. Phase-2 Matawinie Mine 21-19

**22.** **Economic Analysis** **22-1** 

22.1. Assumptions 22-1

22.1.1. Macro-economic Assumptions 22-1

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22.1.2. Agreements and Royalties Obligations 22-3

22.1.3. Technical Assumptions 22-3

22.2. Financial Model and
Results 22-4

22.3. Sensitivity Analysis 22-7

**23.** **Adjacent Properties** **23-1** 

**24.** **Other Relevant Data and Information** **24-1** 

24.1. Construction Execution
Plan and Schedule 24-1

24.2. Master Schedule 24-2

24.3. Project Organization 24-4

24.4. Matawinie Mine Construction
Strategy 24-5

24.4.1. Operational Readiness and Commissioning 24-6

24.4.2. Pre-commissioning 24-7

24.4.3. Commissioning 24-7

24.4.4. Production Ramp-up 24-8

**25.** **Interpretations and Conclusions** **25-1** 

25.1 Interpretations and
Conclusions 25-1

25.1.1 Exploration Activities 25-1

25.1.2 Mineral Resources 25-1

25.1.3 Mineral Reserves and Mining Operations 25-1

25.1.4 Metallurgical Testing 25-2

25.1.5 Recovery Methods 25-3

25.1.6 Environmental Studies and Permitting 25-4

25.1.7 Market 25-5

25.1.8 Economic Analysis 25-5

25.1.9 Overall Project Assessment 25-5

25.2 Risk Evaluation 25-6

25.2.1 Geology 25-6

25.2.2 Mineral Resources 25-6

25.2.3 Mineral Reserves and Mining Operations 25-7

25.2.4 Recovery Methods 25-7

25.2.5 Environmental and Permitting 25-8

25.2.6 Infrastructure 25-8

25.2.7 Market 25-9

25.2.8 Financing 25-9

**26.** **Recommendations** **26-1** 

26.1 Follow-up Geological
Work 26-1

26.2 Mineral Resources 26-1

26.3 Mineral Reserves, Pre-production
and Mining Operation 26-1

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26.4 Recovery Methods 26-2

26.5 Co-disposal Facility
and Related Contact Water Management Infrastructure 26-2

26.6 Environment 26-3

26.7 Recommendations Cost
Breakdown 26-5

26.8 Opportunities 26-6

**27.** **References** **27-1** 

27.1. General Project 27-1

27.2. Historical Mineral
Exploration and Geoscientific Documents 27-2

27.2.1. References Available on the SIGEOM
System 27-2

27.2.2. References Not Available on the
SIGEOM System 27-4

27.3. Geology and Resources 27-5

27.4. Mineral Reserve Estimate 27-6

27.5. Mineral Processing
and Metallurgy 27-6

27.6. Infrastructure 27-8

27.7. Environmental 27-8

LIST OF TABLES

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Table 1-1: Pit-constrained Mineral Resource Estimate for the West Zone | 1-6 |
| Table 1-2: Matawinie Mine Mineral Reserves | 1-8 |
| Table 1-3: General process design criteria | 1-10 |
| Table 1-4: Concentrator mass balance | 1-11 |
| Table 1-5: NMG's selling price for flake graphite products | 1-14 |
| Table 1-6: Summary of capital cost estimate for the Matawinie Mine and Concentrator | 1-17 |
| Table 1-7: Operating costs summary for the Matawinie Mine and Concentrator Project | 1-18 |
| Table 1-8: Economic highlights | 1-19 |
| Table 1-9: Sales prices breakdown per product | 1-19 |
| Table 1-10: Economic highlights | 1-20 |
| Table 1-11: Significant recommendations cost breakdown | 1-22 |
| Table 2-1: Qualified persons and areas of report responsibility | 2-2 |
| Table 4-1: Mining Property claims | 4-6 |
| Table 4-2: Permits and authorizations acquired for exploration work, various characterization work and the demonstration plants | 4-12 |
| Table 6-1: Historical geoscientific reports concerning the Tony Block | 6-5 |
| Table 7-1: Main lithological units within the Mineral Reserve pit shell | 7-10 |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Table 9-1: Previous exploration reports for work performed on the Tony Block | 9-2 |
| Table 9-2: Trench location and relevant information | 9-9 |
| Table 9-3: Significant 2014 to 2016 trench channel sample results | 9-10 |
| Table 10-1: Tony Block exploration drilling summary | 10-1 |
| Table 10-2: Longest West Zone drilling intercepts per grouped mineralized volumes | 10-11 |
| Table 10-3: List of mineralized intercepts of the Far-West, North, North-East, and East zones | 10-16 |
| Table 11-1: 2015-2023 Drill core quality control samples | 11-6 |
| Table 11-2: Summary of standard sample results | 11-7 |
| Table 12-1: Comparison between the database data and the independent samples | 12-2 |
| Table 12-2: List of results for the drill hole collars measured by handheld GPS | 12-4 |
| Table 13-1: Mass and grade distribution of concentrate of scoping level flowsheet development program | 13-4 |
| Table 13-2: West Zone Master Composite carbon speciation and sulphur head grades | 13-4 |
| Table 13-3: Total carbon analysis of variability composites | 13-5 |
| Table 13-4: Mass balance of LCT | 13-7 |
| Table 13-5: Size fraction analysis of LCT combined concentrate | 13-7 |
| Table 13-6: Summary of comminution test results | 13-10 |
| Table 13-7: Locked-cycle test results | 13-13 |
| Table 13-8: LCT graphite concentrate size fraction analysis | 13-13 |
| Table 13-9: Attrition mill DOE test matrix | 13-21 |
| Table 13-10: Grindability testing summary | 13-24 |
| Table 13-11: Operating conditions of tests for the attrition study | 13-35 |
| Table 13-12: Operating conditions of locked-cycle test "P2-1" | 13-38 |
| Table 13-13: Mass and metal balances of LCT P2-1 | 13-39 |
| Table 13-14: Projected LOM graphite concentrate flake size distribution | 13-43 |
| Table 14-1: Summary of database entries used for the estimates | 14-2 |
| Table 14-2: List of mineralized volume groups and number of mineralized intervals | 14-3 |
| Table 14-3: Statistics on the composites [C(g)%] for the West Zone | 14-5 |
| Table 14-4: Statistics on the capped composites [C(g)%] for each grouped mineralized volume | 14-6 |
| Table 14-5: List of volumes and corresponding composite sets | 14-7 |
| Table 14-6: Density statistics for the seven composite sets | 14-8 |
| Table 14-7: Block model settings – Origin and size | 14-9 |
| Table 14-8: Summary of the variogram model | 14-10 |
| Table 14-9: Assumptions used to generate the constraining pit shell (CAD) | 14-15 |
| Table 14-10: Pit-constrained Mineral Resource Estimate for the West Zone | 14-18 |
| Table 14-11: Pit-constrained Mineral Resource Estimate for the South Zones | 14-19 |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **xi** |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report for the<br>**2025 Feasibility Study of the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Table 14-12: Sensitivity of the pit-constrained Mineral Resource Estimate for the West Zone | 14-20 |
| Table 15-1: Matawinie Mine Mineral Reserves | 15-2 |
| Table 15-2: Pit optimization parameters (CAD) | 15-5 |
| Table 15-3: Pit optimization results | 15-7 |
| Table 15-4: Overview of stability assessment approach and software | 15-12 |
| Table 15-5: Summary of limit equilibrium results for final pit | 15-14 |
| Table 15-6: Final pit slope design recommendations | 15-15 |
| Table 16-1: Mineral Reserves by phase | 16-3 |
| Table 16-2: Mine production schedule | 16-9 |
| Table 16-3: Mining equipment fleet | 16-12 |
| Table 16-4: Mine equipment KPI's | 16-14 |
| Table 16-5: Fixed drilling time per hole | 16-15 |
| Table 16-6: Drilling and blasting parameters (ore and waste rock) | 16-15 |
| Table 16-7: Densities | 16-24 |
| Table 16-8: Mine workforce requirements | 16-26 |
| Table 17-1: Process design criteria | 17-2 |
| Table 17-2: Matawinie concentrator summarized process mass balance (winter) | 17-3 |
| Table 17-3: Matawinie concentrator summarized process mass balance (summer) | 17-3 |
| Table 18-1: Basins storage capacity | 18-18 |
| Table 18-2: Pumping capacity at each collection basin | 18-21 |
| Table 18-3: Development of water management infrastructure | 18-22 |
| Table 18-4: Voltage and loads | 18-31 |
| Table 18-5: Input-output summary | 18-36 |
| Table 18-6: Input-output per area | 18-37 |
| Table 19-1: Different types of natural flake graphite | 19-2 |
| Table 19-2: Future demand trends by main applications | 19-5 |
| Table 19-3: Weighted average flake prices forecasted in North America | 19-11 |
| Table 19-4: Summary price forecast | 19-13 |
| Table 20-1: Environmental discharge objectives ("EDOs") for the final effluent (Qe = 3,204 m<sup>3</sup>/d) | 20-7 |
| Table 20-2: Chronology of significant steps in the Phase-2 Matawinie Mine ESIA | 20-20 |
| Table 20-3: Main authorizations received for the Phase-2 Matawinie Mine | 20-24 |
| Table 20-4: Engagement with main stakeholder groups | 20-30 |
| Table 21-1: Exchange rates | 21-1 |
| Table 21-2: Summary of capital cost estimate | 21-5 |
| Table 21-3: Infrastructure Capex | 21-8 |
| Table 21-4: Mining Capex | 21-9 |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **xii** |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report for the<br>**2025 Feasibility Study of the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Table 21-5: Crushing Capex | 21-11 |
| Table 21-6: Processing Plant Capex | 21-12 |
| Table 21-7: Tailings management and CDF Capex | 21-14 |
| Table 21-8: Indirect and Owner's costs | 21-16 |
| Table 21-9: Operating cost estimate contributors | 21-18 |
| Table 21-10: Operating costs summary – Phase-2 Matawinie Mine | 21-19 |
| Table 21-11: Mining operating costs by activity | 21-20 |
| Table 21-12: Mining operating costs by consumable | 21-20 |
| Table 21-13: Summary of estimated annual initial processing plant operating costs | 21-22 |
| Table 21-14: G&A Operating costs summary – Matawinie Mine | 21-24 |
| Table 22-1: Economic Highlights | 22-1 |
| Table 22-2: Macro-economic assumptions | 22-2 |
| Table 22-3: Sales prices breakdown per product | 22-2 |
| Table 22-4: Technical assumptions for the Matawinie Mine | 22-3 |
| Table 22-5: Project evaluation summary – Base Case | 22-5 |
| Table 22-6: Cash flow statement – Base Case | 22-6 |
| Table 24-1: Project's milestones | 24-1 |
| Table 25-1: Projected LOM graphite concentrate flake size distribution | 25-3 |
| Table 25-2: Summary price forecast | 25-5 |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **xiii** |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report for the<br>**2025 Feasibility Study of the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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LIST OF FigureS

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Figure 1-1: Sensitivity of the Matawinie Mine NPV @ 8% (after tax) | 1-20 |
| Figure 1-2: Sensitivity of the Matawinie Mine IRR (after tax) | 1-21 |
| Figure 4-1: Matawinie Property location | 4-4 |
| Figure 4-2: Tony Claim Block | 4-5 |
| Figure 4-3: Tony Block land ownership | 4-15 |
| Figure 6-1: Tony Block regional geology | 6-2 |
| Figure 6-2: Tony Block local geology | 6-3 |
| Figure 6-3: Tony Block regional surficial geology | 6-4 |
| Figure 7-1: Tectonic subdivisions of the Grenville Province | 7-1 |
| Figure 7-2: Grenville orogeny thrusting | 7-2 |
| Figure 7-3: Principal divisions of the Grenville Province and location of the Tony Block | 7-3 |
| Figure 7-4: Cross-section of the Grenville Province centered over the Morin Terrane | 7-4 |
| Figure 7-5: Terranes adjacent to the Tony Block | 7-5 |
| Figure 7-6: Simplified geological model of the West Zone and proposed open pit | 7-11 |
| Figure 7-7: Geology and major mineral deposits of the Grenville Province | 7-13 |
| Figure 9-1: Significant 2013-2022 exploration results | 9-4 |
| Figure 9-2: 2013 and 2015 Airborne TDEM survey results | 9-6 |
| Figure 9-3: 2014-2019 PhiSpy survey results | 9-8 |
| Figure 9-4: Trench TO-16-TR-11, looking to the east | 9-12 |
| Figure 10-1: 2015-2019 Channel sampling and delineation drilling programs, West Zone | 10-4 |
| Figure 10-2: 2015 Trenching and drilling program, South-East and South-West zones | 10-5 |
| Figure 10-3: 2014-2015 Trenching and 2015 drilling program, North, North-East, and East zones | 10-6 |
| Figure 10-4: Drilling and trenching programs other than for Resource Estimate use, West Zone | 10-7 |
| Figure 10-5: West Zone drill hole section W+0200 | 10-12 |
| Figure 10-6: West Zone drill hole section W+0900 | 10-12 |
| Figure 10-7: West Zone drill hole section W+1700 | 10-13 |
| Figure 10-8: Drill hole section S2900 | 10-17 |
| Figure 10-9: Drill hole section S1500 | 10-18 |
| Figure 11-1: Comparison between quarter-core and half-core C(g) results | 11-2 |
| Figure 11-2: Core box picture after core splitting and sampling | 11-3 |
| Figure 11-3: Inserted blank sample C(g) assay results | 11-8 |
| Figure 11-4: Reproducibility of duplicate samples | 11-9 |
| Figure 11-5: Drill core C(g) assay comparison using ALS and Actlabs | 11-10 |
| Figure 12-1: Scatter and QQ plots for the graphitic carbon independent samples | 12-3 |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **xiv** |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report for the<br>**2025 Feasibility Study of the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Figure 12-2: 2019 Independent sampling at the core shack (left); Some of the core storage (right); Collar in the field (bottom) | 12-5 |
| Figure 13-1: Scoping level Matawinie process flowsheet | 13-3 |
| Figure 13-2: Matawinie PFS process flowsheet | 13-6 |
| Figure 13-3: 2018 FS locked-cycle test flowsheet | 13-12 |
| Figure 13-4: Demonstration plant rougher / scavenger circuit | 13-17 |
| Figure 13-5: Demonstration plant with rougher flash flotation cell / scavenger circuit | 13-17 |
| Figure 13-6: Attrition mills, fines and coarse cleaning flotation circuit | 13-20 |
| Figure 13-7: A x b values vs. Sample depth | 13-25 |
| Figure 13-8: Cumulative frequency of A x b from SMC only | 13-25 |
| Figure 13-9: New process configuration | 13-31 |
| Figure 13-10: Laboratory operating conditions of the open circuit tests of program P0 | 13-32 |
| Figure 13-11: Results of the open circuit tests of program P0 | 13-33 |
| Figure 13-12: Rougher/scavenger flotation kinetics | 13-34 |
| Figure 13-13: Carbon grade and recovery of the final graphite concentrates in different attrition conditions | 13-35 |
| Figure 13-14: Final graphite concentrate d50 depending on the attrition time | 13-36 |
| Figure 13-15: Final graphite concentrate particle size distribution curves depending on the attrition time | 13-37 |
| Figure 13-16: Evolution of graphite concentrate per cycle of LCT P2-1 | 13-38 |
| Figure 13-17: Enhancing of the grade of the graphite concentrate of UC2024 circuit, P2-1 LCT | 13-40 |
| Figure 13-18: Particle size analysis of graphite concentrate of LCT P2-1 | 13-41 |
| Figure 14-1: Sections (blue) and mineralized volumes (multiple colours) | 14-4 |
| Figure 14-2: Variogram model | 14-10 |
| Figure 14-3: Block model coloured by classification with drill hole traces | 14-13 |
| Figure 14-4: West Zone section 200 | 14-15 |
| Figure 14-5: West Zone section 700 | 14-16 |
| Figure 14-6: West Zone section 1300 | 14-16 |
| Figure 14-7: West Zone section 1900 | 14-17 |
| Figure 14-8: West Zone optimized pit | 14-17 |
| Figure 15-1: Pit optimization results | 15-8 |
| Figure 15-2: Pit optimization shells | 15-8 |
| Figure 15-3: Location of geotechnical diamond drill holes and televiewer surveys | 15-10 |
| Figure 15-4: Matawinie Mine 3D structural model interpretation | 15-11 |
| Figure 15-5: Matawinie Mine 3D foliation model | 15-12 |
| Figure 15-6: Final pit stability section locations | 15-13 |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **xv** |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report for the<br>**2025 Feasibility Study of the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Figure 15-7: Litho-structural domains utilized for implementation of the design recommendations | 15-14 |
| Figure 15-8: Ramp design | 15-17 |
| Figure 15-9: Final bench access | 15-18 |
| Figure 15-10: Open pit design | 15-19 |
| Figure 16-1: Phase designs | 16-3 |
| Figure 16-2: Starter pit design | 16-4 |
| Figure 16-3: Phase 1 design | 16-4 |
| Figure 16-4: Phase 2 design | 16-5 |
| Figure 16-5: Phase 3 design | 16-5 |
| Figure 16-6: Phase 4 design | 16-6 |
| Figure 16-7: Phase 5 design | 16-6 |
| Figure 16-8: Mine production schedule | 16-10 |
| Figure 16-9: Processing plant feed | 16-10 |
| Figure 16-10: Concentrate production | 16-11 |
| Figure 16-11: Material mined by phase | 16-11 |
| Figure 16-12: Equipment utilization model | 16-13 |
| Figure 16-13: Topsoil and overburden stockpile (final configuration) and CDF Phase 1 impervious foundation configuration | 16-19 |
| Figure 16-14: CDF Phase A lined plateform phase layout | 16-21 |
| Figure 16-15 CDF final configuration, OB stockpile construction phases and temporary rockfill stockpile location | 16-22 |
| Figure 17-1: Water balance during the winter season | 17-4 |
| Figure 17-2: Water balance during the summer season | 17-5 |
| Figure 17-3: Simplified flowsheet | 17-6 |
| Figure 17-4: Screening arrangement from bulk receiver | 17-17 |
| Figure 18-1: Overall general site layout and access | 18-2 |
| Figure 18-2: Processing plant area | 18-3 |
| Figure 18-3: Mine site single-line diagram | 18-6 |
| Figure 18-4: Project power requirements | 18-7 |
| Figure 18-5: Water flow diagram | 18-12 |
| Figure 18-6: Main watersheds for the Matawinie Mine site | 18-14 |
| Figure 18-7: Initial water management infrastructure for the CDF Phase A | 18-16 |
| Figure 18-8: Final water management infrastructure | 18-17 |
| Figure 18-9: BC-1 layout | 18-19 |
| Figure 18-10: BC-2 Layout | 18-20 |
| Figure 18-11: Location plan of the WTP | 18-24 |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **xvi** |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report for the<br>**2025 Feasibility Study of the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Figure 18-12: Block flow diagram of the WTP | 18-25 |
| Figure 18-13: Concentrator area | 18-28 |
| Figure 18-14: Concentrator plant floor layout | 18-29 |
| Figure 18-15: Communication block diagram | 18-36 |
| Figure 18-16: High-level architecture of the wireless network | 18-39 |
| Figure 18-17: Typical cross section of the inside of a deposition cell during operation and construction of the CDF | 18-41 |
| Figure 18-18: CDF Phase A-1 sector anticipated configuration (6 months) | 18-45 |
| Figure 18-19: CDF Phase A anticipated configuration (72 month) | 18-46 |
| Figure 18-20: CDF configuration anticipated at 246 months of operation | 18-48 |
| Figure 19-1: Graphite commercial and dual-use applications for different graphite products over the full range of NMG value chain | 19-3 |
| Figure 19-2: Natural graphite demand forecast per | 19-4 |
| Figure 19-3: application Natural graphite demand per region in kilotonnes | 19-4 |
| Figure 19-4: Raw material demand | 19-6 |
| Figure 19-5: 2025 and future natural flake graphite operating per country | 19-10 |
| Figure 20-1: Typical section of the experimental cell and position (metric) of the instruments. | 20-27 |
| Figure 21-1: Owner-managed project execution strategy | 21-3 |
| Figure 22-1: After-tax cash flow and cumulative cash flow profiles | 22-4 |
| Figure 22-2: Pre-tax NPV 8% – Sensitivity to capital expenditure, operating cost, prices, and USD/CAD exchange rate | 22-7 |
| Figure 22-3: Pre-tax IRR – Sensitivity to capital expenditure, operating cost, prices, and USD/CAD exchange rate | 22-8 |
| Figure 22-4: After-tax NPV 8% – Sensitivity to capital expenditure, operating cost, prices, and USD/CAD exchange rate | 22-9 |
| Figure 22-5: After-tax IRR – Sensitivity to capital expenditure, operating cost, prices, and USD/CAD exchange rate | 22-10 |
| Figure 23-1: Adjacent properties | 23-2 |
| Figure 24-1: Master schedule | 24-3 |
| Figure 24-2: Direct workforce for the mine and concentrator | 24-6 |
| Figure 26-1: Projected emissions at Phase-2 Matawinie Mine | 26-5 |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **xvii** |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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Lists of Abbreviations and Units of Measurement

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Abbreviation** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Description** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;$, USD | &nbsp;&nbsp;United States dollar |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;% | &nbsp;&nbsp;percent |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;° | &nbsp;&nbsp;degree |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;°C | &nbsp;&nbsp;degrees Celsius |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;μm | &nbsp;&nbsp;microns, micrometre |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;2D | &nbsp;&nbsp;two dimensional |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;3D | &nbsp;&nbsp;three dimensional |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;AACE | &nbsp;&nbsp;AACE International (Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;AAM | &nbsp;&nbsp;active anode material |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;AARQ | &nbsp;&nbsp;*Atlas des amphibiens et des reptiles du Québec* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;AASHTO | &nbsp;&nbsp;Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;ABA | &nbsp;&nbsp;acid base accounting |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;ABFR | &nbsp;&nbsp;*Aménagement bio-forestier Rivest* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Ag | &nbsp;&nbsp;silver |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Al | &nbsp;&nbsp;aluminum |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;ALS | &nbsp;&nbsp;ALS Minerals Laboratories |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;As | &nbsp;&nbsp;arsenic |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;AtkinsRéalis | &nbsp;&nbsp;AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;ATV | &nbsp;&nbsp;all-terrain vehicle |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Au | &nbsp;&nbsp;gold |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;BAPE | &nbsp;&nbsp;*Bureau d'audience publique sur l'environnement du Québec* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;BBA | &nbsp;&nbsp;BBA Inc. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;BC-1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;North Area Basin |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;BC-2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Industrial Zone Basin |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;BC-Sud | &nbsp;&nbsp;South Collecting Basin |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;BFA | &nbsp;&nbsp;bench face angle |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;BIM | &nbsp;&nbsp;Building Information Modelling |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;BMI | &nbsp;&nbsp;Benchmark Mineral Intelligence |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;BOM | &nbsp;&nbsp;B.O. Martel Inc. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;BQ | &nbsp;&nbsp;drill core size (3.65 cm diameter) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;C | &nbsp;&nbsp;carbon |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;C(g), Cg | &nbsp;&nbsp;graphitic carbon |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;C(t) | &nbsp;&nbsp;total carbon |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;C<sub>10-</sub>C<sub>50</sub> | &nbsp;&nbsp;petroleum hydrocarbons |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Ca | &nbsp;&nbsp;calcium |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CAD | &nbsp;&nbsp;Canadian dollar |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;calc-silicate | &nbsp;&nbsp;calcium-rich silicate |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **xviii** |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Abbreviation** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Description** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Capex | &nbsp;&nbsp;capital expenditure / capital cost estimate |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CCBE | &nbsp;&nbsp;capillary barrier effect |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CCTV | &nbsp;&nbsp;closed circuit television |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CDA | &nbsp;&nbsp;Canadian Dam Association |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CDF | &nbsp;&nbsp;co-disposal facility |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CDPNQ | &nbsp;&nbsp;*Centre de données sur le patrimoine naturel du Québec* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CEAEQ | &nbsp;&nbsp;*Centre d'expertise en analyse environnementale du Québec* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CFTP | &nbsp;&nbsp;piscivorous terrestrial fauna criterion |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CFU | &nbsp;&nbsp;colony-forming unit |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CG | &nbsp;&nbsp;concentrated graphite |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CIM | &nbsp;&nbsp;Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CIS | &nbsp;&nbsp;Corporate Information System |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Clnr | &nbsp;&nbsp;cleaner |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;cm | &nbsp;&nbsp;centimetre |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;cm<sup>2</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;centimetre square |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CMB | &nbsp;&nbsp;Central Metasedimentary Belt |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CNRC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Canadian National Research Council |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CO<sub>2</sub> | &nbsp;&nbsp;carbon dioxide |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CO<sub>3</sub> | &nbsp;&nbsp;carbon trioxide |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;COG | &nbsp;&nbsp;cut-off grade |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Conc. | &nbsp;&nbsp;concentrate |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CPC(O) | &nbsp;&nbsp;criterion for preventing contamination of aquatic organisms |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Cr VI | &nbsp;&nbsp;hexavalent chromium |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CSA | &nbsp;&nbsp;Canadian Standards Association |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CSPG | &nbsp;&nbsp;coated spherical purified graphite |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Cu | &nbsp;&nbsp;copper |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CuSO<sub>4</sub> | &nbsp;&nbsp;copper sulphate |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CVAC | &nbsp;&nbsp;protection of aquatic life, chronic effect |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;d | &nbsp;&nbsp;day (24 hours) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;D.S | &nbsp;&nbsp;dissolved solids |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;dBA | &nbsp;&nbsp;A-weighted decibels |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;DCS | &nbsp;&nbsp;distributed control system |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;DDH | &nbsp;&nbsp;diamond drill hole |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;deg., ° | &nbsp;&nbsp;angular degree |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Directive 019, (D19) | &nbsp;&nbsp;MELCC - *Directive 019 sur l'industrie minière* (Provincial guidelines for the mining industry) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;DOE | &nbsp;&nbsp;design of experiment |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;DOL | &nbsp;&nbsp;direct online |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;DTH | &nbsp;&nbsp;down-the-hole |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;DVR | &nbsp;&nbsp;digital video recorder |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **xix** |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Abbreviation** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Description** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;E | &nbsp;&nbsp;east |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;EDO | &nbsp;&nbsp;Environmental Discharge Objectives |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;EER | &nbsp;&nbsp;Exclusive Exploration Rights |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;EGL | &nbsp;&nbsp;effective grinding length |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;EM | &nbsp;&nbsp;electromagnetic |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;ENP | &nbsp;&nbsp;effective neutralization potential |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;EPCM | &nbsp;&nbsp;Engineering, Procurement, Construction Management |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;EPS | &nbsp;&nbsp;expandable polystyrene |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;EQA | &nbsp;&nbsp;*Environmental Quality Act* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;ESA | &nbsp;&nbsp;Environmental Site Assessment |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;ESG | &nbsp;&nbsp;Environmental, Social, and Governance |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;ESIA | &nbsp;&nbsp;Environmental and Social Impact Assessment |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;et al. | &nbsp;&nbsp;et alla (and others) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;EV | &nbsp;&nbsp;electric vehicle |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;F/F | &nbsp;&nbsp;flange-to-flange |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;F<sub>80</sub> | &nbsp;&nbsp;80% passing - feed size |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;FDEM | &nbsp;&nbsp;Frequency Domain Electromagnetic |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Fe | &nbsp;&nbsp;iron |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;FEOC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign Entity of Concern |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;FID | &nbsp;&nbsp;Full Investment Decision |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;FOS | &nbsp;&nbsp;factors of safety |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;FPIC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Free, Prior and Informed Consent |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;FS | &nbsp;&nbsp;Feasibility Study |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;FTE | &nbsp;&nbsp;full time equivalent |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;g | &nbsp;&nbsp;gram |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;G&A | &nbsp;&nbsp;general and administration |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Ga | &nbsp;&nbsp;billion years |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;GC | &nbsp;&nbsp;general contractor |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;GDP | &nbsp;&nbsp;gross domestic product |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;GESTIM | &nbsp;&nbsp;*Gestion des titres miniers* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;GHG | &nbsp;&nbsp;greenhouse gas |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;GISTM | &nbsp;&nbsp;Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;GM | &nbsp;&nbsp;*Gestion des titres miniers* (GESTIM) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;GOH | &nbsp;&nbsp;gross operating hours |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;GPS | &nbsp;&nbsp;Global Positioning System |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;GSC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Geological Survey of Canada |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;GW | &nbsp;&nbsp;groundwater |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;GWh | &nbsp;&nbsp;gigawatt hour |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;h | &nbsp;&nbsp;hour (60 minutes) |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **xx** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Abbreviation** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Description** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;ha | &nbsp;&nbsp;hectare |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;HCl | &nbsp;&nbsp;hydrochloric acid |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;HCO<sub>3</sub> | &nbsp;&nbsp;carbonate |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;HDPE | &nbsp;&nbsp;high-density polyethylene |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;HFR | &nbsp;&nbsp;high frequency |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;hp | &nbsp;&nbsp;horsepower |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;HPEV | &nbsp;&nbsp;hybrid plug-in electric vehicle |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;HQ | &nbsp;&nbsp;Hydro-Québec |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;HRG | &nbsp;&nbsp;high resistance grounding |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;HRT | &nbsp;&nbsp;high-rate thickener |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;HVAC | &nbsp;&nbsp;heating, ventilation, and air conditioning |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;I/O | &nbsp;&nbsp;input/output |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;IBA | &nbsp;&nbsp;Impact and Benefit Agreement |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;ICOLD | &nbsp;&nbsp;International Commission On Large Dams |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;ICP-AES | &nbsp;&nbsp;inductively coupled plasma – atomic emission spectroscopy |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;ICP-MS | &nbsp;&nbsp;inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;ICP-OES | &nbsp;&nbsp;inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (also referred to as inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;ICS | &nbsp;&nbsp;Industrial Control System |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;ID | &nbsp;&nbsp;identification |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;ID<sup>2</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;inverse distance square |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;IEC | &nbsp;&nbsp;International Electrotechnical Commission |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;IP | &nbsp;&nbsp;Induced Polarization |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;IRA | &nbsp;&nbsp;inter-ramp angle |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;IRR | &nbsp;&nbsp;internal rate of return |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;ISO | &nbsp;&nbsp;International Organization for Standardization |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;IT | &nbsp;&nbsp;information technology |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;J/g | &nbsp;&nbsp;Joule per grams |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;JSS | &nbsp;&nbsp;job site solution |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;K | &nbsp;&nbsp;Thousands ('000) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;kA | &nbsp;&nbsp;kiloampere |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;kg | &nbsp;&nbsp;kilogram |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;kg/d | &nbsp;&nbsp;kilogram per day |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;km | &nbsp;&nbsp;kilometre |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;square kilometre |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;KPI | &nbsp;&nbsp;key performance indicators |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;kt | &nbsp;&nbsp;kilotonne |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;ktpy | &nbsp;&nbsp;kilotonne per year |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;kV | &nbsp;&nbsp;kilovolt |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;kVA | &nbsp;&nbsp;Kilovolt Ampere |

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **xxi** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Abbreviation** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Description** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;kW | &nbsp;&nbsp;kilowatt |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;kWh | &nbsp;&nbsp;kilowatt-hour |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;L | &nbsp;&nbsp;litre |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;LCT | &nbsp;&nbsp;locked-cycle test |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Li | &nbsp;&nbsp;lithium |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;LiB | &nbsp;&nbsp;lithium-ion battery |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;LiDAR | &nbsp;&nbsp;light detection and ranging |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Li-ion | &nbsp;&nbsp;lithium-ion |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;LIMS | &nbsp;&nbsp;low intensity magnetic separator |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;LKTZ | &nbsp;&nbsp;Labelle-Kinonge Shear Zone |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;LOI | &nbsp;&nbsp;loss on ignition |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;LOM | &nbsp;&nbsp;life of mine |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;LQE | &nbsp;&nbsp;*Loi sur la qualité de l'environnement* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;LRG | &nbsp;&nbsp;low resistance ground |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;LTE | &nbsp;&nbsp;long term evolution |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;LV | &nbsp;&nbsp;Low voltage |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;m | &nbsp;&nbsp;metre |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;m/s | &nbsp;&nbsp;metre per second |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;M/S | &nbsp;&nbsp;Micronization and Spheronization |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;square metre |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup>h | &nbsp;&nbsp;square metre per hour |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;m<sup>3</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;cubic metre |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MAC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Mining Association of Canada |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mag | &nbsp;&nbsp;magnetic |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MC | &nbsp;&nbsp;master composite |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MCC | &nbsp;&nbsp;motor control centre |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MDDELCC | &nbsp;&nbsp;*Ministère du Développement durable, de l'environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MDDEP | &nbsp;&nbsp;*Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et des Parcs du Québec* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MELCC | &nbsp;&nbsp;*Ministère de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MELCCFP | &nbsp;&nbsp;*Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs* (Ministry of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks) formerly known as *Ministère de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (MELCC)* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MEND | &nbsp;&nbsp;Mining Environment Neutral Drainage Program |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MERN | &nbsp;&nbsp;*Ministère de l'Énergie et Ressources naturelles* (Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources) (now known as MRNF) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MFFP | &nbsp;&nbsp;Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MFSA | &nbsp;&nbsp;Master Fleet Services Agreement |

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **xxii** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Abbreviation** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Description** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mg | &nbsp;&nbsp;magnesium |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;mg | &nbsp;&nbsp;milligram |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;mg/L | &nbsp;&nbsp;milligrams per litre |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MI(s) | &nbsp;&nbsp;mineralized interval(s) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MIBC | &nbsp;&nbsp;methyl isobutyl carbinol |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MIMS | &nbsp;&nbsp;medium intensity magnetic separator |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;min | &nbsp;&nbsp;minute (60 seconds) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;ml | &nbsp;&nbsp;millilitre |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MLT | &nbsp;&nbsp;Mont-Laurier Terrane |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;mm | &nbsp;&nbsp;millimetre |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mm<sup>3</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;million cubic metres |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MPO | &nbsp;&nbsp;*Pêches et Océans Canada* (Fisheries and Oceans Canada) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MPSO | &nbsp;&nbsp;MinePlan Schedule Optimizer |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MRC | &nbsp;&nbsp;*Municipalité régionale de comté* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MRNF | &nbsp;&nbsp;Ministère des Ressources Naturelles et des Forêts (formerly MERN) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mt | &nbsp;&nbsp;million tonnes |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MT | &nbsp;&nbsp;Morin Terrane |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MTO(s) | &nbsp;&nbsp;material take-off(s) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mtpy | &nbsp;&nbsp;million tonnes per year |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MTQ | &nbsp;&nbsp;*Ministère des Transports du Québec* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Municipality | &nbsp;&nbsp;municipality of Saint-Michel-des-Saints |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MV | &nbsp;&nbsp;medium voltage |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MVA | &nbsp;&nbsp;megavolt ampere |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MW | &nbsp;&nbsp;megawatt |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mw/Mw+Ms | &nbsp;&nbsp;Mass of water / (Mass of water + Mass of solids) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;mZ | &nbsp;&nbsp;mass-to-charge ratio |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;N | &nbsp;&nbsp;north |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp;not available |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;N<sub>2</sub> | &nbsp;&nbsp;nitrogen |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;NAG | &nbsp;&nbsp;non-acid generating |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;NaOH | &nbsp;&nbsp;sodium hydroxide |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Ni | &nbsp;&nbsp;nickel |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;NI 43-101 | &nbsp;&nbsp;National Instrument 43-101 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;NMG or the Company | &nbsp;&nbsp;Nouveau Monde Graphite |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;NMS | &nbsp;&nbsp;Network Management System |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;No., # | &nbsp;&nbsp;number |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;NOH | &nbsp;&nbsp;net operating hours |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;NP/AP | &nbsp;&nbsp;neutralization potential / acidification potential |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;NPV | &nbsp;&nbsp;net present value |

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **xxiii** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Abbreviation** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Description** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;NQ | &nbsp;&nbsp;drill core size (4.8 cm diameter) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;NRC | &nbsp;&nbsp;National Research Council of Canada |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;NSR | &nbsp;&nbsp;net smelter return |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;NTS | &nbsp;&nbsp;National Topographic System |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;O<sub>2</sub> | &nbsp;&nbsp;oxygen |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;OB | &nbsp;&nbsp;overburden |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;OEM | &nbsp;&nbsp;original equipment manufacturer |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;OER | &nbsp;&nbsp;*Objectifs environnementaux de rejet* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Opex | &nbsp;&nbsp;operational expenditure / operating cost estimates |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;OR | &nbsp;&nbsp;operational readiness |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;ORC | &nbsp;&nbsp;operational readiness and commissioning |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;oz | &nbsp;&nbsp;ounce (troy) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;P&ID | &nbsp;&nbsp;piping and instrumentation diagrams |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;P<sub>80</sub> | &nbsp;&nbsp;80% passing - product size |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;PAG | &nbsp;&nbsp;potential-acid generating |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;PAH | &nbsp;&nbsp;polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pallinghurst Graphite | &nbsp;&nbsp;Pallinghurst Graphite International Limited |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Panasonic | &nbsp;&nbsp;Panasonic Holdings Corporation |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Panasonic Energy | &nbsp;&nbsp;Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;PAX | &nbsp;&nbsp;potassium amyl xanthate |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pb | &nbsp;&nbsp;lead |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;PDA | &nbsp;&nbsp;pre-development agreement |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;PDC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Process design criteria |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;PEA | &nbsp;&nbsp;Preliminary Economic Assessment |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;PEV | &nbsp;&nbsp;plug-in electric vehicle |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;PFC | &nbsp;&nbsp;power factor correction |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;PFS | &nbsp;&nbsp;Pre-feasibility Study |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;PGA | &nbsp;&nbsp;peak ground acceleration |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;pH | &nbsp;&nbsp;potential of hydrogen |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;PhD | &nbsp;&nbsp;Doctor of Philosophy |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;PLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;programmable logic controller |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;PMF | &nbsp;&nbsp;probable maximum flood |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;PMP | &nbsp;&nbsp;probable precipitation |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;PO(s) | &nbsp;&nbsp;purchase order(s) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;POV | &nbsp;&nbsp;pre-operational verifications |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;PP | &nbsp;&nbsp;pilot plant |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;PPM | &nbsp;&nbsp;pore pressure model |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;PSD | &nbsp;&nbsp;particle size distribution |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;PVC | &nbsp;&nbsp;polyvinyl chloride |

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **xxiv** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Abbreviation** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Description** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Q1, Q2, etc. | &nbsp;&nbsp;first quarter, second quarter |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;QA/QC | &nbsp;&nbsp;quality assurance/quality control |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;QP(s) | &nbsp;&nbsp;qualified person(s) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;RAA | &nbsp;&nbsp;*Règlement sur l'assainissement de l'atmosphère* (Clean Air Regulation) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;RADF | &nbsp;&nbsp;*Règlement sur l'aménagement durable des forêts du domaine de l'État* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;RCAMHH | &nbsp;&nbsp;*Règlement sur la compensation pour l'atteinte aux milieux humides et hydrique* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;REAFIE | &nbsp;&nbsp;*Règlement sur l'encadrement d'activités en fonction de leur impact sur l'environnement* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;RES | &nbsp;&nbsp;*Resurgence in surface water (résurgence dans l'eau de surface)* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;RF | &nbsp;&nbsp;revenue factor |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;RLRQ | &nbsp;&nbsp;*Recueil des lois et des règlements du Québec* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;RO | &nbsp;&nbsp;reverse osmosis |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;ROM | &nbsp;&nbsp;run of mine |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;RQD | &nbsp;&nbsp;rock quality designation |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;S | &nbsp;&nbsp;sulphur |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;S% | &nbsp;&nbsp;sulphur content |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;SAG | &nbsp;&nbsp;semi-autogenous grinding |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;SBV | &nbsp;&nbsp;southern sub-watershed |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;SCC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Standards Council of Canada |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;SCR | &nbsp;&nbsp;silicon-controlled resistors |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;sec | &nbsp;&nbsp;seconds |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;SEDAR+ | &nbsp;&nbsp;System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;SG | &nbsp;&nbsp;spherical graphite |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;SGS | &nbsp;&nbsp;SGS Lakefield Research Limited of Canada / SGS Geological Services |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;SI | &nbsp;&nbsp;International System of Units (*Système international d'unités*) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;SIGÉOM | &nbsp;&nbsp;*Système d'information géominière du Québec* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;SLD | &nbsp;&nbsp;single-line diagram |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;SMC | &nbsp;&nbsp;SMC Test® |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;SMDS | &nbsp;&nbsp;Saint-Michel-des-Saints |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;SMM | &nbsp;&nbsp;stirred media mill |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;SO<sub>4</sub> | &nbsp;&nbsp;sulphate |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Soutex | &nbsp;&nbsp;Soutex Inc. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;SPLP | &nbsp;&nbsp;synthetic precipitation leaching procedure |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;SRC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Saskatchewan Research Council |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;SRK | &nbsp;&nbsp;SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;STACOM | &nbsp;&nbsp;static synchronous compensator |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Std | &nbsp;&nbsp;standard |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;t | &nbsp;&nbsp;tonne (1,000 kg) (metric ton) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;TCLP | &nbsp;&nbsp;toxicity characteristic leaching procedure |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;TDEM | &nbsp;&nbsp;Time Domain Electromagnetic |

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **xxv** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Abbreviation** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Description** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Ti | &nbsp;&nbsp;titanium |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;TOC | &nbsp;&nbsp;total organic carbon |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;ton | &nbsp;&nbsp;short ton |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;tpd | &nbsp;&nbsp;tonne per day |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;tph | &nbsp;&nbsp;tonne per hour |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;tpy | &nbsp;&nbsp;tonne per year |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;U | &nbsp;&nbsp;uranium |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;U.S. | &nbsp;&nbsp;United States |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;U/F | &nbsp;&nbsp;underflow |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;UGAF | &nbsp;&nbsp;fur-bearing animal management units |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;UPS | &nbsp;&nbsp;uninterruptible power supplies |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;US EPA | &nbsp;&nbsp;U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;UTa | &nbsp;&nbsp;acute toxicity unit |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;UTc | &nbsp;&nbsp;chronic toxicity unit |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;UTM | &nbsp;&nbsp;Universal Transverse Mercator |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;V | &nbsp;&nbsp;volt |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;VAFe | &nbsp;&nbsp;final acute effluent value |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;VAR | &nbsp;&nbsp;variability composites |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;VFD | &nbsp;&nbsp;variable frequency drives |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;VLAN | &nbsp;&nbsp;virtual local area network |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;VoIP | &nbsp;&nbsp;Voice-over-IP |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;vs | &nbsp;&nbsp;versus |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W | &nbsp;&nbsp;watts |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W | &nbsp;&nbsp;west |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;w/w | &nbsp;&nbsp;mass ratio, weight by weight |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;WBS | &nbsp;&nbsp;work breakdown structure |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;WEC | &nbsp;&nbsp;work element coding |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;WMP | &nbsp;&nbsp;water management plan |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;WSP | &nbsp;&nbsp;WSP Canada Inc. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;wt | &nbsp;&nbsp;wet metric tonne |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;wt% | &nbsp;&nbsp;weight percent |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;WTP | &nbsp;&nbsp;water treatment plant |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;X | &nbsp;&nbsp;X Coordinate (E-W) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;XPS | &nbsp;&nbsp;Expert Process Solution |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;XRD | &nbsp;&nbsp;X-Ray Diffraction |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Y | &nbsp;&nbsp;Y coordinate (N-S) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;y | &nbsp;&nbsp;year (365 days) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Z | &nbsp;&nbsp;Z coordinate (depth or elevation) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Zn | &nbsp;&nbsp;zinc |

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **xxvi** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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**1.** **Summary** 

Nouveau Monde Graphite (collectively with its wholly owned subsidiaries ("NMG" or the "Company"), is working towards developing a fully integrated source of carbon-neutral active anode materials ("AAM") in Québec, Canada, which includes the development of the Phase-2 Matawinie Mine (as defined herein). The project presented in this Study focuses exclusively on the Matawinie Mine, which is anchored around a large graphite deposit in Saint-Michel-des-Saints ("SMDS") to supply concentrated flake graphite to traditional and speciality markets, (herein referred to as "the Project").

Using a phased approach to help de-risk the Project, NMG has invested in its Phase-1 piloting and demonstration plants for every stage of its value chain, while advancing the engineering of its Phase-2 commercial plants with a focus on process and cost optimization.

With its committed approach to environmental, social, and governance ("ESG") principles, NMG is designing a modern mining complex, with progressive reclamation that optimize energy efficiency and resource use to provide quality graphite materials to its customers.

This Study, following NI 43-101 guidelines, presents the results of an updated Feasibility Study ("FS") for the Matawinie Mine (this "Study" or "Matawinie Mine FS").

In this Study, all currency amounts are in U.S. dollars ("USD" or "$") unless otherwise stated.

**1.1.** **Property Description, Location and Ownership** 

The Mining Property or the "Tony Block" currently consists of 159 contiguous Exclusive Exploration Rights ("EER") totalling 8,266.42 ha. Exploration work on the Mining Property uncovered significant crystalline flake graphite mineralization. After successfully identifying Mineral Reserves on its Mining Property, NMG has advanced its mining project (the "Matawinie Mine" or "Matawinie Project") at the development stage with ongoing detailed engineering and preparatory construction work targeting the Mining Property's mineralized West Zone. The Mining Property EER are wholly owned (100%) by NMG.

The centre of the Tony Block is located approximately 6 km to the southwest of the community of SMDS in the National Topographic System ("NTS") map sheets 31J/09 and 31I/12. Most of the Tony Block lies within the municipality of SMDS ("Municipality"), Lanaudière Administrative Region, Province of Québec, Canada. The centre of the Tony Block is positioned approximately 120 km as the crow flies north of Montréal, at latitude 46.63° and longitude -73.96° using the WGS 1984 geographic coordinate system and Easting: 579570, Northing: 5164630 using the UTM, NAD83 Zone 18 projected coordinate system.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **1-1** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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The current mine lease proposal, covering an irregular area of 197.81 ha, received a preliminary approval from the *Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts* ("MRNF") on July 5, 2024. In addition, an industrial land lease (lease # 394-18-914) covering an area of 20.2 ha, needed for the placement of the concentrator and related infrastructure, as well as a mine tailings land lease (lease # 278-17-914) covering 238.5 ha, has been obtained from the MRNF. These three land leases cover a sufficient area for all infrastructure needed for NMG's mining project.

The Mining Property's main mineralized zones are located on public crown land, on the ancestral territory of the Atikamekw First Nation of Manawan. The Matawinie Mine's footprint, including related infrastructure, has no accessibility restrictions known to NMG.

None of the infrastructure of the proposed Matawinie Mine is located on private or leased land other than those belonging to NMG or one of its subsidiaries, except for a portion of the main access road for which an agreement was entered into with the landowner in connection with the establishment of a right-of-way in favour of NMG.

The Matawinie Property, which includes the Mining Property, is currently subject to a 2.0% net smelter return ("NSR") in favour of Pallinghurst Graphite International Limited ("Pallinghurst Graphite"). The royalty agreement contains provision detailing the formula to calculate the 2.0% NSR for the various products, whether derived directly from the minerals mined at the Matawinie Mine or further transformed. In addition, NMG has entered into a collaborative agreement with the Municipality, as well as an Impact and Benefit Agreement ("IBA"), with the Atikamekw First Nation of Manawan covering the development and operation of the Matawinie Mine. Economic costs related to the agreements mentioned above are integrated in the Project's cost estimate.

All governmental permits as well as all authorizations from the Municipality pertaining to exploration, geotechnical and hydrogeological exploration and characterization work to date have been obtained.

The ministerial decree authorizing the Matawinie Project (Decree #47-2021) was granted by the *Ministère de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques* (MELCC, currently MELCCFP) on January 20, 2021. The Decree covers a commercial production level of 100,000 tonnes per year ("tpy") of graphite concentrate, which will be used for NMG's commercial strategy, catering to the energy, manufacturing, technology, defense, and other speciality markets. Note that a Decree amendment was filled in order to increase the permitted 100,000 tpy to 106,000 tpy of graphite concentrate production, refer to Section 1.12 for additional details. This request is currently being processed by the MELCCFP. There are no liabilities (whether contingent or otherwise) in connection with any environmental activity relating to or affecting NMG, its subsidiaries or their properties, assets or operations, and there are no liabilities (whether contingent or otherwise) relating to the restoration or rehabilitation of land, water or any other part of the environment, in each case, which would have a material adverse effect on the Mining Property.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **1-2** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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**1.2.** **Geological Setting and Mineralization** 

The Mining Property lies in the southwestern portion of the Grenville geological province, and more specifically in the Morin Terrane. The area is host to a variety of rock types, mainly composed of deformed metamorphosed sediments, including paragneiss and calc-silicates. Granitic and pegmatitic intrusions are also present and are observed locally on the Mining Property. The graphite mineralization identified in the Tony Block is hosted in quartzo-feldspathic paragneiss horizons and appears as disseminated graphite flakes.

**1.3.** **Exploration** 

Exploration work on the Mining Property was initiated in late 2013, when a detailed airborne geophysical survey was performed in the area. The 2013 survey was executed following positive results from a regional survey by 3457265 Canada Inc., pursuant to the instructions provided by NMG's technical staff, covering over 2,100 km<sup>2</sup> (confidential internal documents).

NMG's field exploration programs on the Tony Block focused on graphite exploration consisting of:

▪ Airborne
 Time Domain Electromagnetic ("TDEM") surveys (2013 and 2015);

▪ Ground
 prospecting of conductive targets identified by the airborne surveys (2014-2015);

▪ Ground
 geophysical surveying using a portable TDEM system (2014-2019);

▪ Trenching
 and channel sampling of the main conductors (2014-2016);

▪ Drilling
 of the main mineralized zones (2015- 2021);

▪ Metallurgical
 testing of surface and drill core samples (ongoing since 2015).

From 2014 to 2019, ground PhiSpy TDEM surveys totalling 183 line-kilometres using 100 m line spacing in the targeted areas and 25 m line spacing over the more promising South-East, South-West and West zones, was performed. The PhiSpy survey results provided a detailed outline of the conductive areas and thus possible mineralized zones, which were used as a basis for planning the trenching and drilling programs.

Trenching on the Tony Block from 2014 to 2016 confirmed the extent of the graphite mineralization on the Property. The trenching work targeted wide conductors on each of the main conductive zones outlined by the 2015-2016 ground PhiSpy surveys. A total of 511 channel samples were collected from the Tony Block. The results from trenches TO-14/16-TR-03, TO-16-TR-10 and TO-16-TR-11 (207 samples) were used in the Mineral Resource Estimate for the West Zone deposit.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **1-3** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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**1.4.** **Drilling** 

Exploration drilling on the Mining Property targeted wide conductors on each of the main conductive areas outlined by the 2014 to 2019 ground PhiSpy surveys. A total of 196 sampled exploration and delineation holes were drilled in the Tony Block totalling 33,016.70 m. This includes 149 sampled drill holes totalling 26,203.74 m used for the Mineral Resource Estimate of the West Zone deposit. The exploration drill holes mentioned above do not include two cored holes drilled for the pit slope geotechnical studies and 89 vertical cored holes used for other purposes such as overburden thickness surveys, environmental monitoring, and hydrogeological modelling in the West Zone deposit area. In 2022, a sampling campaign targeting mostly mineralized intervals from previously unsampled drill holes in the West Zone generated 597 samples. Results were received in 2023 but have yet to be included in a Mineral Resource Estimate. A preliminary assessment of the 2023 core sample results does not suggest any significant changes from either the current geological model or the Mineral Resource Estimate. Mineralization was intercepted 476 times by drilling in the West Zone resulting in the interpretation of a mineralized envelope of about 100 m to 150 m thick from which 23 graphitic horizons, or volumes (17 groups of mineralized intervals), were interpreted. These horizons can be followed, sometimes sporadically, over a strike length of 3 km. An additional feature of the West Zone is that some of the horizons separate and coalesce to form wider mineralized volumes. The longest intersection along drill core returned a graphite content of 4.76% Graphitic Carbon ("C(g)") over 109.9 m although this intersection is considered as being down-dip. Mineralization is open to the North, to the south and at depths greater than 200 m from surface.

The drilling in the South-East Zone of the South deposit consisted of nine holes for a total of 1,551.99 m drilled. Mineralization was intercepted 13 times by drilling resulting in the interpretation that the South-East Zone is composed of two main mineralized horizons (S1 and S2). The highlight of the South-East Zone is the large width of the mineralized horizons. From section S2600 to section S2900 (300 m length), the mineralized horizon ranges from 117 m to 160 m true width, with grades varying from 3.19% to 3.62% C(g).

The drilling in the South-West Zone of the South deposit consisted of 22 holes for a total of 2,616.6 m drilled. Mineralization was intercepted 57 times by drilling resulting in the interpretation that the South-West Zone is composed of two main mineralized horizons (S1 and S2). The highlight of South-West Zone is a first graphitic horizon (S1) about 30 m thick, followed by a mostly barren interval between 25 m and 63 m thick, and finally, a second graphitic horizon (S2) around 40 m to 50 m thick, with both graphitic horizons varying from 2.79% to 5.29% C(g).

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **1-4** |

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A total of 16 other exploration holes totalling 2,644.37 m was drilled in other mineralized zones on the Mining Property. Although most of these holes intercepted graphite mineralization, the potential for the presence of an economic deposit was lower than that for the West, South-East and South-West zones, due to thinner mineralized intercepts and/or lower graphite grades.

Drill core quality control and quality assurance ("QA/QC") samples, consisting of blanks, duplicates and graphite standards, were included in the drill core sample stream. Out of the 12,397 drill core samples from the Tony Block sent for C(g) analysis, 1,289 were sent as quality control samples, including 907 QA/QC samples from the 9,181 West Zone core samples used for the Mineral Resource Estimate. Quality control sample results retuned within acceptable limits. No bias was introduced in the sampling procedures.

**1.5.** **Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing** 

Between 2013 and 2025, multiple metallurgical process development and optimization programs have been carried out on samples from the Matawinie graphite mineralization zones. The initial programs focused on the development of a flowsheet that maximizes concentrate grade and recovery, while minimizing flake degradation. The flowsheet that was developed for the Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") was optimized and validated during the Pre-feasibility Study ("PFS") and the 2018 FS, as well as the 2022 FS and the March 2025 Updated FS. All components incorporated in the Matawinie Mine process are mature technologies that have been demonstrated in many concentrators over the past several decades. The proposed flowsheet and conditions proved robust to produce a concentrate grade of 97.5% C(t) at a total carbon recovery of 93%. The graphite tailings are subjected to a desulphurization stage that separates most sulphides from the balance of the flotation tailings to produce two separate tailings products, namely one high-sulphur low-mass and one low-sulphur high-mass.

NMG constructed a flotation demonstration plant in 2018 to further de-risk the process and to produce larger quantities of flotation concentrate for customer evaluation and downstream value-add process development. Some of the unit process operations that were optimized in the demonstration plant to de-risk the process included the specific flotation technology for the commercial plant (tank cells and flash flotation), the cleaner circuit grinding equipment (polishing and stirred media mills), and the configuration of the desulphurization circuit.

Multiple programs were completed with equipment vendors and independent laboratories since 2017 to support equipment selection during detailed engineering. These programs included a validation program for the comminution circuit, solid-liquid separation programs for tailings and concentrate streams, drying tests, and wet classification of intermediate concentrates. Further, supplemental tests were carried out to assist in the design of product handling systems.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **1-5** |

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**1.6.** **Mineral Resource Estimate** 

The block model used to generate the Current Resource of the West Zone for this Matawinie Mine FS has an effective date of November 12, 2025, and it has not changed since the 2022 FS (Allaire et al., 2022). This Resource is based on a total of 173 core drill holes which produced 8,274 samples as well as 207 samples collected from channelling work in three trenches. This does not include the quality control samples, all of which returned within acceptable limits. In all, 23 mineralized volumes (17 groups of mineralized intervals) encased in paragneiss units were interpreted and modelled from this data.

The Current Resource block model for the West Zone deposit was prepared by Yann Camus, P.Eng., of SGS Geological Services located in Blainville, Québec, Canada, using the Genesis© mining software. Interpolation was performed using inverse square distance (ID<sup>2</sup>) as well as different search ellipsoids that were adapted to the geology of the deposit. The block model was then processed by GEOVIA's Whittle software to provide an optimized pit. The optimized pit containing the Current Resource was limited to the Tony Block Property boundary to the South of the West Zone Deposit at the effective date of the Resource Estimate (November 12, 2025). The Mineral Resources of the West Zone, or the Matawinie Mine, are presented in the Table 1-1.

**Table 1-1: Pit-constrained Mineral Resource Estimate for the West Zone**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Mineral Resource<br> Category<sup>(1)(2)</sup>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Current Resources (November 12, 2025)<sup>(5)(6)(7)</sup>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Current Resources (November 12, 2025)<sup>(5)(6)(7)</sup>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Current Resources (November 12, 2025)<sup>(5)(6)(7)</sup>** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Mineral Resource<br> Category<sup>(1)(2)</sup>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Tonnage (Mt)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**C(g) Grade (%)<sup>(3)</sup>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Contained Graphite (Mt)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Measured | &nbsp;&nbsp;28.5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.28 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.22 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Indicated | &nbsp;&nbsp;101.8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.26 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.33 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Measured + Indicated | &nbsp;&nbsp;130.3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.26 | &nbsp;&nbsp;5.55 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Inferred<sup>(4)</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;23.0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.28 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.98 |

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<sup>(1)</sup> The Mineral Resources provided in this table were estimated by Yann Camus P.Eng., Qualified Person of SGS Geological Services, using current Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions and Guidelines.

<sup>(2)</sup> Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves have not demonstrated economic viability. Additional trenching and/or drilling will be required to convert Inferred and Indicated Mineral Resources to Measured Mineral Resources. There is no certainty that any part of a Mineral Resource will ever be converted into Reserves.

<sup>(3)</sup> All analyses used for the Resource Estimates were performed by ALS Minerals Laboratories and delivered as % C(g), internal analytical code C-IR18.

<sup>(4)</sup> Inferred Mineral Resources represent material that is considered too speculative to be included in economic evaluations. Additional trenching and/or drilling will be required to convert Inferred Mineral Resources to Indicated or Measured Mineral Resources. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of the Inferred Resources will ever be upgraded to a higher Resource category.

<sup>(5)</sup> Current Resources effective November 12, 2025.

<sup>(6)</sup> Mineral Resources are stated at a cut-off grade of 1.78% C(g).

<sup>(7)</sup> Quality control standards used for these Mineral Resources returned within acceptable limits, no significant bias was found.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **1-6** |

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**1.7.** **Mineral Reserve Estimate** 

The Matawinie Mine will be mined using conventional open pit mining methods consisting of drilling, blasting, loading, and hauling. Ore will be hauled to the primary crusher and waste rock and tailings will be placed in a co-disposal facility ("CDF"). The CDF will initially be located at the surface and as of Year 7, tailings and waste rock will be placed inside the mined out open pit.

The Mineral Reserves for the Matawinie Mine were prepared by Jeffrey Cassoff, P.Eng., Principal Mining Engineer with BBA Inc.; a Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101.

The Mineral Reserves have been estimated based on a graphite concentrate selling price of $1,334/t and a 25-year life of mine ("LOM") plan.

Development of the LOM plan included pit optimization, pit design, mine scheduling and the application of modifying factors to the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources. The reference point for the Mineral Reserves is the feed to the primary crusher. The tonnages and grades reported are inclusive of mining dilution, geological losses, and operational mining losses.

The pit optimization analysis was validated in January 2025 with updated operating costs and selling prices to ensure that the cut-off grade is still valid and that the proposed mine life and economic returns are comparable with the 2022 FS.

Table 1-2 presents the Mineral Reserves that have been estimated for the Matawinie Mine, which include 17. Mt of Proven Mineral Reserves at an average grade of 4.16% C(g) and 44.3 Mt of Probable Mineral Reserves at an average grade of 4.26% C(g) for a total of 61.7 Mt of Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves at an average grade of 4.23% C(g). To access these Mineral Reserves, 15.5 Mt of overburden and 56.2 Mt of waste rock must be mined, resulting in a strip ratio of 1.16:1.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **1-7** |

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**Table 1-2: Matawinie Mine Mineral Reserves**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Category** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Tonnes<br> (Mt)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**C(g) Grade<br> (%)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Contained Graphite<br> (Mt)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Proven | &nbsp;&nbsp;17.3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.16 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Probable | &nbsp;&nbsp;44.3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.26 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.9 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Proven & Probable** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**61.7** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**4.23** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**2.6** |

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1. The Qualified
 Person for the Mineral Reserve Estimate is Jeffrey Cassoff, P.Eng., of BBA Inc.

2. The effective
 date of the estimate is November 12, 2025.

3. Mineral Reserves
 were estimated using a graphite concentrate selling price of $1,334/t, and consider a 2%
 royalty, and selling costs of $34.23/t. An average grade of 97% C(t) was considered
 for the graphite concentrate.

4. A
 metallurgical recovery of 93 % was used.

5. A cut-off grade
 of 2.20% C(g) was used.

6. The strip ratio
 for the open pit is 1.16 to 1.

7. The Mineral
 Reserves are inclusive of mining dilution and ore loss.

8. The reference
 point for the Mineral Reserves is the primary crusher.

9. Totals may not
 add due to rounding.

**1.8.** **Mining Methods** 

Mining will be carried out with drilling and blasting on 10 m high benches and loading will be done in two 5 m flitches. The loading fleet will consist of two diesel-powered hydraulic excavators equipped with 6.0 m<sup>3</sup> buckets and loading will be done with a fleet of 12, 60-tonne rigid frame mining trucks. A frontend wheel loader will support the excavators with loading and ore blending.

Tailings produced at the concentrator will be segregated after the desulphurization circuit into low-sulphur content of non-acid generating ("NAG") tailings and a sulphide concentrate of potentially-acid generating ("PAG") tailings. Both NAG and PAG will be filtered to reduce water content, loaded with a front-end wheel loader into a fleet of five, 60-tonne haul trucks, transported to the CDF facility, and co-disposed with waste rock into deposition cells on a lined platform. A fleet of CAT D8 dozers and hydraulic excavators will place and compact the tailings and waste rock on the CDF.

The mine will operate on two 8-hour shifts, 5 days per week, while the mill will operate 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. A storage dome containing crushed ore will ensure availability of ore to the mill when the mine shuts down for evenings and weekends.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **1-8** |

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The ultimate pit designed for the Project considers 20 m wide haul ramps for double-lane traffic, 13 m wide ramps for single-lane traffic for the lower benches, a maximum ramp grade of 10%, and a minimum mining width of 20 m. SRK Consulting carried out an open pit slope investigation and stability assessment in 2021 to update previous geotechnical work.

The ultimate pit is approximately 3,000 m long and 400 m wide at surface. The total surface area of the pit is roughly 82 ha. The pit contains five independent ramp systems which are required for pit phasing and the in-pit placement of waste rock and tailings. The deepest part of the pit is at the 345 m elevation, at the north end of the pit, where the total depth of the pit from surface reaches 185 m. The pit avoids a wetland on the southwest corner and at its closest point, is 110 m away from the Hydro-Québec power lines.

To maximize the net present value ("NPV") of the Project, mining phases (pushbacks) have been designed and incorporated into the mining sequence to defer waste rock stripping and to provide a blended feed grade that is acceptable for the concentrator over the life of the Project.

The deposit will be mined from south to north to ensure adequate space is available for in-pit backfilling of waste rock and tailings once the initial CDF at surface is filled to capacity. The south end of the pit can also be accessed at lower strip ratios than at the north end. The mine plan promotes progressive reclamation to minimize affected land and impacts on biodiversity.

A mine production plan has been prepared using the Mine Plan Schedule Optimizer ("MPSO") tool in the Hexagon MinePlan 3D software. The mine plan has been prepared quarterly for the first 2 years of production, annually for the following 11 years, and in 3-year increments thereafter. The mine plan also includes a six-month period of pre-production to prepare the pit for mining operations.

The mine plan aims to produce up to 105,900 t of concentrate per year and targets the nominal mill throughput capacity of 324 tph, resulting in a maximum mill feed of 2.551 Mtpy considering an overall mill utilization of 90%.

During the 25-year life of the mining operations, the total material mined from the open pit peaks at 6.2 Mt in Year 3 and averages 5.6 Mtpy for the first 22 years. The average diluted C(g) grade ranges from 4.00% to 4.40% for the first 22 years, and averages 4.88% in the final 3 years. The mine plan is successful at achieving the targeted concentrate production, with a low of 101,000 t in Year 12 and a peak of 105,900 t in Years 8 and 10. The nominal concentrate production is 105,882 tpy.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **1-9** |

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NMG has signed a Master Fleet Services Agreement ("MFSA") with Caterpillar, who will supply the equipment using its Job Site Solutions ("JSS") service model. With this model, NMG will pay for machine use on an hourly basis, which includes the machine supply and maintenance (parts and service), and a fleet management system. NMG will be responsible for fuel consumption, machine operator, wear parts and supply to the mine garage.

The mine workforce, which includes the tailings operations team, will peak at 78 employees when the mine is in full production.

**1.9.** **Recovery Methods** 

The mineral processing facility has been designed to produce a nominal quantity of 105,882 dry tonnes of graphite concentrate per year. The design was based on the results from the metallurgical testing that has been done at the NMG demonstration plant and at external laboratories. It is assumed that the total carbon content, referred to as C(t), should be equal to C(g) in graphite concentrate, since the processing of the ore usually eliminates sources of carbon other than graphite.

Table 1-3 summarizes the general process design basis.

**Table 1-3: General process design criteria**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Parameter** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Unit** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Value** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Nominal Ore Processing Rate | &nbsp;&nbsp;dry tpy | 2563728 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total Carbon Ore Grade | &nbsp;&nbsp;% C(t) | 4.33 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Graphite Ore Grade | &nbsp;&nbsp;% C(g) | 4.23 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Crusher Operating Time | &nbsp;&nbsp;% | 37.5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Concentrator Operating Time | &nbsp;&nbsp;% | 90 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Final Graphite Concentrate Grade | &nbsp;&nbsp;% C(g) | 97.5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Final Graphite Concentrate Recovery | &nbsp;&nbsp;% | 93 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Nominal Graphite Production** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**dry tonnes per year** | **105882** |

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The concentrator is designed to produce a graphite concentrate containing 97.5% C(t) (total carbon) from an ore containing 4.33% C(t). Tailings will be processed to generate two tailings streams, NAG and PAG. Each stream will be dewatered and filtered. Table 1-4 shows the high-level mass balance.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **1-10** |

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**Table 1-4: Concentrator mass balance**

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Stream** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Solids** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Solids** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Carbon (C(t))** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Carbon (C(t))** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Stream** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**tpy** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**tph** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Grade** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Recovery** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Feed** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**2563728** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**325.2** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**4.33%** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**100.0** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**All Concentrates** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**105882** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**13.4** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**97.5%** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**93.0** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;+50 mesh concentrate | &nbsp;&nbsp;12705 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.6 | &nbsp;&nbsp;- | &nbsp;&nbsp;- |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-50 to +80 mesh concentrate | &nbsp;&nbsp;31765 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;- | &nbsp;&nbsp;- |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-80 to +150 mesh concentrate | &nbsp;&nbsp;29647 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;- | &nbsp;&nbsp;- |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-150 mesh concentrate | &nbsp;&nbsp;31765 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;- | &nbsp;&nbsp;- |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**All Tailings** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**2457846** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**311.8** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**0.32%** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**7.0** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;NAG | &nbsp;&nbsp;- | &nbsp;&nbsp;257.6 | &nbsp;&nbsp;- | &nbsp;&nbsp;- |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;PAG | &nbsp;&nbsp;- | &nbsp;&nbsp;54.2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;- | &nbsp;&nbsp;- |

---

Run of mine ("ROM") is crushed using jaw crushers. The crushed ore is transported by conveyor to the covered stockpile. Crushed ore is withdrawn from the stockpile with apron feeders and is fed to the grinding circuit using a conveyor.

The SAG mill is in closed circuit with a single deck vibrating screen. The screen oversize is returned to the SAG mill and the screen undersize is sent to the ball mill circuit.

The ball mill operates in closed circuit with a set of cyclones. The ball mill discharge is pumped to the ball mill cyclones. The cyclones underflow returns to the ball mill while the overflow proceeds to the rougher/scavenger flotation.

The cyclones overflow is expected to have a particle size distribution of 80% less than (P<sub>80</sub>) 0.212 and 0.150 mm for nominal and design cases, respectively.

The rougher/scavenger flotation circuit consists of four mechanical tank cells and aims to recover the majority of all liberated graphite.

Upgrading of the rougher/scavenger graphite concentrate is done in four cleaning stages that will be conducted in series. The primary cleaning phase consists of polishing mill and mechanical flotation cells; cleaner 1 concentrate goes to the cleaner 2 while its tailings are pumped to the cleaner scavenger cells for the recovery of the more challenging middlings. The cleaner 2 concentrate will be sent to the secondary cleaning stage including the Stirred Media Mill ("SMM") and flotation tank cells. The SMM discharge will be transferred to cleaner 3; concentrate of this flotation cell goes to the 4<sup>th</sup> tank cell while its tailings are pumped to the cleaner scavenger. The tailings of cleaner 4 are returned to cleaner 3 and their concentrate will be pumped to the 2<sup>nd</sup> SMM. The 2<sup>nd</sup> SMM discharge, combined with cleaner 6 tailings will be pumped to cleaner 5, whose tailings go to the cleaner scavenger and their concentrate is subjected to the next cleaning step in the form of flotation column (cleaner 6). The column concentrate will be sent to the third SMM, whose discharge will be combined with cleaner 8 tailings and sent to cleaner 7, whose tailings are pumped to the cleaner scavenger and their concentrate is treated through the flotation column (cleaner 8). The concentrate of the second column (cleaner 8) is considered as final concentrate and will be pumped to the concentrate thickener.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **1-11** |

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The final graphite concentrate is thickened, filtered and dried. After drying, the product is bagged in bulk or dry screened and bagged into four products: +50 mesh (+300 μm), -50 +80 mesh (-300 +180 μm), -80 +150 mesh (-180 +106 μm), and -150 mesh (-106 μm).

The concentrator tailings are initially thickened for process water recovery and then pumped to the tailings desulphurization circuit. Desulphurization circuit consists of two main steps, first removal of the magnetic sulphides by the Medium Intensity Magnetic Separator ("MIMS") and then treating the non-magnetic portion in the sulphide flotation circuit for further sulphide removal. This circuit produces NAG tailings and PAG tailings that are thickened, filtered and stockpiled before being trucked to the co-disposal site.

Reagents used for the graphite concentration process are the collector (fuel oil) and frother (methyl isobutyl carbinol "MIBC"). A collector (Xanthate) and a frother (MIBC) are used in the desulphurization circuit. A flocculant and lime will also be required.

Water recycling will be maximized as most of the process water will be recovered either from the thickeners or the BC-2 pond. Fresh water consumption is minimized and is only used when clean water is required for the reagent preparation or to compensate BC-2 pond shortages during the winter season.

The concentrator and administration personnel amounts to 66 which brings the total to 144 full-time employees working at the Matawinie Mine once in full production.

**1.10.** **Project Infrastructure** 

**Project Infrastructure**

The project infrastructure includes the 120 kV electrical power line, the main access road and site roads, industrial area buildings including the crusher, concentrator and stockpiling domes, prefabricated electrical rooms and service buildings. It also includes the tailings storage area, water management facilities with collection basins and ditches to collect surface runoff, dewatering for the open pit, pumping stations, piping and a water treatment unit.

Site services include electrical distribution and communication, site fire protection, fresh and process water supply, potable water, and sewage treatment.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **1-12** |

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**Water Management Plan**

The mine water management plan addresses the surface runoff and process water to be collected from the industrial areas, including the open pit, the rockfill/overburden/topsoil stockpiles and CDF, and along the mining/access roads of the Matawinie Mine site. The surface water management infrastructure (i.e., ditches, basins and pumping/treatment requirements) are sized based on the required volume of surface runoff to manage, which varies based on the catchment area of the CDF and the open pit. Hence, the water management plan is divided into two distinct phases (A and B-1) as the drainage area increases with the mine development. Water to be used in the mineral processing will be taken directly from BC-2, located in the industrial area. The remaining water will be kept in the basin for recirculation or directed to the water treatment plant. Treated water from the WTP will be discharged into the *Ruisseau à l'Eau Morte* following monitoring of flow and water quality, in full compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards.

**Co-disposal Facility (CDF)**

**1.11.** **Market Studies and Contracts** 

**1.11.1.** **Market Studies and Final Product Pricing** 

This section has been written with information provided by Benchmark Mineral Intelligence ("BMI") and other confidential market research firms. BMI is an independent credible source that compiles international graphite prices and other commercial information for various commercial size fractions and concentrate purities. Market information from contracts with customers, namely Traxys North America LLC, Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd, as well as from other commercial arrangements with an undisclosed active anode manufacturer, and with the Government of Canada, are confidential; however, it was considered when pricing the flakes of this section.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **1-13** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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**Flake Graphite**

Flake graphite is a product that is essentially a concentrate from the Matawinie Mine. It can be commercialized without added-value processing; many established markets use such product. The LOM basket price is set at $1,334/t based on flake size distribution and purity, as presented in Table 1-5, which represents a total volume of 105,882 tpy. BMI prices from Table 1-5 are derived from an August 2024 analysis and have remained largely unchanged since, indicating a stable pricing environment.

**Table 1-5: NMG's selling price for flake graphite products**

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Product** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**+50 Mesh** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**+80 Mesh** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**+150 Mesh** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**-150 Mesh** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mine Flake Size Distribution (%) | &nbsp;&nbsp;12 | &nbsp;&nbsp;30 | &nbsp;&nbsp;28 | &nbsp;&nbsp;30 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mine Flakes Output (tpy)<sup>(1)</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;12706 | &nbsp;&nbsp;31765 | &nbsp;&nbsp;29647 | &nbsp;&nbsp;31765 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Price (USD)<sup>(2)</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;1625 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1380 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1281 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1222 |

---

<sup>(1)</sup> Mine flakes output based on a nominal production rate of 105,882 tpy.

<sup>(2)</sup> BMI – Natural Graphite Market Study – August 2024.

**1.11.2.** **Project Contracts** 

Several important milestones have been reached in the development of the Matawinie Project including securing an energy block for the mine and concentrator from Hydro-Québec with engineering of the electrical line underway, permits to start construction have been granted, and the access road to the Matawinie site has been built. Additionally, the Basic and Detailed Engineering advancement is currently estimated at 80% completion. Long lead items for the electrical substation (transformer and switchgear) have been awarded. The main contracts remaining to be awarded pre-FID to maintain the Matawinie Project's critical path are the following:

▪ Long
 lead mineral processing equipment (mills and filter presses);

▪ Construction
 management contract;

▪ Civil
 construction tenders.

**1.12.** **Environmental Studies, Permitting, and Social or Community Impact** 

NMG intends to develop ESG-oriented operations at its Phase-2 Matawinie Mine through the integration of some of the industry's latest technological innovations, best practices to reduce greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions, sustainable design of infrastructure to minimize environmental impacts and proactive management of potential social impacts.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **1-14** |

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Continuous active stakeholder engagement plus an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ("ESIA") realized by SNC-Lavalin (2019) for the Matawinie Mine underpin the sustainable development of the Matawinie Mine. Complete inventories of fauna and flora were carried out to optimize the development by reducing the Matawinie Mine's footprint, avoiding sensitive habitats and integrating mitigation measures for vulnerable species. All impacts generated by the Project have been controlled and contained within 1 km of the mining site. Following an extensive public hearing process in 2020, the *Bureau d'audiences publiques sur l'environnement* ("BAPE") issued its report and recommendations regarding NMG's Phase-2 Matawinie Project. The Government's environmental assessment analysis continued at the MELCC and resulted in the adoption of a ministerial Decree that authorized the Matawinie Project on January 20, 2021, (*Décret* 47-2021). Following the issuance of the Decree, NMG must still comply with the different regulatory requirements regarding the quality of the environment, social and environmental monitoring, reporting, and permitting for different phases of construction, mining operations, and closure.

The concentrator and the CDF of tailings and waste rock will be located less than 500 m from the mine as to minimize truck cycle times and lower the Matawinie Mine's operating costs. As specified in Condition 3 of the Decree, full-scale field-testing was constructed during the summer of 2020 reproducing the parameters of the tailings' co-disposal design. The goal was to simulate specific parameters of the deposition plan with instruments at certain strategic locations. The results of the cell provide insight to ensure a safe design including proof design criteria into the deposition plan and the monitoring QA/QC program (Condition 4 of the Decree). Based on collected data and correlations, project pH-dependent water-quality models for full-scale mine site components are validated (Lamont and MDAG, 2020, Lamont, 2020).

Progressive reclamation activities will be carried out during the mining activities. The final reclamation cover will be placed on the co-disposal pile as soon as an area of the pile will have reached its final elevation. Reclamation will include all activities carried out during the mining operations (progressive reclamation) and at the end of mining activities covered by the closure plan.

NMG has planned its operation activities to respect the noise limits of the zoning category I of instruction notes 98-01, which are 45 dBA during the day and 40 dBA at night (LAr, 1 h) applicable with a voluntary acquisition program within 1-km radius of the open pit or to the closer receptor (if less than 1 km radius). NMG will carry out annual noise measurement campaigns during construction and operation. A permanent station in the residential sector Domaine Lagrange is installed and provides real-time noise measurements, making it possible to monitor variations in noise emissions and provide reference data.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **1-15** |

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In February 2024, NMG submitted a Decree modification. The requested modifications are the result of NMG's exploration work, which had identified a continuity of the deposit to the south of the proposed pit in the area where Hydro-Québec held the surface rights because of the construction of a new high-voltage line. In February 2022, Hydro-Québec transferred its surface rights to NMG so that the graphite resources south of the pit could be mined. At the same time, NMG carried out geotechnical stability studies for the pit walls, which led to the optimization of the slopes for the mining operation and its securing. As a result, with the expansion of the pit to the south and a modification of the slopes, the reserves, and quantities of mine waste to be extracted were reviewed and increased accordingly, which led to a change in the mining plan. With the new mining plan, the average annual mining rate has, therefore, been slightly increased. In 2022, NMG published an integrated feasibility study that combined updated plans for the Matawinie Mine and Bécancour Battery Material Plant (Allaire et al., 2022). At the time of the publication of this Study, the detailed engineering of the mine's infrastructure was already advanced and the construction of certain elements of the mine project had begun, which led to clarifications compared to the 2018 FS (DRA, 2018). The effects of the activities that are part of the application for an amendment to the Decree on the valued components consider all adjustments to the mining project. To do this, atmospheric emissions, or noise environment models, were carried out with information from the up-to-date detailed engineering plans. The application to amend the Decree concerns the capacity of the Matawinie Mine with an increase in production or, a change in the process, and covers activities related to the following aspects:

▪ Updating
 hours of operation for the transportation and handling of tailings;

▪ Updating
 the mine plan, including the expansion of the pit to the south;

▪ Graphite
 production from 100 000 tpy to 106,000 tpy, including industrial site adjustments;

▪ The
 authorization to amend Condition 2 of Decree 47-2021 in accordance with the update of the
 mining plan;

▪ The
 addition of a powder magazine.

As specified in Condition 3 of the Decree, full scale field testing was undertaken during the summer of 2020. The goal was to simulate specific parameters of the deposition plan for the CDF with instruments at certain strategic locations. Probes for measuring temperature, capillary pressure, water content and oxygen content have been installed, and data has been collected and analyzed since August 2020. After 3 years, the cell provided all the information required to enable the development of design criteria for the full-scale Matawinie Mine.

As per Condition 6 of the Decree, NMG must present the progress of work to electrify mobile mining equipment as well as an update of the schedule for carrying out this work.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **1-16** |

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NMG carries out the environmental monitoring activities as described in the Decree and/or as requested by the government authorities in authorizations. The final version of the territorial integration plan was sent to the MRNF and MELCCFP (Condition 13) and has been approved. A Monitoring Committee is in place and acts as a consultative body as well as a platform for environmental and social surveillance of NMG's operations. Led by NMG's Community Relations Coordinator and with planned representation of local citizens, the Atikamekw First Nation, business representatives, and local organizations, the committee will remain in place until the post-closure monitoring period of the mine.

**1.13.** **Capital and Operating Costs** 

**1.13.1.** **Matawinie Mine and Concentrator Capital Cost Estimate** 

The Project is a greenfield mining and processing facility with a nominal mill feed capacity of 2,563,728 tpy of ore to produce 105,882 tpy of graphite concentrate. The estimated capital cost for the mine and concentrator plant is including direct and indirect costs. An additional of sustaining capital was allocated for the CDF and water management.

**Table 1-6: Summary of capital cost estimate for the Matawinie Mine and Concentrator**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Area** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Description** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Total ($)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Site Preparation | &nbsp;&nbsp;56400760 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Mine | &nbsp;&nbsp;8851475 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Ore Crushers & Stockpile | &nbsp;&nbsp;27276149 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Processing Plant | &nbsp;&nbsp;124873785 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Architectural | &nbsp;&nbsp;15484854 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Mechanical | &nbsp;&nbsp;52279138 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;6 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Reagents | &nbsp;&nbsp;5681414 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;7 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Tailings and Water Management | &nbsp;&nbsp;31629142 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Direct Costs** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Direct Costs** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**322476717** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Owner's Costs | &nbsp;&nbsp;20714142 |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;EPCM Services | &nbsp;&nbsp;26092924 |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;GC General Conditions | &nbsp;&nbsp;16855328 |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;POV & Mechanical Acceptance | &nbsp;&nbsp;2630947 |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Commissioning Spare Parts | &nbsp;&nbsp;0 – included in Direct Costs |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Initial Fill | &nbsp;&nbsp;613888 |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Freight | &nbsp;&nbsp;6138876 |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Vendor Representatives | &nbsp;&nbsp;1929361 |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Insurance and Duties | &nbsp;&nbsp;1403172 |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Contingency | &nbsp;&nbsp;22388503 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Indirect Costs** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Indirect Costs** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**98767139** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Direct + Indirect Costs** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Direct + Indirect Costs** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**421243856** |

---

Note: Totals may not add up due to rounding.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **1-17** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**1.13.2.** **Matawinie Mine and Concentrator Operating Cost Estimate** 

The estimated operating costs of the Matawinie Mine cover mining, tailings, processing, general administration, concentrates transportation cost and sales and marketing fees.

The sources of information used to develop the operating costs include in-house databases and outside sources particularly for materials, services and consumables.

**Table 1-7:** **Operating costs summary for the Matawinie Mine and Concentrator Project**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Description** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Cost per Year <br> ($/y)<sup>(1</sup>** **<sup>)</sup>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Cost <br> ($/t concentrate)<sup>(2</sup>** **<sup>)</sup>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Costs <br> (%)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mining | &nbsp;&nbsp;14391474 | &nbsp;&nbsp;136 | &nbsp;&nbsp;32% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Ore Processing | &nbsp;&nbsp;19984518 | &nbsp;&nbsp;189 | &nbsp;&nbsp;45% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Tailings & Water Management | &nbsp;&nbsp;4265192 | &nbsp;&nbsp;40 | &nbsp;&nbsp;10% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;General and Administration | &nbsp;&nbsp;3161902 | &nbsp;&nbsp;30 | &nbsp;&nbsp;7% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Transportation Cost<sup>(3)</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;2339573 | &nbsp;&nbsp;22 | &nbsp;&nbsp;5% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Sales and Marketing | &nbsp;&nbsp;177607 | &nbsp;&nbsp;2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Total** **Opex** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**44320267** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**419** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**100%** |

---

<sup>(1)</sup> Costs are presented as the annual averages at steady-state after the ramp-up period

<sup>(2)</sup> Costs are calculated based on a nominal production rate of 105,882 tpy.

<sup>(3)</sup> Total transport costs for the portion of concentrate sent to client designated receiving facilities are distributed across total concentrate production.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **1-18** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**1.14.** **Economic Analysis** 

The following economic analysis is further explained in Chapter 22.

An economic analysis based on the production and cost parameters of the Project was prepared and the results are shown in Table 1-8.

**Table 1-8: Economic highlights**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Description** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Unit** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Value** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total Diluted Proven and Probable Reserve | &nbsp;&nbsp;M tonnes | &nbsp;&nbsp;61.7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Nominal Concentrate Production | &nbsp;&nbsp;tpy | &nbsp;&nbsp;105882 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total Revenue | &nbsp;&nbsp;$M | &nbsp;&nbsp;3308 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total Operating Costs | &nbsp;&nbsp;$M | &nbsp;&nbsp;1097 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Initial Capital Costs (excludes Working Capital) | &nbsp;&nbsp;$M | &nbsp;&nbsp;421 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Sustaining Capital Costs | &nbsp;&nbsp;$M | &nbsp;&nbsp;45 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mine Rehabilitation Trust Fund Payments | &nbsp;&nbsp;$M | &nbsp;&nbsp;23 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total Pre-tax Cash Flow | &nbsp;&nbsp;$M | &nbsp;&nbsp;1721 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total After-tax Cash Flow | &nbsp;&nbsp;$M | &nbsp;&nbsp;1101 |

---

The financial analysis is based on the sales prices (weighted average on the life of mine) shown in Table 1-9. Prices in USD were converted to CAD with the exchange rate of 0.7143 USD per CAD (1.40 CAD per USD) was used to convert the USD market price projections into Canadian currency.

**Table 1-9: Sales prices breakdown per product**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Flake Size** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Price<br> (LOM Average / in USD)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Distribution** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Jumbo (+50 mesh) | &nbsp;&nbsp;1625 | &nbsp;&nbsp;12% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Coarse (-50+80 mesh) | &nbsp;&nbsp;1380 | &nbsp;&nbsp;30% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Intermediate (-80+150 mesh) | &nbsp;&nbsp;1281 | &nbsp;&nbsp;28% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Fine (-150 mesh) | &nbsp;&nbsp;1222 | &nbsp;&nbsp;30% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Matawinie Basket** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**1,** **334** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**100%** |

---

The financial indicators associated with the economic analysis are summarized in Table 1-10.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **1-19** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Table 1-10: Economic highlights**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Economic Highlights** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Unit** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Matawinie Mine** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pre-tax NPV (8% discount rate) | &nbsp;&nbsp;$M | &nbsp;&nbsp;379 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;After-tax NPV (8% discount rate) | &nbsp;&nbsp;$M | &nbsp;&nbsp;238 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pre-tax IRR | &nbsp;&nbsp;% | &nbsp;&nbsp;17.3 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;After-tax IRR | &nbsp;&nbsp;% | &nbsp;&nbsp;15.8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pre-tax Payback | &nbsp;&nbsp;year | &nbsp;&nbsp;5.7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;After-tax Payback | &nbsp;&nbsp;year | &nbsp;&nbsp;5.3 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Nominal Annual Production | &nbsp;&nbsp;tpy | &nbsp;&nbsp;105,882 t of graphite concentrate |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Life of Mine | &nbsp;&nbsp;year | &nbsp;&nbsp;25 |

---

Figure 1-1 and Figure 1-2 show the sensitivity of the after-tax NPV and IRR, respectively, to variations in Capex, Opex, Sales Prices and the USD/CAD Exchange Rate. The vertical dashed lines represent the typical margin-of-error interval associated with FS-level cost estimates.

This Study was compiled according to widely accepted industry standards. However, there is no certainty that the conclusions reached in this Study will be realized.

**Figure 1-1: Sensitivity of the Matawinie Mine NPV @ 8% (after tax)**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **1-20** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Figure 1-2: Sensitivity of the Matawinie Mine IRR (after tax)**

**1.15.** **Interpretation and Conclusions** 

This Study shows that the Matawinie Project is technically feasible as well as economically viable. It supports NMG's Project financing efforts. From the Final Investment Decision ("FID"), NMG's Phase-2 Matawinie Mine could be built within an approximate 31-month schedule.

There is no certainty that the economic forecasts on which this Study is based will be realized. There are a number of risks and uncertainties identifiable to any new project and usually cover the mineralization, process, financial, environment and permitting aspects. NMG's Phase 2 is no different and an evaluation of the possible risks was undertaken as part of this Study.

Following an analysis of the major risks to the Project, a P50 management risk reserve of $21M is recommended. This reserve is not included in the capital cost estimate but is within the range of the financial sensitivity analysis of the capital cost. The top risks are 1) Construction productivity differing from baseline estimate; 2) Specialized equipment delivery times are longer than expected; and 3) Contractor bids differ from the budget.

The QPs of this Study consider that, within their expertise, the Matawinie Project is sufficiently robust to warrant moving to the development phase.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **1-21** |

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**1.16.** **Recommendations** 

Table 1-11 lists the most significant recommended work to further advance and optimize NMG's Matawinie Project.

**Table 1-11: Significant recommendations cost breakdown**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Recommendations** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Costs ($)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Additional drilling to convert Probable Mineral Reserves to Proven Mineral Reserves in the Starter pit and Phase 1 pit. | &nbsp;&nbsp;700000 |

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **1-22** |

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**2.** **Introduction** 

**2.1.** **Introduction** 

BBA Inc. was commissioned by Nouveau Monde Graphite ("NMG") to prepare an updated technical report on the Matawinie Mine and Concentrator Project. The Matawinie Mine property is wholly owned by NMG.

**2.2.** **Material Change Since Last Report - Material Commercial Arrangements** 

Following the issuance of the NI 43-101 Updated Technical Feasibility Study Report for the Matawinie Mine and The Bécancour Battery Material Plant Integrated Projects (referred to as the "March 2025 Updated FS") published on March 31, 2025 (Allaire et al., 2025), NMG published a press release dated October 31, 2025 announcing a series of commercial agreements and arrangements potentially covering nearly 100% of the projected flake graphite volumes from the future Phase-2 Matawinie Mine. As a result, NMG is advancing the Matawinie Mine and rebalancing future production volumes with a view to serve its customers in multiple market segments. This Study thus does not include the manufacturing of active anode material "AAM" that was presented along with NMG's Matawinie Mine in the March 2025 Updated FS for Integrated Project (Allaire et al., 2025).

**2.3.** **Report Responsibility and Qualified Persons** 

The following individuals, by virtue of their education, experience and professional association, are considered qualified persons ("QPs") as defined in the NI 43-101 and are members in good standing of appropriate professional institutions.

▪ Jean
 L'Heureux, P.Eng., M.Eng. BBA
 Inc. ("BBA")

▪ Jeffrey
 Cassoff, P.Eng. BBA
 Inc. ("BBA")

▪ Bernard-Olivier
 Martel, P.Geo. B.O.
 Martel Inc. ("BOM")

▪ Simon
 Fortier, P.Eng. Soutex
 Inc. ("Soutex")

▪ Yann
 Camus, P.Eng. SGS
 Geological Services ("SGS")

▪ Christian
 Fréchette, P.Eng. AtkinsRéalis
 Canada Inc. ("AtkinsRéalis")

▪ Jean-François
 St-Laurent, P.Eng., M.Sc. SRK
 Consulting (Canada) Inc. ("SRK")

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **2-1** |

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The preceding QPs have contributed to the writing of this report and have provided QP certificates, included at the beginning of this report. The information contained in the certificates outlines the sections in this report for which each QP is responsible. Each QP has also contributed figures, tables and portions of Chapters 1 (Summary), 25 (Interpretation and Conclusions), 26 (Recommendations), and 27 (References).

Table 2-1 outlines the responsibilities for the various sections of the report and the name of the corresponding qualified person.

**Table 2-1: Qualified persons and areas of report responsibility**

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Chapter** | **Description** | **QP** | **Company<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Comments and exceptions** |
| 1. | Summary | J. L'Heureux | BBA | Contributions from all QPs according to expertise and NMG |
| 2. | Introduction | J. L'Heureux | BBA |  |
| 3. | Reliance on Other Experts | J. L'Heureux | BBA |  |
| 4. | Project Property Description and Location | B-O. Martel | BOM |  |
| 5. | Accessibility, Climate, Local Resource, Infrastructure and Physiography | B-O. Martel | BOM |  |
| 6. | History | B-O. Martel | BOM |  |
| 7. | Geological Setting and Mineralization | B-O. Martel | BOM |  |
| 8. | Deposit Types | B-O. Martel | BOM |  |
| 9. | Exploration | B-O. Martel | BOM |  |
| 10. | Drilling | B-O. Martel | BOM |  |
| 11. | Sample Preparation, Analyses and Security | B-O. Martel | BOM |  |
| 12. | Data Verification | Y. Camus | SGS |  |
| 13. | Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing | S. Fortier | Soutex |  |
| 14. | Mineral Resource Estimates | Y. Camus | SGS |  |
| 15. | Mineral Reserve Estimates | J. Cassoff | BBA |  |
| 16. | Mining Methods | J. Cassoff | BBA | Sections 16.1 to 16.6, 16.7.3, 16.7.4, 16.8.3 and 16.10 |
| 16. | Mining Methods | J-F. St-Laurent | SRK | Sections 16.7 (except 16.7.3 and 16.7.4), 16.8.1, 16.8.2 and 16.9 |
| 17. | Recovery Methods | C. Fréchette | AtkinsRéalis |  |
| 18. | Project Infrastructure | J. L'Heureux | BBA | 18.1 to 18.3 and 18.6 to 18.11 |
| 18. | Project Infrastructure | J-F. St-Laurent | SRK | 18.4, 18.5 and 18.12 |
| 19. | Market Studies and Contracts | J. L'Heureux | BBA |  |

---

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **2-2** |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Chapter** | **Description** | **QP** | **Company<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Comments and exceptions** |
| 20. | Environmental Studies, Permitting, and Social or Community Impact | J. L'Heureux | BBA |  |
| 21. | Capital and Operating Costs | J. L'Heureux | BBA | Matawinie Beneficiation Plant Concentrator Capex/ Opex by AR/NMG reviewed by BBA |
| 22. | Economic Analysis | J. L'Heureux | BBA |  |
| 23. | Adjacent Properties | B-O. Martel | BOM |  |
| 24. | Other Relevant Data and Information | J. L'Heureux | BBA |  |
| 25. | Interpretation and Conclusions | J. L'Heureux | BBA | Contributions from all QP's according to expertise and NMG |
| 26. | Recommendations | J. L'Heureux | BBA | Contributions from all QP's according to expertise and NMG |
| 27. | References | J. L'Heureux | BBA | Contributions from all QP's according to expertise and NMG |

---

<sup>(1)</sup> Note that the affiliated company is named as reference only, the individual QP's are ultimately responsible for their section of this report.

**2.4.** **Site Visits** 

▪ Jeffrey
 Cassoff (BBA) visited the Matawinie Property on October 20, 2021.

▪ Jean
 L'Heureux (BBA) has not visited the Matawinie Property.

▪ Yann
 Camus (SGS) visited the Matawinie Property on September 17, 2024, August 18, 2021,
 November 27, 2019, June 21, 2018, and November 9, 2016. An independent sampling
 campaign was also conducted in 2016.

▪ Bernard-Olivier
 Martel (BOM) visited the Matawinie Property on several occasions in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018,
 2019, 2020 and 2021, with the last visit on December 7, 2022, as a consulting geologist
 responsible for exploration and infill drilling campaigns.

▪ Jean-François
 St-Laurent (SRK) visited the Matawinie Property on September 6, 2024, with his last
 visit on October 10, 2025.

▪ Simon
 Fortier (Soutex) has not visited the Matawinie Property.

▪ Christian
 Fréchette (AtkinsRéalis) has not visited the Matawinie Property.

**2.5.** **Effective Dates and Declaration** 

This report is issued in support of the NMG press release dated November 12, 2025, entitled "NMG Provides a Quarterly Update on the Advancement of its Phase-2 North American Graphite Production". The effective date of this Matawinie Mine FS, completed following NI 43-101 guidelines, is November 12, 2025.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **2-3** |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

---

**2.6.** **Sources of Information** 

For the preparation of this Matawinie Mine FS, the authors have relied on the reference documents listed in Chapter 27 and on, but not limited to, the following sources of information:

▪ Laboratory
 testing (COREM, SGS Lakefield, ALS Canada Ltd., Saskatchewan Research Council ("SRC"),
 Canadian National Research Council ("CNRC"), L3 Process Development, among others);

▪ OEM
 testing;

▪ BBA
 prepared the mine plan, participated in the design and the Capex and Opex aspects of the
 Project;

▪ AtkinsRéalis
 was mandated by NMG to deliver the infrastructure design for the Matawinie site, including
 the Concentrator, but excluding the mine, co-disposal stockpile and site water management;

▪ Ed
 Saunders, P.Eng., of SRK prepared the geotechnical rock pit slopes presented in Section 15.5.2;

▪ SRK
 was mandated by NMG to prepare the water management and co-disposal facility design for the
 Matawinie mine site.

**2.7.** **Previous Technical Reports** 

The following is a list of reports issued by NMG available on SEDAR+:

▪ NI
 43-101 Updated Technical Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Mine and The Bécancour
 Battery Material Plant Integrated Project, March 25, 2025.

▪ NI 43-101
 Technical Feasibility Study Report for the Matawinie Mine and the Bécancour Battery
 Material Plant Integrated Graphite Projects, August 10, 2022.

▪ NI 43-101
 Technical Feasibility Study Report for the Matawinie Graphite Project, December 10,
 2018.

▪ NI 43-101
 Updated Technical Pre-Feasibility Study Report for the Matawinie Graphite Project, August 10,
 2018.

▪ NI 43-101
 Technical Pre-Feasibility Study Report for the Matawinie Graphite Project, December 8,
 2017.

▪ NI 43-101
 Technical Report, Preliminary Economic Assessment, Matawinie Graphite Project, August 5,
 2016.

▪ NI 43-101
 Technical Report Technical Report Resource Estimate Update Tony Block Matawinie Property,
 April 8, 2016.

▪ NI 43-101
 Technical Report Resource Estimate South-East and South-West Deposits Matawinie Property,
 Tony Block, January 29, 2013.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **2-4** |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

---

**2.8.** **Units and Currency** 

In this report, all currency amounts are in U.S. Dollars ("USD" or "$") unless otherwise stated. Units of measurement are generally stated in the *Système international d'unités* ("SI") metric units, the standard Canadian and international practices, including metric tons ("tonne", "t") for weight, and kilometre ("km") or metre ("m") for distance.

**2.9.** **Acknowledgement** 

NMG would like to acknowledge, among numerous others, the following companies for their contributions to this Study: BBA Inc., AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc., Soutex Inc., SGS Geological Services, B.O. Martel Inc., Groupe Alphar, COREM, SGS Lakefield, KPM, ALS Canada Ltd., Metpro, WSP, KPMG, Pomerleau Inc., Metso-Outotec, Caterpillar Inc., ABB Inc., SRK, Progesys Inc., Lamont Inc.

A special thanks to all Nouveau Monde Graphite employees who participated in this Study.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **2-5** |

---

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

---

**3.** **Reliance on Other Experts** 

**3.1.** **Introduction** 

In preparing this Study, the authors have fully relied upon certain work, opinions and statements from other experts. The authors consider the reliance on other experts, as described in this section, as being reasonable based on their knowledge, experience and qualifications. The independent QPs that authored this technical report disclaim responsibility for the expert report content used in the following areas.

**3.2.** **Mineral Tenure and Surface Rights** 

The QPs did not perform independent verifications of land titles and tenure, nor have they verified the legality of any underlying agreement(s) that may exist concerning the licences or other agreement(s) between third-parties but have relied on NMG to have conducted the proper legal due diligence.

**3.3.** **Taxation** 

The QPs have fully relied upon and disclaim responsibility for information supplied by NMG staff and experts retained by NMG, and information related to taxation as applied to the financial model presented in Chapter 22. The after-tax model presented in Chapter 22 was prepared by NMG finance team and reviewed by the firm KPMG.

**3.4.** **Markets** 

The QPs have fully relied upon, and disclaim responsibility for, information supplied by experts retained by NMG for graphite marketing and pricing. This information is presented in Chapter 19 and was used to prepare the financial model presented in Chapter 22. Two market studies pertaining to graphite concentrates were commissioned. Offtake agreements with Traxys North America LLC and with Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd. ("Panasonic Energy") in relation to the feedstock needed to service this agreement, and an undisclosed anode material manufacturer, were also considered in the determination of the selling price of NMG's graphite products.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **3-1** |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

---

**4.** **Property Description and Location** 

**4.1.** **Mining Property Description** 

The Mining Property (Tony Block) presently consists of 159 contiguous Exclusive Exploration Rights ("EER") totalling 8,266.42 ha. Exploration work on the Mining Property uncovered significant graphite mineralization with the goal to economically extract this critical and strategic mineral. After successfully identifying Mineral Reserves on its Mining Property, NMG has advanced its mining project (Matawinie Mine) at the development stage with ongoing detailed engineering and construction, targeting the properties' mineralized West Zone. Other exploration stage mineralized zones are also present on the Mining Property and are briefly discussed in this report.

The Mining Property is part of NMG's broader mineral exploration EER known as the Matawinie Property. The Matawinie Property covered an initial exploration area of approximately 3,400 km<sup>2</sup>, it now comprises two main claim blocks, the Tony Block (159 EER) and the Ti-Nou Block (17 EER), located some 35 km north of the Mining Property.

The QP of this chapter has relied on information provided by NMG regarding land tenure, underlying agreements and technical information, and all those sources appear to be of sound quality. The EER forming the Mining Property have not been professionally surveyed. The QP has not sought a formal legal opinion about the ownership status of the EER comprising the property and has relied on materials presented on the GESTIM website (https://gestim.mines.gouv.qc.ca) and from NMG for all aspects of tenure.

**4.2.** **Location and Access** 

The centre of the Mining Property is located approximately 6 km to the southwest of the community of SMDS. The Tony Claim Block is located on the ancestral territory of the Atikamekw First Nation of Manawan and overlaps the National Topographic System ("NTS") map sheets 31J/09 and 31I/12. Most of the Mining Property, including the projected mining infrastructure and planned open pit, lies within the Municipality of SMDS, Lanaudière Administrative Region, province of Québec, Canada. A total of 18 EER on the southwestern portion are completely or partly located within the Unorganized Territory of Saint-Guillaume-Nord, Matawinie Regional County Municipality (or MRC for *Municipalité Régionale de Comté*), also located in the Lanaudière Administrative Region. The centre of the Mining Property is positioned approximately 120 km, as the crow flies, north of the city of Montréal, at latitude 46.63° and longitude -73.96° using WGS 1984 geographic coordinate system and Easting: 579570, Northing: 5164630 using the UTM, NAD83 Zone 18 projected coordinate system (Figure 4-1 and Figure 4-2).

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **4-1** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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**4.3.** **Type of Mineral Tenure** 

In the province of Québec, mineral tenures have up to recently been referred to as map-designated claims, which are managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests ("MRNF" for *Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts*). The assent of Bill 63 has changed the nomenclature of the term "claim", which is now referred to as "Exclusive Exploration Right" as of November 29, 2024. To maintain continuity, this Study has retained the nomenclature "claim" henceforth. These predetermined claims each measure 30" longitude by 30" latitude. Claims can be acquired, for a fee, using an online form on the MRNF's claims management system ("GESTIM") website (https://gestim.mines.gouv.qc.ca). Claims are valid for a period of 2 years, after which a predetermined amount of accumulated work spent on the claims, known as work credits, is required for renewal, as well as a renewal fee. All 159 claims composing the Mining Property are 100% owned by NMG. The present expiry dates of claims forming the Mining Property span from April 16, 2026 to September 8, 2027. A renewal fee of $18,016.61 USD (CAD25,223.25) is required to renew all claims forming the Tony Claim Block for an additional 2 years following their present expiry date. A claim renewal request was transmitted to the MRNF on October 8, 2025. This request is currently under review by the MRNF.

The information, downloaded from the GESTIM website on November 3, 2025, concerning the claims of the Mining Property, such as work credits required for renewal, credits accumulated from recent work, claim size and expiry date, is presented in Table 4-1. The Mining Property claims have not been surveyed. NMG and the QP relied on data downloaded on the GESTIM website regarding mineral tenure information such as claim location.

It is important to note that as of May 16, 2025, areas covering approximately 5,560 km<sup>2</sup> are subject to a temporary suspension of new claim designations, as these have been deemed incompatible with mining activities by the Matawinie MRC. These areas are roughly centred and cover most of the Mining Property. This does not affect the Mining Property claims, nor their renewal or mineral rights. Additionally, in 2024, the MRNF proposed a draft bill (#63) to amend the *Mining Act* and other provisions. This bill assented on November 29, 2024. Article 304.1.3, paragraph 1 of this amendment renders all parcels of land in the private domain incompatible with mining activities except for claims designated prior to May 28, 2024. Hence, the amendment does not affect the Mining Property as it would only retroactively affect claims designated from May 28, 2024, onwards. The Mining Property claims were all designated prior to this date. Additional information about this is available on the MRNF's GESTIM site as well as on SIGEOM's interactive online map (https://sigeom.mines.gouv.qc.ca/signet/classes/I1108_afchCarteIntr?l=A).

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **4-2** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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Of the 159 claims forming the Mining Property, eight are suspended, awaiting partial conversion to a mining lease. This requested lease represents an irregular area of 197.81 ha covering, roughly, the current Mineral Resource pit shell presented in this report. The current mine lease proposal received a preliminary approval from the MRNF on July 5, 2024. In addition, an industrial land lease (lease # 394-18-914) covering an area of 20.2 ha, needed for the placement of the beneficiation plant and related infrastructure, as well as a mine tailings land lease (lease # 278-17-914) covering 238.5 ha, has been obtained from the MRNF (Figure 4-2). The industrial, tailings and mine leases need to be renewed separately and yearly. These three land leases cover a sufficient area for all infrastructure needed for NMG's mining project.

On February 11, 2022, the partial lifting of a claim-staking ban, located on both sides of the restricted area centred over the Hydro-Québec powerlines, prompted the automatic expansion of bordering partial claims composing the Mining Property. The expansion of claims, as well as the liberation of parcels of claims by the lifting of restrictions, and their subsequent staking by NMG, added known graphitic mineralization to the Mining Property. The current Mineral Resources, Mineral Reserves and current requested mining lease reflect this added mineralization.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **4-3** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img003.jpg)

**Figure 4-1: Matawinie Property location**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **4-4** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img006.jpg)

**Figure 4-2: Tony Claim Block**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **4-5** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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**Table 4-1: Mining Property claims**

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| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Claim<br> No.<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Status** | **Area<br> (ha)** | **NTS Sheet** | **Designation <br> Date** | **Expiry Date** | **Cumulated <br> Credits<br> (CAD)** | **Required<br> Credits for<br> Renewal <br> (CAD)** | **Renewal <br> Fee (CAD)** |
| 2396504 | Suspended | 59.08 | 31I12 | 2013/12/27 | 2026/12/26 | $1504438.53 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2396505 | Suspended | 59.08 | 31I12 | 2013/12/27 | 2026/12/26 | $904295.98 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2396506 | Active | 59.08 | 31I12 | 2013/12/27 | 2026/12/26 | $874.012.76 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2396507 | Active | 59.08 | 31I12 | 2013/12/27 | 2026/12/26 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2396508 | Active | 59.08 | 31I12 | 2013/12/27 | 2026/12/26 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2396509 | Active | 59.07 | 31I12 | 2013/12/27 | 2026/12/26 | $804383.28 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2396510 | Suspended | 59.07 | 31I12 | 2013/12/27 | 2026/12/26 | $1011174.05 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2396511 | Suspended | 59.07 | 31I12 | 2013/12/27 | 2026/12/26 | $1543796.38 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2396512 | Suspended | 59.07 | 31I12 | 2013/12/27 | 2026/12/26 | $803299.22 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2396513 | Active | 59.07 | 31I12 | 2013/12/27 | 2026/12/26 | $817851.07 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2396514 | Active | 59.07 | 31I12 | 2013/12/27 | 2026/12/26 | $54650.40 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2396515 | Active | 59.06 | 31I12 | 2013/12/27 | 2026/12/26 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2396516 | Active | 59.06 | 31I12 | 2013/12/27 | 2026/12/26 | $8395.99 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2396517 | Active | 59.06 | 31I12 | 2013/12/27 | 2026/12/26 | $6595.99 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2396518 | Active | 59.06 | 31I12 | 2013/12/27 | 2026/12/26 | $5395.99 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2396519 | Active | 59.06 | 31I12 | 2013/12/27 | 2026/12/26 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2396520 | Active | 59.06 | 31I12 | 2013/12/27 | 2026/12/26 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2396521 | Active | 59.05 | 31I12 | 2013/12/27 | 2026/12/26 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2396522 | Active | 59.05 | 31I12 | 2013/12/27 | 2026/12/26 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2396523 | Active | 59.05 | 31I12 | 2013/12/27 | 2026/12/26 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2396524 | Active | 59.05 | 31I12 | 2013/12/27 | 2026/12/26 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2396525 | Active | 59.05 | 31I12 | 2013/12/27 | 2026/12/26 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2396526 | Active | 59.05 | 31I12 | 2013/12/27 | 2026/12/26 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2399854 | Active | 38.65 | 31I12 | 2014/02/18 | 2027/02/17 | $86212.35 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2399855 | Suspended | 59.08 | 31I12 | 2014/02/18 | 2027/02/17 | $862.296.98 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2399856 | Active | 59.07 | 31I12 | 2014/02/18 | 2027/02/17 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2399857 | Active | 58.41 | 31I12 | 2014/02/18 | 2027/02/17 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2399858 | Active | 58.56 | 31I12 | 2014/02/18 | 2027/02/17 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2407286 | Active | 59.1 | 31I12 | 2014/07/16 | 2027/07/15 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2407287 | Active | 59.1 | 31I12 | 2014/07/16 | 2027/07/15 | $241558.98 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2407288 | Active | 59.1 | 31I12 | 2014/07/16 | 2027/07/15 | $253184.83 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2407289 | Active | 59.1 | 31I12 | 2014/07/16 | 2027/07/15 | $28750.25 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2407290 | Active | 59.1 | 31I12 | 2014/07/16 | 2027/07/15 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2407291 | Active | 59.09 | 31I12 | 2014/07/16 | 2027/07/15 | $67944.73 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2407292 | Active | 59.09 | 31I12 | 2014/07/16 | 2027/07/15 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |

---

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **4-6** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Claim<br> No.<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Status** | **Area<br> (ha)** | **NTS Sheet** | **Designation <br> Date** | **Expiry Date** | **Cumulated <br> Credits<br> (CAD)** | **Required<br> Credits for<br> Renewal <br> (CAD)** | **Renewal <br> Fee (CAD)** |
| 2407293 | Active | 59.09 | 31I12 | 2014/07/16 | 2027/07/15 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2407294 | Active | 59.09 | 31I12 | 2014/07/16 | 2027/07/15 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2407295 | Active | 59.09 | 31I12 | 2014/07/16 | 2027/07/15 | $179442.89 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2407296 | Active | 59.09 | 31I12 | 2014/07/16 | 2027/07/15 | $75349.03 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2407297 | Active | 59.08 | 31I12 | 2014/07/16 | 2027/07/15 | $92985.70 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2407298 | Active | 59.08 | 31I12 | 2014/07/16 | 2027/07/15 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2407299 | Active | 59.08 | 31I12 | 2014/07/16 | 2027/07/15 | $111944.68 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2407300 | Active | 59.07 | 31I12 | 2014/07/16 | 2027/07/15 | $7271.61 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2409338 | Active | 59.11 | 31I12 | 2014/08/12 | 2027/08/11 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2409339 | Active | 59.1 | 31I12 | 2014/08/12 | 2027/08/11 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2409340 | Suspended | 58.33 | 31I12 | 2014/08/12 | 2027/08/11 | $1415434.72 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2409341 | Active | 59.09 | 31I12 | 2014/08/12 | 2027/08/11 | $875194.78 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2409342 | Active | 59.04 | 31I12 | 2014/08/12 | 2027/08/11 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2409343 | Active | 59.11 | 31I12 | 2014/08/12 | 2027/08/11 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2409344 | Active | 59.11 | 31I12 | 2014/08/12 | 2027/08/11 | $13195.99 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2409345 | Active | 59.11 | 31I12 | 2014/08/12 | 2027/08/11 | $8467.67 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2409346 | Active | 59.1 | 31I12 | 2014/08/12 | 2027/08/11 | $66144.73 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2409347 | Active | 59.1 | 31I12 | 2014/08/12 | 2027/08/11 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2409348 | Active | 59.09 | 31I12 | 2014/08/12 | 2027/08/11 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2409349 | Active | 59.11 | 31J09 | 2014/08/12 | 2027/08/11 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2409350 | Active | 59.11 | 31J09 | 2014/08/12 | 2027/08/11 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2409351 | Active | 59.1 | 31J09 | 2014/08/12 | 2027/08/11 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2409352 | Active | 59.1 | 31J09 | 2014/08/12 | 2027/08/11 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2409353 | Active | 59.09 | 31J09 | 2014/08/12 | 2027/08/11 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2409354 | Active | 59.09 | 31J09 | 2014/08/12 | 2027/08/11 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2409355 | Active | 59.08 | 31J09 | 2014/08/12 | 2027/08/11 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2411654 | Active | 59.11 | 31I12 | 2014/09/09 | 2027/09/08 | $13195.99 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2411655 | Active | 42.51 | 31I12 | 2014/09/09 | 2027/09/08 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2411656 | Active | 42.57 | 31I12 | 2014/09/09 | 2027/09/08 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2411657 | Active | 59.1 | 31I12 | 2014/09/09 | 2027/09/08 | $67944.73 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2411658 | Active | 58.08 | 31I12 | 2014/09/09 | 2027/09/08 | $77540.72 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2411659 | Active | 27.7 | 31I12 | 2014/09/09 | 2027/09/08 | $702495.87 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2411660 | Active | 52.99 | 31I12 | 2014/09/09 | 2027/09/08 | $69842.65 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2411661 | Active | 59.09 | 31I12 | 2014/09/09 | 2027/09/08 | $67 944.73 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2411662 | Active | 53.27 | 31I12 | 2014/09/09 | 2027/09/08 | $69842.65 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2411663 | Suspended | 28.58 | 31I12 | 2014/09/09 | 2027/09/08 | $1217221.81 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **4-7** |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

---

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Claim<br> No.<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Status** | **Area<br> (ha)** | **NTS Sheet** | **Designation <br> Date** | **Expiry Date** | **Cumulated <br> Credits<br> (CAD)** | **Required<br> Credits for<br> Renewal <br> (CAD)** | **Renewal <br> Fee (CAD)** |
| 2411664 | Active | 48.31 | 31I12 | 2014/09/09 | 2027/09/08 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2411665 | Active | 59.08 | 31J09 | 2014/09/09 | 2027/09/08 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2426857 | Active | 59.12 | 31I12 | 2015/04/17 | 2026/04/16 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2426858 | Active | 59.12 | 31I12 | 2015/04/17 | 2026/04/16 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2426859 | Active | 59.12 | 31I12 | 2015/04/17 | 2026/04/16 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2426860 | Active | 59.12 | 31I12 | 2015/04/17 | 2026/04/16 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2426861 | Active | 59.12 | 31I12 | 2015/04/17 | 2026/04/16 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2426862 | Active | 59.12 | 31I12 | 2015/04/17 | 2026/04/16 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2426863 | Active | 59.12 | 31I12 | 2015/04/17 | 2026/04/16 | $13813.91 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2426864 | Active | 59.12 | 31I12 | 2015/04/17 | 2026/04/16 | $13814.09 | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2429408 | Active | 59.12 | 31I12 | 2015/06/19 | 2026/06/18 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2429409 | Active | 59.11 | 31I12 | 2015/06/19 | 2026/06/18 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2429410 | Active | 59.11 | 31I12 | 2015/06/19 | 2026/06/18 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2429411 | Active | 59.11 | 31I12 | 2015/06/19 | 2026/06/18 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2429412 | Active | 59.08 | 31I12 | 2015/06/19 | 2026/06/18 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2429413 | Active | 59.07 | 31I12 | 2015/06/19 | 2026/06/18 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2429414 | Active | 59.07 | 31I12 | 2015/06/19 | 2026/06/18 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2429415 | Active | 59.06 | 31I12 | 2015/06/19 | 2026/06/18 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2429416 | Active | 59.12 | 31J09 | 2015/06/19 | 2026/06/18 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2429417 | Active | 59.11 | 31J09 | 2015/06/19 | 2026/06/18 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2429418 | Active | 59.11 | 31J09 | 2015/06/19 | 2026/06/18 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2429419 | Active | 59.1 | 31I12 | 2015/06/19 | 2026/06/18 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2429420 | Active | 59.09 | 31I12 | 2015/06/19 | 2026/06/18 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2429421 | Active | 59.08 | 31I12 | 2015/06/19 | 2026/06/18 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2431602 | Active | 59.13 | 31I12 | 2015/07/28 | 2026/07/27 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2431603 | Active | 58.42 | 31I12 | 2015/07/28 | 2026/07/27 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2431604 | Active | 59.12 | 31I12 | 2015/07/28 | 2026/07/27 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2431605 | Active | 53.08 | 31I12 | 2015/07/28 | 2026/07/27 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2431606 | Active | 58.19 | 31I12 | 2015/07/28 | 2026/07/27 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2431607 | Active | 59.12 | 31I12 | 2015/07/28 | 2026/07/27 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2431865 | Active | 25.17 | 31I12 | 2015/08/11 | 2026/08/10 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2431866 | Active | 2.95 | 31I12 | 2015/08/11 | 2026/08/10 | $- | $750.00 | $40.75 |
| 2433699 | Active | 59.11 | 31J09 | 2015/10/02 | 2026/10/01 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2433700 | Active | 59.1 | 31J09 | 2015/10/02 | 2026/10/01 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2433701 | Active | 59.09 | 31J09 | 2015/10/02 | 2026/10/01 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2433702 | Active | 59.08 | 31J09 | 2015/10/02 | 2026/10/01 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **4-8** |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

---

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Claim<br> No.<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Status** | **Area<br> (ha)** | **NTS Sheet** | **Designation <br> Date** | **Expiry Date** | **Cumulated <br> Credits<br> (CAD)** | **Required<br> Credits for<br> Renewal <br> (CAD)** | **Renewal <br> Fee (CAD)** |
| 2433703 | Active | 59.07 | 31J09 | 2015/10/02 | 2026/10/01 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2435494 | Active | 59.04 | 31I12 | 2016/01/05 | 2027/01/04 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2435495 | Active | 59.04 | 31I12 | 2016/01/05 | 2027/01/04 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2435496 | Active | 59.04 | 31I12 | 2016/01/05 | 2027/01/04 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2435497 | Active | 59.04 | 31I12 | 2016/01/05 | 2027/01/04 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2435498 | Active | 59.04 | 31I12 | 2016/01/05 | 2027/01/04 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2435499 | Active | 59.04 | 31I12 | 2016/01/05 | 2027/01/04 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2435500 | Active | 59.03 | 31I12 | 2016/01/05 | 2027/01/04 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2435501 | Active | 59.03 | 31I12 | 2016/01/05 | 2027/01/04 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2435502 | Active | 59.03 | 31I12 | 2016/01/05 | 2027/01/04 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2435503 | Active | 59.03 | 31I12 | 2016/01/05 | 2027/01/04 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2435504 | Active | 59.04 | 31I12 | 2016/01/05 | 2027/01/04 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2435505 | Active | 59.04 | 31I12 | 2016/01/05 | 2027/01/04 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2435508 | Active | 59.03 | 31I12 | 2016/01/05 | 2027/01/04 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2435509 | Active | 59.03 | 31I12 | 2016/01/05 | 2027/01/04 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2435633 | Active | 30.38 | 31I12 | 2016/01/08 | 2027/01/07 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2435634 | Active | 42.15 | 31I12 | 2016/01/08 | 2027/01/07 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2435635 | Active | 28.01 | 31I12 | 2016/01/08 | 2027/01/07 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2435636 | Active | 45.77 | 31I12 | 2016/01/08 | 2027/01/07 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2435637 | Active | 59.06 | 31I12 | 2016/01/08 | 2027/01/07 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2435638 | Active | 34.06 | 31I12 | 2016/01/08 | 2027/01/07 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2435639 | Active | 59.07 | 31J09 | 2016/01/08 | 2027/01/07 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2435640 | Active | 41.83 | 31J09 | 2016/01/08 | 2027/01/07 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2435641 | Active | 55.9 | 31J09 | 2016/01/08 | 2027/01/07 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2496343 | Active | 59.05 | 31I12 | 2017/06/14 | 2026/06/13 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2496344 | Active | 59.04 | 31I12 | 2017/06/14 | 2026/06/13 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2496345 | Active | 59.04 | 31I12 | 2017/06/14 | 2026/06/13 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2496346 | Active | 59.04 | 31I12 | 2017/06/14 | 2026/06/13 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2496347 | Active | 46.34 | 31I12 | 2017/06/14 | 2026/06/13 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2496348 | Active | 58.53 | 31I12 | 2017/06/14 | 2026/06/13 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2519598 | Active | 59.03 | 31I12 | 2018/06/06 | 2027/06/05 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2519599 | Active | 59.03 | 31I12 | 2018/06/06 | 2027/06/05 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2519600 | Active | 59.03 | 31I12 | 2018/06/06 | 2027/06/05 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2519604 | Active | 59.02 | 31I12 | 2018/06/06 | 2027/06/05 | $- | $1800.00 | $79.25 |
| 2617657 | Active | 59.02 | 31I12 | 2021/08/25 | 2026/08/24 | $- | $1200.00 | $79.25 |
| 2617658 | Active | 59.02 | 31I12 | 2021/08/25 | 2026/08/24 | $- | $1200.00 | $79.25 |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **4-9** |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

---

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Claim<br> No.<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Status** | **Area<br> (ha)** | **NTS Sheet** | **Designation <br> Date** | **Expiry Date** | **Cumulated <br> Credits<br> (CAD)** | **Required<br> Credits for<br> Renewal <br> (CAD)** | **Renewal <br> Fee (CAD)** |
| 2617659 | Active | 59.02 | 31I12 | 2021/08/25 | 2026/08/24 | $- | $1200.00 | $79.25 |
| 2617660 | Active | 59.02 | 31I12 | 2021/08/25 | 2026/08/24 | $- | $1200.00 | $79.25 |
| 2636114 | Active | 12.94 | 31I12 | 2022/02/11 | 2027/02/10 | $- | $500.00 | $40.75 |
| 2636115 | Active | 4.04 | 31I12 | 2022/02/11 | 2027/02/10 | $- | $500.00 | $40.75 |
| 2636116 | Active | 0.4 | 31I12 | 2022/02/11 | 2027/02/10 | $- | $500.00 | $40.75 |
| 2636117 | Active | 14.81 | 31I12 | 2022/02/11 | 2027/02/10 | $- | $500.00 | $40.75 |
| 2636118 | Active | 4.95 | 31I12 | 2022/02/11 | 2027/02/10 | $- | $500.00 | $40.75 |
| 2636119 | Active | 4.98 | 31I12 | 2022/02/11 | 2027/02/10 | $- | $500.00 | $40.75 |
| 2636120 | Active | 14.6 | 31I12 | 2022/02/11 | 2027/02/10 | $702495.87 | $500.00 | $40.75 |
| 2636121 | Active | 0.38 | 31I12 | 2022/02/11 | 2027/02/10 | $- | $500.00 | $40.75 |
| 2636122 | Active | 0.25 | 31I12 | 2022/02/11 | 2027/02/10 | $- | $500.00 | $40.75 |
| 2636123 | Active | 13.53 | 31I12 | 2022/02/11 | 2027/02/10 | $- | $500.00 | $40.75 |
| 2636124 | Active | 1.87 | 31I12 | 2022/02/11 | 2027/02/10 | $- | $500.00 | $40.75 |
| 2636125 | Active | 6.79 | 31I12 | 2022/02/11 | 2027/02/10 | $- | $500.00 | $40.75 |
| 2636126 | Active | 3.01 | 31I12 | 2022/02/11 | 2027/02/10 | $- | $500.00 | $40.75 |
| 2636127 | Active | 5.03 | 31J09 | 2022/02/11 | 2027/02/10 | $- | $500.00 | $40.75 |

---

<sup>(1)</sup> All claims are 100% owned by Nouveau Monde Graphite inc. (GESTIM client # 96458) - Claim information effective date: November 3, 2025.

<sup>(2)</sup> All claims are subject to a renewal request dated October 8, 2025. This request is currently under review by the MRNF.

**4.4.** **Agreements and Royalties Obligations** 

The Matawinie Property, which includes the Mining Property, is currently subject to a 2.0% Net Smelter Return ("NSR") in favour of Pallinghurst Graphite International Limited ("Pallinghurst Graphite"). In addition, NMG has entered into a collaborative agreement with the municipality of SMDS ("Municipality"), as well as an Impact and Benefit Agreement ("IBA") with the Atikamekw of Manawan represented by the *Conseil des Atikamekw de Manawan*. The following summarizes these agreements and royalty obligations concerning the Matawinie Mine. Economic costs related to the agreements mentioned in this chapter are integrated in the project's cost estimate.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **4-10** |

---

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

---

**4.4.1.** **Pallinghurst Agreement** 

The Matawinie Property is subject to a 2.0% NSR in favour of Pallinghurst Graphite on all minerals mined, provided or otherwise recovered from the Matawinie Property in accordance with the royalty agreement dated August 28, 2020 as amended from time to time. The royalty agreement contains provision detailing the formula to calculate the 2.0% NSR for the various products, whether derived directly from the minerals mined at the Matawinie Mine or further transformed. As provided for in the royalty agreement, a hypothec was granted on the Matawinie Property in August 2022 to secure NMG's NSR obligations.

**4.4.2.** **Saint-Michel-des-Saints Municipality Agreement** 

NMG entered into a collaboration agreement and sharing of the benefits of the Matawinie Mine with the Municipality ("SMDS Collaboration Agreement"). Through a liaison committee, the Municipality will have the chance to actively participate in shaping, implementing and monitoring NMG's mining project. In addition, throughout NMG's commercial mining operations, the Municipality will receive designated financial benefits, which have been incorporated into the Matawinie Project's cost estimate.

**4.4.3.** **Conseil des Atikamekw Agreement** 

NMG and the Conseil des Atikamekw de Manawan entered into an IBA on December 11, 2024, by which the Atikamekw of Manawan (hereinafter, the "Manawan Atikamekw") are giving their Free, Prior and Informed Consent ("FPIC") towards NMG's Matawinie Mine, including the main electric line powering the Matawinie Mine.

The Impact and Benefit Agreement includes provisions for the Manawan Atikamekw to take part in the Matawinie Mine's environmental management and monitoring, the implementation of adapted and preferential training and employability measures, the promotion of business opportunities during the Matawinie Mine's construction and operations, as well as the recognition of Manawan Atikamekw culture and the inclusion of cultural safety measures. The IBA also sets out the sharing of financial benefits from NMG's graphite development operations, the costs of which have been incorporated into the Matawinie Project's cost estimate.

A committee has been formed to oversee the implementation of the IBA, and a Coordinator from the community based in Manawan will act as liaison officer.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **4-11** |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

---

**4.5.** **Permits and Environmental Liabilities** 

Permits needed for the exploration, geotechnical and hydrogeological exploration or characterization works completed to date consists of tree clearing permits, provided by the Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks ("MFFP" for *Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs or MRNF Ministère des Ressources Naturelles et Forêts*). In order to obtain the tree clearing permits, a Certificate of Conformity from the Municipality of SMDS is required. Permits and authorizations were also obtained for NMG's demonstration plant construction and operation including the ore extraction site and tailings facilities located on the West Zone of the Mining Property. This plant uses the ore from the West Zone deposit to create natural graphite flake concentrate (for more details, see Press Releases dated May 24, 2018 and September 18, 2018). These permits consist of tree clearing permits as well as authorizations delivered by the Ministry of Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change ("MELCCFP" for *Ministère de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, Faune et Parcs*) for construction works and operation at the demonstration plant, tailings as well as water storage facilities. Table 4-2 lists the number of the Mining Properties' permits and authorizations obtained to date by various government entities for exploration and characterization work, as well as NMG's demonstration plant. It is important to note that from September 2020, the MELCC adopted an in-depth modification of its environmental authorization policy system under section 22 of the *Environment Quality Act* ("EQA") named the *Règlement sur l'encadrement d'activités en fonction de leur impact sur l'environnement* ("REAFIE") (MELCC, 2022). The Regulation oversees activities in need of authorization based on their environmental impact (REAFIE) (Q-2, r. 17.1). Activities with moderate environmental risk need a ministerial authorization, those at low risk, a declaration of conformity, and those at negligible risk, can be exempt of an authorization or declaration. The REAFIE details the conditions that must be met to be admissible for a declaration of compliance or the exemption of an authorization.

The permits obtained and needed to conduct the construction work and mining operation for the Matawinie Mine are discussed in Chapter 20.

**Table 4-2: Permits and authorizations acquired for exploration work, various characterization work<br> and the demonstration plants**

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Project Phase** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**SMDS Certificate of<br> Conformity** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**MFFP<br> Permits** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**MERN<br> Permits** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**MELCC<br> Permits** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Exploration Matawinie Mine | &nbsp;&nbsp;16 | &nbsp;&nbsp;19 | &nbsp;&nbsp;2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;- |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Phase 1 Matawinie Mine | &nbsp;&nbsp;7 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;9 | &nbsp;&nbsp;12 |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **4-12** |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

---

The Ministerial Decree authorizing the Matawinie Project (Decree # 47-2021) was granted by the MELCCFP on January 20, 2021. The Decree covers a commercial production level of 100,000 tpy of graphite concentrate. In February 2024, NMG submitted a Decree modification for graphite production at 106,000 tonnes per annum. The request is to amend Condition 2 of Decree 47-2021 in accordance with the update of the mining plan.

The permits obtained and required to conduct the wetlands compensation, construction work phases, and mining operation proposed for the Matawinie Mine are discussed in Chapter 20.

To the QP's knowledge, there are no liabilities (whether contingent or otherwise) relating to any environmental activity concerning or affecting the Company, its subsidiaries or their properties, assets or operations, and there are no liabilities (whether contingent or otherwise) relating to the restoration or rehabilitation of land, water or any other part of the environment, in each case that would have a Material Adverse Effect on the Mining Property.

**4.6.** **Significant Factors and Risks** 

NMG operates in an industry that contains various risks and uncertainties. The risks and uncertainties listed below are not the only ones to which the Company is subject. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known by NMG, or which the Company deems to be currently insignificant, may impede the Company's schedule and performance. The materialization of risks could harm the Company's activities and have significant negative impacts on its financial situation and its operating results.

**Risk of New Mining Operations**

The Matawinie Mine does not have an operating history. Whether income will result from any of the Company's activities, including, without limitation, the Matawinie Mine, will depend on the successful establishment of new mining operations and expansion of current operations, including the construction and operation of the Matawinie Mine and related infrastructure. As a result, the Company is subject to all of the risks associated with establishing or expanding new mining operations and business enterprises, including the timing and cost, which can be considerable, of the construction of mining and processing facilities and related infrastructure; the availability and cost of skilled labour and mining equipment; the need to obtain necessary environmental and other governmental approval and permits and the timing of the receipt of those approvals and permits; the availability of funds to finance construction and development activities; potential opposition from non-governmental organizations, environmental groups or local groups which may delay or prevent development activities; and potential increases in construction and operating costs due to changes in the cost of fuel, power, materials and supplies.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **4-13** |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

---

Various factors, including the successful construction, commissioning and ramp-up of the Matawinie Mine, the qualification by the customers of the product from the Matawinie Mine, costs, actual mineralization, consistency and reliability of graphite grades, commodity prices, future cash flow and profitability can affect successful project development, and there can be no assurance that current or future estimates of these factors will reflect actual results and performance. The design and construction of efficient processing facilities, the cost and availability of suitable machinery, supplies, mining equipment and skilled labour, the existence of competent operational management and prudent financial administration, as well as the availability and reliability of appropriately skilled and experienced consultants can also affect successful project development. It is common in new mining operations to experience unexpected problems and delays during construction, development, mine start-up and commissioning activities. Such factors can add to the cost of mine development, production and operation and/or impair production and mining activities, thereby affecting the Company's profitability. Accordingly, there is no assurance that the Matawinie Mine will ever be brought into a state of commercial production or that the Company's activities will result in profitable mining operations.

**Risks Related to the Mining Property**

The mining project's footprint has no accessibility restrictions known to NMG.

Information provided by the MRNF cadaster database from August 30, 2024, reveals that the mineralized zones in the Tony Claim Block, including the proposed mining installations, cover only crown land. The Tony Block also covers private properties, although these are located some distance from the targeted mineralization except for two private lots, one of which encroaches by up to 13 m the West Zone proposed open pit, while the other is located up to about 80 m from the pit boundary (Figure 4-3). These two lots are the property of Quartier Du Nouveau Monde Inc., a subsidiary of NMG, and as such, does not pose any constraints to the mining project. The closest private lot, other than those owned by NMG or one of its subsidiaries, is located about 500 m from the proposed Matawinie Mine open pit. Additional information on surface rights is available in Section 5.5.

For more details on social, environmental, and permitting issues and risks, see Chapter 20. Additional risks are also mentioned in Chapter 25.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **4-14** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img027.jpg)

**Figure 4-3: Tony Block land ownership**

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **4-15** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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**5.** **Accessibility, Climate, Local Resources, Infrastructure and Physiography** 

**5.1.** **Mining Property Accessibility** 

All mineralized zones located on the Tony Block, including the mining project footprint, are within 4 km, as the crow flies, from the centre of the Tony Block and 11 km to 18 km driving distance from the community of SMDS using the current road system (Figure 4-3). The town itself is accessible from Montréal using the Province of Québec's Highway 40 and paved Route 131; the trip represents approximately 160 km (Figure 4-1).

A Forestry Class 1 gravel road, measuring 8 km in length and connecting Road 131, part of Québec's Ministry of Transportation's Road infrastructure to NMG's projected industrial mining site, was constructed in 2021. This road crosses private lots on a length of about 1.1 km, for which a right-of-way was granted by the landowner in favour of NMG.

The mining project area is easily accessible using high clearance two-wheel-drive vehicles. The main mineralized zones are all accessible using logging roads of varying grades. The use of an all-terrain vehicle ("ATV") or four-wheel-drive vehicle is strongly recommended to access the mineralized zones, especially in wet and slippery conditions. Road maintenance and snow removal in the Matawinie Mine area is carried-out by NMG when needed.

**5.2.** **Physiography** 

The topography of the Mining Property and surrounding region is typical of the Laurentian Highlands, characterized by a series of rounded elongated hills and valleys carved by the passage of the Laurentide Ice Sheet during the Quaternary Period. Summits usually reach 100 m to 150 m above the bottom of adjacent valleys. The valleys themselves vary considerably in width and are often occupied by marshes and small streams. The lakes in the Matawinie Mine area are formed by larger basins, most of which are probably structurally controlled. Elevation on the Tony Block varies between 360 m to 625 m above sea level.

Studies of Pleistocene and recent quaternary deposits, as well as the author's observations, indicate that hilltops and elevated areas are generally covered by a thin veneer of undifferentiated glacial sandy-silty till, usually about 1 m to 5 m thick, although sometimes exceeding 25 m as demonstrated by drilling in the northern portion of the West Zone.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **5-1** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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Adjacent valleys generally include considerable accumulated organic matter, decomposed, and derived from sphagnum, mosses, and forest litter. Fluvioglacial and fluvial deposits of sand and gravels are also present within the area; they can be distinguished by their mostly homogeneous grain size, the lack of clay and silt size particles and the presence of rounded cobbles and boulders. These deposits seem to dominate the valley host to the Matawin River. Mineralized zones are mostly covered by till, with fluvioglacial material sometimes present at lower elevations.

The area is located in the maple-yellow birch bioclimatic domain. The potential vegetation on mesic sites is maple-yellow birch stands (mid-slope) and balsam fir-yellow birch stands (top of slope). Well-drained sites are colonized by the potential vegetation of black spruce and lichen-American green alder stands. Balsam fir-red spruce stands are located on less well-drained benches. The growing season is of moderate length, varying from 160 to 170 days (Robitaille and Saucier, 1997). More specifically, the study area is dominated by deciduous stands, which consist mainly of yellow birch, maple and poplar. Mixed stands come second and are composed of the same deciduous and coniferous species such as fir, tamarack or cedar. Coniferous stands are less extensive and consist mainly of fir, tamarack, cedar and pine.

**5.3.** **Climate** 

The Matawinie Mine area is under the influence of a warm summer humid continental climate, according to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system (https://en.climate-data.org/), and receives a moderate amount of precipitation. There are no climate-related obstacles preventing a year-round mining operation.

The mean annual temperature is 3.1 °C, based on data recorded at Environment Canada's station No. 7077570, which is located in SMDS (Environment Canada, 2015). According to the 1981-2010 statistics (station No. 7077570), July is the warmest month with an average daily maximum temperature of 24.2 °C, whereas January is the coldest month with an average daily minimum temperature of -20.4 °C. These statistics also show that the average annual rainfall is 731.1 mm with quantities culminating in June and July, and the average annual snowfall is 208.5 cm with significant precipitations in December, January and March. Snowfall occurs typically from October until April. Few snowfall events are possible in September and May. On average, a snow cover of 20 cm or more is present 98.1 days/year in the study area (Environment Canada, 2015). The permanent snow cover period varies from year to year but usually occurs around mid-November until mid to end of April. Non-maintained secondary and logging roads can typically be accessed by snowmobile between mid-December and early April.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **5-2** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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**5.4.** **Local Resources and Infrastructure** 

The Tony Block mineralization is located within a few kilometres of major infrastructure. Electrical power and lumber supply stores are available in the town of Saint-Michel-des-Saints, as well as other common amenities such as running water, maintained public road system, lodging, restaurants and grocery stores. Communication towers provide partial cellular communication coverage to most of the main mineralized zones, including the mining project footprint. According to the 2021 Federal Census, the Saint-Michel-des-Saint municipality counts a population of 2,496, with 2,020 private dwellings occupied by 1,268 usual residents, in an area of about 494 km<sup>2</sup>.

The nearest hospital or CLSC (*Centre local de services communautaires*), a free health clinic operated and maintained by the provincial government, is located in the town of SMDS and a larger hospital is located about 100 km to the south, in the town of Joliette. Two 735 kV power lines, managed by Hydro-Québec, pass through the Mining Property. The closest power distribution centre, from where the Matawinie Mine will be supplied in hydroelectricity, is the Provost substation, located approximately 10 km to the east-southeast of the proposed mine.

Local resources on the Mining Property consist of an abundance of fresh water and mixed deciduous and coniferous trees. Sand and gravel have also been observed on the Tony Block during field work, although the available volume and quality of the material is unknown. Geotechnical tests are being conducted on the surficial material covering the deposit to validate its usefulness for the construction of infrastructure. The general area has excellent road coverage, with many logging roads leading far into the hills. The region offers a skilled workforce, such as forestry workers, mechanics and heavy equipment operators.

It is important to note that NMG has leased 7,764 m<sup>2</sup> (including 657 m<sup>2</sup> of exterior storage and 511 m<sup>2</sup> of interior storage) of a large manufacturing plant owned by SSTM International Inc., located at 600 Chemin de la Forex inc. in Saint-Michel-des-Saints, to host its demonstration plant with a capacity to produce 1,000 tonnes of graphite concentrate annually (Figure 4-3). Additionally, this demonstration plant contains micronization and spheronization equipment necessary to produce lithium-ion battery ("LiB") anode material as well as a spherical purified graphite coating line. The demonstration plant provides valuable information and experience for both engineering and personnel involved in the future mining operations. Additional information about this demonstration plant is detailed in Press Releases from NMG dated May 24, 2018, September 18, 2018, December 20, 2019, March 25, 2022, and June 17, 2022.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **5-3** |

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**5.5.** **Surface Rights** 

The Tony Block main mineralized zones are located on public crown land. None of the infrastructure of the proposed Matawinie Mine is located on private or leased land that is not owned by NMG or one of its subsidiaries, except for a portion of the main access road for which a right-of-way was granted by the landowner in favour of NMG. The closest land leases from the Matawinie Mine and related infrastructure are located on the shores of *Lac aux Pierres* (Figure 4-3). Following their acquisition from private owners, these land leases are now all owned by NMG or its subsidiaries. Other nearby land leases and private lots located within a 1 km buffer of the planned open pit footprint are subject to a voluntary acquisition process put forth by NMG. Some of these lots have already been acquired by NMG (Figure 4-3). Further details about the Pre-Development Acquisition Protocol are available in NMG's Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ("ESIA").

A total of three main land leases is needed to implement the Matawinie Mine, of which two, the industrial and tailings land leases, have been obtained (Figure 4-2, Section 4.3). Additional information on the issuance of the mining lease is available in Sections 20.1.3.1 and 20.1.4.

1. Land
 lease for tailings infrastructure located on the domain of the State.

2. Land
 lease for industrial infrastructure located on the domain of the State.

3. Mining
 lease covering the planned open pit.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **5-4** |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.** **History** 

The Tony Block is located in an area that has mostly been ignored in terms of its mineral potential. No mention of work in the Tony Block by other mineral exploration companies has been found in the literature. At a more regional scale, the SIGEOM mineral occurrence database indicates a few mineralized showings in the general area, including an old mica mine and closed quartz (silica) quarries (Figure 6-1). The *Ministère de l'Énergie et Ressources naturelles* ("MERN", now MRNF) and the Geological Survey of Canada ("GSC") completed geological mapping in the area in the 1960s (Figure 6-2). The provincial government also carried out a recent lake bottom sediment sampling campaign (Solgadi, F., 2018; DP 2018-03) and surficial sediment formation mapping (Figure 6-3, (Hardy et al., 2018; MB 2018-43). Additional information on these surveys is available in Sections 6.1 and 7.2.7.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **6-1** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img030.jpg)

**Figure 6-1: Tony Block regional geology**

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **6-2** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img031.jpg)

**Figure 6-2: Tony Block local geology**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **6-3** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img032.jpg)

**Figure 6-3: Tony Block regional surficial geology**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **6-4** |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.1** **Regional Government Surveys** 

The historical information used for the preparation of this section was obtained from the SIGEOM and EXAMINE systems, both managed by the *Ministère des Resources naturelles et des Forêts* ("MRNF")<sup>1</sup>, and from Natural Resources Canada ("NRCAN")<sup>2</sup>. The only relevant historical work performed on the Tony Block, other than that done by NMG and 3457265 Canada Inc., consists of geological mapping by both the provincial and federal government as well as a recent lake bottom sediment sampling campaign. The MERN lake bottom geochemical survey was carried out in 2012, mostly over the Grenville geological Province. A report summarizing the results was published on March 1, 2018 (Solgadi, F., 2018; DP 2018-03). The report focuses on the following elements: As, Cu, La, Li, Ni, Pb, Y, and Zn. Out of the 5,779 samples collected during the survey, six are located on the Tony Claim Block. One of these samples returned Li values within the top 1%. The MERN report MB 2018-43 (Hardy et al., 2018) suggests that the surficial material over the Mining Property is composed of a mix of bedrock, glacial till, glaciofluvial sediment with minor alluvial and glaciolacustrine sediments (Figure 6-3).

Table 6-1 provides details of historical geoscientific reports concerning the Tony Block.

**Table 6-1: Historical geoscientific reports concerning the Tony Block**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Report ID** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Year of<br> Publication** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Type of Report and Comments** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;RP 552<sup>1</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;1966 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Geological mapping at the 1:63,360 scale of the Saint-Michel-des-Saints region (western part) as well as the Joliette, Berthier and the Maskinongé County |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;\*108485<sup>2</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;1966 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Geological mapping at the 1:253,440 scale of the Mont Laurier and Kempt Lake Map Areas (NTS sheet 31J and 31O) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CGSIGEOM31I<sup>1</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;2010 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Geological map compilation at the 1:50,000 scale covering NTS sheet 31I |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CGSIGEOM31J<sup>1</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;2010 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Geological map compilation at the 1:50,000 scale covering NTS sheet 31J |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;DP 2018-03<sup>1</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;2018 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Lake bottom geochemical survey covering the southern portion of the Grenville Province |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MB 2018-43<sup>1</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;2018 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Surficial sediment formation mapping covering NTS map sheets 31I04, 31I05, 31I06, 31I11, 31I12, 31I13, 31J09 and 31J16 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.2** **Mineral Exploration Work** 

No mention of work in the Tony Block by mineral exploration companies, other than NMG, has been found in the literature.

<sup>1</sup> Available on the following website: <u>http://sigeom.mines.gouv.qc.ca/signet/classes/I1102_indexAccueil?l=a</u>

<sup>2</sup> Available on the following website: <u>http://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/starweb/geoscan/servlet.starweb?path=geoscan/geoscan_e.web</u>

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **6-5** |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.** **Geological Setting and Mineralization** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.1** **Regional Geology** 

The Tony Block is located in the southwestern portion of the Grenville geological Province. The Grenville Province is composed of imbricated terranes, or large crustal blocks, each one dipping eastward below successively younger ones due to the pushing and adding of new terranes during distinct phases of orogenic activity. These terranes, or fault-bounded crustal blocks, are exposed over a 300 km to 500 km wide belt that extends from southwestern Ontario and northern New York State to Labrador (Figure 7-1). Rivers et al. (1989) divided the Grenville into the Autochthonous, Parautochthonous and Allochthonous tectonic belts. Intense ductile deformation occurred during the Grenvillian orogenic cycle (1160-970 Ma; Rivers et al., 1989). During this cycle, the different terranes were thrust up and over each other (Figure 7-2).

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img033.jpg)

**Figure 7-1: Tectonic subdivisions of the Grenville Province**

**(modified from Carr et al., 2000 and according to Rivers et al., 1989)**

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **7-1** |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img034.jpg)

**Figure 7-2: Grenville orogeny thrusting**

**From http://www2.ggl.ulaval.ca/personnel/bourque/intro.pt/planete_terre.html** **<br> [modified from Hocq et al., 1994 (MM 94-01)]**

The Mining Property is more specifically located within the Morin Terrane ("MT"), part of the deformed and transported Allochthonous monocyclic belt of the Grenville geological Province (Figure 7-1 and Figure 7-3). It should be noted that the Allochthonous monocyclic belt present in the western part of the Grenville Province has long been referred to as the Central Metasedimentary Belt ("CMB"). The CMB overlaps several regions in Québec, Ontario and northern New York State. It is composed of lithologies belonging to the Grenville Supergroup (marble, metasediments, metavolcanics, quartzite, etc.) metamorphosed from the Greenschist Facies through the Amphibolite Facies to the Granulite Facies, depending upon the region.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **7-2** |

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The volcano-sedimentary Morin Terrane is bounded to the west by the Mont-Laurier Terrane ("MLT"), which is also part of the Allochthonous monocyclic belt. Both terranes are separated by a large inverse fault known as the Labelle-Kinonge Shear Zone ("LKTZ") (Figure 7-4 and Figure 7-5). The MT is mostly metamorphosed at the Granulite Facies, while the MLT displays mostly Amphibolite Facies metamorphism (Hocq et al, 1994, MM-94-01). The MT straddles the Mékinac-Taureau Domaine, part of the Allochthonous polycyclic belt. This domain bounds the MT to the east (Figure 7-5). A normal fault separates the MT and the Paleozoic sedimentary rocks to the south. The northern boundary of the MT is still imprecise and has not yet been properly mapped.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img035.jpg)

**Figure 7-3: Principal divisions of the Grenville Province and location of the Tony Block**

**(modified from Davidson et al.,1998)**

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **7-3** |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img036.jpg)

**Figure 7-4: Cross-section of the Grenville Province centered over the Morin Terrane**

**[modified from Hocq et al., 1994 (MM 94-01]**

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **7-4** |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img037.jpg)

**Figure 7-5: Terranes adjacent to the Tony Block**

The MT is centered over a large anorthosite body dated at about 1,160 Ma. It is also composed of paragneiss, amphibolite and orthogneiss cut by charnockite intrusions associated with the Grenville Orogeny. The region displays numerous deformation events made evident by the polyphased foliation observed locally within the paragneiss sequences (Marcil, GM 60206). According to calcite-graphite thermometry work performed by Peck, W.H. et al. (2005), marbles within the MT yield metamorphic temperatures of 755 ± 38 °C. Peck, W.H. et al. concludes that the peak metamorphic conditions and cooling paths in the MT are similar to the 1.07 Ga Ottawan orogeny.

The regional geology, as characterized by the geological map compilation at a 1: 2,000,000 scale in the MRNF EXAMINE document DV 2012-06, is illustrated in Figure 6-1. More detailed geological maps, based on work from Wynn-Edwards (1966) and Schryver, K. (1966, RP 552), are also available in the literature, and are illustrated in Figure 6-2. It is important to note that the lithological data available from SIGEOM and EXAMINE has not been mapped at a property scale and that, due to the complexity of the Grenville geology, other lithologies may be present on the Tony Block, and lithological boundaries are approximate.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **7-5** |

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The MRNF database suggests that a large portion of the Tony Block, especially the eastern section, is composed of paragneiss. This was confirmed during prospecting activities in 2014 and 2015. A few large slivers of amphibolite units were mapped in the central part of the property, and a charnockitic gneiss unit wraps around the northwestern and southeastern portion of the main mineralized zones. The late 2013 and early 2015 geophysical airborne surveys suggest a large circular conductor located in the central part of the Tony Block, as well as weaker conductors scattered within the Mining Property (Figure 9-2). The main circular conductor, which has proven to display graphite mineralization, was the focus of ground exploration work by NMG since 2014.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.2** **Property Geology** 

The majority of the lithologies present on the Tony Block are the typical metasedimentary rocks, which were assigned to being part of the "Grenville Series" of Logan (1863). The term Grenville Series was redefined as the "Grenville Supergroup" by Wynne-Edwards (1972). The principal lithologies diagnostic of the Grenville Supergroup are; aluminous paragneisses (garnet, sillimanite, biotite, graphite), marble (crystalline limestone), quartzite, amphibolite, and related rocks. All these lithologies occupy a large area in Québec, Ontario, and northern New York State, which is referred to as the Central Metasedimentary Belt; Mont-Laurier Basin; Monocyclic Belt, etc. Thus, the Tony Block lies within this CMB (Figure 7-1). The following paragraphs summarize the various lithologies encountered during work performed by NMG on the Tony Block.

**7.2.1** **Paragneisses – Migmatites – Mobilizate** 

The aluminous paragneiss, is the most abundant rock type encountered in the area and is also host to the graphite mineralization observed on the Tony Claim Block. These paragneisses are derived from the metamorphism and deformation of the original pelitic sedimentary rocks that took place during the Grenville Orogeny. Paragneisses are visually identified by the alternating centimetre to decimetre scale light to dark banding as well as their mineral assemblages. The leucocratic minerals comprising the paragneisses located on the Tony Claim Block are mostly quartz, plagioclase and potassic feldspar (orthoclase, microcline). The most common mafic mineral found in the paragneisses is biotite. The other common minerals observed in the paragneisses are graphite, garnet, sillimanite, cordierite, sulphides (pyrrhotite, pyrite), pyroxenes, muscovite and magnetite. The accessory minerals observed in thin sections include apatite, zircon and monazite.

The paragneisses enriched in graphite usually contain a comparable but lower amount of disseminated sulphides (pyrrhotite and, to a lesser extent, pyrite) as provided by comparing the analysis results of graphitic carbon and sulphur content, which returns approximately a 1 to 0.75 ratio. The surficial alteration of the sulphides imparts a rusty colouration commonly observed in the paragneiss outcrops. Garnet-rich paragneisses in the area usually contain less than 1% graphite. They are also more leucocratic in appearance and only display slight surface alteration in outcrops.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **7-6** |

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Petrographic studies have helped to determine the chronology of the development and growth of the different minerals observed in the paragneisses of the Tony Block:

▪ Biotite
 and graphite show intimate growths;

▪ Sillimanite
 may contain inclusions of both biotite and graphite;

▪ Cordierite
 may contain inclusions of biotite, graphite and sillimanite;

▪ Garnet
 may contain inclusions of sillimanite, biotite, and/or graphite.

The mineralogical assemblage observed in these paragneisses, and particularly the development of sillimanite, indicates that these rocks were subjected to a very high grade of metamorphism of the upper amphibolite facies. In addition, the textural and structural relationships of the minerals present indicate that these rocks are the product of very strong syntectonic deformation. This is made further evident by the strong foliation and tectonic banding shown by the preferred orientation of the biotite, graphite, sillimanite, elongate quartz lenses and ribbons present in the rock.

During such a high-grade of metamorphism, the paragneisses start to undergo partial melting (anatexis) to different degrees, resulting in the formation of migmatites. The migmatites, in which the product of partial melting and segregation is present in the form of lit-par-lit layers and bands parallel to the foliation in the paragneiss, are designated as metatexites.

During anatexis, the migration and subsequent crystallization of a melt within the source rock produces in-source leucosomes, also called mobilizate. This material is leucocratic, generally white to very pale pink in colour, and granitic in composition. It can form centimetre to metric-size units. The presence of garnet in the mobilizate distinguishes it from common granite and/or pegmatite intrusions.

**7.2.2** **Marble and Calc-Silicate Rocks** 

The calc-silicate rocks, containing a larger proportion of carbonate minerals, accompanied by a smaller proportion of calc-silicate minerals, in fact represent somewhat impure crystalline limestone (marble) in the CMB. The recrystallization of carbonate minerals and the development of calc-silicate minerals took place during the deformation and metamorphism event of the Grenville Orogeny.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **7-7** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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The presence of calc-silicate units with thickness ranging from centimetre to metric scale was observed and recorded during drill core logging. Some of these units are also useful as key horizons that can be correlated in different drill holes, especially for the South Zones. These units can be identified by an effervescent reaction to diluted hydrochloric acid ("HCl"). They are usually pale in color with green specks, or light green with white specks, and display a gradational contact into paragneiss units.

The calc-silicate rocks are generally medium- to coarse-grained where the granoblastic carbonate minerals predominate. In addition, there is common development of diopside and scapolite, in large and small grains, well distributed in the rock. The rock may contain very minor grains of sphene observed in thin sections. In some cases, the presence of tourmaline, blue-green in colour, has also been noted. Due to the lack of thick intercepts in drilling in the West Zone, and thus limited volume, this lithology was not modelled in the deposit but rather made part of a broader unit referred to as mixed paragneiss.

**7.2.3** **Metagabbro** 

Thin units of metagabbro were also observed during drill core logging. Some of these units can be correlated in the drill holes but most are too erratic to trace. Metagabbros represent small mafic intrusions, from decametric to metric thicknesses, in the form of either sills or dykes that have been transposed parallel to the general structure of the surrounding metasedimentary rocks. They are visually identified by their dark green color and mineral assemblage. They also offer a sharp contact which is usually biotite rich.

Metagabbros represent a deformed and metamorphosed gabbro, which has undergone a large degree of recrystallization but still preserved some primary textures, and primary mineral assemblages. The primary preserved minerals include large plagioclase grains that commonly show good zoning, and large clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene grains.

The effects of deformation and accompanying recrystallization are smaller broken and recrystallized plagioclase, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene grains, development of large and small reddish biotite flakes showing good, preferred orientation. This rock can also contain large and small garnet porphyroblasts. The accessory minerals observed in thin sections include apatite, magnetite, sulphide and zircon.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **7-8** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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**7.2.4** **Charnockite** 

Several large and small outcrops of charnockite were observed in the central part of the Tony Block and drill hole intersections are noted mostly in the northwest area of the West Zone. The rock varies in grain size from coarse-grained to medium-grained. The rock generally shows a foliation, which in some outcrops is very intense and even mylonitic.

The distinguishing feature of this granitic rock is a good greenish to pink colour in fresh surfaces, and a brownish colour on weathered surfaces, which is very characteristic of the charnockite group rocks.

**7.2.5** **Graphite** 

It is quite common to observe the presence of flakes of graphite disseminated in the marbles and rusty biotite paragneisses of the Grenville Supergroup in the CMB, in Québec and in Ontario. These two rock types are considered favourable for the large economic concentrations of graphite.

The observations of the graphite bearing biotite paragneisses, in the field, in drill core, and in thin sections, clearly indicate that the graphite flakes and the associated biotite flakes are strongly lepidoblastic and define the strong foliation. In thin-section, biotite and graphite show an intimate relationship, indicating that their development took place quite early, followed by the development of sillimanite and garnet, respectively. The presence of sillimanite in the paragneisses, and the common evidence of partial melting of the paragneisses indicate that the development and growth of graphite and all the associated minerals is syntectonic, and under the metamorphic conditions which are equivalent to the upper amphibolite facies.

**7.2.6** **West Zone Geological Model** 

▪ Graphitic
 Paragneiss:

- This unit is comprised of mineralized paragneiss derived from the bloc model created to define the current Mineral Resources.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **7-9** |

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▪ Mixed
 Paragneiss:

This unit, as the name suggests, is composed of various poorly mineralized paragneiss layers and related sub-lithologies such as garnet-rich paragneiss, quartzite, mobilizate and calc-silicates, which are intermixed and observed in thicknesses varying from centimetre to metre scale. Although the variation of individual sub-lithologies prevents tracing them individually throughout multiple sections, a grouping of these lithologies seem to be coherent within the Mineral Resource pit shell.

▪ Charnockite:

- This easily identifiable unit is mostly present in the northeast and northwest part of the Mineral Resource pit shell.

▪ Biotite
 Paragneiss:

This unit is differentiated from the biotite rich paragneiss layers observed in the Mixed Paragneiss unit by the lack of sulphide minerals. It can be mapped throughout a few drill holes and over a few drill sections.

▪ Metagabbro:

- This unit is differentiated from the other units by its intrusive origins, particular dark green colour and gabbroic texture.

A three-dimension representation of the geological model, including the Mineral Reserve pit shell is illustrated in Figure 7-6 and estimated tonnage in the Mineral Reserve pit shell per main lithology is available in Table 7-1.

**Table 7-1: Main lithological units within the Mineral Reserve pit shell**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Simplified Lithologies** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Density** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Volume (Mm<sup>3</sup>)<sup>(1)</sup>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Tonnes (Mt)<sup>(1)</sup>** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Graphitic Paragneiss (mostly ore) | &nbsp;&nbsp;2.76 | &nbsp;&nbsp;22.3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;61.5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mixed Paragneiss | &nbsp;&nbsp;2.85 | &nbsp;&nbsp;15.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;43.2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Charnockite | &nbsp;&nbsp;2.67 | &nbsp;&nbsp;2.9 | &nbsp;&nbsp;7.7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Biotite-Rich Paragneiss | &nbsp;&nbsp;2.75 | &nbsp;&nbsp;2.0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;5.5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Meta-Gabbro | &nbsp;&nbsp;2.99 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Overburden | &nbsp;&nbsp;2.10 | &nbsp;&nbsp;7.4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;15.5 |

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<sup>(1)</sup> Volume and tonnage within the Mineral Reserve pit shell.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **7-10** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img038.jpg)

**Figure 7-6: Simplified geological model of the West Zone and proposed open pit**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **7-11** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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**7.2.7** **Surficial Geology** 

Surficial mapping of the area by photointerpretation was performed by the MRNF and described in report MB 2018-43 (Hardy et al., 2018). The mineralized zones, including the West Zone deposit, as well as areas targeted for the mining infrastructure, are for the most part covered by a glacial till veneer. The till is a heterogeneous mix composed mainly of sand and silt with particle size varying from clay to boulders. Field observations and drilling suggest that the overburden thickness varies mostly from 0 to 15 m, with an average of approximately 8 m. Overburden depth thickens heading north of the deposit and is rarely more than 5 m thick in the industrial platform area. The maximum till thickness was obtained in drill hole TO-16-94, located in the northern part of the West Zone deposit, intercepting bedrock at a vertical depth of 42 m. Unmapped but observed glaciofluvial sediment is present on the southern end of the West Zone. This is further made evident by the identification of an esker that is visible on LiDAR imagery, and can be followed sporadically over approximately 600 m.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.3** **Mineralization** 

**7.3.1** **Regional Mineralization** 

The Grenville geological province is well known for its extensive anorthosite intrusive quarried for dimensional stone, its industrial minerals, and its iron and titanium deposits. The province also includes numerous Ni-Cu, Mo, Zn-Pb, Zn-Cu-Ag, REE and U-Th deposits, as illustrated in Figure 7-7. More information concerning the mineral deposits and mineralization found in the Grenville Province can be obtained from Avramtchev and Piché, 1981 (DPV 809), as well as in Avramtchev and LeBel-Drolet, 1981 (DVP 744). The Grenville Province is also host to the only presently active crystalline flake graphite mine in North America, the Lac-Des-Îles mine, owned by Northern Graphite Corporation. It is located near the community of Lac-Des-Îles, Province of Québec (Figure 7-7).

The more immediate area outside of the Mining Property includes a few mineralized occurrences (Figure 6-1). Some, like mica and garnet, may not be of much interest now, but at one time, extensive effort was devoted to finding and extracting these minerals. Molybdenite, rare earth elements, uranium-thorium minerals, base metals and other minerals have been sought in the general area in the past and remain the subject of limited interest here.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **7-12** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img039.jpg)

**Figure 7-7: Geology** **and major mineral deposits of the Grenville Province** 

**Modified from Corriveau et al., 2007**

**7.3.2** **Tony Block Graphite Mineralization** 

Crystalline flake graphite mineralization was first discovered on the Tony Block in mid-2014. Prospecting work, performed as a follow-up to the late 2013 airborne survey (Dubé, 2014, GM 69067), resulted in the collection of nine grab samples that returned values in excess of 5% C(g) (Cloutier, 2015, GM 69069). Subsequent to this discovery, a short ground Time Domain Electromagnetic ("TDEM") survey was conducted over four areas where the 2013 airborne survey displayed strong conductors. Trenching was then performed in each of these areas, resulting in the discovery of graphitic paragneiss horizons displaying thicknesses of over 20 m. The best intersections were provided by trenches TO-14-TR-2 and TO-14-TR-4, which returned 5.7% C(g) over 22 m and 5.1% C(g) over 25.8 m, respectively.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **7-13** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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Thrilled by these results, NMG proceeded with another TDEM airborne survey in early 2015, thus completing coverage of the main conductors in the area. Drilling programs were then devised to test the significant conductors, now totalling over 12 km in strike length and separated into seven zones: Far-West, West, North, North-East, East, South-East, and South-West (Figure 9-2).

The drilling and trenching of all the mineralized zones located on the Tony Block, including the West Zone, revealed that the mineralized graphitic paragneiss units vary from a few centimetres to tens of metres in thickness. Overall, a stacking of these beds, or horizons, has shown to provide fairly homogeneous and continuous mineralization. The foliation, or gneissosity, of graphitic paragneiss horizons seems to be dipping mostly outwards from the main circular conductive anomaly seen in Figure 9-2 with the exception of the West Zone**,** whose mineralized horizons dip at about 60 to 70 degrees towards the South-East (or the interior of the anomaly) at the northern extremity and incrementally dips steeper going south where it becomes sub-vertical and finally dips at about 60 degrees towards the west at the southern extremity. Overall, the dip of the other mineralized horizons varies from 30 degrees to sub vertical. The main graphitic horizons pinch and swell from 4 m to around 80 m in width along strike, and drilling suggests that they are mostly open at depths greater than 250 m from surface. The thickness and extent of the mineralization found to date on the Tony Block is illustrated and further discussed in Chapter 10 of this report.

The graphitic horizons are interbedded with garnet paragneiss units displaying low graphite content and ranging from a few centimetres to tens of metres in width. Both the graphitic and the garnet paragneiss horizons can contain very little to high percentages of leucocratic mobilizate, thought to be the product of partial melting. The paragneiss is given the name of metatexite when the mobilizate layers of varying thickness are common and are distributed in a lit-par-lit manner parallel to the foliation. These units are usually sub-parallel to the main foliation and often border the mineralized zones. All mineralized zones, except for the West Zone, are limited by unmineralized to poorly mineralized paragneiss and sometimes metatexite. The Mineralization of the West Zone is usually bounded to the west by metatexite or charnockite and to the east by unmineralized paragneiss and further outside of the mineralization (usually less than 100 m), by charnockite.

The crystalline graphite flakes are mostly aligned parallel to the main foliation, and they are disseminated fairly homogeneously within the mineralized horizons. Graphite mineralization often coincides with the presence of sulphides, mainly pyrrhotite.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **7-14** |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.** **Deposit Types** 

Crystalline flake graphite mineralization has been the focus of exploration by NMG on its Mining Property. No other type of mineralization with economic potential has been observed.

The deposit type described in this section is used as an indication of what could be found on the Tony Block, which contains similar geological environments and settings. The reader should also note that resources of this type of deposit may not reflect the mineralization and/or results that might occur on the Tony Block.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.1** **Crystalline Flake Graphite Deposit Type** 

Crystalline flake graphite deposits are usually sedimentary in origin. They occur when carbon-rich organic material, accumulated during sedimentation, is transformed into graphitic carbon crystals, or flakes, during metamorphism. This process is due to the burial of the sediments, which are eventually subject to high heat and pressure in the Earth's crust. Crystalline graphite deposits are commonly stratabound and hosted by porphyroblastic and granoblastic paragneiss, or pelitic gneiss, marbles, and quartzites (Harben and Kuzvart, 1996). Alumina-rich paragneiss and marble units in upper amphibolite or granulite grade metamorphic terranes are the most favourable host rocks. When present, flake graphite usually occurs in thin, centimeter to metre wide bands. In favourable conditions, wider coalescing bands in fold crests can provide sufficient volume needed for an economic deposit.

Economically significant deposits are several metres to tens of metres thick and hundreds of metres in strike length. The economic quantifiers in flake graphite deposits are mostly graphite flake size, quantity and purity. According to Simandl, G.J. and Kenan, W.M. (1997), "Grade and tonnage of producing mines and developed prospects varies substantially. The median grade and size is 9.0% C(g) and 2.4 M tonnes respectively (Bliss and Sutphin, 1992). Depending on market conditions, large deposits containing high proportions of coarse flakes, which can be easily liberated, may be economic with grades as low as 4%".

The Lac-des-Îles mine, owned by Northern Graphite Corporation and located near the town of Lac-des-Îles, Québec, is the only presently active crystalline flake graphite producer in Québec and is an archetypal example of this type of deposit. This deposit is located some 125 km to the WSW of the Tony Block. Focus Graphite's Lac Knife deposit and NMG's Lac Guéret deposit (Uatnan Project), both located in Northern Québec, as well as Northern Graphite's Bissett Creek deposit in Ontario, are three other known significant crystalline graphite flake deposits found in eastern Canada and within the Grenville geological Province (Figure 7-7).

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **8-1** |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.2** **Exploration Methods** 

Graphite is a very conductive mineral and electromagnetic detection methods can therefore be successfully used to explore for high-grade crystalline flake graphite deposits. Such methods include TDEM, Frequency Domain Electromagnetic ("FDEM"), Induced Polarization ("IP"), self-potential and other types of Electromagnetic ("EM") surveys.

In a report detailing the 2012-2013 exploration work on the Matawinie Property (Cloutier, 2015, GM 68856), Cloutier proposes the following exploration steps for crystalline flake graphite exploration in Canada:

▪ Identification
 of an area with known organic-bearing metasediments in amphibolite to granulite terrane;

▪ Conducting
 of a regional airborne TDEM survey at a 1 km spacing to discriminate large-scale conductive
 targets. These can then be flown in more detail at a 100-m spacing to provide better resolution
 of significant targets;

▪ Ground
 follow-up of targets can be performed using a portable conductor detector such as the Beep
 Mat from GDD Instrumentations (according to the manufacturer, it can detect conductive material
 at a maximum depth of 3 m, although field tests indicate a useful scanning depth of
 1 m for graphite exploration). Visual observation is also very effective; graphite is
 easily identifiable by its silver metallic sheen, softness and dark-grey to black streak.
 The goal of the follow-up is to identify mineralization with values in excess of 5% C(g) with
 a potential for being over 5 m thick and hundreds of metres long;

▪ Mineralization
 showing potential economic grade and volume should be sampled and processed to test its crystalline
 flake size distribution and carbon purity. Trenching could be performed to confirm the potential
 size of the mineralization. Trench location can be optimized by using a portable ground TDEM
 system such as the PhiSpy, which detects conductors to a depth of 10 m to 15 m in real
 time.

Subject to favourable metallurgical results, and potential for adequate volume, further assessment of a showing can be performed by additional ground EM surveying, trenching and ultimately, core drilling.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **8-2** |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.** **Exploration** 

Exploration work on the Tony Block was first initiated by 3457265 Canada Inc., in late 2013, when a detailed airborne geophysical survey was performed in the area. The 2013 survey was executed following positive results from a regional survey by 3457265 Canada Inc. that covered over 2,100 km<sup>2</sup> pursuant to the instructions provided by NMG's technical staff. Subsequent work was then conducted by NMG and includes ground follow-up prospecting, ground geophysics, trenching, scoping level metallurgical testing and core drilling.

Section 9.1 summarizes the reports pertaining to the historical work mentioned above and Section 9.2 summarizes the main exploration methods and protocols used by NMG during its exploration programs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.1** **Exploration History** 

A list of reports describing the relevant exploration work performed by NMG on the Tony Block is presented in Table 9-1. The exploration reports are listed in chronological order, starting with the earliest reports. In addition to the reports available on the EXAMINE system, the following reports were also completed.

▪ A
 technical report detailing a Preliminary Economic Assessment concerning the Tony Block, prepared
 by Norda Stelo, (Terreault et al., 2016) and completed in accordance with NI 43-101
 guidelines, was published on SEDAR+ ((https://www.sedarplus.ca/landingpage/) on August 5,
 2016.

▪ Reports
 titled "NI 43-101 Technical Pre-feasibility Study Report for the Matawinie Graphite
 Project" (MC-DRA, 2017); "NI 43-101 Updated Technical Pre-feasibility Study
 Report for the Matawinie Graphite Project" (MC-DRA, 2018); and NI 43-101 Technical
 Feasibility Study Report for the Matawinie Graphite Project (MC-DRA, 2018a), were published
 on December 8, 2017, August 10, 2018, and December 10, 2018 respectively.

▪ The
 Environmental and Social Impact Assessment of the Mining Property was published on April 15,
 2019 on the MELCC (now MELCCFP) website.

▪ The
 technical report prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 guidelines titled "The
 Matawinie Mine and the Bécancour Battery Material Plant Integrated Graphite Projects
 (Allaire et al., 2022). It was published on August 10, 2022 and is available on
 SEDAR+ under NMG's name.

▪ The
 updated technical report prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 guidelines titled "NI 43-101
 Updated Technical Feasibility Study Report for the Matawinie Mine and the Bécancour
 Battery Material Plant Integrated Graphite Projects" (Allaire et al., 2025). It
 was published on March 31, 2025 and is available on SEDAR+ under NMG's name.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **9-1** |

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**Table 9-1: Previous exploration reports for work performed on the Tony Block**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Report** | **Type of Report and Comments** |
| GM 69067<sup>(1)</sup> | Late 2013 Heliported Magnetic and TDEM surveys totalling 1,006 line-km over four blocks composing the Matawinie graphite Property. The survey covers part of the Tony Claim Block. |
| GM 69069<sup>(1)</sup> | 2014 Prospecting and trenching on the Matawinie Property by NMG. |
| GM 69560<sup>(1)</sup> | 2015 Heliported Magnetic and TDEM surveys on the southern and western part of the Tony Block totalling 299 line-km. |
| GM 69561<sup>(1)</sup> | 2014-2015 Ground TDEM PhiSpy Surveys on the Tony Block totalling 100.6 line-km. |
| SEDAR+<sup>(2)</sup> | 2016 Technical Report detailing the Mineral Resource Estimate of the South-East and South-West zones on the Tony Block. |
| GM 69562<sup>(1)</sup> & SEDAR+<sup>(2)</sup> | 2016 Technical Report detailing the updated Mineral Resource Estimate of the South-East, South-West and West zones on the Tony Block. |
| GM 71033 | 2016 Trenching and Channel Sampling Campaign on the Matawinie Graphite Property. |
| SEDAR+<sup>(2)</sup> | 2016 Preliminary Economic Assessment Report detailing the Mineral Resource Estimate of the West Zone. |
| GM 71031<sup>(1)</sup> & SEDAR+<sup>(2)</sup> | 2017 Pre-Feasibility Report concerning an open pit mining operation on the Matawinie Graphite Property. |
| SEDAR+<sup>(2)</sup> | 2018 Updated Pre-Feasibility Report concerning an open pit mining operation on the Matawinie Graphite Property. |
| GM 71818<sup>(1)</sup> & SEDAR+<sup>(2)</sup> | 2018 Feasibility Report concerning an open pit mining operation on the Matawinie Graphite Property. |
| GM 71819<sup>(1)</sup> & MELCC<sup>(3)</sup> | 2019 Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) of the Matawinie Graphite Project. |
| GM 73896<sup>(1)</sup> & SEDAR+<sup>(2)</sup> | 2022 Feasibility Report integrating an open pit mining operation on the Matawinie Mining Property as well as and the Bécancour battery anode material manufacturing plant. The report, available on the SIGEOM website, contains additional details regarding drilling. These details were added in the addendums of the report. |
| SEDAR+<sup>(2)</sup> | 2025 Updated Feasibility Study Report integrating an open pit mining operation on the Matawinie Mining Property, and the Bécancour battery anode material manufacturing plant. The report, available on the SIGEOM website, contains additional details regarding drilling. These details were added in the addendums of the report. |

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<sup>(1)</sup> Available on the following website: <u>http://sigeom.mines.gouv.qc.ca/signet/classes/I1102_indexAccueil?l=a</u>

<sup>(2)</sup> Currently available on SEDAR+

<sup>(3)</sup> All documents pertaining to the ESIA, including public hearings, are available on the government website: <u>https://www.ree.environnement.gouv.qc.ca/projet.asp?no_dossier=3211-16-019</u>

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **9-2** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**9.2** **Exploration Methodology and Results** 

NMG's field programs on the Tony Block focused on graphite exploration consisting of:

▪ Airborne
 TDEM surveys (2013 and 2015);

▪ Ground
 prospecting of conductive targets identified by the airborne surveys (2014-2015);

▪ Ground
 geophysical surveying using a portable TDEM system (2014-2017);

▪ Trenching
 and channel sampling of the main conductors (2014 to 2016);

▪ Drilling
 of the main mineralized zones (2015-2021) (further discussed in Chapter 10);

▪ Metallurgical
 testing on surface and drill core samples (further discussed in Chapter 13).

An overview of the significant 2013 to 2022 exploration results are summarized in Figure 9-1 except for the metallurgical test results, which are discussed in Chapter 13.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **9-3** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img040.jpg)

**Figure 9-1: Significant 2013-2022 exploration results**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **9-4** |

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**9.2.1** **Airborne Geophysical Surveying** 

Graphitic mineralization is conductive whether it is in amorphous or crystalline form. This physical property enables the detection of graphite using remote electromagnetic surveying methods. Its detection is enhanced by proper connectivity between grains and quantity or volume of graphite present. The regional survey performed by 3457265 Canada Inc. in 2013 aimed to detect graphite mineralization in the area and used a time domain electromagnetic sensor to do so.

A heliborne regional geophysical survey was first completed in the area, under the guidance of NMG consultants. This survey, covering 2,100 km<sup>2</sup>, was flown by Prospectair Inc. (based in Gatineau, Québec) using 1 km line spacing and detected large conductors, including part of the main circular conductor present over the Tony Claim Block. Two detailed heliborne surveys were then performed, one in late 2013 and a second in early 2015, to provide better accuracy and to delineate the extent of the conductors (Figure 9-2).

These detailed surveys were flown at 100-m spacing and delivered targets for ground follow-up prospecting. A magnetometer was also used during the heliborne TDEM surveys to provide additional geophysical measurements. Results indicated that the circular conductive anomaly also demonstrated a positive magnetic contrast compared to the regional average. Samples from future groundwork (prospecting, trenching and drilling), established that the graphite mineralization is associated with a sufficient amount of magnetic pyrrhotite to provide positive magnetic anomalies. It is important to note that due to the interference caused by the presence of high voltage power lines in the middle of the Tony Claim Block, the airborne TDEM surveys did not cover that area.

**9.2.2** **Prospecting** 

The 2014 and 2015 prospecting programs targeted strong conductors identified earlier by the airborne TDEM surveys. Outcrops in the conductive areas were visually inspected and sampled where graphite mineralization was observed. The use of a Beep Mat, a portable device capable of detecting conductors to depth of up 1 m, was instrumental during prospecting to scan for soil-covered shallow conductors. Generally, a grab sample, about 1 kg to 3 kg in size, was collected if the outcrop displayed above-background conductivity using the Beep Mat (readings usually over 100 in the high frequency ("HFR") channel). Most conductors identified using the Beep Mat were covered by a thin till veneer (< 1 m) that had to be cleared manually using a hand shovel.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **9-5** |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img041.jpg)

**Figure 9-2: 2013 and 2015 Airborne TDEM survey results**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **9-6** |

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Significant grab sample results are defined as those greater than 5% C(g). The collection of 19 samples grading above 5% C(g) confirmed the potential for the 12 linear kilometres of continuous TDEM anomalies, displaying a circular geometry surrounding *Lac aux Pierres*, to host sizeable mineralization. Significant grab sample locations from the 2014 and 2015 prospecting programs are illustrated in Figure 9-1.

Grab samples were initially described in the field. Information such as rock type, mineralization and coordinates (UTM) were recorded. Samples were hand cleaned using stream water and placed in individual plastic bags. These were bundled and sent in 20 L plastic pails by courier to the ALS Minerals facilities in Val-d'Or, Québec, for processing, weighing, crushing and pulverizing. The resulting powders were then sent to ALS Minerals' North Vancouver facilities for analysis. Analytical packages were chosen to test for graphite (C(g), package C-IR18), total carbon (C(t), package C-IR07) and sulphur (S, package S-IR08).

No quality control samples were inserted by NMG during the course of these prospecting programs. Additional information on the analytical packages is available on the ALS Minerals website: https://www.alsglobal.com/en/geochemistry.

**9.2.3** **PhiSpy Surveying** 

From 2014 to 2019, ground PhiSpy TDEM surveys were carried out by Dynamic Discovery Geoscience Inc., based in Ottawa, Ontario. These surveys, now totalling about 183 line-kilometres, were mostly performed perpendicular to the main circular airborne anomaly following encouraging grab sample results. Surveys used a grid of cut lines covering the main airborne anomaly with spacing varying from 25 m to 100 m to enable remote mapping of the mineralization (Figure 9-3). The survey results were used to plan for trenching and diamond drilling operations. The PhiSpy apparatus, carried by a two-man team, has demonstrated a capacity to detect conductors to a depth of approximately 10 m to 15 m. The lack of conductors identified by the PhiSpy over the northern portion of the West Zone is explained by the presence of thick overburden (> 15 m).

**9.2.4** **Trenching and Channel Sampling Program** 

The ground TDEM surveys delineated wide conductive areas over each of the targeted mineralized zones. A trenching program was initiated on the widest part of the conductive areas identified over these zones. As a result, four trenches were excavated in 2014, five in 2015 and three in 2016. Antoine Cloutier, P.Geo., supervised all trenching and channel sampling operations to date on the Tony Block. Trenches were oriented roughly perpendicular to the foliation of the paragneiss units and mineralized horizons when possible. Table 9-2 displays trench coordinates, as well as other useful information regarding the trenching programs.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **9-7** |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img042.jpg)

**Figure 9-3: 2014-2019 PhiSpy survey results**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **9-8** |

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**Table 9-2:** **Trench location and relevant information**

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| | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Trench ID** | **Mineralized <sup>(1)</sup><br> Zone** | **Grid<br> Line** | **Trench Start <sup>(2)</sup>** | **Trench Start <sup>(2)</sup>** | **Trench End <sup>(2)</sup>** | **Trench End <sup>(2)</sup>** | **GPS <sup>(2)</sup> Length (m)** | **Measured Length (m)** | **Azimuth<br> (deg)** | **Total<br> Samples** |
| **Trench ID** | **Mineralized <sup>(1)</sup><br> Zone** | **Grid<br> Line** | **Easting** | **Northing** | **Easting** | **Northing** | **GPS <sup>(2)</sup> Length (m)** | **Measured Length (m)** | **Azimuth<br> (deg)** | **Total<br> Samples** |
| TO-14-TR-1 | North | N/A | 580673 | 5165671 | 580704 | 5165642 | 42.40 | 48.00 | 133 | **23** |
| TO-14-TR-2 | Far-West | N/A | 577856 | 5164670 | 577871 | 5164656 | 20.50 | 22.00 | 133 | **11** |
| TO-14/16-TR-3 | West | W+0875 | 578903 | 5164603 | 578757 | 5164665 | 158.70 | 158.55 | 293 | **77** |
| TO-14-TR-4 | North | N-1000 | 580525 | 5165764 | 580524 | 5165739 | 25.0 | 25.80 | 182 | **14** |
| TO-15-TR-5 | South-West | S-1500 | 581558 | 5162903 | 581640 | 5162733 | 189.00 | 193.00 | 154 | **73** |
| TO-15-TR-6 | South-East | S-2800 | 582813 | 5163230 | 582740 | 5163424 | 207.00 | 198.00 | 339 | **84** |
| TO-15-TR-7 | North-East | N-2700 | 581857 | 5164711 | 581910 | 5164765 | 76.00 | 77.00 | 45 | **35** |
| TO-15-TR-8 | East | E-2200 | 582981 | 5164250 | 583041 | 5164284 | 69.00 | 68.00 | 60 | **33** |
| TO-15-TR-9 | East | E-2200 | 583071 | 5164297 | 583126 | 5164327 | 63.00 | 62.00 | 61 | **31** |
| TO-16-TR-10 | West | W+0025 | 578631 | 5163800 | 578496 | 5163800 | 135.15 | 138.00 | 270 | **69** |
| TO-16-TR-11 | West | W+0700 | 578822 | 5164466 | 578711 | 5164511 | 119.30 | 120.00 | 292 | **61** |

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<sup>(1)</sup> The West Zone is the main subject of this report, as it contains the only Mineral Reserves identified on the property as of the report's effective date.

<sup>(2)</sup> Trench coordinates and length was measured using a Garmin GPS model 76 CSX providing about 5 m of precision with the exception of trenches completed in 2016, which were professionally surveyed and have a precision of 0.05 m.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **9-9** |

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A summary of significant channel sample results is available in Table 9-3, and trench locations are illustrated in Figure 9-1.

**Table 9-3: Significant 2014 to 2016 trench channel sample results**

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Trench ID** | **Mineralized<br> Zone** **<sup>(1)</sup>** | **From<br> (m)** | **To<br> (m)** | **Grade<br> [% C(g)]** **<sup>(2)</sup>** |
| TO-14-TR-1 | North | 0 | 46 | 46 m @ 4.32% C(g) |
| TO-14-TR-2 | Far-West | 0 | 22 | 22 m @ 5.72% C(g) |
| TO-14/16-TR-3 | West | 14 | 50 | 36 m @ 4.06% C(g) |
| TO-14/16-TR-3 | West | 63 | 103 | 40 m @ 4.84% C(g) |
| TO-14/16-TR-3 | West | 111 | 153 | 42 m @ 4.83% C(g) |
| TO-14-TR-4 | North | 0 | 25.8 | 25.8 m @ 5.11% C(g) |
| TO-15-TR-5 | South-West | 61 | 155 | 94 m @ 3.91% C(g) |
| TO-15-TR-5 | South-West | 185 | 193 | 8 m @ 5.18% C(g) |
| TO-15-TR-6 | South-East | 0 | 62 | 62 m @ 3.74% C(g) |
| TO-15-TR-6 | South-East | 69.5 | 118 | 48.5 m @ 4.47% C(g) |
| TO-15-TR-6 | South-East | 147.5 | 192 | 44.5 m @ 3.47% C(g) |
| TO-15-TR-7 | North-East | 30 | 56 | 26 m @ 4.00% C(g) |
| TO-15-TR-8 | East | 0 | 38 | 38 m @ 4.47% C(g) |
| TO-15-TR-9 | East | 20 | 46 | 26 m @ 3.09% C(g) |
| TO-16-TR-10 | West | 6 | 42 | 36 m @ 3.86% C(g) |
| TO-16-TR-10 | West | 90 | 128 | 38 m @ 5.41% C(g) |
| TO-16-TR-11 | West | 16 | 28 | 12 m @ 3.49% C(g) |
| TO-16-TR-11 | West | 80 | 120 | 40 m @ 4.41% C(g) |

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<sup>(1)</sup> The West Zone is the main subject of this report, as it contains the only Mineral Reserves identified on the property as of the report's effective date.

<sup>(2)</sup> Interval length does not represent true width. All analyses were performed by ALS Minerals Laboratories and delivered as C(g), internal analytical code C-IR18.

Trench locations were mostly chosen based on the results of ground PhiSpy surveys. In 2014, the trenching program aimed at sampling only mineralized material along the trenches to determine the potential of the mineralization while in 2015 and 2016, channel sampling usually started 2 m or 4 m [one to two sample lengths] outside the visible mineralized area and were collected in a continuous manner as to prevent any sample bias. In some instances, large boulders, the accumulation of water and prohibitive depth prevented the excavation and/or sampling of portions of the planned trenches.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **9-10** |

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In 2016, trench TO-14/16-TR-03 was extended to the east and to the west to properly expose the conductive area. Mineralization remains open to the East side of trench TO-14/16-TR-3, on the northern side of trench TO-14-TR-4, the south side of trench TO-15-TR-5, on the south side of trench TO-15-TR-6 on the west side of trench TO-15-TR-8 and on the west side of trench TO-16-TR-11.

Trenching was carried out using small 2- to 8-tonne excavators. Trenches were mostly positioned over cut lines used for the ground TDEM surveys. Trenches were approximately 1.5 m in width and varied from 0 m to 4 m in depth.

A hand shovel and gas-powered broom were used to clean the outcrop once excavation was completed. Sample lengths were marked and cut perpendicularly to the trench alongside a 30-m long measuring tape. Aluminum tags, numbered according to the samples, were placed in cut marks, usually at the beginning of every sample.

Channel samples were cut with a gas-powered rock saw; most samples were approximately 2 m in length, 4 cm in width and 10 cm in depth, and weighed between 10 kg and 20 kg. Once cut, the channel samples were chiselled out and placed in individual plastic bags. Bags were identified with a sample number and a numbered tag was also inserted into the bag. Trench positions were measured using a handheld Garmin GPSMAP 76CSX unit providing an accuracy of about 5 m. The error inherent to the GPS could explain the difference compared to the trench lengths obtained with a measuring tape, shown in Table 9-2. The latter can also be inaccurate, especially in uneven terrain. All Individual West Zone trench sample start and end points were surveyed by precision GPS by Corriveau J. L. & Assoc. Inc, Val-d'Or, Québec. This was necessary as these sample results were to be used for the preparation of the updated Mineral Resource Estimate concerning the West Zone deposit.

Channel samples were thoroughly cleaned using a pressure washer. The top weathered crust, usually about 1 cm thick, was removed to the extent possible using a rock hammer. Samples were then bagged using their original sample number. Samples were placed in locked storage facilities. When enough samples were ready for shipping, they were placed in large containers on a flatbed trailer and sent directly to the ALS Minerals' facilities in Val-d'Or, Québec, for processing, weighing, crushing, and pulverizing. The resulting powders were then sent to ALS Minerals' North Vancouver facilities for analysis.

In 2014 and 2016, all samples were analyzed for their graphite, total carbon and sulphur content using the C-IR18, C-IR07 and S-IR08 ALS analytical packages. In 2015, all samples underwent the C-IR18 package and one in every five sample was also tested using package S-IR08. Information on the analytical packages is available in Chapter 11 and on the ALS Minerals website (https://www.alsglobal.com/en/geochemistry).

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **9-11** |

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The protocols concerning the insertion of quality control samples in 2014 included the insertion of one duplicate sample per trench. In 2015 and 2016, depending on the terrain and ease of sampling, duplicates were collected at roughly every sample number ending in even tens, while a blank sample was added at every odd tens. In 2016, one graphite standard was inserted per trench at every sample ending in "50". The blank material used for quality control purposes was the same as the one used during the drilling program. No bias was introduced during the trenching and channel sampling operations and all quality control samples inserted within the channel sample stream returned within acceptable limits.

One notable field observation is that graphitic mineralization tends to give the water used during the cutting operation a silver sheen. Silver coloured pools and residue in the trenches should not be mistaken for a chemical or oil/fuel spill, as they are rather caused by graphite particles in suspension from the channelling work. The silver residue washes away after a few days of rain.

Trenches completed in 2014 and 2015 were all backfilled with only a few shallow windows left uncovered for posterity. The deeper portions of the 2016 samples were backfilled and trench flanks were graded to a 3-to-1 ratio (horizontal to vertical lengths) when applicable to prevent injuries to curious land users and wandering wildlife.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img043.jpg)

**Figure 9-4: Trench TO-16-TR-11, looking to the east**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **9-12** |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.** **Drilling** 

NMG initiated an extensive exploration drilling program in 2015 following repeated discoveries of high-grade graphite showings coincident with multi-kilometric conductive anomalies on the Tony Block. Exploration and delineation drilling campaigns were carried out every year from 2015 to 2019. Core drilling on the Mining Property confirmed the presence of significant flake graphite mineralization that led to the identification of two Mineral Resources, one located on the South-East/South-West mineralized zones and another on the West mineralized Zone. The latter was upgraded to provide Mineral Reserves in 2017 (MC-DRA, 2017) and the current Mineral Reserves (Allaire et al., 2022) and is the main subject of this report. Unless otherwise noted, Chapter 10 applies to exploration and definition core drilling.

Table 10-1 lists sampled exploration and definition drill hole information per mineralized zone.

**Table 10-1: Tony Block exploration drilling summary**

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| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Mineralized <br> Zone** | **Total<br> Sampled<br> Drill Holes** | **Metres <br> Drilled** | **Number of Samples and Type of Analysis<sup>(3)</sup>** | **Number of Samples and Type of Analysis<sup>(3)</sup>** | **Number of Samples and Type of Analysis<sup>(3)</sup>** | **Number of Samples and Type of Analysis<sup>(3)</sup>** | **Number of Samples and Type of Analysis<sup>(3)</sup>** | **Number of Samples and Type of Analysis<sup>(3)</sup>** | **Number of Samples and Type of Analysis<sup>(3)</sup>** |
| **Mineralized <br> Zone** | **Total<br> Sampled<br> Drill Holes** | **Metres <br> Drilled** | **C-IR18** | **C-IR07** | **S-IR08** | **ME-<br> MS41** | **AU-<br> AA23** | **OA-<br> GRA08** | **OA-<br> GRA08b** |
| West<sup>(1)</sup> | 149 | 26203.74 | 8274 | 6876 | 7146 | 828 | 23 | 1870 | 97 |
| West 2023<sup>(2)</sup> | 35 | 2805.57 | 597 | 597 | 597 | 79 | 0 | 79 | 0 |
| Far-West | 4 | 880.40 | 247 | 246 | 246 | 15 | 0 | 45 | 0 |
| South-West | 22 | 2616.60 | 938 | 15 | 205 | 15 | 15 | 0 | 28 |
| South-East | 9 | 1551.99 | 598 | 8 | 106 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 28 |
| East | 4 | 641.70 | 209 | 3 | 49 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| North-East | 2 | 210.28 | 34 | 1 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 7 |
| North | 6 | 911.99 | 212 | 6 | 33 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| **Total** | **196** | **33016.70** | **10512** | **7155** | **7794** | **875** | **56** | **1915** | **160** |

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<sup>(1)</sup> Samples included on this line were used for the Resource Estimate of the West Zone presented in this report.

<sup>(2)</sup> Samples included on this line were analyzed in 2023 and have not been used for any Resource or Reserve Estimate. They originated from core drilling other than for exploration or delineation purposes such as pit-slope studies and hydrogeological studies.

<sup>(3)</sup> All analyses were performed by ALS Minerals Laboratories. See below for a description of each type of analytical package. QA/QC samples not included.

- C-IR18 [Graphitic carbon or "C(g)" by LECO®].

- S-IR08 (Sulphur or "S" by LECO®).

- ME-MS41 (Multi-Element analysis of 51 elements by Aqua Regia extraction followed by Mass Spectroscopy).

- AU-AA23 (Gold "Au" analysis by fire assay followed by atomic absorption).

- OA-GRA08 (specific gravity by measuring the weight of a core sample in air and in water).

- OA-GRA08b (specific gravity by measuring the weight of a displaced solvent by adding 3 g of a powdered sample).

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **10-1** |

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In 2015, drilling and core sampling operations were supervised by Yvan Bussières, P.Eng., assisted by Bernard-Olivier Martel, P.Geo. From 2016, the drilling and sampling programs were solely supervised by Bernard-Olivier Martel, P.Geo. All sampled drill hole locations are illustrated in Figure 10-1 to Figure 10-3.

Oriented drilling on the West Zone Deposit was performed in 2017, 2019 and 2021. The work was carried out to provide pit-slope parameters of the proposed open pit. All oriented drilling was logged by Bernard-Olivier Martel, although geomechanics data and related samples were collected by Journeaux (Journeaux, 2017), F8 Roc et Falaise (Friedlin, 2021), and SRK Consulting inc. (SRK, 2021). The results of the data acquired for pit-slope parameters are detailed in Chapter 16. Only three oriented drill holes, TO-17-117, TO-17-119, and TO-17-120, were analyzed and used for the Mineral Resource Estimate, as it was decided at the time to preserve the core integrity for possible follow-up test work. This changed at the end of 2022 when a decision was made to sample all mineralized cores in the West Zone area, including from oriented drilling. The subsequent results, obtained in 2023, have not yet been integrated to produce an updated Mineral Resource Estimate.

It is important to note that other types of drilling were also carried out by NMG for various reasons, such as geotechnical drilling for infrastructure stability and groundwater environmental chemistry follow-up. Most of these only penetrated a few metres of unmineralized bedrock and thus were not systematically sampled. However, the information collected was used to refine the geological model of the deposit. Mineralized interceptions from this drilling were also sent for analysis in late 2022, but as with the oriented core assay results, they have yet to be integrated to an updated Resource Estimate. A preliminary assessment of the 2023 core sample results does not suggest any significant changes from either the current geological model or the Mineral Resource Estimate. The 2023 results support the present models and continuity of the West Zone deposit.

The locations of the drill holes that were either not sampled, or samples were not used for the current Resource Estimate are illustrated in Figure 10-4.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **10-2** |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.1** **Drilling Program Overview** 

Sections 10.1 to 10.3 summarizes the exploratory and delineation core drilling that have been sampled and assayed to provide grade, tonnage, and geometry of a possible deposit.

The drilling programs were initiated based on positive results of the 2014 and subsequent exploration work as well as the detailed airborne TDEM and Magnetic ("Mag") surveys performed in the area. The initial planning of the first drilling program consisted of one hole per section at 100 m spacing over the most favourable targets. Within the first few drill holes, NMG intercepted graphitic horizons many tens of metres thick indicating potential to delineate good tonnage. The follow-up drilling on the most promising targets was planned at 50 m to 80 m spacing between holes on the same section. Due to the good continuity displayed by the graphitic horizons, illustrated by the ground TDEM surveys at 25 m line spacing, drilling on sections spaced at 100 m was considered adequate to delineate the graphite resources. Infill drilling on 50 m spaced sections was initiated in 2019 on the southern part of the West Zone deposit to provide Measured Mineral Resources as well as to better define this area, which is more geologically complex.

Exploration and delineation drilling locations from 2015 to 2019 for the West and Far-West zones is illustrated on Figure 10-1, drilling on the South-East and South-West zones is illustrated on Figure 10-2, and drilling locations on the North, North-East and East zones is illustrated on Figure 10-3.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **10-3** |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img044.jpg)

**Figure 10-1: 2015-2019 Channel sampling and delineation drilling programs, West Zone**

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **10-4** |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img045.jpg)

**Figure 10-2: 2015 Trenching and drilling program, South-East and South-West zones**

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **10-5** |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img046.jpg)

**Figure 10-3: 2014-2015 Trenching and 2015 drilling program, North, North-East, and East zones**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **10-6** |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img047.jpg)

**Figure 10-4: Drilling and trenching programs other than for Resource Estimate use, West Zone**

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **10-7** |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2** **Drilling Protocols and Procedures** 

NMG applied the following drilling operation procedures for the exploration and delineation drilling on the Mining Project.

**10.2.1** **Drill Hole Location** 

Drill hole location was based on the following:

▪ The
 ground TDEM survey (PhiSpy) results, which mapped the potential location of graphitic horizons
 under an overburden thickness of less than 15 m. Drill holes were collared at approximately
 10 m to 30 m behind the interpreted contact to enable the sampling of non-mineralized rock
 before intersecting the graphitic horizon as well as to provide information at depth;

▪ The
 geological information available;

▪ The
 trench and channel sample results;

▪ The
 interpretation of the geology of the drill hole section;

▪ Maximization
 of the graphitic horizon to be intercepted by the drilling;

▪ Minimization
 of the number of metres drilled to properly define the mineralized horizons.

Drill sites were located using a handheld GPS and oriented using a handheld compass or a gyro rig alignment tool with north seeking technology (https://sptab.com/gyro-rigaligner/). In 2015, drilling used mostly BTW size tubing providing a core diameter of 42 mm although some drilling over the West Zone used NQ size tubing providing a core diameter of 47.6 mm. All drilling starting from 2016 used NQ size tubing except for holes TO-16-79, TO-16-81, TO-16-83, and TO-16-99 which used BQ size tubing. Drilling aimed at identifying the extent of mineralization to a depth of at least 200 m from the surface for the West Zone and to a depth of at least 100 m from surface for the other mineralized zones.

**10.2.2** **Drilling Supervision** 

During drilling operations:

▪ The
 geologist visited the drill rig at least once per hole to verify its correct position and
 designation number;

▪ The
 drill operator collected deviation readings varying from 3 m intervals to one reading every
 30 m with a maximum interval between readings of 50 m down drill holes using magnetic or
 gyroscopic survey instruments such as the REFLEX EZ-Trac™ and SPT's (Stockholm
 Precision Tools) GyroMaster™/Core Retriever™;

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **10-8** |

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▪ The
 drill operator carried the full core boxes at the designated secure site, protected by a
 locked gate and video surveillance at the end of each shift. These sites were located at
 480 rue des Aulnaie, Saint-Michel-des-Saints for the 2015 to 2018 years, and at 600
 de la Forex, Saint-Michel-des-Saints, in 2019;

▪ Before
 completing the drill hole, the geologist determined whether the target has been reached,
 and if not, the geologist requested that drilling continued.

Once the drill hole was completed:

▪ The
 casing was left in place for surveying purposes;

▪ In
 2015, a wooden log was inserted in the casing and a flag was attached to the log. An aluminum
 tag identified with the number, azimuth, dip and length of the hole was attached to the flag.
 From 2016, metal or tagged aluminum caps and flags identifying the hole number were screwed
 on the casings.

▪ Casing
 locations were professionally surveyed with a precision of 0.05 m. Surveyors Gilles Dupont,
 based in Repentigny (Québec), Corriveau J. L. & Assoc. Inc of, Val-d'Or
 (Québec) and Martin Larocque, based in Laval (Québec), performed surveys at
 various times on the Tony Block to properly locate the top centre of each casing. The casing
 dip reading was noted by a geologist or technician. This information was added to Geotic
 Log, a drill database management software.

**10.2.3** **Core Handling** 

Upon reception of the core boxes:

▪ A
 technician verified the continuity of the core depth markers in the core box;

▪ A
 technician measured and noted the core depth at the end of each core box;

▪ The
 technician stapled an aluminum tag on each core box on which the hole number, box number
 and core depth measurement were identified;

▪ The
 technician noted the magnetic susceptibility and conductivity readings provided by an MPP
 probe (sold by Instrumentation GDD Inc.) at every 0.5 m along the drill core during the 2015
 and 2016 drilling campaigns. These readings have been useful for identifying the graphitic
 horizons. These are more magnetic than the barren or weakly mineralized units since they
 correlate with magnetic pyrrhotite and magnetite;

▪ The
 geologist logged (described) the drill core;

▪ The
 technician took a picture of the core boxes once the description and samples were marked
 to show the sample intervals marked by the tags.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **10-9** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**10.2.4** **Core Sampling** 

The drill core sample was split into two core quarters and one core half using a rock saw. One of the quarter-core was then bagged and sent for analysis, and the remaining quarter as well as the remaining half was kept as a reference and for possible metallurgical testing. Figure 11-1 shows that a quarter of the drill core is enough to be considered representative of the graphitic mineralization.

**10.2.5** **Sample Quality Assurance and Quality Control Measures** 

NMG established an extensive quality assurance and quality control ("QA/QC") protocol to ensure the accuracy of assays. The protocol consisted of inserting field duplicates, blanks and graphite standards. The QA/QC protocol is detailed under Chapter 11.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.3** **Drilling Results** 

The excellent core recovery (mostly 100%), consistent quality control sample results and visual observation of the graphite mineralization confirms the accuracy and reliability of core sample results from the drilling performed on the Tony Block to date.

**10.3.1** **Drilling Results for the West Zone Deposit** 

Exploration and delineation drilling in the West Zone (or the "West Deposit"), used for the Current Mineral Resource Estimate consists of 149 holes totalling 26,203.74 m.

Mineralization was intercepted 476 times by drilling in the West Zone resulting in the interpretation of an envelope of 100 m to about 150 m thick from which 23 graphitic horizons, or volumes (17 groups of mineralized intervals), were interpreted. These horizons can be followed, sometimes sporadically, over 3 km. An additional feature of the West Zone is that some of the horizons separate and coalesce to form wider mineralized horizons. The longest intersection along drill core returned a graphite content of 4.76% C(g) over 109.9 m, although this intersection is considered as being down-dip. Table 10-2 summarizes the 17 groups of mineralized intervals provided by drilling in the West Zone as well as the longest mineralized drill intercepts. Chapter 14 details the mineralized horizons, referred to as mineralized volumes, interpreted from the drill core and trench channel sample assay results.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **10-10** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Table 10-2: Longest West Zone drilling intercepts per grouped mineralized volumes**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Mineralized Volume** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Longest Mineralized <br> Core Interval <sup>(1)</sup>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Section** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Drill Hole** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;44.40 m @ 5.96% C(g) | &nbsp;&nbsp;W+1700 | &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-16-101 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W0A | &nbsp;&nbsp;29.90 m @ 4.12% C(g) | &nbsp;&nbsp;W-0150 | &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-19-180 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W1A | &nbsp;&nbsp;50.67 m @ 3.63% C(g) | &nbsp;&nbsp;W+1200 | &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-15-59 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W1B | &nbsp;&nbsp;109.90 m @ 4.76% C(g) | &nbsp;&nbsp;W-0200 | &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-16-98 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W1C | &nbsp;&nbsp;40.00 m @ 5.69% C(g) | &nbsp;&nbsp;W+1900 | &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-16-103 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W1D | &nbsp;&nbsp;90.00 m @ 3.67% C(g) | &nbsp;&nbsp;W-0400 | &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-19-145 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W1E | &nbsp;&nbsp;43.50 m @ 4.25% C(g) | &nbsp;&nbsp;W-0200 | &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-16-98 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;40.45 m @ 4.86% C(g) | &nbsp;&nbsp;W+1700 | &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-16-101 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W2A | &nbsp;&nbsp;23.00 m @ 4.76% C(g) | &nbsp;&nbsp;W+0600 | &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-16-112 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W3_1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;54.90 m @4.61% C(g) | &nbsp;&nbsp;W+0200 | &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-19-198 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W3_2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;12.00 m @ 3.75% C(g) | &nbsp;&nbsp;W+2000 | &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-16-104 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W3B | &nbsp;&nbsp;19.00 m @ 4.14% C(g) | &nbsp;&nbsp;W+0800 | &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-15-38 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;105.10 m @ 3.39% C(g) | &nbsp;&nbsp;W-0300 | &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-19-163 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W4_2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;10.00 m @ 2.38% C(g) | &nbsp;&nbsp;W+2000 | &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-16-104 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.80 m @ 4.06% C(g) | &nbsp;&nbsp;W+2100 | &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-16-105 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W6 | &nbsp;&nbsp;14.00 m @ 4.74% C(g) | &nbsp;&nbsp;W-0300 | &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-18-127 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W7 | &nbsp;&nbsp;36.20 m @ 4.31% C(g) | &nbsp;&nbsp;W-0300 | &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-18-132 |

---

<sup>(1)</sup> Core interval does not represent true width.

The mineralized horizons of the West Zone dip around 70° ± 10° towards the southeast at the northern portion of the West Zone and remains fairly stable heading south to section W+0500. From section W+0400 to section W+0100, the mineralized horizons dips gradually steeper and seem to become sub vertical at section W+0100. The dip of the mineralized horizons also rotates towards the west-southwest when heading south along strike following the large circular conductive anomaly. Continuing south, the dipping trend seems to continue and dipping shifts to the west at a steep angle at around section W-0200 and gradually shallows to 45 degrees southwest at the southern end of the West mineralized zone. Mineralization on the West Zone is open to the north to the south and at depth.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **10-11** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img048.jpg)

**Figure 10-5: West Zone drill hole section W+0200**

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img049.jpg)

**Figure 10-6: West Zone drill hole section W+0900**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **10-12** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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![Chart Description automatically generated](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img050.jpg)

**Figure 10-7: West Zone drill hole section W+1700**

**10.3.2** **Drilling Results for the South-East Zone** 

The 2015 drilling program on the South-East Zone consisted of nine holes for a total of 1,551.99 m drilled. Mineralization was intercepted by drilling 13 times here resulting in the interpretation that the zone is composed of two main mineralized horizons (S1 and S2). The longest mineralized intercept is interpreted as being 160.1 m at 3.19% C(g) true width and the smallest mineralized intercept at 8.6 m at 4.65% C(g) true width.

The highlight of the South-East Zone is the large width of the mineralized horizons. From section S2600 to section S2900 (300 m length), the mineralized horizon ranges from 117 m to 160 m true width, with a grade varying from 3.19% to 3.62% C(g). As seen on section shown in Figure 10-8 (section S2900), the drill holes intercepted a wide graphitic horizon (S1 + S2) at least 160 m thick. This horizon dips around 45˚ to the south and strikes at 066°. The drill results suggest that the S1 + S2 horizon narrows to the east between sections S3000 and S3100.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **10-13** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**10.3.3** **Drilling Results for the South-West Zone** 

NMG's 2015 drilling campaign on the South-West Zone consisted of 22 holes for a total of 2,616.60 m drilled. Mineralization was intercepted 57 times by drilling in this zone resulting in the interpretation that the zone is composed of two main mineralized horizons (S1 and S2). The longest mineralized intercept is interpreted as being 61.8 m at 3.36% C(g) true width and the smallest mineralized intercept at 3.3 m at 4.58% C(g) true width.

The highlight of South-West Zone is a first graphitic horizon (S1) about 30 m thick, followed by a mostly barren interval between 25 m and 63 m thick, and finally, a second graphitic horizon (S2) around 40 m to 50 m thick, with both graphitic horizons varying from 2.79% to 5.29% C(g). As seen on the section in Figure 10-9 (section S1500), the graphitic horizons dip from 45° to 55° south and strike 066°. The drill results indicate that zones S1 and S2 merge and narrow to the west between sections S1200 and S1400, while PhiSpy ground geophysics indicates that zones S1 and S2 disappear to the east between sections S1900 and S2000.

**10.3.4** **Drilling Results on the Far-West, North, North-East, and East Zones** 

NMG's 2015 drilling campaign on the North, North-East and East zones consisted of 12 holes for a total of 1,763.97 m drilled. Exploration drilling of four holes was performed in 2019 on the Far-West Zone totalling 880.4 m. Mineralization was intercepted 37 times by drilling in these zones (Table 10-3).

The four holes (TO-19-156, TO-19-157, TO-19-158, TO-19-159) completed on the Far-West Zone were positioned on two sections about 350 m apart. The main mineralized horizon interpreted from the drilling suggest a dip of about -75° with a dip direction of 115° and true widths from 21.6 m @ 5.56% to 69.4 m @ 4.49% C(g).

The four holes (TO-15-08, TO-15-44, TO-15-45 and TO-15-46) and two trenches (TO-15-TR-8 and TO-15-TR-9) were completed on the East Zone. These intercepted graphitic horizons measuring 10.2 m to 49.4 m wide but often returning a low grade of around 2.5% C(g). On section E2400 the graphitic horizons plunge sub-vertically on the east side and fold upwards at depth to the west resulting in the horizon dipping around 45° to the east on the west side.

The six holes (TO-15-47 to TO-15-52) completed on the North Zone intercepted graphitic horizons generally measuring 10 m to 30 m wide returning respectable grades of 3% to 5% C(g). Section N0900 is typical of the North Zone. The graphitic horizons here are plunging steeply south at the west end, changing to a sub-vertical dip in the middle (section N1500) and steeply plunging north in the eastern portion of this zone (section N1700).

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **10-14** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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Hole TO-15-35 and trench TO-15-TR-7, completed on the North-East Zone, intercepted graphitic horizons measuring 10 m to 26 m wide with grades varying from 2.5% to 4.5% C(g). On section N2600, which is typical of this area, the graphitic horizons plunge sub-vertically.

Although drilling over the Far-West, North, North-East and East zones intercepted decent graphite mineralization, these are considered a lower priority for NMG since they display less potential than the West, South-West, and South-East zones. Thus, NMG opted to forego the preparation of a Mineral Resource Estimate over these zones for the time being.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **10-15** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Table 10-3: List of mineralized intercepts of the Far-West, North, North-East, and East zones**

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Mineralized<br> Zone** | **Section** | **Drill Hole** | **From (m)** | **To <br> (m)** | **Intercept (m)** | **True Width <br> (m) <sup>(1)</sup>** | **Mineralized Core <br> Intervals (% C(g))** |
| Far-West | FW+0400 | TO-19-156 | 29 | 50.6 | 21.6 | 18.7 | 21.6 m @ 5.56% |
| Far-West | FW+0400 | TO-19-157 | 126 | 153 | 27 | 23.4 | 27 m @ 4.93% |
| Far-West | FW+0400 | TO-19-157 | 221 | 229 | 8 | 6.9 | 8.0 m @ 3.89% |
| Far-West | FW+0750 | TO-19-158 | 197.9 | 240.15 | 42.25 | 38.3 | 42.25 m @ 5.83% |
| Far-West | FW+0750 | TO-19-159 | 30.8 | 37 | 6.2 | 5.6 | 6.2 m @ 3.86% |
| Far-West | FW+0750 | TO-19-159 | 45.5 | 57 | 11.5 | 10.4 | 11.5 m @ 3.04% |
| Far-West | FW+0750 | TO-19-159 | 75 | 151.6 | 76.6 | 69.4 | 76.6 m @ 4.49% |
| East | E2200 | TO-15-TR-8 | 0 | 42 | 42 | 29.7 | 42 m @ 4.28% |
| East | E2200 | TO-15-TR-9 | 20 | 54 | 34 | 34 | 34 m @ 2.81% |
| East | E2300 | TO-15-45 | 10.9 | 58.9 | 48 | 33.9 | 48 m @ 1.74% |
| East | E2300 | TO-15-45 | 91 | 102.5 | 11.5 | 10.4 | 11.5 m @ 2.41% |
| East | E2400 | TO-15-08 | 4.6 | 54 | 49.4 | 49.4 | 49.4 m @ 2.73% |
| East | E2400 | TO-15-08 | 97 | 108.5 | 11.5 | 11.5 | 11.5 m @ 2.49% |
| East | E2400 | TO-15-08 | 143.5 | 157 | 13.5 | 13.5 | 13.5 m @ 3.49% |
| East | E2400 | TO-15-44 | 10.5 | 49.7 | 39.2 | 27.7 | 39.2 m @ 2.38% |
| East | E2400 | TO-15-44 | 79.3 | 93.1 | 13.8 | 13.8 | 13.8 m @ 2.65% |
| East | E2600 | TO-15-46 | 6 | 26.2 | 20.2 | 18.3 | 20.2 m @ 2.68% |
| East | E2600 | TO-15-46 | 46.5 | 79 | 32.5 | 31.4 | 32.5 m @ 3.39% |
| East | E2600 | TO-15-46 | 90.8 | 101 | 10.2 | 9.9 | 10.2 m @ 3.37% |
| East | E2600 | TO-15-46 | 164 | 177.83 | 13.8 | 13.3 | 13.8 m @ 3.77% |
| North | N0900 | TO-15-51 | 9.1 | 32.36 | 23.3 | 13.4 | 23.3 m @ 4.05% |
| North | N0900 | TO-15-51 | 159.53 | 174 | 14.5 | 8.3 | 14.5 m @ 4.24% |
| North | N0900 | TO-15-52 | 20.2 | 36 | 15.8 | 9.1 | 15.8 m @ 2.15% |
| North | N0900 | TO-15-52 | 45 | 51 | 6 | 3.4 | 6 m @ 3.42% |
| North | N1200 | TO-15-50 | 23.54 | 81.85 | 58.3 | 33.4 | 58.3 m @ 5.11% |
| North | N1200 | TO-15-50 | 125 | 144 | 19 | 10.9 | 19 m @ 3.42% |
| North | N1500 | TO-15-49 | 39.35 | 59.7 | 20.4 | 16.7 | 20.4 m @ 5.18% |
| North | N1500 | TO-15-49 | 71 | 88.45 | 17.5 | 14.3 | 17.5 m @ 4.61% |
| North | N1500 | TO-15-49 | 106.34 | 135.95 | 29.6 | 24.2 | 29.6 m @ 2.89% |
| North | N1600 | TO-15-47 | 35.5 | 59.13 | 23.6 | 20.4 | 23.6 m @ 4.67% |
| North | N1600 | TO-15-47 | 90.38 | 108.3 | 17.9 | 15.5 | 17.9 m @ 3.44% |
| North | N1700 | TO-15-48 | 16.7 | 22.75 | 6.1 | 5 | 6.1 m @ 4.13% |
| North | N1700 | TO-15-48 | 36 | 51.5 | 15.5 | 12.7 | 15.5 m @ 4.79% |
| North | N1700 | TO-15-48 | 72.1 | 88 | 15.9 | 13 | 15.9 m @ 3.05% |
| North-East | N2600 | TO-15-35 | 53.16 | 66.59 | 13.4 | 10.3 | 13.4 m @ 4.59% |
| North-East | N2600 | TO-15-35 | 82.3 | 117 | 34.7 | 26.6 | 34.7 m @ 2.55% |
| North-East | N2700 | TO-15-TR-7 | 26 | 44 | 18 | 13.8 | 18 m @ 4.22% |

---

<sup>(1)</sup> True width is interpreted according to limited geological information.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **10-16** |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img051.jpg)

**Figure 10-8: Drill hole section S2900**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **10-17** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img052.jpg)

**Figure 10-9: Drill hole section S1500**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **10-18** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.** **Sample Preparation, Analyses, and Security** 

The drilling program geologists, Yvan Bussières (2015) and Bernard-Olivier Martel (2015 to 2022) determined the sample intervals and supervised the core sampling operations. These were all performed in a secure storage facility located at 480 Rue des Aulnaies in Saint-Michel-des-Saints until 2019 when the core logging and splitting operations moved to 600 Rue de la Forex in Saint-Michel-des-Saints, at NMG's demonstration plant facilities. The main purpose of the core sampling is to determine the grade of the graphitic horizons, which is used to determine the graphite resources and reserves. Unless otherwise noted, Chapter 11 applies to exploration and definition core drilling. Other core samples were analyzed in 2023. They originated from core drilling other than for exploration or delineation purposes such as pit-slope studies and hydrogeological studies and have not been used for the current Mineral Resources Estimate.

Samples were sent to the ALS Minerals facilities located in Val-d'Or, Québec, for crushing and pulverizing. The resulting pulps were sent to the ALS Minerals facilities in North Vancouver, British Columbia, for analysis. Blanks, standards and duplicate samples were added to the sample stream by NMG as part of quality control procedures. Some duplicate samples were also sent to Actlabs in Ancaster (Ontario) to validate graphite content results measured by ALS Minerals. The author is of the opinion that there was no sample bias and that the results are representative of the mineralized zones located on the Tony Claim Block.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.1** **Sample Procedure and Sample Security** 

Drill core sampling was done as follows:

▪ Drill
 core samples were selected when the geologist observed above an estimated 1% C(g) content;

▪ The
 geologists choose an additional sample before and after the graphitic interval. These samples
 confirm the limits of the graphitic horizon, which help to connect the graphitic horizons
 between holes during the construction of the resource model;

▪ The
 typical sample length used for the Project is 2 m, however, sample length was adjusted
 to the lithological contact or when graphite content varies greatly (samples were no longer
 than 3.95 m and no smaller than 0.1 m during the 2015 to 2022 drilling programs);

▪ The
 geologist marked the beginning and end of each sample on the core using a wax pencil;

▪ The
 geologist added two water-resistant tags bearing the sample number in the core box. One tag
 was placed in the sample bag once the core splitting was completed, and the other was stapled
 in the core box at the end of each sample run;

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **11-1** |

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▪ The
 drill core sample was split into two core quarters and one core half by a technician using
 a water-cooled rock saw equipped with a diamond blade. One of the quarter-core was bagged
 and sent for analysis and the remaining quarter, as well as the remaining half, was kept
 as reference and for possible metallurgical testing.

Figure 11-1 compares graphite content of 19 samples using quarter-core and its half-core duplicate. This illustrates adequate reproducibility of using quarter-core samples to determine graphite content for the Tony Block mineralization.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img053.jpg)

**Figure 11-1: Comparison between quarter-core and half-core C(g) results**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **11-2** |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img054.jpg)

**Figure 11-2: Core box picture after core splitting and sampling**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.2** **Sample Preparation and Analysis** 

Samples were sent to ALS Minerals laboratories ("ALS"). At the ALS facilities in Val-d'Or, Québec, samples were entirely crushed to less than 2 mm, and a 250-gram representative portion of the sample was crushed to less than 75 microns. The resulting pulps were sent for analysis to the ALS facilities in Vancouver, British Columbia. A detailed description of the following analysis methods can be found through this link: (https://www.alsglobal.com/en/geochemistry).

ALS's Val-d'Or and Vancouver geochemistry laboratories conform with requirements of CAN-P-1579, CAN-P-4E (ISO/IEC 17025:2005) and as such, are regularly audited by the Standard Council of Canada.

All of the 2015 to 2022 drill core samples underwent C(g) analysis by LECO® analyzer using ALS's C-IR18 package.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **11-3** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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In 2015, approximately one sample per drill section was also analyzed using ALS's C-IR07, ME-MS41 and Au-AA23 packages and one in every five samples was analyzed using the S-IR08 package.

From 2016, all samples underwent ALS's C-IR18, C-IR07 and S-IR08 analysis packages. ALS's multielement analysis package ME-MS41 was performed at every 10 m in mineralized intervals with a minimum of one sample. This type of analysis was also performed at each major lithological change along each drill hole. The number of samples sent for each type of analysis per mineralized zone is presented in Table 10-1.

The C-IR18 package consists of digesting 1 gram of prepared sample in acid followed by a roasting phase and then by burning in a combustion furnace. The purpose of this method is to remove the carbon associated with carbonate minerals, like calcite, by acid digestion, followed by roasting to eliminate any organic carbon undigested by the acid, and finally, by burning the remaining carbon in the combustion furnace to measure what is considered as graphitic carbon.

The C-IR07 package determines the total carbon content using a LECO® analyzer. The difference between the C(t) and C(g) indicates the amount of carbonated mineral(s). The purpose of this method is to measure the total carbon (organic carbon, carbon within carbonate minerals and graphitic carbon) within the sample.

The S-IR08 package determines the total sulphur content ("S%") using a LECO® analyzer. The S-IR08 method consists of burning 1 gram of prepared sample in a combustion furnace.

The ME-MS41 package determines the content of 51 elements in the sample. This was performed to determine whether graphitic horizons contained any economic grades of other types of metals and/or minerals, as well as elements that could be considered as potential contaminants. To increase the probability of obtaining a greater number of contaminants, the selected sample was sometimes the one displaying the highest visual sulphide content. The ME-MS41 method consists of digesting 0.5 gram of a prepared sample by Aqua Regia extraction followed by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry ("ICP-MS") finish.

The Au-AA23 package determines the gold content. This method consists of taking 30 grams of pulverized rock to be treated by the method of lead fusion followed by cupellation and a digestion of the metallic bead in an Aqua Regia solution, followed by an analysis using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy ("ICP-AES"). This type of analysis was only performed in 2015 and no significant Au content was measured.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **11-4** |

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Due to the nature of the mineralization, the graphite easily creates a greasy substance that attaches itself to the jaws of the crushers as well as the ring and puck of the pulverisers during sample preparation at the laboratory. Furthermore, the graphite dust also sticks to the jaws, ring and puck, and the standard procedure of using compressed air cleaning between samples is sometimes insufficient to properly clean the equipment. To minimize contamination in the laboratory sample preparation process, NMG added ALS methods WSH-21 and WSH-22 to the samples shipped after October 2015. These methods consist of cleaning the crushers with barren material (WSH-21) after every sample and cleaning the pulverisers with barren material (WSH-22) after every sample. Only method WSH-22 was used for the 2018 to 2022 samples.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.3** **Quality Assurance and Quality Control Procedure** 

NMG established an extensive QA/QC program to ensure a high-level quality control for its exploration work. Table 11-1 summarizes the quality control samples used during the 2015 to 2022 drilling campaigns. These assay controls were:

1. Insertion of graphite standards in order
 to control laboratory precision and accuracy in reporting C(g) content;

2. Insertion of blank samples to verify for
 possible laboratory contamination;

3. Insertion of field duplicate samples to
 verify result reproducibility;

4. Analysis of duplicates at a different laboratory
 to validate the ALS results.

A total of 11,736 samples from exploration and delineation drilling were assayed from the 196 drill holes sampled during the 2015 to 2019 drilling programs including quality control samples. A total of 1,225 control samples were used and therefore represent 10.4% of the samples analyzed for the Project. An additional 597 core samples from 35 diamond drill holes ("DDH") used for other purposes than exploration and delineation on the West Zone were assayed in 2023. A total of 64 control samples were used for that sampling campaign.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **11-5** |

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**Table 11-1: 2015-2023 Drill core quality control samples**

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| | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Mineralized<br> Zone** | **Total <br> Samples** | **Samples <br> Excluding<br> QA/QC** | **Quality Control Samples Analyzed for C(g) Content** | **Quality Control Samples Analyzed for C(g) Content** | **Quality Control Samples Analyzed for C(g) Content** | **Quality Control Samples Analyzed for C(g) Content** | **Quality Control Samples Analyzed for C(g) Content** | **Quality Control Samples Analyzed for C(g) Content** | **Quality Control Samples Analyzed for C(g) Content** | **Quality Control Samples Analyzed for C(g) Content** |
| **Mineralized<br> Zone** | **Total <br> Samples** | **Samples <br> Excluding<br> QA/QC** | **Blank** | **Duplicate** | **Standard** | **Standard** | **Standard** | **Standard** | **Standard** | **Standard** |
| **Mineralized<br> Zone** | **Total <br> Samples** | **Samples <br> Excluding<br> QA/QC** | **Blank** | **Duplicate** | **STC** | **STF** | **STH** | **STM** | **STH-2** | **CDN-GR-3** |
| **West<sup>(1)</sup>** | **9181** | **8274** | **364** | **365** | **7** | **8** | **4** | **12** | **71** | **76** |
| West 2023<sup>(2)</sup> | 661 | 597 | 26 | 26 |  |  |  |  | 5 | 7 |
| Far-West | 274 | 247 | 12 | 10 |  |  |  |  | 4 | 1 |
| South-West | 1068 | 937 | 43 | 73 |  |  | 6 | 9 |  |  |
| South-East | 694 | 598 | 22 | 61 |  |  | 5 | 8 |  |  |
| East | 234 | 209 | 10 | 11 |  |  | 2 | 2 |  |  |
| North-East | 38 | 34 | 1 | 2 |  |  |  | 1 |  |  |
| North | 247 | 212 | 22 | 10 |  |  | 2 | 1 |  |  |
| **Total** | **12397** | **11108** | **500** | **558** | **7** | **8** | **19** | **33** | **80** | **84** |

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<sup>(1)</sup> Samples included on this line were used for the Resource Estimate of the West Zone presented in this report.

<sup>(2)</sup> Samples included on this line were analyzed in 2023 and have not been used for any Resource or Reserve Estimate. They originated from core drillings other than for exploration or delineation purposes such as pit-slope studies and hydrogeological studies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.4** **Analysis Standards** 

During the 2015 drilling programs, NMG added six different quality control standard samples, each representing different grades, to its sample stream to verify the accuracy of C(g) results. Five of these were produced using mineralized rock from NMG's Matawinie Property. Each of these five in-house standard samples was sent to the ALS laboratory to be crushed, homogenized, and analyzed ten times for its graphite content. From 2016, one in-house standard was used (STH-2) as well as a graphite standard [reference CDN-GR-3, certified value of 2.39% C(g) ± 0.11] bought from CDN Resource Laboratories Ltd. (ISO-9001:2015), from Langley (B-C). Table 11-2 provides the mean and standard deviation of these ten tests performed on the in-house standards as well as the results of the inserted standard samples in the drill core sample stream. As part of the QA/QC program, one standard sample was inserted for every 50 samples sent to the laboratory.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **11-6** |

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**Table 11-2: Summary of standard sample results**

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Standard Sample Statistics** | **In-House Standards % C(g) Results from ALS (C-IR18)** | **In-House Standards % C(g) Results from ALS (C-IR18)** | **In-House Standards % C(g) Results from ALS (C-IR18)** | **In-House Standards % C(g) Results from ALS (C-IR18)** | **In-House Standards % C(g) Results from ALS (C-IR18)** |
| **Standard Sample Statistics** | **STC** | **STF** | **STH** | **STM** | **STH-2** |
| Mean based on 10 rounds of analysis | 4.48 | 5.04 | 18.29 | 6.11 | 5.84 |
| Mean from inserted Samples | 4.59 | 5.04 | 18.07 | 6.12 | 5.79 |
| Standard deviation based on 10 rounds of analysis | 0.11 | 0.07 | 0.22 | 0.05 | 0.06 |
| Standard deviation from Inserted Samples | 0.12 | 0.13 | 0.3 | 0.22 | 0.14 |

---

The 78 CDN-GR-3 standard samples inserted in the sample stream returned a mean of 2.41% C(g) and a standard deviation of 0.08. Seven of these samples returned values slightly above the certified value of 2.39% C(g) ± 0.11, ranging from 2.52% to 2.63% C(g). Three samples returned results outside of the minimum expected range with values of 2.16% to 2.26% C(g). The author is of the opinion that overall, the standard sample results are within acceptable limits.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.5** **Analysis Blanks** 

The blank samples used for QA/QC purposes during the 2015 drilling campaign consisted of approximately 1 kg of white gravel (bag from Canadian Tire hardware store). From 2016, blank sample material (quartz) was acquired from IOS Services Geoscientifiques inc. of Chicoutimi (Québec) following the recommendations from the PEA report of using a more reliable blank standard. From 2018, coarse silica blank samples, acquired from Analytical Solutions Ltd. from Sudbury (Ontario), were also used in the sample stream. A total of 474 blank samples (364 for the West Zone and 110 for the other mineralized zones), representing a population of 4.0% of the drilling program samples, were inserted within the sample stream. Blank samples were generally inserted at sample numbers ending in odd tens. The 2016 to 2022 blank standards, with an average content of <0.02% C(g) (the detection limit) has proven more suitable as a quality control material then the 2015 material, with an average content of 0.08% C(g). Figure 11-3 shows the C(g) content for the inserted blank samples during the 2015 to 2022 drilling campaigns. The author is of the opinion that the blank sample results are within acceptable limits.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **11-7** |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img055.jpg)

**Figure 11-3: Inserted blank sample C(g) assay results**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.6** **Core Duplicates** 

During the 2015 to 2022 drilling programs, NMG added duplicate samples to its sample stream to verify assay reproducibility. Duplicate samples were generally inserted at sample numbers ending in even tens. The 2018 duplicate samples consisted in the last 30 cm of the quarter core original sample run as opposed to a complete quarter core samples used for the 2015-2016 and 2019 onwards quality control program. In all, 532 drill core samples (365 from the West Zone and 167 for the other mineralized zones) were duplicated representing a population of 5% of the drilling program samples (this includes duplicate samples sent to other laboratories for validation). Figure 11-4 shows the reproducibility of C(g) results provided by the duplicate samples inserted into the 2015 to 2022 core sample stream.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **11-8** |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp7img001.jpg)

**Figure 11-4: Reproducibility of duplicate samples**

At the end of the 2015 drilling program, as part of due diligence and quality control, 50 samples were selected and sent to Actlabs Laboratories, located in Ancaster, Ontario, to see whether it could duplicate the results obtained by ALS. Actlabs' Quality System is accredited to international quality standards through the International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission ("ISO/IEC") 17025 (ISO/IEC 17025 includes ISO 9001 and ISO 9002 specifications) with CAN-P-1579 (Mineral Analysis) for specific registered tests by the Standards Council of Canada ("SCC"). The accreditation program includes ongoing audits that verify the QA/QC system and all applicable registered test methods. Figure 11-5 illustrates a good reproducibility of graphite values between laboratories. The sample re-assays therefore confirmed that:

▪ The
 graphite values for ALS can be compared to those of another certified laboratory;

▪ The
 reproducibility of sample values demonstrates that assay value for the quarter-core sample
 is representative of the graphite content;

▪ There
 was no particular bias noted in the verification process.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **11-9** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img056.jpg)

**Figure 11-5: Drill core C(g) assay comparison using ALS and Actlabs**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.7** **Specific Gravity** 

In 2015, for each drill section spaced at 100 m, different rock types (usually five to seven samples were measured using ALS's OA-GRA08b package to determine the specific gravity of the rock types used for the resource calculation. The OA-GRA08b method consists of the following steps:

▪ A
 prepared sample (3.0 g) is weighed into an empty pycnometer;

▪ The
 pycnometer is filled with a solvent (either methanol or acetone) and then weighed;

▪ From
 the weight of the sample and the weight of the solvent displaced by the sample, the specific
 gravity is calculated.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp7img002.jpg)

In 2016 to 2019, the specific gravity of one out of every six mineralized samples was measured using ALS's OA-GRA08 method and one sample was also measured for each lithologies along the core (https://dokumen.tips/documents/oa-gra08-specific-gravity-measurementpdf.html).

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **11-10** |

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Specific gravity measurements were performed on a 30-cm piece of ½ core, representative of its 2-m, ¼ core sample twin. The 30-cm sample was weighed dry on a balance then it was weighed while suspended in water. From the data, the specific gravity is calculated.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp7img003.jpg)

Both specific gravity measurement methods have a lower and upper reporting limit of 0.01 and 20 respectively.

A total of 2,075 samples from the 2015 to 2019 drilling campaigns were measured for their specific gravity, of which 1967 originate from the West mineralized zone.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**11.8** **Quality Control Program Conclusions** 

In summary, based on the study of the QA/QC program results, the author concludes that:

▪ The
 sampling of a quarter of core is representative of the Tony Block graphite mineralization
 and can be repeated with an acceptable confidence level;

▪ The
 2015-2016 duplicate samples demonstrated good assay reproducibility. Some of the 2018 duplicate
 samples demonstrated a high variability due to the fact that only 30-cm along a quarter core
 of the 2-m length of the original quarter core sample was analyzed. Drilling from 2019 onwards
 reverted to the 2015-2016 duplicate sample protocol, which is to send the full ¼ core
 length for analysis, to optimize assay reproducibility;

▪ Although
 blank samples are considered within acceptable limits, C(g) content in 2015 were higher
 than expected, this was corrected by using different blank material in the subsequent drilling
 campaigns.

▪ The
 in-house 2015 C(g) standards returned acceptable overall results although their standard
 deviation is considered higher than intended. The 2016 to 2022 standards inserted in the
 sample stream from CDN Resource Laboratories Ltd. returned acceptable results.

Overall, the author considers that the sample preparation, security and analytical procedures as well as quality control results are adequate and representative of the graphite mineralization on NMG's Tony Claim Block.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **11-11** |

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**12.** **Data Verification** 

The author and qualified person of this chapter, Yann Camus, P.Eng., Mineral Resource Estimation Engineer for SGS Geological Services, performed verifications for NMG's 2017 PFS (*"43-101 Technical Pre-Feasibility Study Report for the Matawinie Graphite Project"*, dated December 10, 2017), additional verifications in 2018 for an updated PFS (Updated resources announced in the June 27, 2018 press release: *"Nouveau Monde Increases its Indicated Resources to 95.8 Mt at a Grade of 4.28% Cg for Its West Zone Graphite Deposit – Matawinie Property"*), as well as the 2018 FS (*"NI 43-101 Technical Feasibility Study Report for the Matawinie Graphite Project"*, dated December 10, 2018) and the 2020 Resource Update (Updated resources announced in the March 19, 2020 press release: "*Nouveau Monde Announces Updated Resource Estimate and Increases Combined Measured & Indicated Resources by 25% to 120.3 Mt @ 4.26% Cg*"). Some verifications were performed in 2021 for NMG's 2022 FS ("*NI 43-101 Technical Feasibility Study Report for The Matawinie Mine and the Bécancour Battery Material Plant Integrated Graphite Projects*", dated August 10, 2022) (Allaire et al., 2022). Some verifications were also performed, specifically in 2024 for the March 2025 Updated FS (Allaire et al., 2025); since then, no information has changed. The following actions were taken to ascertain that the database supporting the estimation of resources is sound and reliable:

▪ Site
 visits on September 17, 2024, August 18, 2021, November 27, 2019, June 21,
 2018, and November 9, 2016;

▪ Handheld
 GPS location of many drill hole collars during each of the site visits for validation of
 the database;

▪ Independent
 sampling (2016 and 2019);

▪ Multiple
 databases and other documents verifications (2024/2021/2019/2018/2016).

SGS Canada Geological Services was hired by NMG to update the Mineral Resources for the Matawinie Mine. Mr. Yann Camus, P.Eng., oversaw this mandate for SGS.

**12.1.** **Site Visits** 

The QP visited the Mining Property on September 17, 2024, August 18, 2021, November 27, 2019, June 21, 2018, and November 9, 2016. Details of these visits can be found in the following reports:

▪ November 9,
 2016 site visit details are available in the 2017 PFS report (Met-Chem-DRA, 2017).

▪ June 21,
 2018 site visit details are available in the 2018 FS report (Met-Chem-DRA, 2018).

▪ August 18,
 2021 and November 27, 2019 details of the site visits are available in the 2022 FS
 report (Allaire et al., 2022).

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **12-1** |

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This report presents the details of the September 17, 2024 site visit.

On September 17, 2024, Mr. Yann Camus met with Mr. Antoine Cloutier, P.Geo., NMG Chief Geologist, who led the visit during the entire day.

During this visit, Mr. Yann Camus had the opportunity to visit the core logging facilities set up in a large garage of a private house owned by NMG, the core storage location, the sample storage containers, the field sites to witness the production pit and many drill hole collars, as well as NMG's main office and demonstration plant, all located in the town of Saint-Michel-des-Saint. Most of the discussions concerned the latest developments regarding the resources, drilling and plans for the development of the Projects.

At the time of the visit, there was no drilling or core logging in progress. No particular comment to be mentioned here.

All aspects of the resources basically remained unchanged since the last site visits.

**12.1.1.** **Independent Sampling During the 2019 Site Visit** 

During the 2019 visit, the author collected 48 independent samples with the help of the NMG technicians. The procedures for the sampling were kept the same as what was done for building the drilling database, including the QA/QC procedures. Since only a quarter of the core is used for the sampling, ¾ was still in the core boxes. That enabled to use a quarter of the core for the independent sampling presented here. The samples are for holes TO-19-150 (11 samples), TO-19-150 (13 samples) and TO-19-150 (24 samples). The difference found between the database data (ALS laboratory) and the independent samples (SGS laboratory) is found in Table 12-1. The individual results are shown as a scatter plot and a QQ plot for the graphitic carbon in Figure 12-1.

**Table 12-1: Comparison between the database data and the independent samples**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Laboratory <br> Name** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Project Database** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Independent Samples** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Rel. Diff.<br> (%)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Laboratory <br> Name** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**ALS** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**SGS** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Rel. Diff.<br> (%)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Count** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**48** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**48** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Rel. Diff.<br> (%)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;C(g) (%) | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.22 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.37 | &nbsp;&nbsp;+3.5% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;C(t) (%) | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.30 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.33 | &nbsp;&nbsp;+0.6% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;S (%) | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.20 | &nbsp;&nbsp;2.81 | &nbsp;&nbsp;-12% |

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **12-2** |

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**Figure 12-1: Scatter and QQ plots for the graphitic carbon independent samples**

The graphitic carbon reported in the independent samples is 3.5% above the database data. It is within the +/- 5% sought after for a Feasibility Study. It is common to have slightly different results between laboratories. The scatter plot shows a very good duplication of the original results. There might be two outliers with the duplicate value respectively 20% and 29% above the original values. But most of the duplicates are in the vicinity of the +/- 10% relative differences. We see from the scatter and QQ plots that material above 5% C(g) comes out as higher grade in the independent samples. However, as the average relative difference is within the +/- 5% window sought, the results are deemed reasonable.

After meeting at the office in 2019, it was decided to visit the site of the West Zone deposit to witness the 2019 drill holes. The author took some pictures (Figure 12-2) and measured the GPS coordinates for 12 collars along with measurements of the azimuth and dip for eight collars. These measurements were made using a compass and a handheld Garmin Etrex Legend HCx GPS (Table 12-2). The comparison between the database information and the field readings revealed very good correlations. Only the last collar (TO-19-195) does not match well on the elevation. This must be an error on the author's handheld GPS that is notoriously wrong sometimes for elevation measurements. To confirm the elevation of that drill hole, the value in the database compared well to the topography data of the surface provided by a 2015 LiDAR survey. That tends to confirm that the handheld GPS is wrong. All these verifications are satisfactory.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **12-3** |

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**Table 12-2: List of results for the drill hole collars measured by handheld GPS**

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Hole<br> Name** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Absolute Differences** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Absolute Differences** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Absolute Differences** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Absolute Differences** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Hole<br> Name** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Distance<br> (m)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Azimuth** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Dip** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Angle<br> (3D)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-16-108 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp;N/A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-19-200 | &nbsp;&nbsp;6 | &nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp;N/A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-19-201 | &nbsp;&nbsp;8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;-2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;-5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-19-209 | &nbsp;&nbsp;8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;-8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;-1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-19-155 | &nbsp;&nbsp;8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;9 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-19-161 | &nbsp;&nbsp;2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;-11 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-19-162 | &nbsp;&nbsp;2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;-3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;-1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-19-163 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp;N/A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-19-160 | &nbsp;&nbsp;7 | &nbsp;&nbsp;11 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-19-204 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-19-146 | &nbsp;&nbsp;10 | &nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp;N/A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;TO-19-195 | &nbsp;&nbsp;36 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;2 |

---

The visit continued with the future bulk sampling site that has been drilled and blasted since 2018 providing ore to feed NMG's Demonstration Plant (see Press Release dated December 5, 2017). This site is currently stripped from overburden and some channel samples were taken to provide a good estimation of the local grade of the mineralization. While the future sampling approach was discussed, this topic is irrelevant for the current report.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **12-4** |

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**Figure 12-2: 2019 Independent sampling at the core shack (left); Some of the core storage (right);<br> Collar in the field (bottom)**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **12-5** |

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**12.2.** **Database Verification** 

Standard verifications were carried out: extreme values, data going beyond hole depth, check of gaps in the information, search of collars inconsistencies. Only minor details needed some changes and the data was deemed acceptable for the resource modelling and estimation.

**12.3.** **Mineral Resource Block Model Verification** 

Between the 2022 FS (Allaire et al., 2022) and the March 2025 Updated FS (Allaire et al., 2025), a total of 597 new assay records were collected from 35 drill holes. Of these, only 376 assay records from 14 drill holes intersected significant parts of the 2022 block model. Verification showed that these drill holes confirmed the previous model and did not warrant a model update. As a result, the 2022 block model was kept as is. No information has changed since then.

**12.4.** **Conclusion** 

The verification of the NMG database is satisfactory for the preparation of the resource estimation. The site visit allowed multiple verifications. Everything corresponded well to the information provided by NMG. All drill hole verifications from 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2024 confirmed the information in the database.

The standard database verifications performed by the author indicate a sound database, reliable for the estimation of resources.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **12-6** |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**13.** **Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing** 

NMG conducted multiple test programs since the Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") and continued the process development, optimization, and characterization during the Pre-feasibility Study ("PFS"), FS 2018, 2022 FS update, and the March 2025 Updated FS.

The results of these previous metallurgical test programs are summarized in the following section.

Additional tests programs were conducted after the 2022 FS and up to the current detail engineering phase of the Matawinie Project. These programs were carried out by equipment manufacturers and independent research laboratories. NMG also constructed and operates a mineral processing demonstration plant with a capacity of 3.5 tph. This demonstration plant was used to carry out various Design of Experiment ("DOE") programs to investigate flowsheet optimization opportunities.

The demonstration plant is now mainly used to produce material to feed other NMG demonstration plants for the development of the value-add processes and to qualify these products with potential end-users.

Due to the re-evaluation of the NMG marketing strategy of graphite in September 2023, it is no longer necessary to prioritize the preservation of extra coarse graphite particles. As a result, the opportunity was taken to simplify the flowsheet and improve the final concentrate grade while increasing the overall robustness of the cleaning circuit. Tests in 2024 were done at the NMG laboratory with this new flowsheet. The results obtained during these tests allowed the final design concentrate grade to be adjusted to 97.5% carbon combined with carbon recovery rate of 93.0%.

To understand the evolution of the process development, optimization, and de-risking phases of the Matawinie Project, this section of the report has been broken down into four sections:

1. Historic metallurgical results: PEA, PFS,
 and FS;

2. Internal test programs conducted at NMG
 demonstration plant;

3. External test programs conducted by manufacturers
 and research laboratories;

4. Internal test programs conducted at NMG
 laboratory in 2024.

Note that unless otherwise specified, moisture content in Chapter 13 is defined by Mass of water / (Mass of water + Mass of solids) or "Mw/(Mw+Ms)". Also, the graphite content, referred to as C(g), is measured using a protocol to differentiate with other potential sources of carbon, such as carbonate-rich lithologies in ore (e.g., CaCO<sub>3</sub>). It is assumed that the total carbon content, referred to as C(t), should be equal to C(g), in graphite concentrate, since the processing of the ore usually eliminates sources of carbon other than graphite.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-1** |

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**13.1** **Historic Metallurgical Results** 

The details of the historic metallurgical results are well documented in the PEA, PFS and FS already published on SEDAR+. Hence, the current section of this report only provides a high-level summary of the results.

**13.1.1** **Preliminary Economical Assessment** 

The metallurgical programs started with initial scoping level flotation tests on grab and trench samples and culminated in a scoping level flowsheet development program that supported the PEA. The process flowsheet that was developed during this phase of testing is depicted in Figure 13-1.

The robustness of the flowsheet was confirmed in a variability flotation program that tested seven different composites from the West and South Zones. The concentrate grades ranged between 94.4% C(t) and 99.5% C(t) with open circuit total carbon recoveries of 81.5% to 88.5%. No closed-circuit flotation tests were carried out as part of the initial flowsheet development program.

The reagent regime comprised of frother methyl isobutyl carbinol ("MIBC"), collector diesel, pH modifier lime, sulphide activator copper sulphate ("CuSO<sub>4</sub>"), and sulphide collector potassium amyl xanthate ("PAX").

Two bulk concentrate production pilot plant campaigns on 12 tonnes ("t") and 50 t of mineralized South Zone and West Zone material, respectively, demonstrated the scalability of the proposed process flowsheet and conditions.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-2** |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp7img004.jpg)

**Figure 13-1: Scoping level Matawinie process flowsheet**

The open circuit test results were analyzed and compared with similar projects that published both open and locked-cycle test ("LCT") flotation data. The overall graphite recovery was projected at 89.5% at a combined concentrate grade of 97.3% C(t).

The results of the size fraction analysis of the graphite flotation concentrate are presented in Table 13-1. These metallurgical results were used in the PEA that was completed in 2016 prior to the start of the flowsheet optimization program in 2017.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-3** |

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**Table 13-1: Mass and grade distribution of concentrate of<br> scoping level flowsheet development program**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Product** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Mass<br> (%)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Grade<br> (%) C(t)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;+48 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;16.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;97.5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;+65 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;19.8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;97.7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;+80 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;10.0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;97.4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;+100 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;11.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;97.4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;+150 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;18.8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;96.4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;+200 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;9.8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;96.1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;+325 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;7.6 | &nbsp;&nbsp;96.4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;+400 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;2.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;97.1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;-400 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.6 | &nbsp;&nbsp;98.5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Total** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**100.0** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**97.3** |

---

**13.1.2** **Pre-feasibility Study** 

The West Zone Master Composite ("MC") that was used in the 2017 process optimization program was generated by combining a total of 125 drill core intervals. The drill core intervals were chosen to duplicate the grade profile of the West Zone mineralization and to provide a full spatial representation of the West Zone.

Eight variability composites were generated by combining 362 drill hole intervals from different locations within the specific sampling zone. The drill hole intervals were selected to ensure a good spatial distribution and a combined head grade that was representative for the specific zone.

The West Zone MC was subjected to chemical characterization. The results of the carbon speciation and sulphur analysis are presented in Table 13-2.

**Table 13-2: West Zone Master Composite carbon speciation and sulphur head grades**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Assays (%)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Assays (%)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Assays (%)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Assays (%)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**C(t)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**C(g)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**CO<sub>3</sub>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**S** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;4.84 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.31 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.27 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.49 |

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-4** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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Eight variability samples were submitted for graphitic and total carbon analysis and the results are presented in Table 13-3.

**Table 13-3: Total carbon analysis of variability composites**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Composite** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**C(t)<br> (%)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**C(g)**<br> **(%)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Top South Centre | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.04 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.78 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Top North | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.95 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.58 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Bottom South | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.92 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.58 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Bottom North | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.91 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.83 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Top North Centre | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.02 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.77 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Top South | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.79 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.52 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Bottom North Centre | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.12 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.12 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Bottom South Centre | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.45 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.09 |

---

A series of comminution tests were carried out on the West Zone MC and a trench sample. Overall, the comminution results for the Matawinie West Zone material were favourable in terms of grinding energy requirements. However, the higher abrasion index will result in elevated liner, lifter, and media wear.

The Trench sample produced comminution results that indicated lower crushing and grinding energy requirements as well as lower abrasiveness. It was postulated that these results may have been driven by the fact that the Trench sample originated from close to surface and has been exposed to a certain degree of oxidation. Hence, the comminution results for the West Zone MC are to be considered more representative of the average mill feed.

The flowsheet optimization program included a sequential development of the rougher, primary cleaning, and secondary cleaning circuits. This development strategy is paramount to ensure that each unit operation is near optimized before proceeding with the next processing step.

The PEA flowsheet was confirmed in the flowsheet optimization program and modifications included primarily adjustments to the grinding conditions, reagent dosages, cleaner flotation stages, and flotation times. The optimized flowsheet produced combined concentrate grades of over 98% C(t).

While the original objective of developing a flowsheet and conditions to maximize final concentrate grades remained in effect until the end of the development program, a lower-grade target of 94% C(t) was established at the start of the program. This lower grade was achieved with a primary cleaning circuit only. Towards the end of the program, NMG adjusted this grade target to 95% C(t), which necessitated the addition of a secondary cleaning circuit for the fines.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-5** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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The flowsheet that formed the basis for the PFS is depicted in Figure 13-2.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp8img01.jpg)

**Figure 13-2: Matawinie PFS process flowsheet**

An LCT was carried out on the West Zone MC using the PFS flowsheet and proposed conditions. The results of the mass balance and size fraction analysis are presented in Table 13-4 and Table 13-5, respectively.

The combined concentrate graded 97.0% C(t) at a graphite recovery of 97.4%. A total of 16.5% of the concentrate mass reported to the +48 mesh size fraction and another 31.6% to the -48/+80 mesh product. The -100 size fractions contained 40.2% of the concentrate mass. All size fractions graded 96.2% C(t) or higher.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-6** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Table 13-4: Mass balance of LCT**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Sample ID** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Weight in %** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**C(g) in %** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**C(t) Distribution in %** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Combined Conc. | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.44 | &nbsp;&nbsp;97.0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;97.4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;-80 mesh 1<sup>st</sup> Clnr Tails | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.09 | &nbsp;&nbsp;16.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.3 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;1<sup>st</sup> Clnr Tails | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.64 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.02 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Scavenger Tails | &nbsp;&nbsp;91.8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.07 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Head (calculated) | &nbsp;&nbsp;100.0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.42 | &nbsp;&nbsp;100.0 |

---

**Table 13-5: Size fraction analysis of LCT combined concentrate**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Size Fraction** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Weight in %** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**C(t) in %** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**C(t) Distribution in %** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;+32 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.6 | &nbsp;&nbsp;96.5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.6 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;+48 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;14.9 | &nbsp;&nbsp;97.2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;14.9 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;+65 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;20.4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;97.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;20.4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;+80 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;11.2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;96.4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;11.1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;+100 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;11.6 | &nbsp;&nbsp;96.9 | &nbsp;&nbsp;11.6 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;+150 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;15.2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;98.2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;15.3 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;+200 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;9.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;98.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;9.2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;+325 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;7.2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;97.6 | &nbsp;&nbsp;7.2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;+400 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;97.3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;-400 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;5.8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;96.2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;5.7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Combined Conc** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**100.0** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**97.3** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**100.0** |

---

Desulphurization tests were completed to evaluate the impact of different sulphide activator and collector dosages on the sulphide grade of the low-sulphide tailings stream. The magnetic separation stage recovered between 8.2% and 19.3% of the sulphides. The higher recoveries coincide with the tests that produced the lower sulphur recovery into the flotation concentrate.

One flotation test was performed on each of the eight variability composites. The tests were conducted as open circuit tests, with only a primary cleaning circuit. The average concentrate grade and total carbon recovery of the eight tests were 96.2% C(t) and 94.5%, respectively. The concentrate grades ranged between 95.1% and 97.6% C(t) and carbon recoveries fell within a narrow range of 3.6%, from 92.4% to 96.0%.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-7** |

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In conclusion, the flowsheet optimization program to support the PFS built upon the results of the PEA metallurgical program and culminated in an optimized flowsheet and conditions that produced a graphite concentrate grade of 97.0% C(t) and 97.4% carbon recovery. The flowsheet development focused on maximizing graphite concentrate grade and recovery, while minimizing flake degradation. The flowsheet selected for the PFS was a simplified version without the +80 mesh secondary cleaning circuit as a result of a lower concentrate grade target.

Samples of the graphite flotation concentrate, high-sulphur potentially acid generating ("PAG") tailings, and desulphurized non-acid generating ("NAG") tailings were submitted for product characterization tests. Pertinent findings of the characterization work are summarized below.

**Solids Liquid Separation Tests**

Thickening and filtration tests were carried out by Outotec in 2017 to assist in the sizing of dewatering equipment. Samples of the three product streams were subjected to flocculant evaluation, dynamic thickening, as well as pressure and vacuum filtration tests.

The graphite concentrate was thickened to 39% solids (w/w) at a solid loading of 0.3 t/(m<sup>2</sup>h). Pressure filtration of the thickened graphite concentrate produced a moisture content of 15.5% (w/w), while vacuum filtration yielded a significantly higher moisture content of 22% (w/w).

Dynamic thickening tests on the NAG and PAG tailings produced underflow ("U/F") solids concentrations of 60% solids (w/w) and 70% solids (w/w), respectively, at solids loading rates of 0.7–1.2 t/(m<sup>2</sup>h).

Pressure filtration using the NAG tailings yielded a moisture content of less than 8% (w/w) at a filtration rate of 159 kgD.S/m<sup>2</sup>h. In comparison, vacuum filtration on the same sample produced a moisture content of 17.5% (w/w) at a filtration rate of 1.1 tD.S /m<sup>2</sup>h. Vacuum filtration on the NAG tailings yielded a lower moisture content of 9% (w/w) at a filtration rate of 755 kgD.S/m<sup>2</sup>h.

Overall, the graphite concentrate and tailings streams responded in line with expectations and other projects with similarly sized products.

**Self-heating Tests**

Self-heating tests were performed to quantify the risk of self-heating in a PAG tailings stockpile. The self-heating capacity values of 52-53 J/g for both Stages A and B place the high-sulphur tailings in the Risk Region 5, which suggests that preventative action to avoid self-heating of the tailings samples is recommended. The results for the high-sulphur tailings sample were somewhat expected given the calculated pyrrhotite content of 50-55% based on a sulphur grade of approximately 20%S.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-8** |

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**Tailings Environmental Characterization**

The high-sulphur and desulphurized tailings from LCT-MC were submitted for single addition static net acid generation and modified Acid Base Accounting ("ABA") tests to quantify the acid generation potential of the two tailings streams.

The desulphurized tailings were considered non-acid generating based on the NP/AP ratio of 8.9 and uncertain based on the net neutralizing potential. The net acid generation results classified the low-sulphur tailings as non-acid forming.

Both the modified ABA and net acid generation tests result classified the high-sulphur tailings as PAG.

Considering the flotation results that were obtained in the various programs leading up to the PFS, comminution results, and supplemental characterization work, the Matawinie mineralization responded very consistently and within expectations. Hence, the development of the FS metallurgical program focused on specific areas to improve the confidence in design data without the need to further optimize the graphite flotation circuit.

**13.1.3** **2018 Feasibility Study** 

The metallurgical test program that was completed in support of the 2018 FS was mostly limited to validation testing and the investigation of specific process opportunities and risks. Only a desulphurization flowsheet optimization was completed during the metallurgical test program of this Study. Other activities included:

▪ Completion
 of a comprehensive comminution program to generate more reliable data for sizing of crushing
 and grinding equipment;

▪ Mineralogical
 examination of samples that represents different areas of the West Zone mineralization to
 determine mineral composition and association of graphite;

▪ Locked-cycle
 testing, using a mine plan composite, to confirm that a Master Composite representing the
 first several years of mining operation provides consistent metallurgical response using
 the established process flowsheet and conditions;

▪ Confirmation
 of the robustness of the flowsheet and conditions with several variability composites that
 represent specific areas of the Mineral Resource;

▪ Optimization
 of the desulphurization circuit to ensure that the low-sulphur tailings stream is non-acid
 generating;

▪ Assessment
 of the impact of circulating process water with residual sulphide collector;

▪ Simulation
 of the SkimAir® technology in the primary grinding circuit to determine if a coarser
 concentrate product can be obtained;

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-9** |

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▪ Several
 comminution tests were carried out on six variability composites ("VAR") and
 one bulk sample that was retained from a 50-t bulk concentrate production pilot plant campaign.
 Since the drill core that was available for the VAR samples was not suitable for MacPherson,
 JK Drop Weight, and low-energy impact testing due to its small particle size, the bulk sample
 from a 50-t pilot plant ("PP") was used instead for these tests (SGS, 2018).

A summary of the comminution tests results is provided in Table 13-6.

**Table 13-6: Summary of comminution test results**

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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Sample**<br> **Name** | **Relative**<br> **Density** | **JK Parameters** | **JK Parameters** | **JK Parameters** | **JK Parameters** | **MacPherson Test** | **MacPherson Test** | **Work Indices (kWh/t)** | **Work Indices (kWh/t)** | **Work Indices (kWh/t)** | **Work Indices (kWh/t)** | **AI**<br> **(g)** | **UCS**<br> **(MPa)** |
| **Sample**<br> **Name** | **Relative**<br> **Density** | **A x b<sup>1</sup>** | **A x b<sup>2</sup>** | **t<sub>a</sub><sup>3</sup>** | **SCSE** | **(kg/h)** | **(kWh/t)** | **AWI** | **CWI** | **RWI** | **BWI** | **AI**<br> **(g)** | **UCS**<br> **(MPa)** |
| PP Comp Feed | 2.71 | 67.4 | 72.1 | 0.51 | 7.9 | 19.7 | 3.9 | 8.1 | 9.7 | 8.6 | 9.4 | 0.428 | 77.5 |
| VAR 2 | 2.74 | - | 59.2 | 0.56 | 8.4 | - | - | - | - | 9.5 | 9.5 | 0.498 | - |
| VAR 3 | 2.76 | - | 53.3 | 0.50 | 8.8 | - | - | - | - | 9.4 | 9.5 | 0.473 | - |
| VAR 5 | 2.77 | - | 56.9 | 0.53 | 8.6 | - | - | - | - | 9.8 | 9.9 | 0.447 | - |
| VAR 6 | 2.74 | - | 54.0 | 0.51 | 8.7 | - | - | - | - | 8.8 | 9.0 | 0.468 | - |
| VAR 7 | 2.74 | - | 51.6 | 0.49 | 8.9 | - | - | - | - | 9.4 | 9.3 | 0.530 | - |
| VAR 8 | 2.73 | - | 50.2 | 0.48 | 9.0 | - | - | - | - | 9.2 | 9.9 | 0.533 | - |

---

<sup>1</sup> A x b from DWT

<sup>2</sup> A x b from SMC

*<sup>3</sup> The t<sub>a</sub> value reported as part of the SMC procedure (shown in italics) is an estimate*

Source: SGS 2018

The results of the grindability tests confirmed that the Matawinie ore is considered soft to very soft ore.

Bond abrasion testing produced abrasion index values of 0.428 to 0.533, which replicates initial results that classify the Matawinie ore as abrasive to very abrasive ore.

Two batch cleaner tests were carried out to evaluate the impact of recirculated process water on the flotation selectivity in the graphite rougher and cleaning circuits. The main concern was the activation of sulphides due to residual xanthate in the process water. Some of these sulphides could be recovered into the final graphite concentrate, thus reducing its product quality.

To quantify the degree of sulphide activation, two batch-cleaner flotation tests were carried out back-to-back. The first test employed a PAX dosage of 200 g/t in the sulphide rougher stage, which was twice the design dosage to simulate circuit operation during slightly over-collected conditions. The sulphide rougher tailings were subjected to magnetic separation as per the current Matawinie flowsheet and the magnetic separation tailings were filtered. The filtrate was used in the following test for makeup water during grinding and flotation in the second test.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-10** |

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The first test with fresh Lakefield tap water (test F1) recovered 3.6% of the sulphide units into the combined graphite rougher and scavenger concentrate at a grade of 1.44%S. The sulphur recovery increased to 13.4% in the second test (test F2) with circulated process water at a grade of 5.19%S. These results reveal a clear reduction in flotation selectivity against sulphides in the graphite rougher and scavenger flotation stages due to the circulated water.

The cleaning circuit rejected most of the sulphides into the 1<sup>st</sup> cleaner tailings of test F1. Only 0.2% of the sulphur in the feed report to the final concentrate at a grade of 0.18%S.

The 1<sup>st</sup> cleaner stage of the test with recirculated process water was also very effective in reducing the sulphides. Over 95% of the sulphides in the combined graphite rougher and scavenger concentrate were rejected to the 1<sup>st</sup> cleaner tailings. However, the overall sulphide recovery into the final graphite concentrate remained higher at 0.4% and a grade of 0.31%S.

Circulating the process water resulted in an increase of the sulphur grade in the final concentrate of 72% from 0.18%S to 0.31%S. While only a single test with recirculated water was carried out, the grade increase was pronounced enough to conclude a negative impact of residual collector in the process water stream. This resulted in the recommendation to use two different process water circuits: one circuit includes the graphite rougher and cleaner flotation circuit and the second process water circuit is dedicated to the desulphurization process.

One LCT was carried out using a FS Master Composite to confirm the robustness of the flowsheet and conditions that were developed during the PFS metallurgical program using a new mine plan composite. Further, seven variability composites were also subjected to open circuit cleaner flotation testing to confirm the metallurgical response. A secondary objective of the tests was to confirm the average flake size distribution of the final concentrate and the expected variation as a function of the location.

The variability composites represented larger areas to cover the proposed mine plan. Higher variation in the flake size distribution is expected on a smaller scale, which may affect the product basket of the processing plant on a day-by-day basis.

The flowsheet of the LCT is depicted in Figure 13-3. The open circuit cleaner tests employed the identical flowsheet, but without circulation of the intermediate streams.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-11** |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp8img02.jpg)

**Figure 13-3: 2018 FS locked-cycle test flowsheet**

The LCT mass balance and results of the size fraction analysis on the final concentrate is presented in Table 13-7 and Table 13-8, respectively. The graphite recovery into the final concentrate was 94.3% at a combined concentrate grade of 97.0% C(t). Based on these results, a 97% C(t) grade and 94% graphite recovery were used for the mass balance of the 2018 FS.

A total of 13.5% of the concentrate mass reported to the jumbo flake category of +48 mesh (+300 microns) and 43% into the combined large and jumbo flake categories of +80 mesh (+180 microns).

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-12** |

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**Table 13-7: Locked-cycle test results**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Sample ID** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Weight<br> (%)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Assays <br> (%) C(t)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Distr.<br> (%) C(t)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Combined Concentrate | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.30 | &nbsp;&nbsp;97.0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;94.3 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;+80 mesh 1st Clnr Concentrate | &nbsp;&nbsp;2.20 | &nbsp;&nbsp;96.6 | &nbsp;&nbsp;48.1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;+80 mesh 1st Clnr Tailings | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.01 | &nbsp;&nbsp;50.0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;-80 mesh 3rd Clnr Concentrate | &nbsp;&nbsp;2.10 | &nbsp;&nbsp;97.4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;46.2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;-80 mesh 1st Clnr Tailings | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.13 | &nbsp;&nbsp;28.3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;1st Clnr Tailings | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.59 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.95 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.6 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Scavenger Tailings | &nbsp;&nbsp;92.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.15 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Combined Tailings | &nbsp;&nbsp;95.8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.26 | &nbsp;&nbsp;5.7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Head (calculated) | &nbsp;&nbsp;100.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.42 | &nbsp;&nbsp;100.0 |

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**Table 13-8: LCT graphite concentrate size fraction analysis**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Size Fraction** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Weight <br> (%)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Assays<br> (%) C(t)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Distribution<br> (%) C(t)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;+32 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;97.2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;+48 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;12.5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;97.6 | &nbsp;&nbsp;12.5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;+65 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;18.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;96.8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;18.0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;+80 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;11.4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;96.6 | &nbsp;&nbsp;11.3 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;+100 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;13.5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;96.9 | &nbsp;&nbsp;13.4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;+150 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;13.5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;98.4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;13.7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;+200 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;9.8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;98.3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;9.9 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;+325 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;9.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;97.8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;9.1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;+400 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;2.8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;97.3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;2.8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;-400 mesh | &nbsp;&nbsp;8.2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;97.2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;8.2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Final Concentrate | &nbsp;&nbsp;100.0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;97.4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;100.0 |

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Variability flotation tests on the seven variability concentrates produced consistent results with regards to graphite concentrate grades. The combined concentrate grade of the seven tests ranged between 96.2% C(t) for the SURF composite and 98.5% C(t) for the VAR-8 composite. The grades were above the minimum grade target of 96.0% C(t) for all tests and the average grade was close to the 97.0% C(t) that was obtained in the LCT. The open circuit total carbon recovery ranged between 89.1% for the VAR-8 composite and 93.8% for the SURF composite. Since rougher and scavenger total carbon recoveries were at least 95.3%, it is expected that the average closed-circuit performance will be in line with the LCT results.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-13** |

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The flake size distribution was coarser for the VAR-8 composite with a P<sub>80</sub> = 296 microns. The finest product with a P<sub>80</sub> = 249 microns was obtained for the VAR-2 composite. The average combined concentrate of all seven tests produced a P<sub>80</sub> of 271 microns. The mass recovery into the +80-mesh size fractions varied between 40.8% for the VAR-2 composite and 51.4% for the VAR-8 composite.

Seventeen sulphide rougher kinetics tests were carried out to determine the conditions that achieve the highest sulphide recovery into a low-mass high-sulphide stream to render the remaining tailings non-acid generating.

The first block of seven tests evaluated the impact of PAX dosage, addition of copper sulphate, flotation time, and magnetic separation. Magnetic separation was deemed essential to achieve low sulphide grades in the low-sulphide tailings. This agrees well with the mineralogical characterization that identified monoclinic pyrrhotite in the Matawinie mineralization. Monoclinic pyrrhotite is often characterized by slow flotation kinetics and incomplete recoverability by means of sulphide flotation, thus requiring magnetic separation. Copper sulphate failed to increase sulphide recoveries above those achieved with PAX and magnetic separation.

While the efficiency of the magnetic separation improved gradually with increased field strength between the tested range of 1,000 Gauss to 10,000 Gauss, the maximum field strength of a commercially available permanent magnet is approximately 7,000 Gauss. Hence, the PAX dosage optimization tests were carried out at this field strength. Dosages of 50 g/t, 150 g/t, and 300 g/t were evaluated. Increasing the PAX dosage from 50 g/t to 150 g/t resulted in a statistically significant reduction of the sulphides in the magnetic separation tailings. However, increasing the dosage further to 300 g/t PAX did not produce a lower concentrate grade.

A PAX dosage of 150 g/t and magnetic separation at 7,000 Gauss was able to achieve a low-sulphide tailings grade of approximately 0.10%S. Further investigation demonstrated a higher efficiency of the desulphurization process when the magnetic separation was preceding the sulphide flotation.

The SkimAir<sup>®</sup> technology has been developed by Outotec for flash flotation and flash roughing applications. The advantage of the equipment is the removal of coarse liberated graphite before being overground in the mill. Other benefits claimed by Outotec are improved overall recovery, increased mill throughput, and improved dewatering. In the Matawinie flowsheet the recovery of graphite flakes as early as possible was the primary motivator to consider a SkimAir<sup>®</sup> flotation cell.

While it's difficult to evaluate the technology in small-scale batch flotation tests, the underlying principle can be applied on a laboratory scale. The SkimAir® flotation cell is typically installed on the hydrocyclone U/F or mill discharge stream to capture any sufficiently liberated, fast floating particles. Assuming a typical circulating load in the mill, the coarse material will circulate several times from the mill to the classification cyclone and then through the cyclone U/S back to the mill. Hence, the 10 minutes of grinding time in the ball mill was broken into four intervals (2, 2, 3, and 3 minutes) followed by rougher flotation after each grinding step.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-14** |

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The overall flotation response in terms of final concentrate grade was almost identical for the SkimAir® tests and the baseline test F1 at 97.7% C(t) and 97.4% C(t), respectively. The open circuit graphite recovery for the SkimAir® test at 94.1% was slightly higher compared to 90.2% in test F1.

The main reason for the SkimAir<sup>®</sup> simulation tests was to investigate the possibility of a coarser final concentrate product. A comparison of the SkimAir<sup>®</sup> test with the results obtained in the baseline test F1 did not provide a clear grade and/or flake size advantage that could serve as evidence that this technology will help to produce a superior graphite concentrate.

In conclusion, the Feasibility Study test results confirmed a robust flowsheet and helped to refine the process design criteria for a concentrator with a global graphite concentrate grading 97% C(t) and an overall graphite recovery of 94%. However, an overall graphite recovery of 93% is used as design criteria for the current study.

The additional work conducted as part of the metallurgical program in this Study helped to de-risk several unit operations. However, certain process areas such as the benefit of SkimAir<sup>®</sup>, flotation cell design, polishing and stirred media mill operating conditions, and configuration of the desulphurization circuit still required further investigation. NMG was in the unique position to own and operate a 3.5-tph demonstration plant at SMDS, which was utilized to firm up any remaining process design criteria with a small-scale processing plant that replicates the commercial process.

**13.2** **Internal Test Programs Conducted at NMG's Demonstration Plant** 

With the goal of optimizing the process flow diagram following the completion of the 2018 FS, NMG studied various modifications to the study flowsheet and conditions. Several DOEs were carried out to understand the influence of operating parameters on the concentrate quality and efficiency of the process. The main difference between the demonstration plant and the commercial plan flowsheet is that the grinding circuit at the demonstration plant includes a rod mill and a ball mill instead of a semi-autogenous grinding ("SAG") and ball mill. Another difference is that the commercial plant will have two separate process water circuits, one for graphite flotation and one for sulphide flotation. The separate water circuits will help minimizing the sulphur content in the graphite concentrate.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-15** |

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**13.2.1** **Position of the Magnetic Separator in the Desulphurization Circuit** 

Placing the magnetic separation ahead of sulphide flotation reduced the collector consumption by 20% from 100 g/t to 80 g/t. Reversing the sequence of sulphide flotation and magnetic separation also resulted in a reduction of the sulphur grade in the NAG tailings from 0.30%S to 0.17%S. Hence a decision was made to proceed with detailed engineering with magnetic separation as the first process step and sulphide flotation as the second process step.

It was also observed that the low intensity magnetic separator ("LIMS") was not effective in reducing the sulphide content in the NAG. The LIMS was then removed from the process flow diagram and only the medium intensity magnetic separator ("MIMS") was retained in the circuit.

**13.2.2** **Flash Flotation** 

The demonstration plant flowsheet was modified to reflect as much as possible the flowsheet of the future commercial plant. One modification was the installation of a flash flotation cell underneath the ball mill cyclone. The flash flotation cell is fed by the cyclone U/F to recover the liberated graphite coarse flakes before passing through the ball mill. It is important to recover the coarse graphite flakes as early as possible during the beneficiation process since coarse graphite flakes have a higher value than fine graphite flakes.

A DOE program was carried out to compare the performance of the flash flotation cell versus mechanical rougher flotation cells. The flash flotation cell can produce an intermediate concentrate grading 53.5–65% C(t) at 2.5–3.5% weight recovery of the plant feed. The flash flotation cell produced a significantly higher proportion of jumbo flakes in the rougher concentrate, compared to the conventional flotation cell. This is a clear indication that the flash cell will help preserving the integrity of the high value coarse graphite flakes.

The flash flotation tests confirmed that this equipment can accept slurry with high solids up to 60% to produce a rougher graphite concentrate recovering high percentage of very large flakes. Figure 13-4 and Figure 13-5 present the grinding circuit flowsheet at the demonstration plant including before and after the installation of the rougher flash flotation cell.

Based on the superior performance of the flash flotation cell, small footprint, and reduced risk of sanding out, a flash flotation cell was first incorporated into the commercial circuit design. However, as described in Section 13.4, adjustment on customer product requirements has resulted in a new arrangement of the graphite flotation circuit and the removal of this flash cell from the design in 2023.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-16** |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp8img03.jpg)

**Figure 13-4: Demonstration plant rougher / scavenger circuit**

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp8img04.jpg)

**Figure 13-5: Demonstration plant with rougher flash flotation cell / scavenger circuit**

**13.2.3** **Tank Cell Flotation Tests** 

▪ Most
 of the flotation cells at the demonstration plant are conventional mechanical flotation cells
 with froth paddles. Since the commercial plant has been designed with tank cells, it was
 decided to rent a pilot plant tank cell from Corem in Québec City to verify the suitability
 of this type of equipment.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-17** |

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▪ To
 develop optimum operating conditions, a series of DOE programs were carried out with the
 tank cell placed at the primary, fine and coarse cleaning stages. The effects of four parameters,
 namely feed percent solids, feed rate, airflow rate and the froth depth on graphite and sulphur
 grades in the flotation concentrate and graphite recovery were investigated.

▪ In
 the primary cleaning circuit, slurry feed density and airflow proved to be the most critical
 variables with regards to concentrate grade, while froth depth and airflow were the most
 important variables for carbon and sulphur recovery. As expected, the higher air flowrate
 increased graphite recovery but also reduced concentrate grades. A lower feed density benefited
 cleaner performance while a shallower froth depth increased graphite recovery. These findings
 are in line with expectations, but the DOE tests provided good starting values for the commercial
 operation and a suitable range.

▪ The
 fines cleaning circuit proved very sensitive to feed density for both carbon grade and carbon
 recovery. A lower feed density allowed for a better separation of the graphite and gangue
 particles while increasing the feed density led to higher entrainment of gangue minerals.
 Froth depth was again a primary factor for high carbon stage recoveries. Airflow rates had
 little impact on the metallurgical performance within the evaluated range.

▪ The
 coarse cleaning circuit was the least sensitive to the four process variables and both carbon
 grades and recoveries fell within a narrow range of 1-2%.

▪ The
 test results indicated good metallurgical performance of the tank cells compared with conventional
 mechanical flotation cells that are currently installed at the demonstration plant. It was
 observed that the tank cell was much more stable and easier to control in the different cleaning
 duties.

▪ Optimum
 conditions for the process variables were established for the one primary and two secondary
 cleaning circuits. While these conditions are only valid for the specific equipment employed
 in the demonstration plant, correlations between process variables and metallurgical performance
 are expected to scale up well for the commercial operation.

**13.2.4** **Polishing Mill** 

A DOE program was conducted to quantify the effect of four operating variables on the quality of the primary cleaning stage concentrate. The results would allow the determination of the optimum operation conditions of the polishing mill, followed by the primary cleaning stage.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-18** |

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The four parameters included in the DOE program were:

▪ Polishing
 mill speed;

▪ Feed
 percent solids;

▪ Residence
 time;

▪ Ceramic
 media load.

After each combination of above-mentioned operating conditions, the polishing mill discharge was transferred to the primary cleaning circuit and the concentrate carbon grade and recovery of the third cleaner concentrate was determined.

The results obtained in the DOE program were consistent with results obtained during the initial commissioning phase of the demonstration plant and laboratory scale experience. As expected, retention time and pulp density in the mill had the biggest impact on the metallurgical performance.

The recovery model based on this DOE predicts a 3<sup>rd</sup> cleaner concentrate grade of 96.4% C(t) optimized conditions, higher than the 93.4% to 96.0% C(t) produced during the laboratory optimization tests. The grades that were achieved for the 3<sup>rd</sup> cleaner concentrate were already close to the design plant grade of 97% C(t) even before secondary cleaning.

**13.2.5** **Attrition Mills** 

The requirements for the attrition and flotation conditions are different depending on the size of the graphite flakes. Larger graphite flakes in the Matawinie mineralization generally have a higher purity compared to the smaller graphite flakes and, therefore, require different attrition and flotation conditions. To achieve an optimal overall graphite grade, the third cleaner concentrate is classified into a fine fraction and coarse fraction before the final upgrading stages.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-19** |

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The flow diagram of the attrition mills, fines and coarse cleaning flotation circuit are depicted in Figure 13-6.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img063.jpg)

**Figure 13-6: Attrition mills, fines and coarse cleaning flotation circuit**

To confirm the process diagram and increase confidence in the design of the equipment for the commercial plant, attrition and flotation tests have been conducted in consultation and with the assistance of Metso-Outotec, the objectives of these tests were:

▪ Characterize
 the impact of the attrition mill on fine particles (carbon recovery) and on coarse particles
 (degradation of coarse flakes).

▪ Identify
 the main process control factors.

▪ Identify
 a suitable range for the various process variables of the attrition mills including residence
 time and pulp density. These two are essential as they determine the useful volumes of the
 attrition mills.

▪ Media
 type, media load, and impeller speed to evaluate their effect on the fine and coarse final
 concentrate quality and flakes sizes.

▪ Communicate
 design criteria to Metso Outotec for validation of the scaling between the demonstration
 plant internal experiments and the commercial project.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-20** |

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In total, six comprehensive test programs have been conducted including a first screening DOE followed by a larger campaign of research and development comprising five test programs on fine graphite (F), coarse graphite (C), and mixed graphite (M). A summary of the scope of work of each program is presented in Table 13-9.

**Table 13-9: Attrition mill DOE test matrix**

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img064.jpg)

The first program was conducted using the demonstration plant attrition mill to evaluate the impact of the media load, residence time, slurry solid percent and tip speed on the metallurgical performance. The findings of the initial test program led to further larger testing campaigns between February 2021 and July 2021.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-21** |

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Of the five programs, four were carried out at the NMG demonstration plant with a 1-L laboratory scale petal type attrition mill (programs 2, 3, 4 and 5) and one at the Metso Outotec laboratory with a laboratory scale pin type mill (program 6). The first program of this campaign (program 2) consists of a full-factorial DOE testing five factors with two levels for coarse (+80 mesh) and fine (-80 mesh) fractions. The goal of program 2 was to investigate the factors that were evaluated in program 1 in more detail and to highlight the interactions that may exist between them to set the sizing parameters for commercial stirred media mills. The results of the program provide clear correlations between the media load, residence time, mill speed, and media type.

The test work results suggested that the -80-mesh fraction required more cleaning flotation steps than the +80-mesh fraction to enhance the carbon grade of the final concentrate. An additional attrition step may help further to maximize concentrate grade. The three stages of cleaner flotation resulted in a carbon grade increase of 1.6% from 96.5% C(t) to 98.1% C(t). Adding a second attrition step produced another 0.7% grade increase to 98.8% C(t). The two additional stages of cleaning and an attrition step resulted in lower carbon recovery. However, since the circuit was operated in open circuit, the achieved recoveries are not reflective of a closed-circuit continuous operation.

Investigating high media loads and long retention times resulted in both inferior concentrate grades and significant flake degradation. It is postulated that the high energy input and long grind times resulted in agglomeration of graphite flakes and liberated gangue minerals.

The sixth and last program consisted of a DOE of three factors and three levels (20 tests for each fine and coarse fractions) set up by Metso-Outotec and taking into consideration the results of the previous test programs. All attrition tests were carried out in the Metso-Outotec laboratory with a pin type attrition mill. The 40 attritor discharges were sent back to the NMG demonstration plant laboratory to perform the flotation steps in the same conditions as for the previous tests. A single cleaning step was performed for the +80-mesh fraction and three cleaner steps for the -80 mesh feed. Even with the change of attritor type, the conclusions of this program are consistent with the other programs, which confirmed and strengthened findings of the previous five programs.

For equipment sizing purposes, operating parameters were chosen that maximize attrition performance while minimizing equipment size (strongly influenced by residence time and % solids).

The internal tests programs developed a much better understanding on how various process variables impact the metallurgical response of the Matawinie ore. Flotation and grinding equipment conditions were optimized to ensure maximum graphite concentrate grades while minimizing flake degradation. The test programs were able to significantly de-risk critical unit operations such as flotation cell design, polishing, and attrition mills. The final performance of the demonstration plant matched and exceeded the laboratory results used to develop the 2018 FS. The ability to replicate bench scale results with a 3.5-tph demonstration plant supports the scalability of the selected process equipment.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-22** |

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**13.3** **External Test Programs Conducted by Manufacturers and Research Laboratories** 

To technically de-risk the Matawinie Project, additional characterization and test programs were conducted after completion of the 2018 FS to confirm some design criteria and properly size the equipment. These tests were conducted by different research laboratories and equipment manufacturers:

▪ Comminution
 (SMC) at SGS Lakefield;

▪ Classification
 tests at Multotec for the cyclones;

▪ Thickening
 tests at Diemme and at Metso Outotec;

▪ Filtration
 tests at Diemme and at Metso-Outotec;

▪ Drying
 tests at: Metso-Outotec Kumera, Heyl Patterson, ThermoPower and Vettertec;

▪ Inflammability
 and explosibility tests at XPS;

▪ Rheology
 test at Saskatchewan Research Council.

The results of these test programs were in line with previous tests reports and were used to confirm the final sizing of most of the major equipment.

**13.3.1** **Comminution (SMC) at SGS Lakefield** 

A total of 12 samples from the Matawinie deposit were previously submitted for comminution testing under the SGS projects 14236-006, -007, and -010. The samples consisted of bulk samples, old drill core samples, or fresh drill core samples. A review of the comminution test results was performed by SGS under the SGS project number 14236-11 and concluded that there was a major difference in the test results, with some samples being significantly harder than others, and the cause of this discrepancy could not be explained by the age of the core, the carbon grade, or the depth of the samples.

A total of 15 samples were compiled in 2020 and submitted for SMC Test® ("SMC"). The type of samples and the reasons they were tested are briefly summarized below:

▪ Two
 composites (SMC - 2020 and VAR 3 - 2020) that were tested originally in March 2017 and
 April 2018 were retested to determine if core aging had an impact on the sample competency.

▪ Eleven
 variability samples (20200805-MC-01 to 11), representing small interval samples of various
 grades, depths, and locations were tested to investigate the hardness variability in the
 deposit.

▪ One
 composite (20201001-SMC-02) representing the "contact zone" between the waste
 and the ore, was tested to characterize the competency of the waste.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-23** |

---

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

---

The grindability testing results are depicted in Table 13-10.

**Table 13-10: Grindability testing summary**

---

| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Sample | Sample | Tested | Tested | Average | Tested | Average | Head Assays (%) | Head Assays (%) | Head Assays (%) | Relative | JK Parameters | JK Parameters | JK Parameters |
| **Name** | **Representing** | **Project** | **Size Fraction<br> (mm)** | **Depth (m) in holes** | **Time** | **Sample Age<br> (year)** | **C(t)** | **C(g)** | **S** | **Density** | **A x b** | **t<sub>a </sub><sup>(1)</sup>** | **SCSE (kWh/t)** |
| *SMC* | *-* | *14236-006* | *-31.5/+26.5* | *99* | *Mar-17* | *1.1* | *-* | *4.06* | *-* | *2.73* | *84.1* | *0.80* | *7.29* |
| SMC-2020 | - | 14236-13 | -31.5/+26.5 | 99 | Jul-20 | 4.5 | 4.43 | 4.10 | 2.72 | 2.76 | 87.0 | 0.82 | 7.22 |
| SMC-2020 <sup>(2)</sup> | - | 14236-13 | -22.4/19.0 | 99 | Nov-20 | 4.8 | 4.43 | 4.10 | 2.72 | 2.83 | 54.0 | 0.49 | 8.85 |
| *VAR 3* | *Far West - Bottom* | *14236-010* | *-22.4/19.0* | *85* | *Apr-18* | *0.9* | *4.8* | *4.26* | *3.26* | *2.76* | *53.3* | *0.50* | *8.78* |
| VAR 3 - 2020 | Far West - Bottom | 14236-13 | -22.4/19.0 | 85 | Jul-20 | 3.1 | 4.45 | 4.28 | 3.28 | 2.76 | 56.6 | 0.53 | 8.56 |
| 20200805-SMC-01 | - | 14236-13 | -31.5/+26.5 | 26 | Sep-20 | 1.2 | - | 4.18 | - | 2.73 | 85.5 | 0.81 | 7.25 |
| 20200805-SMC-02 | - | 14236-13 | -31.5/+26.5 | 112 | Sep-20 | 1.2 | - | 3.38 | - | 2.76 | 84.3 | 0.79 | 7.31 |
| 20200805-SMC-03 | - | 14236-13 | -31.5/+26.5 | 108 | Sep-20 | 1.2 | - | 4.15 | - | 2.79 | 94.8 | 0.88 | 7.03 |
| 20200805-SMC-04 | - | 14236-13 | -31.5/+26.5 | 99 | Sep-20 | 1.2 | - | 4.73 | - | 2.74 | 83.6 | 0.79 | 7.31 |
| 20200805-SMC-05 | - | 14236-13 | -31.5/+26.5 | 45 | Sep-20 | 1.2 | - | 4.16 | - | 2.71 | 86.5 | 0.83 | 7.20 |
| 20200805-SMC-06 | - | 14236-13 | -31.5/+26.5 | 33 | Sep-20 | 1.2 | - | 4.22 | - | 2.73 | 99.1 | 0.94 | 6.88 |
| 20200805-SMC-07 | - | 14236-13 | -31.5/+26.5 | 69 | Sep-20 | 1.2 | - | 4.16 | - | 2.70 | 87.1 | 0.84 | 7.18 |
| 20200805-SMC-08 | - | 14236-13 | -31.5/+26.5 | 167 | Sep-20 | 4.2 | - | 4.18 | - | 2.82 | 85.5 | 0.79 | 7.32 |
| 20200805-SMC-09 | - | 14236-13 | -31.5/+26.5 | 129 | Sep-20 | 5.2 | - | 4.06 | - | 2.73 | 91.7 | 0.87 | 7.07 |
| 20200805-SMC-10 | - | 14236-13 | -31.5/+26.5 | 11 | Sep-20 | 3.2 | - | 4.04 | - | 2.75 | 80.3 | 0.76 | 7.43 |
| 20200805-SMC-11 | - | 14236-13 | -31.5/+26.5 | 239 | Sep-20 | 1.2 | - | 4.09 | - | 2.73 | 85.2 | 0.81 | 7.26 |
| 20201001-SMC-02 | Contact Zone | 14236-13 | -31.5/+26.5 | 99 | Nov-20 | 1.3 | 0.69 | 0.65 | 0.80 | 2.83 | 54.9 | 0.50 | 8.79 |

---

*Older SMC results from previous phases are presented in italics.*

<sup>(1)</sup> The t<sub>a</sub> value reported as part of the SMC procedure is an estimate.

<sup>(2)</sup> Labelled as "20201001-SMC-01" for the test work.

SCSE: SAG circuit specific energy.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-24** |

---

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

---

Based on the 2020 SMC test results, the following can be concluded:

▪ Core
 aging has no significant impact on the comminution test results;

▪ Sample
 depth or sample grade does not have a strong impact on the competency of ore samples as illustrated
 in Figure 13-7 and Figure 13-8.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img65.jpg)

**Figure 13-7: A x b values vs. Sample depth**

▪ The
 variability within the orebody is generally small, with all the ore samples falling in the
 soft range of competency.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99img66.jpg)

**Figure 13-8: Cumulative frequency of A x b from SMC only**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-25** |

---

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

---

▪ The
 single waste/contact zone composite was significantly harder than the ore samples.

▪ The
 reason that the six VAR composites tested in 2018 were significantly harder than the other
 samples tested was due to the SMC testing size. In theory, the testing size should not have
 a significant impact on the SMC test results. However, this was proven not to be the case
 for this deposit.

Since the 2017 SMC results from composite VAR 3 were used for engineering design purposes, the SAG mill was effectively oversized by 15-18%. This additional level of safety ensures that the SAG mill will not become a bottle neck of the operation even if some pockets with harder ores are encountered during processing.

**13.3.2** **Classification Tests at Derrick Screens and at Multotec** 

Attrition in stirred media mills is required to liberate remaining impurities in the cleaner graphite concentrate prior to the final flotation steps. The requirements for attrition of the coarse graphite and the fine graphite are different due to variation of the impurities in the various size fractions. The coarse graphite tends to be of higher purity than the fine graphite and, therefore, requires different attrition conditions than the fine graphite. Hence, it is required to classify the coarse and the fine graphite prior to processing in separate cleaner flotation circuits.

Multiple tests programs with screens only and with a combination of screens and cyclones were tested without any significant results. Most of these tests were either inefficient or resulted in too much fine graphite reporting to the coarse graphite product.

Excellent results were finally obtained in a test program that was conducted by a cyclone manufacturer. The fine content in the coarse product prior to the attrition stage was reduced significantly by reprocessing the cyclone U/F of the first cyclone stage in a second stage. A two-stage cyclone configuration produced only 4.9% to 5.7% of particles finer than 106 microns in the +80-mesh cyclone U/F, which is considered a good separation efficiency for graphite flakes.

**13.3.3** **Sulphide Rejection Circuit** 

The metallurgical flowsheet for the Matawinie graphite mineralization includes a sulphide rejection circuit to separate the graphite scavenger tailings stream into a high mass low-sulphur tailings stream (NAG) and a low mass high-sulphide tailings stream (PAG). The sulphide rejection circuit consists of sulphide rougher flotation followed by magnetic separation to minimize the sulphide losses to the NAG tailings. The circuit has been incorporated into NMG's demonstration plant in SMDS, but the results obtained in 2019 were inferior to previous laboratory results performed on Master and variability composites. It was postulated that partial oxidation of the ore feeding the demonstration plant was responsible for the higher sulphur grades in the NAG product of the demonstration plant. To validate original laboratory scale results, NMG supplied 101 drill core samples for metallurgical testing.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-26** |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

---

The primary objectives of the test program were to:

▪ Confirm
 previous metallurgical results achieved on the Master and variability composites;

▪ Evaluate
 the impact of reagent dosage, flotation time, and magnetic field strength on the effectiveness
 of the sulphide rejection;

▪ Compare
 results to data that was generated for an oxidized demonstration plant feed sample.

The flotation time had a significant impact on the residual sulphur content in the NAG tailings and decreased from 0.34%S after 20 minutes of flotation to 0.21%S after 40 minutes of flotation. The PAX dosage has little impact on the sulphide flotation kinetics and sulphur losses to tailings.

The results of the desulphurization trials suggested decreasing flotation kinetics at lower residual sulphur levels and, therefore, the need for a long flotation residence time. Increasing the collector dosage over 100 g/t failed to further increase sulphide rejection.

**13.3.4** **Thickening Tests at Diemme and Metso Outotec** 

NMG contracted Diemme (Italy) and Metso Outotec (Canada) to conduct thickening test work on two graphite concentrate samples and six graphite tailings samples. The samples provided were:

▪ Concentrate
 #1 and #2;

▪ PAG
 #1 and #2;

▪ NAG
 #1 and #2;

▪ Scavenger
 Tailings #1 and #2.

These samples were produced in the NMG demonstration plant. Two products with different particle size distributions per sample type were tested to cover a range of grind sizes for liberation of the graphite and the sulphide minerals.

Diemme and Metso Outotec received separate aliquots of the same samples. The test work programs examined the processing variables to determine the achievable operational parameters of a high-rate thickener ("HRT") for the different plant products. The results were then used to determine the final sizing criteria required for the detail engineering.

The scope of the testing was to conduct thickener test work on graphite concentrate and tailings samples, with the objective to determine:

▪ Flocculant
 type and dosage;

▪ Overflow
 clarity;

▪ Underflow
 density;

▪ Underflow
 yield stress.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-27** |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

---

The Metso Outotec tests produced U/F densities of 65% to 70% for the NAG tailings and of 70% to 74% solids for the scavenger tailings w/w with clear overflows. High thickener feed rates of 1.0 t to 1.8 t/(m<sup>2</sup>h) were obtained for both tailings streams. The PAG tailings performed inferior with U/F densities of 55% to 65% and solids-loading rates of 0.6 t to 1.0 t/(m<sup>2</sup>h). Also, the overflow contained more suspended solids of 100-200 mg/L for the better tests. As expected, the graphite concentrate produced the lowest U/F densities owing to the low specific gravity of graphite. U/F densities ranged between 40% and 46% at low solids loading rates of 0.20–0.30 t/(m<sup>2</sup>h). The overflow was clear in almost all graphite thickening tests.

Diemme managed to achieve better U/F densities for the graphite concentrate with a maximum U/F density of 50% solids w/w at a solids loading rate of 0.5 t/(m<sup>2</sup>h). The solids concentration in the U/F in the NAG and scavenger tailings tests ranged between 68% and 74% solids w/w at solid fluxes of 0.6 t to 1.0 t/(m<sup>2</sup>h). The PAG tailings tests produced U/F densities between 63% and 73% solids w/w at solids loading rates of 0.4 t to 0.8 t/(m<sup>2</sup>h).

The test work on the eight samples provided to the two vendors has shown that the material can be successfully thickened to the target densities. The interpretation of the tests results was used at the detail engineering phase to size the four NMG thickeners for the Scavenger tailings, NAG tailings, PAG tailings, and Graphite concentrate.

**13.3.5** **Filtration Tests at Diemme and Metso Outotec** 

Diemme (Italy) and Metso Outotec (Canada) conducted pressure filtration test work on three samples, namely graphite concentrate, PAG tailings, and NAG tailings. Each sample was tested at two different grind sizes (coarse and fine) to quantify filtration characteristics. All samples were produced in the NMG demonstration plant facilities.

Metso Outotec test yielded filter cake moisture contents of 12% wt for both graphite concentrate samples, 10% wt for the two PAG tailings samples, and between 8% and 9% wt for the two NAG tailings samples. The Diemme test results fell slightly short of the Metso-Outotec data with moisture contents in the graphite concentrate of 13% wt, in the PAG tailings of approximately 14% wt, and the NAG tailings of 14% wt.

The test work on the six products has shown that the material can be successfully filtered to target moisture contents of 15% or lower. The interpretation of the tests results was used to size filter presses for the graphite concentrate, the NAG and PAG tailings.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-28** |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

---

**13.3.6** **Concentrate Drying Tests at Five Different Suppliers** 

Drying tests were carried out by five suppliers at their test facilities to verify the capability of the indirect electrical dryer to reduce the moisture of the filtered graphite concentrate from 15% to a minimum of 0.3%.

Drying tests were conducted at the following vendors:

▪ Metso-Outotec;

▪ Kumera;

▪ Heyl
 Patterson;

▪ ThermoPower;

▪ Vettertec.

In addition to the moisture content of the dried concentrate, the following technical parameters were considered:

▪ High
 availability;

▪ Low
 energy consumption;

▪ Optimal
 design and structure;

▪ Low
 emissions and emissions reduction;

▪ Size
 classification of products.

The test reports from all suppliers confirmed that their dryers can reduce the concentrate moisture to at least 0.3% without any measurable degradation of the graphite flakes. However, energy consumption and footprints varied between the different drying technologies.

After review of the test results and proposals, the dryer with the lowest energy consumption and a GA that was more suitable for the NMG Concentrator layout was selected.

**13.3.7** **Flammability Tests at XPS** 

XPS conducted flammability tests on five graphite concentrate samples to assess their flammability classification according to the United Nations Part III Classification Procedures, Test Methods and Criteria Relating to Class 2, Class 3, Class 4, Division 5.1, Class 8 and Class 9, section 33.2.1. The following samples were subjected to flammability tests:

▪ Graphite
 fines;

▪ Graphite
 intermediate;

▪ Graphite
 coarse;

▪ Bulk
 sample for value-add processing;

▪ Baghouse
 dust.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-29** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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The procedure for the flammability testing consists of two stages, namely preliminary screening and burning rate tests. If a sample tests positive in the preliminary screening test, it then proceeds into a burning rate test to be classified as either "Not readily combustible" or as a combustible solid according to Packing Group II or III. From the preliminary screening tests, all samples from NMG tested negative and were therefore classified as "Not readily combustible solid of Division 4.1.

**13.3.8** **Rheology Test at Saskatchewan Research Centre** 

SNC-Lavalin requested slurry characterization and pipeline modelling of PAG and NAG tailings thickener U/F slurry streams. The PAG stream is expected to contain 63% to 70% solids by mass and the NAG stream 57% to 65% solids by mass; both streams have an anticipated operating temperature range of 30-40°C. The scope of the work carried out at the Saskatchewan Research Centre ("SRC") was to measure the physical and rheological properties of these mixtures for use in subsequent slurry pipeline predictions using SRC's Pipeflow models.

Rheology measurements identified Newtonian behaviour for the NAG carrier fluid while the PAG carrier fluid sample displayed a slight non-Newtonian behaviour.

Minimum deposition velocities of 1.2-1.4 m/s were established for the PAG slurries and slightly higher values of 1.4-1.9 m/s for the NAG slurries.

Results suggest that centrifugal pumps could be used to transport both the NAG and PAG slurries, but pipeline tests were recommended for the PAG slurry at the highest solids concentration.

**13.4** **Internal Test Programs Conducted at NMG Lab** 

Due to the re-evaluation of the NMG marketing strategy of graphite, made in September 2023, it will no longer be necessary to prioritize the preservation of extra coarse graphite particles. As a result, the opportunity was taken to simplify the flowsheet and improve the final concentrate grade while increasing the overall robustness of the cleaning circuit. The flash cell located between the primary cyclones and the ball mill is no longer required. Moreover, the classification cyclone clusters in the first stage of the cleaning circuit that split primary cleaning concentrate into fines and coarse have also been removed. In the new configuration the primary cleaning circuit includes the polishing mill followed by flotation tank cells; the primary cleaning concentrate will be upgraded to 97.5 C(t)% in the following three cleaning stages including attrition mills and flotation tanks and columns.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-30** |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

---

The new process configuration is depicted in Figure 13-9.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img66.jpg)

**Figure 13-9: New process configuration**

To evaluate and verify the robustness of the new flowsheet test works have been conducted at the NMG laboratory in SMDS and are described in the following sections.

**13.4.1** **Open Circuit Tests** 

To validate the process design criteria ("PDC") such as graphite liberation size, flotation kinetic, attrition mills retention time and feed solids%, a series of open circuit tests have been conducted at the NMG lab. The results of these test works have then been used to conduct LCTs. Open circuit test results are presented in the following subsections.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-31** |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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**Validation of the Ball Mill Circuit P<sub>80</sub>**

To validate the ball mill circuit P<sub>80</sub> (150-210 microns), the design of experiments aimed different P<sub>80</sub> between 150 µm and 210 µm, but the calculated rougher/scavenger feed F<sub>80</sub> were between 180 µm and 210 µm microns. The results indicated only a marginal difference in the carbon grade, recovery and particle size distribution of the concentrate. The effect of the grinding circuit P<sub>80</sub> on the quality of the PAG and NAG tailings could be evaluated during further test works.

**Up-grading Validation, Tests P0**

Five open circuit tests were carried out on the samples from the demonstration plant and submitted to laboratory equivalent circuits of both, "UC2022" and "UC2024" flowsheets. UC2022 tests produced graphite concentrates with 98.1% and 98.6% carbon content and 80.4% and 76.0% carbon recovery. UC2024 tests produced graphite concentrates with 98.9% and 99.2% carbon content and 80.9% and 80.1% carbon recovery. One test with the UC2024 flowsheet was omitted (P0-4) due to a faulty first attrition step but still reached high quality with 97.8% carbon content and 76.7% carbon recovery. The increase in up-grading is ranged between +0.4% and +0.8% of carbon content. The increase in the carbon recovery is not statistically significant. In conclusion, "UC2024" offers a higher carbon content in comparison with UC2022, and the carbon recovery is either the same or slightly better than UC2022. The abnormal performance obtained due to unoptimized attrition indicates how important the attrition stages are for the Matawinie Mine Concentrator.

The common settings of this set of tests are presented in Figure 13-10. The specific conditions, as well as the carbon contents and recoveries, are depicted in Figure 13-11.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>Laboratory open tests, settings</u>** | **<u>Laboratory open tests, settings</u>** | UC2022 | UC2024 |
| Used water : tap water is sourced from the lake close to the demo plant. |  |  |  |
| Total Diesel | g/t | 120 | 120 |
| Total MIBC | g/t | 130 | 130 |
| Rougher/Scavenger flottation time | minutes | 3 | 3 |
| Polishing time | minutes | 30 | 30 |
| Attrition media load | % | 50 | 50 |
| Attrition time by step | minutes | 14 | 7 |
| Slurry density at attrition | % | 8 and 20 | 14±2 |
| NB:<br>"UC2022" tests include one 80 mesh classification, one attrition on the oversize and twice attrition on the undersize product, after primary cleaning. <br> "UC2024" tests include three attrition-graphite flotation stages after primary cleaning. | NB:<br>"UC2022" tests include one 80 mesh classification, one attrition on the oversize and twice attrition on the undersize product, after primary cleaning. <br> "UC2024" tests include three attrition-graphite flotation stages after primary cleaning. | NB:<br>"UC2022" tests include one 80 mesh classification, one attrition on the oversize and twice attrition on the undersize product, after primary cleaning. <br> "UC2024" tests include three attrition-graphite flotation stages after primary cleaning. | NB:<br>"UC2022" tests include one 80 mesh classification, one attrition on the oversize and twice attrition on the undersize product, after primary cleaning. <br> "UC2024" tests include three attrition-graphite flotation stages after primary cleaning. |

---

**Figure 13-10: Laboratory operating conditions of the open circuit tests of program P0**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-32** |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img68.jpg)

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Legend |  |
| P0-1 | "UC2022" laboratory open test, UD ore sample, F<sub>80</sub> = 190 µm |
| P0-2 | "UC2024" laboratory open test, UD ore sample, F<sub>80</sub> = 210 µm |
| P0-3 | "UC2022" laboratory open test, UD ore sample, F<sub>80</sub> = 180 µm |
| P0-4\* | "UC2024" laboratory open test, UD ore sample, F<sub>80</sub> = 180 µm; Defective test due to incorrect attrition |
| P0-5 | "UC2024" laboratory open test, UD ore sample, F<sub>80</sub> = 180 µm |

---

**Figure 13-11: Results of the open circuit tests of program P0**

**Graphite** **Rougher/Scavenger Flotation Kinetic**

Rougher/scavenger kinetic has been widely studied in 2021 and 2022 using demonstration plant material. The objective of the current tests was to validate flotation kinetics with the MC sample of the pit. The sample, named "MC-23-02" is composed of drilled core samples of the south part of the Matawinie pit. A representative kinetic test with a fresh sample (UD Ore, 2022) was selected to further demonstrate plant ore sample and to be compared with the MC-23-02 sample. Figure 13-12 illustrate carbon and sulphur kinetics of the rougher/scavenger laboratory flotation. The observed differences of both samples are limited within the laboratory error which include small variations of the test settings between 2022 and 2024.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-33** |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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In conclusion, testing UD Ore, 2022 and MC-23-02 samples result in high carbon recovery in parallel to a good selectivity of carbon versus sulphur. Graphite flotation is mainly completed at 90 seconds. At 180 seconds the carbon recovery is more than 96% and the carbon grade is maintained at over 60% carbon. Moreover, the sulphur recovery is less than 5%.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img69.jpg)

**Figure 13-12** **: Rougher/scavenger flotation kinetics**

**Validation of the Attrition Time and Slurry Density Application**

The design of experiments has been selected to test different settings of attrition: time and slurry density varying simultaneously: 7 minutes/10% solids, 10 minutes/12% solids and 15 minutes/25% solids have been tested. As explained previously, test "P0-4" was impaired by defaulting the first attrition step and resulted in the lowest carbon grade measured in the graphite concentrate. Another test "P2-1" is an LCT submitted to a total of seven cycles which gave a very high carbon grade.

The common settings of this set of tests are presented in Table 13-11. The specific conditions, as well as the carbon contents and recoveries, are depicted in Figure 13-13.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-34** |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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**Table 13-11: Operating conditions of tests for the attrition study**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>Laboratory test settings</u>** |  | UC2024 |
| Used water : tap water is sourced from the lake close to the demo plant |  |  |
| Total Diesel | g/t | 120 |
| Total MIBC | g/t | 130 |
| Rougher/Scavenger flottation time | minutes | 3 |
| Polishing time | minutes | 30 |
| Attrition media load | % | 50 |
| Attrition time by step | minutes | varying |
| Slurry density at attrition | % | varying |
| NB: test P2-1 is locked cycle test with seven reject circulating cycles |  |  |

---

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img71.jpg)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Legend |  |
| P0-2 | "UC2024" laboratory open test, UD ore sample, F<sub>80</sub> = 210 µm; attrition 7 min and 15% solids |
| P0-4\* | "UC2024" laboratory open test, UD ore sample, F<sub>80</sub> = 180 µm; attrition 7 min and 15% solids; <br> \*Defective test due to incorrect attrition |
| P0-5 | "UC2024" laboratory open test, UD ore sample, F<sub>80</sub> = 180 µm; attrition 7 min and 15% solids |
| P1-4-B | "UC2024" laboratory open test, MC-23-02 sample, F<sub>80</sub> = 180 µm; attrition 15 min and 25% solids |
| P2-1 | "UC2024" laboratory locked-cycle test, MC-23-02, F<sub>80</sub> = 180 µm; attrition 10 min and 12% solids |

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-35** |

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**Figure 13-13** **: Carbon grade and recovery of the final graphite concentrates in different attrition conditions**

To achieve as high as possible carbon grade in the final graphite concentrate, the attrition steps need to be efficient in removal of the impurities from graphite flakes. All the settings, from 7 min retention time and 10% solids up to 15 min and 25% solids, produced high quality concentrates.

The increase in the attrition time looks to slightly decrease the final graphite concentrate particle size distribution ("PSD"). The obtained PSD for test "UC2024" is strictly ranged into the statistical variation of 2024 demonstration plant concentrates which has been used to define the upper and lower limits for commercial production (Figure 13-14). The particle size distribution curves of the set of tests are presented in Figure 13-15.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img72.jpg)

**Figure 13-14: Final graphite concentrate d50 depending on the attrition time**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-36** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Figure 13-14** **: Final graphite concentrate d50 depending on the attrition time**

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img73.jpg)

**Figure 13-15** **: Final graphite concentrate particle size distribution curves depending on the attrition time**

**13.4.2** **Locked-cycle Tests** 

One LCT, named "P2-1", was carried out on the MC-23-02 sample. This type of test simulates industrial closed circuit by circulating the intermediate rejects of one cycle to the next cycle. LCT P2-1 consists of seven cycles whose settings are depicted in Figure 13-15. Another change to the previous laboratory open circuit tests is the addition of the cleaner scavenger step, fed with cleaning circuits tailings. The cleaner scavenger concentrate is sent to the polishing feed and the tails are sent to the rougher/scavenger flotation feed. The desulphurization was carried out on the last cycle graphite scavenger reject.

The detailed settings of LCT P2-1 are presented in Table 13-12, as well as the stabilizing evolution of the graphite concentrate in Figure 13-16.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-37** |

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**Table 13-12: Operating conditions of locked-cycle test "P2-1"**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>Laboratory test settings</u>** |  | UC2024 |
| **Graphite beneficiation** |  |  |
| Used water: tap water is sourced from the lake close to the demo plant. |  |  |
| P80 ball milling | µm | 180 |
| Total Diesel | g/t | 120 |
| Total MIBC | g/t | 130 |
| Rougher/Scavenger flottation time | minutes | 3 |
| Polishing time | minutes | 30 |
| Attrition media load | % | 50 |
| Attrition time by step | minutes | 10-10-10 |
| Slurry density at attrition | % | 12-11-9 |
| Circulating reject of one cylce to the next cycle | TotaI of cycles | 7 |
| **Desu** **lfurization (applied on scavenger reject from last cycle)** | **Desu** **lfurization (applied on scavenger reject from last cycle)** | **Desu** **lfurization (applied on scavenger reject from last cycle)** |
| Used water : tap water is sourced from the lake close to the demo plant. |  |  |
| Total PAX | g/t | 100 |
| Total MIBC | g/t | 36 |
| Sulfur flotation time | minutes | 30 |
| Slurry density at sulfur flotation | % | 40-45% |

---

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img75.jpg)

**Figure 13-16** **: Evolution of graphite concentrate per cycle of LCT P2-1**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-38** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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After stabilizing the process, the graphite concentrate was 98.9 C(t)% and carbon recovery was 95.3%. Detailed mass and metal balances of the main streams are presented in Table 13-13.

**Table 13-13: Mass and metal balances of LCT P2-1**

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Stream** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Wt%** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**C(t)%** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Recovery<br> C%** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**S%** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Recovery<br> S%** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Head | &nbsp;&nbsp;100.00 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.66 | &nbsp;&nbsp;100.0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.49 | &nbsp;&nbsp;100.0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Rougher/Scavenger Concentrate | &nbsp;&nbsp;7.00 | &nbsp;&nbsp;62.06 | &nbsp;&nbsp;118.7 | &nbsp;&nbsp;2.02 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Rougher/Scavenger Tail | &nbsp;&nbsp;96.48 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.18 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.7 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.61 | &nbsp;&nbsp;99.9 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Cleaner Scavenger Concentrate | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.49 | &nbsp;&nbsp;60.55 | &nbsp;&nbsp;24.6 | &nbsp;&nbsp;2.58 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Cleaner Scavenger Tail | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.48 | &nbsp;&nbsp;24.66 | &nbsp;&nbsp;23.4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.97 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Primary Cleaning Concentrate | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.68 | &nbsp;&nbsp;93.93 | &nbsp;&nbsp;120.0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.38 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Primary Cleaning Tail | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.81 | &nbsp;&nbsp;22.39 | &nbsp;&nbsp;23.3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.25 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.6 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Secondary Cleaning Concentrate | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.13 | &nbsp;&nbsp;97.71 | &nbsp;&nbsp;110.3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.14 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Secondary Cleaning Tail | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.54 | &nbsp;&nbsp;65.15 | &nbsp;&nbsp;9.7 | &nbsp;&nbsp;2.20 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.3 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Tertiary Cleaning Concentrate | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.79 | &nbsp;&nbsp;98.63 | &nbsp;&nbsp;102.2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.09 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Tertiary Cleaning Tail | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.34 | &nbsp;&nbsp;87.42 | &nbsp;&nbsp;8.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.63 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Quaternary Cleaning Concentrate | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.52 | &nbsp;&nbsp;98.98 | &nbsp;&nbsp;95.3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.09 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Quaternary Cleaning Tail | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.27 | &nbsp;&nbsp;94.14 | &nbsp;&nbsp;6.9 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.11 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;High Sulphur Concentrate | &nbsp;&nbsp;15.00 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.80 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;22.46 | &nbsp;&nbsp;96.6 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Low Sulphur Tail (NAG) | &nbsp;&nbsp;81.48 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.06 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.14 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.3 |

---

The carbon upgrading in each cleaning step is depicted in Figure 13-17. The asterisk (\*) in front of the flotation step label indicates that attrition occurred just before flotation. Statistically, the carbon upgrading is more effective when the attrition occurred just before flotation. This assumption supports the robustness of the "UC2024" flowsheet due to running attrition-flotation during each cleaning step. The carbon upgrading of the commercial plant has been estimated based on the LCT-P2-1 test results and applying the correction factor due to the difference between ideal laboratory conditions and an industrial environment.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-39** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img76.jpg)

Asterisk (\*) indicates that attrition was applied just before flotation

**Figure 13-17** **: Enhancing of the grade of the graphite concentrate of UC2024 circuit, P2-1 LCT**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-40** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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Typical particle size distribution curves are presented in Figure 13-18, depending on the employed analytical equipment, Ro tap sieves or MasterSizer granulometry laser.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img77.jpg)

**Figure 13-18:** **Particle size analysis of graphite concentrate of LCT P2-1**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-41** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**13.5** **Conclusions and Recommendations** 

**13.5.1** **Grinding** 

Grindability tests have been performed on a sufficient number of samples to assess the comminution characteristics of the deposit properly. The results of the grindability tests indicated that the Matawinie ore is considered soft to very soft ore. These test results were used as a basis for plant design.

**13.5.2** **Graphite Flotation** 

The changes in the ore processing strategy for the commercial plant in September 2023 offered a simplification of the flowsheet as well as a more efficient beneficiation. A first series of tests in NMG's facilities in 2024 have shown that the graphite recovery of the new flowsheet is similar to the 2022 flowsheet, and that there is an improvement of the graphite concentrate by the increase in the carbon content and the decrease in the sulphur content. In 2025, NMG will continue to carry out trial programs on its own and through external resources, to increase the representativity and the reliability of the results.

**13.5.3** **Desulphurization Circuit** 

No changes were made to the desulphurization circuit in 2024. Flotation tests done at a laboratory scale and at the NMG demonstration plant demonstrated that it is feasible to separate the tailings stream into a high mass low-sulphur tailings stream (NAG) and a low mass high-sulphide tailings stream (PAG) with magnetic separation followed by sulphide flotation. The demonstration plant data also showed that the LIMS was not effective in reducing the sulphide content in the tailings, MIMS are required.

**13.5.4** **Solid-Liquid Separation** 

The following tests were performed at manufacturers installation or laboratory:

▪ Thickening
 tests of concentrate, tailings, PAG and NAG tailings, bench-scale;

▪ Filtration
 tests of concentrate, PAG and NAG tailings, bench-scale;

▪ Drying
 tests of concentrate, pilot-scale;

These tests were done on representative samples from the demonstration plant with the 2022 flowsheet. It is not expected that the new flowsheet will change the solid-liquid separation test results for all the materials tested.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-42** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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The test results were used to determine the dimensions of the processing equipment described in Chapter 17.

**13.5.5** **Concentrate Results** 

The ore testing programs culminated in a projected LOM graphite concentrate grading 97.5% C(t) with a graphite flake size distribution as presented in Table 13-14.

**Table 13-14: Projected LOM graphite concentrate flake size distribution**

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Flake Size Distribution** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Flake Size Distribution** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Flake Size Distribution** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Flake Size Distribution** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Flake Size Distribution** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Unit** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**+50 Mesh** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**+80 Mesh** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**+150 Mesh** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**-150 Mesh** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;% | &nbsp;&nbsp;12 | &nbsp;&nbsp;30 | &nbsp;&nbsp;28 | &nbsp;&nbsp;30 |

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **13-43** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**14.** **Mineral Resource Estimates** 

Mineral Resources on the West Zone deposit were estimated with an effective date of November 12, 2025. This Matawinie Mine FS provides details about this updated Resource Estimate, which has not changed since the 2022 Feasibility Study Report (Allaire et al., 2022), referred to as the 2022 FS in this report. This report also presents resources for the South Zones that namely separate into the South-East and South-West zones, which are also located within the Mining Property.

The previous resource estimation of the West Zone was dated March 19, 2020 and announced in the "Nouveau Monde Announces Updated Resource Estimate and Increases Combined Measured & Indicated Resources by 25% to 120.3 Mt @ 4.26% C(g)" press release also from March 19, 2020. A few drill holes were drilled in 2021 for geomechanics pit-slope angle assessment and geotechnical data (Chapters 10 and 15).

Please note that the current Mineral Resource Estimate presented in this report does not include the 597 samples analyzed in 2023, which originated from core drilling, other than those for exploration or delineation purposes such as pit-slope studies and hydrogeological studies (see Chapters 10 and 11 for additional details). A preliminary assessment of the 2023 core sample results does not suggest any significant changes from either the current geological model or the Mineral Resource Estimate. The 2023 results support the present models and continuity of the West Zone deposit.

**14.1.** **Drill Hole Database** 

NMG provided SGS with the digital version of the drilling database. The data was imported into a Geobase format emphasizing on the collar identifications, deviations, lithologies and assay results (Table 14-1).

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **14-1** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Table 14-1: Summary of database entries used for the estimates**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Field** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Number of Entries** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Length (m)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Drill Hole Collars (DDH) | &nbsp;&nbsp;173 | &nbsp;&nbsp;27888.24 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Sampled Trenches | &nbsp;&nbsp;3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;418.55 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Deviation Measurements | &nbsp;&nbsp;2235 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Lithologies | &nbsp;&nbsp;2323 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Assays (excluding trench samples) | &nbsp;&nbsp;8274 | &nbsp;&nbsp;15557.58 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Assays (trenches only) | &nbsp;&nbsp;207 | &nbsp;&nbsp;418.51 |

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Notes:

1. A
 total of 24 drill holes from 2021 are included in Table 14-1, of which 13 had visible
 mineralization in core that was not assayed at the time since they were purely performed
 for geotechnical, geomechanics and groundwater testing. These drill holes are GT-21-01 to
 GT-21-06, PO-DL-21-01, PO-DL-21-02, PO-F-21-01, PO-F-21-02, PO-PAR-21-02, PO-PAR-21-03 and
 TO-21-215 to TO-21-226. The lithology of these holes has been considered for the geological
 modelling (see Note 3).

2. A
 drill hole from 2017 (TO-17-120, 201 m, 20 assays) is included in the table but was
 not used for the modelling and the estimation because it does not cross the complete thickness
 of the mineralization and is judged not representative of the zone while other drill holes
 in the vicinity have it covered.

3. In
 total, 320 assay intervals were NOT counted in the table because the sample intervals were
 only selected but not assayed at the time of the resource estimation.

While the complete Nouveau Monde database also covers other areas of the Tony Claim Block, Table 14-1 only presents the holes used to model the resource and to model the overburden surface used to constrain the resources for the West Zone deposit. Holes were surveyed using a Reflex or a Ranger downhole orientation instrument and appear to be sampled consistently every 50 m or less down the hole. Trench samples were surveyed at approximately every 2 m. Drill holes and trenches are surveyed using the UTM projection, NAD83 CSRS Zone 18.

Assays were made into mineralized intervals ("MIs"). A modelling COG of 2.0% C(g) was used to delineate mineralized volumes. There are 476 MIs including 451 from core drilling and 25 from surface trench channel samples. The total length for the MIs is of 11,092.91 m. The shortest MI created is of 2 m. The longest MI created is 109.9 m and is in the W1B mineralized zone.

**14.2.** **Mineralized Volumes** 

The mineralized volumes were prepared using the Genesis© mining software. The mineralized volumes were modelled over the MIs. The process involved the creation of closed polygons on section views. The sections are not always on a regular grid as the drilling is not always on a standard azimuth and the drill hole spacing is not perfectly even. There are currently 23 mineralized volumes in the West Zone. Out of these 23 volumes, three of them are a continuity of each other: W1B, W1B_2 and W1B_3. W0 and W0_1 are not touching but are in the same alignment so MIs are all tagged W0. W0A and W0A_1 are not touching but are in the same alignment so MIs are all tagged W0A. W1D and W1D_2 are not touching but are in the same alignment so MIs are all tagged W1D. W7 and W7_1 are not touching but are in the same alignment so MIs are all tagged W7. Therefore, there are 17 groups of MIs that were used independently for the estimation. The volumes under topography are listed in Table 14-2 along with the number of MIs that pierce these volumes. The volumes have been modelled on 69 sections as shown on Figure 14-1.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **14-2** |

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**Table 14-2: List of mineralized volume groups and number of mineralized intervals**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Mineralized Volume<br> Group** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Volume<br> (m<sup>3</sup>)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Mineralized<br> Intervals** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;5421704 | &nbsp;&nbsp;36 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W0A | &nbsp;&nbsp;261910 | &nbsp;&nbsp;5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W1A | &nbsp;&nbsp;7353802 | &nbsp;&nbsp;49 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W1D | &nbsp;&nbsp;4605227 | &nbsp;&nbsp;30 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W1E | &nbsp;&nbsp;343042 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4077565 | &nbsp;&nbsp;46 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W31 | &nbsp;&nbsp;6938639 | &nbsp;&nbsp;75 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W32 | &nbsp;&nbsp;261961 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W3B | &nbsp;&nbsp;694290 | &nbsp;&nbsp;16 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3255780 | &nbsp;&nbsp;54 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W42 | &nbsp;&nbsp;214743 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;57020 | &nbsp;&nbsp;2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W6 | &nbsp;&nbsp;66911 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W7 | &nbsp;&nbsp;181372 | &nbsp;&nbsp;2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W1B | &nbsp;&nbsp;24697052 | &nbsp;&nbsp;131 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W1C | &nbsp;&nbsp;1594724 | &nbsp;&nbsp;6 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;W2A | &nbsp;&nbsp;601213 | &nbsp;&nbsp;9 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Total** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**60626955** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**476** |

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **14-3** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Figure 14-1: Sections (blue) and mineralized volumes (multiple colours)**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **14-4** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**14.3.** **Composite Data** 

To prepare a reliable estimation, it is important to use data that has comparable weight. Therefore, we need to produce some composites using a chosen methodology. In the case of the West Zone deposit, the assays are already very even in length. The QP has chosen to use the calculated length algorithm that does not leave any remainders. Composites have been created inside MIs. Out of the 5,572 composites, 5,163 (93%) are between 1.9 and 2.1 m in length. The smallest composite is 1.45 m and the longest is 2.5 m long. After verifications for possible outliers, it was decided to cap the four highest composites to 8% C(g). This translates in a loss of less than 0.1% of the C(g) in the deposit.

The composites were prepared in the Genesis software. Composites were divided into 17 separate sets to prepare the estimation for the 23 volumes. Table 14-3 and Table 14-4 show the composite statistics by zone. The attribution of the 17 separate sets that correspond to the 23 mineralized volumes are presented in Table 14-5.

**Table 14-3: Statistics on the composites [C(g)%] for the West Zone**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Statistics on the Composites<br> [C(g) %] for the West Zone** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Statistics on the Composites<br> [C(g) %] for the West Zone** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Statistics on the Composites<br> [C(g) %] for the West Zone** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Statistics on the Composites<br> [C(g) %] for the West Zone** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Before Capping** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Before Capping** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**After Capping** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**After Capping** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Count | &nbsp;&nbsp;5572 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Count | &nbsp;&nbsp;5572 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Min | &nbsp;&nbsp;0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Min | &nbsp;&nbsp;0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Max | &nbsp;&nbsp;14.21 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Max | &nbsp;&nbsp;8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mean | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.266 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Mean | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.264 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Median | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.34 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Median | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.34 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Standard Deviation | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.34 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Standard Deviation | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.34 |

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **14-5** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Table 14-4: Statistics on the capped composites [C(g)%] for each grouped mineralized volume**

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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;**W0** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**W0A** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**W1A** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**W1B** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**W1C** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**W1D** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**W1E** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**W2** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**W2A** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**W31** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**W32** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**W3B** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**W4** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**W42** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**W5** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**W6** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**W7** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Count** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**318** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**29** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**522** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**2345** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**100** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**483** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**50** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**282** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**60** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**737** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**15** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**66** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**512** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**14** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**4** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**14** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**21** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Min %<br> C(g) | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.27 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.28 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.37 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.05 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.14 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.52 | &nbsp;&nbsp;2.15 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.06 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.22 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.11 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.19 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.64 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.08 | &nbsp;&nbsp;2.69 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Max %<br> C(g) | &nbsp;&nbsp;7.24 | &nbsp;&nbsp;6.41 | &nbsp;&nbsp;8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;7.53 | &nbsp;&nbsp;7.21 | &nbsp;&nbsp;6.7 | &nbsp;&nbsp;8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;6.03 | &nbsp;&nbsp;6.76 | &nbsp;&nbsp;6.17 | &nbsp;&nbsp;6.13 | &nbsp;&nbsp;7.32 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.89 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.67 | &nbsp;&nbsp;7.18 | &nbsp;&nbsp;6.02 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mean %<br> C(g) | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.008 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.508 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.062 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.451 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.850 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.171 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.232 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.233 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.536 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.116 | &nbsp;&nbsp;2.988 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.938 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.089 | &nbsp;&nbsp;2.686 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.105 | &nbsp;&nbsp;5.006 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.443 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Median %<br> C(g) | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.85 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.28 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.905 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.57 | &nbsp;&nbsp;5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.29 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.395 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.51 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.21 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.115 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.11 | &nbsp;&nbsp;2.57 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.055 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.955 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.75 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;StDev %<br> C(g) | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.49 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.14 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.29 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.31 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.43 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.39 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.38 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.32 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.90 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.23 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.24 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.97 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.41 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.69 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.50 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.10 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.04 |

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **14-6** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Table 14-5: List of volumes and corresponding composite sets**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Volume** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Volume** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Composite Set** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Composite Set** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Number** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Name** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Number** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Name** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W0_1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W0A | &nbsp;&nbsp;2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W0A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W0A_1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W0A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W1A | &nbsp;&nbsp;3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W1A |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;6 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W1D | &nbsp;&nbsp;4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W1D |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;7 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W1D_2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W1D |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W1E | &nbsp;&nbsp;5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W1E |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;9 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;6 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;10 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W31 | &nbsp;&nbsp;7 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W31 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;11 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W32 | &nbsp;&nbsp;8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W32 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;12 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W3B | &nbsp;&nbsp;9 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W3B |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;13 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;10 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;14 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W42 | &nbsp;&nbsp;11 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W42 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;15 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;12 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;16 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W6 | &nbsp;&nbsp;13 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W6 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;17 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W7 | &nbsp;&nbsp;14 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;18 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W7_1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;14 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;19 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W1B | &nbsp;&nbsp;15 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W1B |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;20 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W1B_2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;15 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W1B |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;21 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W1B_3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;15 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W1B |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;22 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W1C | &nbsp;&nbsp;16 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W1C |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;23 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W2A | &nbsp;&nbsp;17 | &nbsp;&nbsp;W2A |

---

**14.4.** **Capping** 

A capping study was carried out and the conclusion is that capping is not required. As a matter of form, The QP decided to cap four composites at 8% C(g) but it has an insignificant impact on the average grade. The capping at a grade of 8% C(g) reduced the global graphitic carbon content of the resource by less than 0.1% with the average grade going from 4.266% to 4.264% C(g).

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **14-7** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**14.5.** **Density** 

An estimated density was attributed to each block of the block model depending on the geological unit. Also, the parts of blocks that fall in the overburden unit have been attributed a density of 2.1 t/m<sup>3</sup>, which was set to the whole West Zone deposit.

This density data comes from the density database prepared by NMG. This database consists of a total of 1,626 density measurements. These measurements are from 2015 (97), 2016 (176), 2017 (28), 2018 (192), 2019 (1,133). The statistical T-test on populations confirmed that the zones have significantly different densities. From this observation, it was decided to estimate each zone separately. Blocks too far from density information were attributed the average density for the zone. The statistic for the density is detailed in Table 14-6 by zone and in total.

**Table 14-6: Density statistics for the seven composite sets**

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Zone** | **Mineralization<br> (other)** | **Mineralization<br> (W1D, W1E)** | **Mixed Paragneiss** | **BO GR Paragneiss** | **BO GR Paragneiss** | **Charnockite** | **Meta-<br> gabbro** |
| Code | 1 | 2 | 33 | 44 | 442 | 55 | 66 |
| Count | 717 | 97 | 676 | 68 | 17 | 48 | 3 |
| Min | 2.62 | 2.6 | 2.58 | 2.62 | 2.69 | 2.61 | 3.12 |
| Max | 3.06 | 2.96 | 3.24 | 3 | 3.11 | 2.78 | 3.12 |
| Mean | 2.76 | 2.73 | 2.82 | 2.76 | 2.93 | 2.66 | 3.12 |
| Median | 2.75 | 2.72 | 2.78 | 2.73 | 2.98 | 2.64 | 3.12 |
| Std.Dev. | 0.068 | 0.068 | 0.148 | 0.119 | 0.178 | 0.055 | 0.000 |

---

Note: The code 442 has been attributed to a BO GR Paragneiss (biotite rich paragneiss) that has a clear higher density compared to the other BO GR Paragneiss zones.

**14.6.** **Resource Block Modelling** 

The resource was estimated using a block model. The block model was prepared, estimated and classified in the Genesis© mining software, and its origin is (x, y, z) 🡪 (579,000, 5,162,000, -2.5) with block size of 5 m × 5 m × 5 m. The number of indices is of (x, y, z) 🡪 820, 400, 121). These coordinates are the centres of the blocks. There is also a rotation to the block model of -67 degrees (counterclockwise rotation). Block percentages were used where there are percentages estimated for all the lithologies present in the vicinity of the deposit. One large block model was created using those parameters inside (and outside, to some extent) of 23 mineralized volumes, and each volume was tagged in the block model and estimated separately with its respective set of composites as explained in the "Composite Data" paragraph.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **14-8** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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**Table 14-7: Block model settings – Origin and size**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Grid** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**X** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Y** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Z** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Origin (centre of block) | &nbsp;&nbsp;579000 | &nbsp;&nbsp;5162000 | &nbsp;&nbsp;-2.5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Size | &nbsp;&nbsp;5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Discretization | &nbsp;&nbsp;2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Starting Coordinate | &nbsp;&nbsp;579000 | &nbsp;&nbsp;5162000 | &nbsp;&nbsp;-2.5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Starting Block Index | &nbsp;&nbsp;1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Ending Block Index | &nbsp;&nbsp;820 | &nbsp;&nbsp;400 | &nbsp;&nbsp;121 |

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**14.6.1.** **Variography** 

Some variography has been done along with an estimation by kriging for verification purpose. The kriged model is globally the same as the inverse distance squared ("ID<sup>2</sup>") model. The kriged model was not retained as the final estimation for this report.

The variograms and the estimation by kriging were done in 2018 and 2020. The QP used a normal variogram, with no normalization of the data. The 2018 variogram is presented in Figure 14-2. For the final long-range variogram, The QP manipulated the composites in several ways to improve the calculated variograms (like rotations and unfolding) it was found successful. Some variograms have been calculated in 2020 and use 65% more composites due to the 2019 drilling. They show similar results. The 2018 variogram is shown here because it looks better given the several ways used to improve the calculated variograms at the time.

What is new in 2022 is the availability of 45 samples from production holes, originating from the demonstration plant ore pit, located in the centre of the West Zone. Given the fact that these assays represent well the "along strike" and "perpendicular to mineralization" directions, this new scarce data is invaluable for the variogram validation. The QP has overlaid the variogram from these production data points to the 2018 variogram. It is a great thing that the few pairs in the "along strike" direction confirm superbly the 2018 variogram model (red line / red circles on the graph). On the other side, the few pairs in the "perpendicular to mineralization" direction seem to show that there is a better continuity in the 2022 production data (grey circles) compared to the 2018 variogram model (black line). But this is totally normal since the production holes represent about 15 m of rock versus the exploration composites that represent only 2 m of rock. More production data will enable to improve the variography. At some point in the development of the Project, it might be recommended to use kriging to estimate the block model as additional data is gathered.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **14-9** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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It is interesting to note that no nugget effect was found in 2018, which was also confirmed with the 2022 production data.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp9img001.jpg)

**Figure 14-2: Variogram model**

**Table 14-8: Summary of the variogram model**

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| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Component** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Component** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Component** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Ranges (m)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Ranges (m)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Ranges (m)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Orientation (degrees)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Orientation (degrees)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Orientation (degrees)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Number** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Type** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Sill** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Long** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Medium** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Short** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Azimuth** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Dip** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Spin** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Exponential | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.7327 | &nbsp;&nbsp;100 | &nbsp;&nbsp;100 | &nbsp;&nbsp;10 | &nbsp;&nbsp;112 | &nbsp;&nbsp;-79 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Exponential | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;40 | &nbsp;&nbsp;40 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;112 | &nbsp;&nbsp;-79 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Nugget | &nbsp;&nbsp;0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp;N/A | &nbsp;&nbsp;N/A |

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **14-10** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**14.6.2.** **Grade Interpolation Methodology** 

To interpolate graphitic carbon grade, the IDS method was used, with ellipsoid influenced distances in the calculation and the composite selection. Block discretization was set to 2×2×2 for the estimation of block-to-composite distance. Blocks were created within all the mineralized volumes. Three passes were used with a small ellipsoid for the first pass, a larger ellipsoid for the second pass and larger again ellipsoid for the third pass. The small ellipsoid has a radius of 50 m x 50 m x 15 m, the medium ellipsoid has a radius of 100 m x 100 m x 30 m, and the large ellipsoid has a radius of 200 m x 200 m x 60 m. The algorithm used for the estimation has "variable orientation" for the ellipsoids. Each block has a local orientation for the search ellipsoid to be used for the estimation of that block. The resulting estimation fits better the orientation of the layers and has better-looking results than some other algorithms.

The first and second passes of the estimation used a minimum of five and a maximum of 11 composites, with the additional limit of three composites per drill hole. The third pass of the estimation used a minimum of four and a maximum of 11 composites, with the additional limit of three composites per drill hole. There are exceptions: for the volumes W0_1, W0A, W1B, W1C, W1D_2, W1E, W31, W4 and W7, the third pass of the estimation used a minimum of three and a maximum of 11 composites, with the additional limit of three composites per drill hole to estimate the full volumes.

Of all the blocks within the mineralized volumes, 100% have been estimated.

**14.7.** **Classification** 

**14.7.1.** **Definitions** 

The following definitions are selected parts from the Canadian institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM"). The full definition is available from: https://mrmr.cim.org/media/1128/cim-definition-standards_2014.pdf.

**Mineral Resource**

*Mineral Resources are sub-divided, in order of increasing geological confidence, into Inferred, Indicated and Measured categories. An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource. An Indicated Mineral Resource has a higher level of confidence than an Inferred Mineral Resource but has a lower level of confidence than a Measured Mineral Resource.*

*A Mineral Resource is a concentration or occurrence of solid material of economic interest in or on the Earth's crust in such form, grade or quality and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction.*

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **14-11** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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*The location, quantity, grade or quality, continuity and other geological characteristics of a Mineral Resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge, including sampling.*

**Inferred Mineral Resource**

*An Inferred Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. Geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity.*

*An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration.*

*An Inferred Mineral Resource is based on limited information and sampling gathered through appropriate sampling techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes. Inferred Mineral Resources must not be included in the economic analysis, production schedules, or estimated mine life in publicly disclosed Pre-Feasibility or Feasibility Studies, or in the Life of Mine plans and cash flow models of developed mines. Inferred Mineral Resources can only be used in economic studies as provided under NI 43-101.*

**Indicated Mineral Resource**

*An Indicated Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics are estimated with sufficient confidence to allow the application of Modifying Factors in sufficient detail to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit.*

*Geological evidence is derived from adequately detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing and is sufficient to assume geological and grade or quality continuity between points of observation.*

*An Indicated Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to a Measured Mineral Resource and may only be converted to a Probable Mineral Reserve.*

**Measured Mineral Resource**

*A Measured Mineral Resource is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape, and physical characteristics are estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the application of Modifying Factors to support detailed mine planning and final evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit.*

*Geological evidence is derived from detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing and is sufficient to confirm geological and grade or quality continuity between points of observation.*

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **14-12** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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*A Measured Mineral Resource has a higher level of confidence than that applying to either an Indicated Mineral Resource or an Inferred Mineral Resource. It may be converted to a Proven Mineral Reserve or to a Probable Mineral Reserve.*

**14.7.2.** **Classification Method** 

The classification was made from an automatic classification algorithm using search ellipsoids centered on composites.

In the end, the extents for Measured and Indicated Resources are based on the distance between drill holes in the vicinity of the estimated block. If a grid of at least three drill holes intersect a mineralized volume and with 70 m between sections or less and 50 m between holes on a section or less, the blocks in that region are classified as Measured. If a grid of at least two drill holes intersect a mineralized volume and with 110 m between sections or less and 80 m between holes on a section or less, the blocks in that region are classified as Indicated. Other estimated blocks are classified as Inferred.

The classified block model is visible in Figure 14-3.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp9img002.jpg)

**Figure 14-3: Block model coloured by classification with drill hole traces**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **14-13** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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**14.8.** **Pit Shell and Cut-off Grade Used to Constrain the Mineral Resources** 

The mining method chosen for the Matawinie Mine is conventional open pit truck and shovel. The Mineral Resources have therefore been constrained by an optimized pit shell. The block model was loaded into GEOVIA's Whittle software to generate an optimized pit shell using the assumption for concentrate selling price, operating costs, and technical mining factors, which are presented in Table 14-9. A cut-off grade ("COG") of 1.78% C(g) was used for the Mineral Resource Estimate. The open pit used to constrain the Mineral Resources, which is presented below does not include haul ramp designs. The 1.78% C(g) COG was used to constrain the Project's resource estimates since July 10, 2018, but the actual economic cut-off is currently closer to 1% as explained in Section 15.4.2. A COG sensitivity analysis presented in Section 14.11 demonstrates that the Mineral Resources do not vary much between a COG of 1.0% C(g) and 2.0% C(g), thus the COG value of 1.78% C(g) was retained for ease of comparison. Any COG equal or higher than 1.0% C(g) can be used to report Mineral Resources and meet the "reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction" criteria.

**14.8.1.** **Pit Shell** 

The Whittle software was used to create pit shells based on the Mineral Resource model, the topographic surface and the overburden/bedrock contact. The final pit shell has been selected with a revenue factor of 1 for the concentrate selling price.

Figure 14-4 to Figure 14-8 illustrate several interpretations of the mineralization with the drill holes, assay results, topographic and overburden/bedrock contact surfaces, the block model and the optimized pit shell that was selected to constrain the Mineral Resources.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **14-14** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Table 14-9: Assumptions used to generate the constraining pit shell (CAD)**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Parameters** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Values** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Values** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Block Size | &nbsp;&nbsp;5 m x 5 m x 5 m | &nbsp;&nbsp;5 m x 5 m x 5 m |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Specific Gravity | &nbsp;&nbsp;Variable – Estimated in the Block Model | &nbsp;&nbsp;Variable – Estimated in the Block Model |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Overall Slope Angles | &nbsp;&nbsp;Rock (east wall) | &nbsp;&nbsp;50° |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Overall Slope Angles | &nbsp;&nbsp;Rock (west wall) | &nbsp;&nbsp;52° |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Overall Slope Angles | &nbsp;&nbsp;Overburden | &nbsp;&nbsp;23° |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pit Selection Method | &nbsp;&nbsp;Revenue factor of 1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Revenue factor of 1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mining Cost | &nbsp;&nbsp;Ore / Waste / Overburden | &nbsp;&nbsp;CAD 4.22/t |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Increment Bench Cost Under Reference Level (590 mZ) | &nbsp;&nbsp;CAD 0.04/t/bench level | &nbsp;&nbsp;CAD 0.04/t/bench level |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mining Dilution | &nbsp;&nbsp;5% | &nbsp;&nbsp;5% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mining Recovery | &nbsp;&nbsp;95% | &nbsp;&nbsp;95% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Processing Cost (all inclusive) | &nbsp;&nbsp;CAD 13.18/t | &nbsp;&nbsp;CAD 13.18/t |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Processing Recovery | &nbsp;&nbsp;93% | &nbsp;&nbsp;93% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Selling Price of Concentrate | &nbsp;&nbsp;CAD 1,439/t<br> Minus CAD 47.92/t Selling costs | &nbsp;&nbsp;CAD 1,439/t<br> Minus CAD 47.92/t Selling costs |

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**Figure 14-4: West Zone section 200**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **14-15** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Figure 14-5: West Zone section 700**

**Figure 14-6: West Zone section 1300**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **14-16** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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**Figure 14-7: West Zone section 1900**

**Figure 14-8: West Zone optimized pit**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **14-17** |

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**14.9.** **Mineral Resource Estimates (West Zone Base Case)** 

The block model, used to generate the Current Resources of the West Zone, is based on a total of 173 core drill holes that produced 8,274 samples as well as 207 samples collected from channelling work in three trenches. This does not include the quality control samples that comprise 365 duplicates, 364 blanks and 178 standard samples, all of which returned within acceptable limits. In all, 23 mineralized horizons encased in paragneiss units were interpreted and modelled from this data.

The Current Resource block model for the West Zone was prepared by Yann Camus, P.Eng., Qualified Person, of SGS Geological Services in Blainville, Québec, Canada ("SGS"), using the Genesis© mining software. Interpolation was performed using ID<sup>2</sup> as well as different search ellipsoids that were adapted for the geology of the deposit. The optimized pit containing the Current Resource was limited to the Tony Block Property boundary to the south of the West Zone deposit at the effective date of the Resource Estimate (November 12, 2025). The Mineral Resources of the West Zone are presented in the Table 14-10.

**Table 14-10: Pit-constrained Mineral Resource Estimate for the West Zone**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Mineral Resource<br> Category<sup>(1)(2)</sup>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Current Resources (November 12, 2025)<sup>(5)(6)(7)</sup>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Current Resources (November 12, 2025)<sup>(5)(6)(7)</sup>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Current Resources (November 12, 2025)<sup>(5)(6)(7)</sup>** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Mineral Resource<br> Category<sup>(1)(2)</sup>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Tonnage (Mt)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**C(g) Grade (%)<sup>(3)</sup>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Contained Graphite (Mt)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Measured | &nbsp;&nbsp;28.5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.28 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.22 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Indicated | &nbsp;&nbsp;101.8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.26 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.33 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Measured + Indicated | &nbsp;&nbsp;130.3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.26 | &nbsp;&nbsp;5.55 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Inferred<sup>(4)</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;23.0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.28 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.98 |

---

<sup>(1)</sup> The Mineral Resources provided in this table were estimated by Yann Camus P.Eng., Qualified Person of SGS Geological Services, using current Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions and Guidelines.

<sup>(2)</sup> Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves have not demonstrated economic viability. Additional trenching and/or drilling will be required to convert Inferred and Indicated Mineral Resources to Measured Mineral Resources. There is no certainty that any part of a Mineral Resource will ever be converted into Reserves.

<sup>(3)</sup> All analyses used for the Resource Estimates were performed by ALS Minerals Laboratories and delivered as % C(g), internal analytical code C-IR18.

<sup>(4)</sup> Inferred Mineral Resources represent material that is considered too speculative to be included in economic evaluations. Additional trenching and/or drilling will be required to convert Inferred Mineral Resources to Indicated or Measured Mineral Resources. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of the Inferred Resources will ever be upgraded to a higher Resource category.

<sup>(5)</sup> Current Resources effective November 12, 2025.

<sup>(6)</sup> Mineral Resources are stated at a cut-off grade of 1.78% C(g).

<sup>(7)</sup> Quality control standards used for these Mineral Resources returned within acceptable limits, no significant bias was found.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **14-18** |

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**14.10.** **Mineral Resource Estimates (South Zone Base Case)** 

This report also presents resources for the South Zones, which are also located on the Tony Claim Block. The South Zones are separated into the South-East and South-West zones. The South Zones resource details are available in the PEA report: "Preliminary Economic Assessment Report for the Matawinie Graphite Project" by Norda Stelo dated August 5, 2016 (Norda Stelo, 2016). Details of the PEA Resources can be found in the report available on NMG's web site and on SEDAR+. Yann Camus, QP of this section, has audited the PEA resource methodology as well as the overall quantities. These mineralized zones are considered a lower priority then the West Zone as detailed in the PEA.

The South Zones resources have been prepared with similar methodology as the West Zone presented in this report. The Mineral Resources of the South Zones are presented in Table 14-11. The location of the resources is visible in Figure 9-1 and Figure 10-2 of this report.

**Table 14-11: Pit-constrained Mineral Resource Estimate for the South Zones**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Mineral Resource Category <sup>(2)</sup>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Current Resources (November 12, 2025) <sup>(1) (5) (6)</sup>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Current Resources (November 12, 2025) <sup>(1) (5) (6)</sup>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Current Resources (November 12, 2025) <sup>(1) (5) (6)</sup>** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Mineral Resource Category <sup>(2)</sup>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Tonnage (Mt)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**C(g) Grade (%)<sup>(3)</sup>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Contained Graphite (Mt)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Indicated | &nbsp;&nbsp;26.3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.73 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.981 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Inferred<sup>(4)</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;19.2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3.67 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.705 |

---

<sup>(1)</sup> The Mineral Resources provided in this table were estimated by Yvan Bussières, P.Eng., (Québec) and Antoine Yassa, P.Geo., using current CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions and Guidelines.

<sup>(2)</sup> Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves have not demonstrated economic viability. Additional trenching and/or drilling will be required to convert Inferred and Indicated Mineral Resources to Measured Mineral Resources. There is no certainty that any part of a Mineral Resource will ever be converted into reserves.

<sup>(3)</sup> All analyses used for the Resource Estimates were performed by ALS Minerals Laboratories and delivered as % C(g), internal analytical code C-IR18.

<sup>(4)</sup> Inferred Mineral Resources represent material that is considered too speculative to be included in economic evaluations. Additional trenching and/or drilling will be required to convert Inferred Mineral Resources to Indicated or Measured Mineral Resources. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of the inferred resources will ever be upgraded to a higher resource category.

<sup>(5)</sup> Current Resource still effective November 12, 2025, because no new data is available for the South Zones and no material has been extracted since the South-East and South-West Resource Estimate dated December 15, 2015 (Bussières and Yassa, 2016).

<sup>(6)</sup> Mineral Resources are stated at a COG of 2.5% C(g). This is more conservative than the current COG.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **14-19** |

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**14.11.** **Mineral Resource Estimates (West Zone Sensitivity Analysis)** 

To get an idea of the sensitivity of the resource numbers to changes in economical parameters, the resource table was estimated at various cut-off grades that all correspond to reasonable economic scenarios. All cut-off grades presented meet the "reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction" criteria. The results are shown in Table 14-12.

**Table 14-12: Sensitivity of the pit-constrained Mineral Resource Estimate for the West Zone**

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Cut-off C(g)<br> Grade (%)** | **Mineral Resource<br> Category<sup>(1)(2)</sup>** | **Current Resources (November 12, 2025)** | **Current Resources (November 12, 2025)** | **Current Resources (November 12, 2025)** |
| **Cut-off C(g)<br> Grade (%)** | **Mineral Resource<br> Category<sup>(1)(2)</sup>** | **Tonnage (Mt)<sup>(5)</sup>** | **C(g) Grade (%)<sup>(3)</sup>** | **Contained Graphite (Mt)** |
| 1.00 | Measured | 28.6 | 4.27 | 1.22 |
| 1.00 | Indicated | 102.1 | 4.25 | 4.34 |
| 1.00 | Measured + Indicated | 130.7 | 4.25 | 5.56 |
| 1.00 | Inferred<sup>(4)</sup> | 23 | 4.28 | 0.98 |
| 1.25 | Measured | 28.6 | 4.27 | 1.22 |
| 1.25 | Indicated | 102 | 4.25 | 4.34 |
| 1.25 | Measured + Indicated | 130.6 | 4.26 | 5.56 |
| 1.25 | Inferred<sup>(4)</sup> | 23 | 4.28 | 0.98 |
| 1.50 | Measured | 28.6 | 4.27 | 1.22 |
| 1.50 | Indicated | 101.9 | 4.25 | 4.34 |
| 1.50 | Measured + Indicated | 130.5 | 4.26 | 5.56 |
| 1.50 | Inferred<sup>(4)</sup> | 23 | 4.28 | 0.98 |
| 1.75 | Measured | 28.5 | 4.28 | 1.22 |
| 1.75 | Indicated | 101.8 | 4.26 | 4.33 |
| 1.75 | Measured + Indicated | 130.3 | 4.26 | 5.55 |
| 1.75 | Inferred<sup>(4)</sup> | 23 | 4.28 | 0.98 |
| 2.00 | Measured | 28.4 | 4.28 | 1.22 |
| 2.00 | Indicated | 101.6 | 4.26 | 4.33 |
| 2.00 | Measured + Indicated | 130 | 4.27 | 5.55 |
| 2.00 | Inferred<sup>(4)</sup> | 23 | 4.28 | 0.98 |
| 2.20 | Measured | 28.3 | 4.29 | 51.22 |
| 2.20 | Indicated | 101.2 | 4.27 | 4.32 |
| 2.20 | Measured + Indicated | 129.5 | 4.28 | 5.54 |
| 2.20 | Inferred<sup>(4)</sup> | 23 | 4.28 | 0.98 |

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **14-20** |

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Notes to Table 14-12:

<sup>(1)</sup> The Mineral Resources provided in this table were estimated using current CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions and Guidelines.

<sup>(2)</sup> Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves have not demonstrated economic viability. Additional trenching and/or drilling will be required to convert Inferred and Indicated Mineral Resources to Measured Mineral Resources. There is no certainty that any part of a Mineral Resource will ever be converted into reserves.

<sup>(3)</sup> All analyses used for the Resource Estimates were performed by ALS Minerals Laboratories and delivered as % C(g), internal analytical code C-IR18.

<sup>(4)</sup> Inferred Mineral Resources represent material that is considered too speculative to be included in economic evaluations. Additional trenching and/or drilling will be required to convert Inferred Mineral Resources to Indicated or Measured Mineral Resources. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of the Inferred Resources will ever be upgraded to a higher resource category.

<sup>(5)</sup> Current Resource effective November 12, 2025.

**14.12.** **Conclusion** 

To the knowledge of the QP who prepared Chapters 12 and 14 of this report, there are no special factors that could affect materially the Mineral Resource Estimate presented here. It is recommended to include the 597 samples analyzed in 2023 in future Mineral Resource Estimates. More details about general and specific risks are discussed in Chapters 4 and 25 of this report.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **14-21** |

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**15.** **Mineral Reserve Estimate** 

The Matawinie Mine will be mined using conventional open pit mining methods consisting of drilling, blasting, loading, and hauling. Ore will be hauled to the primary crusher and waste rock and tailings will be placed in a co-disposal facility ("CDF"). The CDF will initially be located at surface and, as of Year 7, will be placed inside the mined out open pit. The Matawinie Mine life of mine ("LOM") plan and subsequent Mineral Reserves are based on a graphite concentrate selling price of $1,334/t. The effective date of the Mineral Reserve Estimate is November 12, 2025.

Development of the LOM plan included pit optimization, pit design, mine scheduling and the application of modifying factors to the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources. The reference point for the Mineral Reserves is the feed to the primary crusher. The tonnages and grades reported are inclusive of mining dilution, geological losses and operational mining losses.

The Mineral Reserves for the Matawinie Mine were prepared by Jeffrey Cassoff, P.Eng., Principal Mining Engineer with BBA Inc.; a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101").

The Mineral Reserves have been developed using best practices in accordance with CIM guidelines and NI 43-101 reporting.

The QP is of the opinion that no other known risks, including legal, political or environmental, would materially affect potential development of the Mineral Reserves, except for those risks already discussed in this report.

Table 15-1 presents the Mineral Reserves that have been estimated for the Matawinie Mine, which include 17.3 Mt of Proven Mineral Reserves at an average graphitic carbon grade (C(g)) of 4.16% and 44.3 Mt of Probable Mineral Reserves at an average grade of 4.26% C(g), for a total of 61.7 Mt of Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves at an average grade of 4.23% C(g). To access these Mineral Reserves, 15.5 Mt of overburden and 56.2 Mt of waste rock must be mined, resulting in a strip ratio of 1.16:1.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **15-1** |

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**Table 15-1: Matawinie Mine Mineral Reserves**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Category** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Tonnes<br> (Mt)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**C(g) Grade<br> (%)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Contained Graphite<br> (Mt)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Proven | &nbsp;&nbsp;17.3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.16 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Probable | &nbsp;&nbsp;44.3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.26 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.9 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Proven & Probable** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**61.7** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**4.23** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**2.6** |

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1. The
 Qualified Person for the Mineral Reserve Estimate is Jeffrey Cassoff, P.Eng., of BBA
 Inc.

2. The
 effective date of the estimate is November 12, 2025.

3. Mineral
 Reserves were estimated using a graphite concentrate selling price of $1,334/t, and consider
 a 2% royalty, and selling costs of $34.23/t. An average grade of 97% C(t) was considered
 for the graphite concentrate.

4. A
 metallurgical recovery of 93% was used.

5. A
 cut-off grade of 2.20% C(g) was used.

6. The
 strip ratio for the open pit is 1.16 to 1.

7. The
 Mineral Reserves are inclusive of mining dilution and ore loss.

8. The
 reference point for the Mineral Reserves is the primary crusher.

9. Totals
 may not add due to rounding.

**15.1.** **General Parameters Used to Estimate the Mineral Reserves** 

The following section discusses the geological information that was used for the mine design and Mineral Reserve estimate. This information includes the topographic surface, the geological block model and the material properties for ore, waste rock, and overburden.

The mine design and mine planning were done using Hexagon's MinePlan 3D software Version 15.8. The mine design work was completed using the NAD83 CSRS Zone 18 coordinate system, in metric units.

**15.1.1.** **Topographical Data** 

The mine design for this Study was carried out using a topographic surface based on 1 m contour intervals. The contours were derived from a LiDAR survey that took place on December 18, 2015.

**15.2.** **Mineral Resource Block Model** 

The mine design for this Matawinie Mine FS is based on the 3-dimensional ("3D") geological block model that was prepared by SGS Geological Services and presented in Chapter 14. The blocks are 5 m wide, 5 m long and 5 m high and the model is rotated at 293°.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **15-2** |

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The block model is a percent model whereby each block contains the percentages of mineralized and non-mineralized volumes. The items in each block include: the C(g) grade (for both the mineralized and non-mineralized parts of the block, the sulphur grade, the percentage of each rock type, the density of each rock type, and the resource classification (Measured, Indicated and Inferred).

It should be noted that the block model contains the graphitic carbon grade (C(g)), while the metallurgical recovery quoted in this report is based on the total carbon grade (C(t)). A statistical analysis on the deposit shows that, on average, the values for C(t) can be assumed to be 3% higher than the values for C(g).

An overburden-bedrock contact surface was also provided by SGS Geological Services, and the percentages of overburden were coded in the model.

**15.3.** **Material Properties** 

The material properties for the different rock types are outlined below. These properties are important in estimating the Mineral Reserves and the equipment fleet requirements, as well as the CDF and stockpile design capacities.

**Bulk Density**

Bulk density is an important measurement that converts volumes modelled by the geologists into tonnages and contained tonnes of graphite. It is also used to estimate mine equipment requirements. The methodology used to estimate the bulk densities for ore and waste rock was presented in Chapter 14. The ore density within the open pit averages 2.76 t/m<sup>3</sup>, and the waste rock density averages 2.80 t/m<sup>3</sup>. A density of 2.10 t/m<sup>3</sup> was considered for overburden.

**Swell Factor**

The swell factor reflects the increase in volume of the material from its in situ state to its state after it has been blasted and loaded into the haul trucks. The swell factor is an important parameter that is used to determine the loading and hauling equipment requirements, as well as the CDF and stockpile designs. A swell factor of 40% has been considered for this Matawinie Mine FS, as well as a compaction factor of 5% for when waste rock is placed in the CDF. A swell factor of 20% was used for overburden.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **15-3** |

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**Moisture Content**

Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves are reported as in situ dry tonnes. The moisture content reflects the amount of water present within the rock formation. It affects the estimation of haul truck requirements and must be considered during the payload calculations. The moisture content is also a contributing factor for the process water balance. A moisture content of 4% has been used for blasted ore, 2% for blasted waste rock, and 8% for overburden.

**15.4.** **Modifying Factors that Affect the Mineral Reserves** 

The following section presents the modifying factors that were applied to convert Mineral Resources into Mineral Reserves for the Matawinie Mine, as well as the pit optimization analysis and open pit design.

**15.4.1.** **Mining Dilution and Ore Loss** 

In every mining operation, it is impossible to perfectly separate the ore and waste due to the large scale of the mining equipment and the use of drilling and blasting.

Mining dilution was applied for the Matawinie deposit considering a neighbouring block approach. Ore blocks located at an ore/waste contact were diluted with the grades of the neighbouring waste blocks. The dilution skin used to determine the percentage of mining dilution varies across the deposit and is a function of the thickness of the mineralized dyke.

The average mining dilution across the orebody within the open pit for this Study was calculated to be 3%, resulting in a decrease of the in situ C(g) grade from of 4.35% to 4.23%. Mining losses were also estimated at 3%, resulting in no net change to the overall tonnage.

**15.4.2.** **Pit Optimization** 

A pit optimization analysis has been completed to determine the extent of the deposit that can be mined and processed economically. The pit optimization was done using the pseudo-flow algorithm in the Economic Planner module of MinePlan 3D. The algorithm determines the economic limits of the open pit at a range of selling prices based on input of mining and processing costs, revenue per block, and operational parameters such as the metallurgical recovery, pit slopes and other imposed physical constraints. The pseudo-flow algorithm provides similar results as the Lerch-Grossman algorithm with the benefit of shorter computing times. As this Study is at the feasibility level, NI 43-101 guidelines do not allow Inferred Mineral Resources to be considered in the pit optimization and mine plan, they have therefore been treated as waste rock.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **15-4** |

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Table 15-2 presents the input parameters that were used for the pit optimization analysis. The input parameters were developed from the results of the 2018 FS with adjustments for inflation and updated project knowledge. The costs used for the pit optimization are inputs and should therefore not be confused with the final operating costs for the Study presented in Chapter 21. It is important to note that a validation was done in January 2025, using updated costs and selling prices, to ensure that the pit optimization results are still valid and that the COG being used is still appropriate.

The pit optimization considered pit slopes that were developed by SRK and presented in Section 15.5.2. The pit slopes were adjusted for the pit optimization to account for the ramp system that is added in the pit design stage.

The pit optimization was limited to the NMG mineral claims and was also restricted to not mine out the haul road on the west side of the pit as well as the plant infrastructure area on the east side of the pit. A scenario was run using only the NMG mining claims as a physical restriction and although the pit becomes larger, the graphite grades and strip ratio for a 25-year pit remain relatively unchanged.

**Table 15-2: Pit optimization parameters (CAD)**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Item** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Unit** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Value** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mining Cost (Ore) | CAD/t (mined) | 4.00 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mining Cost (Waste) | CAD/t (mined) | 4.00 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mining Cost (Overburden) | CAD/t (mined) | 4.20 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Incremental Bench Mining Cost (per 5 m) | CAD/t (mined) | 0.018 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Reference Bench for Incremental Cost | m | 500 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Processing Cost (includes tailings) | CAD/t (processed) | 9.31 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;General & Administration Cost | CAD/t (processed) | 3.87 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Concentrate Sales Price (97% C(t)) | USD/t | 1028 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Exchange Rate | USD | 1.40 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Concentrate Sales Price (97% C(t)) | CAD/t | 1439 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Selling Costs | CAD/t | 47.92 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Royalty | % | 2% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Metallurgical Recovery | % | 93 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Conversion of C(g) to C(t) |  | 1.03 |

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **15-5** |

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**Cut-off Grade**

The cut-off grade is calculated to determine if material within the pit should be sent to the mill for processing or to the waste rock pile. The marginal COG, referred to as the "Open Pit Discard COG" in the CIM Estimation of Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines, differs from the breakeven COG since mining costs are excluded from the calculation. The reason for excluding mining costs is that material already defined to be within the limits of the open pit must be mined, regardless of whether it is classified as ore or waste, to access the bench below. The only exception where a mining cost would be included in the marginal COG calculation is if there is an incremental cost for mining ore relative to mining waste. The following calculation was used to calculate the marginal COG for the Matawinie deposit.

![](image_005.jpg)

The marginal open pit cut-off grade was calculated to be 1.0% C(g). To ensure an average feed grade to the processing plant that can provide a high-quality concentrate, the cut-off grade was artificially elevated to 2.2% C(g). It should be noted that, within the open pit, there are approximately 5.7 Mt of Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources that have a grade between 1.0% C(g) and 2.2% C(g). The average grade of these resources is 1.63% C(g).

**Pit Optimization Results**

Using the cost and operating parameters, a series of 34 pit shells was generated by varying the selling price (revenue factor) from CAD 475/t to CAD 1,583/t. The tonnages and grades associated with each of the pit shells are presented in Table 15-3. The net present value ("NPV") of each shell was calculated assuming a selling price of CAD 1,439/t of graphite concentrate, a discount rate of 8% and an annual production rate of 2.6 Mtpy of ore. It is important to note that the NPV's presented do not include initial and sustaining capital costs and are therefore not indicative of the Matawinie Project's NPV, they are merely used to compare the pit shells relative to each other.

Figure 15-1 presents the results in a graphical format and Figure 15-2 presents a typical section through the deposit highlighting several of the important pit shells.

The pit shell with the maximum NPV is the revenue factor ("RF") 0.55, which has an NPV of $956M. The pit shell that was selected to guide the design of the ultimate pit is the RF 0.50 shell, which has an NPV of $947M. This shell was selected since it provides a 25-year mine life and the loss on NPV versus the RF 0.55 is easily offset by the incremental strip ratio of 2.1:1 between the two shells.

The RF 0.50 pit contains 63.1 Mt of Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources with an average diluted C(g) grade of 4.24% and a strip ratio of 1.16:1.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **15-6** |

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**Table 15-3: Pit optimization results**

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Revenue<br> Factor** | **Ore <br> (Mt)** | **C(g)<br> (%)** | **OB<br> (Mt)** | **Waste Rock<br> (Mt)** | **Total Waste<br> (Mt)** | **Strip <br> Ratio** | **Mine Life<br> (y)** | **NPV<br> (M CAD)** |
| 0.33 | 2.7 | 4.92 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.9 | 0.32 | 1.1 | 121 |
| 0.34 | 3.6 | 4.85 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 1.3 | 0.35 | 1.4 | 154 |
| 0.35 | 5.4 | 4.74 | 0.9 | 1.2 | 2.2 | 0.40 | 2.1 | 217 |
| 0.36 | 7.2 | 4.65 | 1.2 | 1.8 | 3 | 0.42 | 2.8 | 270 |
| 0.37 | 9.9 | 4.57 | 1.8 | 2.9 | 4.7 | 0.47 | 3.9 | 349 |
| 0.38 | 13.7 | 4.46 | 2.8 | 4 | 6.8 | 0.50 | 5.4 | 439 |
| 0.39 | 16.3 | 4.42 | 3.2 | 5.4 | 8.7 | 0.53 | 6.4 | 495 |
| 0.40 | 18.6 | 4.38 | 3.5 | 6.9 | 10.4 | 0.56 | 7.3 | 540 |
| 0.41 | 30.7 | 4.43 | 9.6 | 18.3 | 27.8 | 0.91 | 12 | 744 |
| 0.42 | 34.8 | 4.41 | 10.2 | 22.7 | 32.9 | 0.95 | 13.6 | 792 |
| 0.43 | 41.2 | 4.40 | 13.4 | 28.6 | 42 | 1.02 | 16.1 | 854 |
| 0.44 | 44.7 | 4.37 | 13.7 | 32.5 | 46.3 | 1.03 | 17.5 | 878 |
| 0.45 | 49.8 | 4.31 | 14.1 | 37.6 | 51.7 | 1.04 | 19.5 | 903 |
| 0.46 | 52.8 | 4.29 | 14.4 | 41.6 | 56 | 1.06 | 20.7 | 916 |
| 0.47 | 56.3 | 4.27 | 14.7 | 46.9 | 61.7 | 1.09 | 22.1 | 930 |
| 0.48 | 58.2 | 4.26 | 14.9 | 49.7 | 64.6 | 1.11 | 22.8 | 936 |
| 0.49 | 60.8 | 4.25 | 15.2 | 54.2 | 69.4 | 1.14 | 23.8 | 943 |
| 0.50 | 63.1 | 4.24 | 15.4 | 58 | 73.4 | 1.16 | 24.8 | 947 |
| 0.51 | 65.2 | 4.22 | 15.5 | 61.8 | 77.3 | 1.19 | 25.6 | 950 |
| 0.52 | 68.1 | 4.21 | 15.7 | 67.3 | 83 | 1.22 | 26.7 | 953 |
| 0.53 | 70.1 | 4.20 | 15.8 | 71.4 | 87.2 | 1.24 | 27.5 | 955 |
| 0.54 | 71.6 | 4.19 | 15.9 | 75 | 90.9 | 1.27 | 28.1 | 956 |
| 0.55 | 72.2 | 4.19 | 15.9 | 76.4 | 92.3 | 1.28 | 28.3 | 956 |
| 0.60 | 75.8 | 4.18 | 16.3 | 86.2 | 102.5 | 1.35 | 29.7 | 954 |
| 0.65 | 77.4 | 4.17 | 16.4 | 91.6 | 108 | 1.39 | 30.3 | 952 |
| 0.70 | 78.7 | 4.17 | 16.5 | 96.8 | 113.3 | 1.44 | 30.9 | 948 |
| 0.75 | 79.6 | 4.16 | 16.6 | 100.4 | 117 | 1.47 | 31.2 | 946 |
| 0.80 | 80 | 4.16 | 16.7 | 102.3 | 119 | 1.49 | 31.4 | 944 |
| 0.85 | 80.4 | 4.16 | 16.7 | 104.7 | 121.4 | 1.51 | 31.5 | 942 |
| 0.90 | 80.7 | 4.16 | 16.7 | 106.1 | 122.9 | 1.52 | 31.6 | 940 |
| 0.95 | 81 | 4.16 | 16.8 | 108.3 | 125.1 | 1.54 | 31.8 | 938 |
| 1.00 | 81.2 | 4.16 | 16.9 | 109.6 | 126.5 | 1.56 | 31.8 | 936 |
| 1.05 | 81.3 | 4.16 | 16.9 | 110.4 | 127.3 | 1.57 | 31.9 | 935 |
| 1.10 | 81.4 | 4.16 | 17 | 111.6 | 128.6 | 1.58 | 31.9 | 934 |

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **15-7** |

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**Figure 15-1: Pit optimization results**

**Figure 15-2: Pit optimization shells**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **15-8** |

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**15.5.** **Open Pit Design** 

Using the results of the pit optimization analysis, an operational pit was designed, which is the basis of the LOM plan. This pit design uses the selected pit shell as a guide and includes smoothing the pit wall, adding ramps to access the pit bottom and ensures that the pit can be mined safely and efficiently. The following section provides the parameters that were used for the open pit design and presents the results.

**15.5.1.** **Bench Height** 

A 10-m high bench height was selected for the Matawinie deposit. Ore will be mined in two 5 m flitches, and waste rock will be mined in 10 m benches.

**15.5.2.** **Geotechnical Pit Rock Slope Parameters** 

This section of the report was written by Ed Saunders, Relevant Expert of SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc., for the open pit rock slopes for this Study (SRK, 2021).

**Overburden Slope**

Considering the overall slope of 2H:1V (26.6 degrees) recommended for the overburden by SNC (Arié and Boutelja, 2018), a set-back bench berm at the overburden-bedrock contact with surface water interception ditches to capture and divert water flow from the pit crest should be included in the design. At the north end of the pit, where the overburden thickness ranges between 30 m to 60 m, a set-back width of 10 m should be incorporated in the design. A set-back width of 5 m should be incorporated in the design at the south end of the pit where the overburden thickness is shallower.

**Open Pit Rock Geotechnical Slope Design**

SRK carried out an open pit slope investigation, stability assessment and design update in 2021 (SRK, 2021). The work was carried out to develop rock slope design criteria for the initial and final pits. In summary, the Matawinie Mine pit slope stability and resulting design is defined by:

▪ Good
 quality, high strength rock mass units;

▪ The
 orientation of the regional east-dipping foliation structures (west and northwest walls);

▪ The
 kinematic stability related to the major joint sets (all pit walls).

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **15-9** |

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The deposit is characterized by very good quality rock masses that have been subject to high ductile strain. The rock fabric is gneissic and generally becomes more massive toward the Charnokite Gneiss, located east and west of the centre graphite shear zone.

For the West Walls and portions of the East Wall (South 1 Domain) and North Wall (North Domain), the achievable design slopes are reliant on stripping along foliation to form the design bench faces. The objective is to reduce planar sliding mechanisms through an appropriate bench face angle ("BFA") that does not undercut the continuous structures. Although the rock masses have low open fracture counts, it is expected that incipient foliation structures will open during the blasting cycles.

**Field and Laboratory Investigation**

SRK conducted pit slope geotechnical investigations in 2021 to address data gaps and improve the reliability of the rock mass and fault models used to inform the design. The investigations included three new diamond geotechnical drill holes, re-logging of core from five previous geotechnical drill holes and a total of 21 televiewer surveys completed in open historical exploration holes. In addition, NMG have collected recovery and RQD logging data in all exploration drill holes completed to date. The investigation was supported with the new rock strength laboratory testing that expanded the historical database. The investigation locations are shown in Figure 15-3.

**Figure 15-3: Location of geotechnical diamond drill holes and televiewer surveys**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **15-10** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Foliation and Structural Geology Models**

SRK completed a brittle-structural interpretation of the deposit and developed a 3D structural model, presented in Figure 15-4. The structural model contains a total of 15 fault structures. The core review indicates that most of the faults are represented as intervals of increased fracturing, typically orientated parallel to foliation (11 of 15 faults). Oblique or perpendicular to foliation faults were identified and interpreted in the south.

Orientation, shear strength, and fracture spacing components are critical stability controls for the foliation-parallel pit slopes. All valid orientation data was processed in Leapfrog<sup>TM</sup> to generate a 3D model as shown in Figure 15-5. The model has a high reliability in the North, Central and South Domain 1 sectors. The mode has a low reliability in South Domain 2 as the deposit is considered to be increasingly ductile in rock fabric with multiple foliation trends.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp10img01.jpg)

**Figure 15-4: Matawinie Mine 3D structural model interpretation**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **15-11** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp10img02.jpg)

**Figure 15-5: Matawinie Mine 3D foliation model**

**Stability Assessment**

A rock slope stability assessment was carried out using multiple approaches with a combination of software packages, as summarized in Table 15-4.

**Table 15-4: Overview of stability assessment approach and software**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Pit Slope Scale** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Approach** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Software Utilized** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Bench | &nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Observed bench and blast slope performance | &nbsp;&nbsp;▪ DIPS™ |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Kinematic stability analyses | &nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Leapfrog™ |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;▪ 3D interpolant (foliation) models | &nbsp;&nbsp;▪ SBlock™ |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Modified Richie criteria (bench widths) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Inter-Ramp | &nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Observed bench and blast slope performance | &nbsp;&nbsp;▪ DIPS™ |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;▪ 3D fault/joint geometric intersections | &nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Leapfrog™ |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;▪ 3D interpolant (foliation) models | &nbsp;&nbsp;▪ SWedge™ |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Kinematic stability analyses | &nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Slide2D™ |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;▪ LE stability analyses |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Overall | &nbsp;&nbsp;▪ LE stability analyses | &nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Leapfrog™ |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;▪ FE stability analyses | &nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Slide2D™ |
|  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;▪ RS2™ |

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **15-12** |

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Kinematic analyses were carried out using Dips™ and SBlock<sup>TM</sup> for defined litho-structural domains and all applicable slope face directions. The analyses were carried out for 30° segments to identify the potential kinematic failure modes that could limit the design. Both wedge intersection and planar sliding mechanisms were assessed to be high risk at the bench scale for some of the analyzed slope aspects prior to adopting the current mitigating design recommendations.

Two-dimensional slope stability analyses were used to evaluate the expected design rock slope stability conditions. The analyses were conducted using Slide2D™ and RS2™. The stability analyses considered the potential for overall non-circular failure through the anisotropic rock mass. Stability analyses were carried out for a total of three design sections, including four sections through the final pit, presented in Figure 15-6.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp10img03.jpg)

**Figure 15-6: Final pit stability section locations**

The results indicated that a Factor of Safety ("FOS") of equal or greater than 1.5 for both the Phreatic Surface Groundwater ("GW") and Pore Pressure Model ("PPM") cases, except for Section 2 (South 2 Domain, West Wall) under the GW case. The results are presented in Table 15-5. The PPM case is considered the design case as it simulates some downward hydraulic gradients in the fractured rock mass. Both cases represent limited drawdown behind the excavated slope faces, indicating little sensitivity to groundwater.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **15-13** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Table 15-5: Summary of limit equilibrium results for final pit**

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Domain** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Pit Wall** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Stability<br> Section** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Pit Height<br> (m)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Modelled <br> IRA (** **°)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Minimum<br> DAC<br> FOS** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Factor of Safety** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Factor of Safety** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Domain** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Pit Wall** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Stability<br> Section** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Pit Height<br> (m)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Modelled <br> IRA (** **°)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Minimum<br> DAC<br> FOS** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**GW1** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**PPM<br> (Design Case)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;South 1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;West | &nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1A | &nbsp;&nbsp;150 | &nbsp;&nbsp;52 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.7 | &nbsp;&nbsp;2.1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;South 1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;East | &nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1B | &nbsp;&nbsp;190 | &nbsp;&nbsp;55 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;South 2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;West | &nbsp;&nbsp;Section 2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;155 | &nbsp;&nbsp;52 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Central | &nbsp;&nbsp;West | &nbsp;&nbsp;Section 3A | &nbsp;&nbsp;185 | &nbsp;&nbsp;48 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.9 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Central | &nbsp;&nbsp;East | &nbsp;&nbsp;Section 3B | &nbsp;&nbsp;190 | &nbsp;&nbsp;57, 59 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.6 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;North | &nbsp;&nbsp;West | &nbsp;&nbsp;Section 4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;185 | &nbsp;&nbsp;55 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.5 |

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**Pit Slope Design Recommendations**

The pit slope design recommendations are presented in Table 15-6, which are based on the litho-structural domains shown in Figure 15-7. In addition to these slopes, a 15 m wide geotechnical berm should be included if the benches exceed a height of 120 m uninterrupted by a ramp.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp10img04.jpg)

**Figure 15-7: Litho-structural domains utilized for implementation of the design recommendations**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **15-14** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Table 15-6: Final pit slope design recommendations**

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Design Sector** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Design Sector** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Design Sector** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Design Sector** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Design Recommendations** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Design Recommendations** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Design Recommendations** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Design Recommendations** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Design<br> Domain** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Pit Wall** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Slope Dip <br> Direction (°)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Slope Dip <br> Direction (°)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Lithology** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**BFA<br> (°)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Catch-Bench<br> Width (m)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**IRA<br> (°)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Design<br> Domain** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Pit Wall** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**From** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**To** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Lithology** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**BFA<br> (°)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Catch-Bench<br> Width (m)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**IRA<br> (°)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;North | &nbsp;&nbsp;North | &nbsp;&nbsp;170 | &nbsp;&nbsp;230 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Mixed Paragneiss | &nbsp;&nbsp;70 | &nbsp;&nbsp;8.5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;52 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;North | &nbsp;&nbsp;Northeast-East | &nbsp;&nbsp;230 | &nbsp;&nbsp;330 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Mixed Paragneiss | &nbsp;&nbsp;80 | &nbsp;&nbsp;9.0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;58 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;North | &nbsp;&nbsp;Northeast-East | &nbsp;&nbsp;230 | &nbsp;&nbsp;330 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Biotite Paragneiss, Charnokite | &nbsp;&nbsp;80 | &nbsp;&nbsp;8.0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;60 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;North | &nbsp;&nbsp;South-Southeast | &nbsp;&nbsp;330 | &nbsp;&nbsp;60 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Mixed Paragneiss | &nbsp;&nbsp;80 | &nbsp;&nbsp;10.2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;56 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;North | &nbsp;&nbsp;Southwest | &nbsp;&nbsp;60 | &nbsp;&nbsp;100 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Mixed Paragneiss | &nbsp;&nbsp;75 | &nbsp;&nbsp;10.2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;52 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;North | &nbsp;&nbsp;West-Northwest | &nbsp;&nbsp;100 | &nbsp;&nbsp;170 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Mixed Paragneiss, Biotite Paragneiss, Charnokite | &nbsp;&nbsp;75 | &nbsp;&nbsp;8.5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;55 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Central | &nbsp;&nbsp;North | &nbsp;&nbsp;160 | &nbsp;&nbsp;200 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Mixed Paragneiss | &nbsp;&nbsp;80 | &nbsp;&nbsp;10.2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;56 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Central | &nbsp;&nbsp;East | &nbsp;&nbsp;250 | &nbsp;&nbsp;330 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Mixed Paragneiss | &nbsp;&nbsp;80 | &nbsp;&nbsp;9.0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;58 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Central | &nbsp;&nbsp;East | &nbsp;&nbsp;250 | &nbsp;&nbsp;330 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Biotite Paragneiss, Charnokite | &nbsp;&nbsp;80 | &nbsp;&nbsp;8.0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;60 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Central | &nbsp;&nbsp;South | &nbsp;&nbsp;330 | &nbsp;&nbsp;070 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Mixed Paragneiss | &nbsp;&nbsp;80 | &nbsp;&nbsp;8.5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;59 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Central | &nbsp;&nbsp;West-1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;070 | &nbsp;&nbsp;140 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Mixed Paragneiss | &nbsp;&nbsp;67 | &nbsp;&nbsp;8.0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;50 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Central | &nbsp;&nbsp;West-2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;070 | &nbsp;&nbsp;140 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Mixed Paragneiss | &nbsp;&nbsp;65 | &nbsp;&nbsp;8.0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;49 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Central | &nbsp;&nbsp;West-3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;070 | &nbsp;&nbsp;140 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Mixed Paragneiss | &nbsp;&nbsp;70 | &nbsp;&nbsp;8.0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;53 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;South 1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;North | &nbsp;&nbsp;130 | &nbsp;&nbsp;250 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Mixed Paragneiss | &nbsp;&nbsp;75 | &nbsp;&nbsp;10.2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;52 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;South 1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;East | &nbsp;&nbsp;250 | &nbsp;&nbsp;290 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Mixed Paragneiss | &nbsp;&nbsp;80 | &nbsp;&nbsp;8.5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;59 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;South 1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;South | &nbsp;&nbsp;290 | &nbsp;&nbsp;030 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Mixed Paragneiss | &nbsp;&nbsp;80 | &nbsp;&nbsp;10.2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;56 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;South 1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;West | &nbsp;&nbsp;030 | &nbsp;&nbsp;130 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Mixed Paragneiss | &nbsp;&nbsp;75 | &nbsp;&nbsp;7.5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;57 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;South 2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;North-Northwest | &nbsp;&nbsp;140 | &nbsp;&nbsp;205 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Mixed Paragneiss | &nbsp;&nbsp;70 | &nbsp;&nbsp;8.5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;52 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;South 2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Northeast | &nbsp;&nbsp;205 | &nbsp;&nbsp;245 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Mixed Paragneiss | &nbsp;&nbsp;75 | &nbsp;&nbsp;8.5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;55 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;South 2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;East | &nbsp;&nbsp;245 | &nbsp;&nbsp;290 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Mixed Paragneiss, Charnokite | &nbsp;&nbsp;75 | &nbsp;&nbsp;8.5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;55 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;South 2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Southeast-South | &nbsp;&nbsp;290 | &nbsp;&nbsp;080 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Mixed Paragneiss, Charnokite | &nbsp;&nbsp;80 | &nbsp;&nbsp;9.5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;57 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;South 2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;West | &nbsp;&nbsp;080 | &nbsp;&nbsp;125 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Mixed Paragneiss | &nbsp;&nbsp;70 | &nbsp;&nbsp;8.5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;52 |

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **15-15** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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In addition, the following design guidelines are provided:

▪ The
 irregular overburden-bedrock profile will need to be considered in the pit design work in
 bedrock at the crest of the slope;

▪ The
 initial bench should be limited to a single bench height due to the increased fracturing
 and irregular joint orientations observed in shallow bench slopes;

▪ The
 foliation parallel BFA's are based on achievable blasting results and will need to
 be proved;

▪ Bullnoses
 (convex slopes) of one or more stack heights should be stepped-out and assigned a lower IRA,
 depending on their size, location, and radius of curvature;

▪ Implementation
 of a two-ramp approach through the pit phases to reduce consequences of an instability location
 above or below critical access.

**Risks**

Based on the findings of this Study, the following risks should be considered:

▪ The
 design bench configuration is reliant on best practice blasting to successfully implement
 the slope recommendations. The kinematic stability work indicates the bench slopes could
 be susceptible to toppling (East Wall) and planar sliding along foliation (West Wall, North
 Wall, and South Domain 2 East Wall).

▪ With
 respect to the East Wall, the design BFA's of 80-degrees may need to be reduced where
 significant toppling risks exist. There is potential for toppling to have a greater risk
 than currently expected where foliation is more closely spaced than the current geotechnical
 logging indicates, and potentially due to incipient features opening during the blast cycles.

▪ There
 may be cases where foliation has limited influence on the bench faces in the massive rocks
 (i.e., Charnokite) and hang-ups occur. This may result in rock fall risks and challenges
 to implement the West Wall designs.

▪ The
 3D structural geology model was developed with the geotechnical and exploration drill hole
 data. There may be stability risks associated with possible adversely orientated fault structures
 that were not intercepted by the drill holes.

▪ A
 planar sliding risk is identified along the FoliationParallel_SRK_08 fault located on the
 West Wall, Starter Pit/Central Domain. Review of the core indicates that this fault has a
 low confidence and is likely to be discontinuous.

▪ During
 the 2021 SRK site visits, several boxes of core were observed to have accelerated weathering
 characteristics close to the Graphite Paragneiss, which results in full deterioration to
 finer-grained materials. The severely weathered materials are limited to shallow depths.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **15-16** |

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**Opportunities**

The following opportunities are considered:

▪ Should
 the rock mass conditions within Biotite Paragneiss and Charnokite have less influence from
 continuous foliation structures, there may be opportunities to form a steeper bench configuration
 along the West Wall (where rock is too massive to be impacted by foliation).

▪ The
 shallowest foliation data is within the Central Domain, West Wall. Should foliation be steeper
 than the current data indicates, a resulting steeper bench can be formed.

**15.5.3.** **Haul Ramp Design** 

The haul ramps were designed for haulage with 60-t sized rigid frame mining trucks, with an overall width of 20 m. For double lane traffic, industry practice indicates the running surface width to be a minimum of three times the width of the largest truck. The overall width of a 60-t rigid frame mining truck is 5 m, which results in a running surface of 15 m. The allowance for berms and ditches increases the overall width to 20 m. Single-lane traffic has been considered for the final six benches (60 m in elevation), reducing the overall ramp width to 13 m. Figure 15-8 presents the haul road configuration for 2-way traffic A maximum ramp grade of 10% was used.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp10img05.jpg)

**Figure 15-8: Ramp design**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **15-17** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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**15.5.4.** **Minimum Mining Width** 

A minimum mining width of 20 m was considered for the pit design. This width must be respected to ensure that a 60-t haul truck, which has a turning radius of 12 m, can safely enter the mining area and make a 180° turn to be positioned for loading. Figure 15-9 is a conceptual sketch that shows a haul truck positioning for loading.

**15.5.5.** **Final Bench Access** 

To reduce the strip ratio as much as is feasibly safe and efficient, the access ramp has not been designed to the bottom of the pit. When mining the final bench, the haul trucks will be positioned on the bench crest rather than on the bench toe. Figure 15-9 illustrates this operating scenario, commonly referred to in the industry as a goodbye cut. The final bench has been designed at a height of 8 m. There are also temporary ramps at the bottom of the pit that will be mined out at the end of the operation and are therefore not shown on Figure 15-10, which presents the pit design.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp10img06.jpg)

**Figure 15-9: Final bench access**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **15-18** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**15.5.6.** **Open Pit Design Results and Mineral Reserves** 

The open pit that has been designed for the Matawinie Mine is approximately 3,000 m long and 400 m wide at surface. The total surface area of the pit is roughly 82 ha. The pit contains five independent ramp systems, which are required for pit phasing and the in-pit placement of waste rock and tailings. The deepest part of the pit is at the 345 m elevation at the north end of the pit, where the total depth of the pit reaches 185 m. The pit avoids a wetland on the southwest corner and is 110 m away from the Hydro-Québec power lines.

Accounting for mining dilution and ore loss, the open pit includes 17.3 Mt of Proven Mineral Reserves at an average C(g) grade of 4.16% and 44.4 Mt of Probable Mineral Reserves at an average C(g) grade of 4.26%, for a total of 61.6 Mt of Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves at an average C(g) grade of 4.23%. To access these Mineral Reserves, 71.8 Mt of overburden and waste rock must be mined, resulting in a strip ratio of 1.16:1. There are less than 100,000 t of Inferred Mineral Resources in the open pit. Figure 15-10 presents a plan view of the open pit design.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp10img07.jpg)

**Figure 15-10: Open pit design**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **15-19** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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**16.** **Mining Methods** 

**16.1.** **Introduction** 

The Matawinie Mine will be mined using conventional open pit mining methods consisting of drilling, blasting, loading, and hauling. Vegetation, topsoil, and overburden will be stripped and stockpiled for future reclamation use. The ore and waste rock will be drilled and blasted with 10 m high benches. Ore will be loaded into haul trucks in two 5 m flitches with a fleet of diesel-powered hydraulic excavators and a front-end wheel loader, and the waste rock will be mined in 10 m high benches.

Waste rock will be hauled to the CDF where a portion will be used as construction material, with the excess being stored at the same site. Once the initial sub-aerial CDF reaches its configuration, the tailings and waste rock will be hauled and placed within the mined-out pit.

The mine will operate on two 8-hour shifts, 5 days per week, while the mill will operate 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. A crushed ore dome will be filled before the mine shuts down for the weekend.

**16.2.** **Geotechnical Pit Slope Parameters** 

The geotechnical pit slope parameters are presented in Section 15.5.2.

**16.3.** **Hydrogeology** 

The hydrogeology and groundwater studies that have been done on the property are discussed in Section 20.1.6. Potential water sources that affect the mining operation are surface runoff, rainfall, snowmelt, and groundwater. Mine dewatering is presented in Section 16.8.

**16.4.** **Phase Designs** 

To maximize the NPV of the Matawinie Mine, mining phases (pushbacks) have been designed and incorporated into the mining sequence to defer waste rock stripping and to provide a blended feed grade that is acceptable for the concentrator over the life of the Matawinie Mine.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **16-1** |

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It was decided to mine the deposit from south to north to ensure that required space is available for in-pit backfilling of waste rock and tailings once the initial CDF at surface is filled to capacity. Even though the south part of the pit is further away from the crusher and the initial construction area of the CDF, it was selected since the stripping ratios are lower at the south end of the pit relative to the north end.

A total of six phases have been designed. The starter pit is located in the centre of the deposit and was selected since it has a very low strip ratio of 0.6:1. The starter pit contains 8.8 Mt of ore at an average diluted C(g) of 4.35%. The starter pit will be mined down to the 452 m elevation for a total depth from surface of approximately 100 m.

Phase 1 is located at the extreme south end of the pit. Phase 1 contains 6.6 Mt of ore at an average diluted grade of 4.01% C(g) and a strip ratio of 1.1:1. Phase 1 will be mined down to the 367 m elevation for a total depth from surface of approximately 130 m. Phase 1 and the starter pit will be mined simultaneously in order to ensure the concentrator is fed an acceptable grade of graphite and also to split the operation into two mining areas to improve fleet productivities.

During the next phase of work, it is recommended to remove the switch-back where the ramp exits in Phase 1. The ramp should continue to the north and line up with the haul road. Phase 2 is located directly to the north of Phase 1 and to the south of the starter pit. Phase 2 contains 8.4 Mt of ore at an average diluted grade of 4.14% C(g) and a strip ratio of 1.2:1. Phase 2 will be mined down to the 404 m elevation for a total depth from surface of approximately 150 m.

Phase 3 is located directly to the north of Phase 2 and expands on the starter pit. Phase 3 contains 11.5 Mt of ore at an average diluted grade of 4.09% C(g) and a strip ratio of 1.2:1. Phase 3 will be mined down to the 404 m elevation for a total depth from surface of approximately 150 m.

Phase 4 is located directly to the north of Phase 3 and expands on the starter pit. Phase 4 contains 15.6 Mt of ore at an average diluted grade of 4.08% C(g) and a strip ratio of 1.2:1. Phase 3 will be mined down to the 367 m elevation for a total depth from surface of approximately 170 m.

Phase 5 is the final phase and is located at the extreme north end of the pit. Phase 5 contains 10.8 Mt of ore at an average diluted grade of 4.73% C(g) and a strip ratio of 1.6:1. Phase 5 will be mined down to the 360 m elevation for a total depth from surface of approximately 150 m.

Table 16-1 presents the Mineral Reserves for each phase, Figure 16-1 presents a plan view of the phases and Figure 16-1 to Figure 16-7 present isometric view of the phase designs.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **16-2** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Table 16-1: Mineral Reserves by phase**

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Description** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Ore <br> (Mt)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**C(g)<br> (%)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Overburden<br> (Mt)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Waste Rock<br> (Mt)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Waste<br> (Mt)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Strip<br> Ratio** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Starter Pit | &nbsp;&nbsp;8.8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.35 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;5.3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.60 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;PH1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;6.6 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.01 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;6.4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;7.4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.12 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;PH2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;8.4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.14 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;9.2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;10.4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.24 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;PH3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;11.5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.09 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;12.7 | &nbsp;&nbsp;13.9 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.20 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;PH4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;15.6 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.08 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;14.0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;18.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.15 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;PH5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;10.8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.73 | &nbsp;&nbsp;7.0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;9.8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;16.8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.56 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Total** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**61.7** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**4.23** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**15.5** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**56.3** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**71.8** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**1.16** |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp10img08.jpg)

**Figure 16-1: Phase designs**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **16-3** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp10img09.jpg)

**Figure 16-2: Starter pit design**

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp10img10.jpg)

**Figure 16-3: Phase 1 design**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **16-4** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp10img11.jpg)

**Figure 16-4: Phase 2 design**

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp10img12.jpg)

**Figure 16-5: Phase 3 design**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **16-5** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp10img13.jpg)

**Figure 16-6: Phase 4 design**

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp10img14.jpg)

**Figure 16-7: Phase 5 design**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **16-6** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**16.5.** **Mine Planning** 

**16.5.1.** **Mine Planning Parameters** 

The mine production plan has been prepared using the MinePlan Schedule Optimizer ("MPSO") tool in the Hexagon MinePlan 3D software. Provided with economic input parameters and operational constraints such as phase sequencing, maximum bench sink rates, and mining and milling capacities, the software determines the optimal mining sequence which maximizes the NPV of the mine production plan.

The mine plan has been prepared quarterly for the first 2 years of production, annually for the following 11 years, and in 3-year increments thereafter. The mine plan also includes a 6-month period of pre-production. The purpose of the pre-production period is for the mine to provide waste rock for construction material and to prepare the pit for mining operations.

The mine plan has been prepared using cuts that are 60 m x 60 m x 10 m high, for the first four phases, and 120 m x 120 m x 10 m high for the final two phases.

No specific maximum bench sink rate was used as a constraining parameter for the mine plan, but upon completion it was verified that the mining advances in each period were not too aggressive.

The mine plan targets the nominal mill throughput capacity of 324 tph, resulting in a maximum mill feed of 2.551 Mtpy considering an overall mill utilization of 90%. The mine plan accounts for the following processing plant utilization ramp-up prior to achieving nominal capacity, which is based on the Series 1 McNulty curve.

▪ Month
 1 – 37%;

▪ Month
 2 – 45%;

▪ Month
 3 – 75%;

▪ Month
 4 – 80%;

▪ Month
 5 – 90%;

▪ Month
 6 – 100%.

The following calculation is used to determine the amount of concentrate that is produced from the ROM ore. The mill recovery is 93% and the concentrate grade is 97% C(t), as presented in Section 15.4.2. The factor of 1.03 is used to convert C(g) into C(t), as discussed in Section 15.2.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp10img26.jpg)

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **16-7** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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The mine plan aims to produce up to 105,900 t of concentrate per year. This is achievable given the mill capacity, assuming the feed grade is 4.20% C(g). The mine plan sequencing, therefore, ensures that multiple ore faces are available to mine to provide an average feed grade close to 4.20% C(g).

**16.5.2.** **Matawinie Mine Production Schedule** 

The Matawinie Mine has a 25-year mine life plus a 6-month period of pre-production development referred to as Year 0. During pre-production, a total of 750 kt of material is mined, including 313 kt of overburden, 203 kt of waste rock, and 235 kt of ore.

During the mining operation, the total material mined from the open pit peaks at 6.2 Mt in Year 3 and averages 5.6 Mtpy for the first 22 years. The average diluted C(g) grade ranges from 4.00% to 4.40% for the first 22 years, and averages 4.88% in the final 3 years. The mine plan is successful at achieving the targeted concentrate production, with a low of 101,000 t in Year 12 and a peak of 105,900 t in Years 8 and 10. The average concentrate production over the life of mine averages 103,328 tpy.

Mining of the six phases follows the sequence presented below:

▪ Starter
 Pit – Year 0 to Year 8;

▪ Phase
 1 – Year 0 to Year 7;

▪ Phase
 2 – Year 3 to Year 11;

▪ Phase
 3 – Year 6 to Year 16;

▪ Phase
 4 – Year 10 to Year 22;

▪ Phase
 5 – Year 17 to Year 25.

Table 16-2 presents the mine production schedule. Figure 16-8 to Figure 16-11 present various charts which display the mine production schedule. Figures presenting the pit advances and CDF construction sequencing for Years 4, 10, 20 and 25 are presented in Chapter 18.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **16-8** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Table 16-2: Mine production schedule**

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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Description** | **Unit** | **PP** | **Year 01** | **Year 01** | **Year 01** | **Year 01** | **Year 02** | **Year 02** | **Year 02** | **Year 02** | **Y3** | **Y4** | **Y5** | **Y6** | **Y7** | **Y8** | **Y9** | **Y10** | **Y11** | **Y12** | **Y13** | **Y14 - 16** | **Y17-Y19** | **Y20-Y22** | **Y23-Y24** | **Y25** | **Total** |
| **Description** | **Unit** | **PP** | **Q1** | **Q2** | **Q3** | **Q4** | **Q1** | **Q2** | **Q3** | **Q4** | **Y3** | **Y4** | **Y5** | **Y6** | **Y7** | **Y8** | **Y9** | **Y10** | **Y11** | **Y12** | **Y13** | **Y14 - 16** | **Y17-Y19** | **Y20-Y22** | **Y23-Y24** | **Y25** | **Total** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mill Feed | kt | 0 | 286 | 509 | 643 | 643 | 629 | 636 | 643 | 643 | 2551 | 2551 | 2557 | 2551 | 2551 | 2551 | 2557 | 2551 | 2551 | 2551 | 2551 | 7652 | 7652 | 7313 | 4465 | 1948 | **61730** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C(g) Grade | % | 0.00 | 4.20 | 4.20 | 4.20 | 4.20 | 4.20 | 4.08 | 4.20 | 4.20 | 4.13 | 4.13 | 4.04 | 4.10 | 4.17 | 4.20 | 4.12 | 4.20 | 4.07 | 4.00 | 4.14 | 4.10 | 4.13 | 4.40 | 4.80 | 5.04 | **4.23** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Concentrate Produced | kt | 0 | 11.9 | 21.1 | 26.7 | 26.7 | 26.1 | 25.6 | 26.7 | 26.7 | 104 | 104 | 102 | 103.3 | 104.9 | 105.7 | 104.1 | 105.9 | 102.6 | 100.7 | 104.2 | 309.6 | 312.2 | 317.6 | 211.8 | 96.9 | **2581** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ROM to Mill | kt | 0 | 51 | 509 | 643 | 643 | 629 | 636 | 643 | 643 | 2551 | 2551 | 2557 | 2551 | 2551 | 2551 | 2557 | 2551 | 2551 | 2551 | 2551 | 7652 | 7652 | 7313 | 4465 | 1948 | **61495** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C(g) Grade | % | 0.00 | 4.17 | 4.20 | 4.20 | 4.20 | 4.20 | 4.08 | 4.20 | 4.20 | 4.13 | 4.13 | 4.04 | 4.10 | 4.17 | 4.20 | 4.12 | 4.20 | 4.07 | 4.00 | 4.14 | 4.10 | 4.13 | 4.40 | 4.80 | 5.04 | **4.23** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ROM to Stockpile | kt | 235 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | **235** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C(g) Grade | % | 4.21 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | **4.21** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stockpile to Mill | kt | 0 | 235 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | **235** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C(g) Grade | % | 0.00 | 4.21 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | **4.21** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Overburden | kt | 313 | 331 | 166 | 168 | 305 | 282 | 91 | 161 | 114 | 942 | 222 | 139 | 351 | 525 | 599 | 17 | 482 | 826 | 1089 | 1007 | 417 | 3223 | 3736 | 0 | 0 | **15504** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Waste Rock | kt | 203 | 133 | 192 | 621 | 553 | 416 | 516 | 686 | 450 | 2685 | 2152 | 2422 | 3099 | 2925 | 2850 | 3425 | 2967 | 2623 | 2360 | 2443 | 7638 | 5521 | 6864 | 2352 | 205 | **56304** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Material Moved | kt | 750 | 750 | 867 | 1432 | 1500 | 1327 | 1243 | 1490 | 1207 | 6178 | 4924 | 5119 | 6000 | 6000 | 6000 | 6000 | 6000 | 6000 | 6000 | 6000 | 15706 | 16396 | 17914 | 6817 | 2153 | **133773** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Material Mined | kt | 750 | 515 | 867 | 1432 | 1500 | 1327 | 1243 | 1490 | 1207 | 6178 | 4924 | 5119 | 6000 | 6000 | 6000 | 6000 | 6000 | 6000 | 6000 | 6000 | 15706 | 16396 | 17914 | 6817 | 2153 | **133538** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Strip Ratio |  | 2.2 | 9 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 1 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 1.4 | 0.9 | 1 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 0.1 | **1.2** |

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **16-9** |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp10img16.jpg)

**Figure 16-8: Mine production schedule**

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp10img17.jpg)

**Figure 16-9: Processing plant feed**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **16-10** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp10img18.jpg)

**Figure 16-10: Concentrate production**

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp10img19.jpg)

**Figure 16-11: Material mined by phase**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **16-11** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**16.6.** **Mine Equipment Fleet** 

The following section discusses equipment selection and fleet requirements to carry out the mine plan. Equipment required for the construction of the CDF is not included in this table and is discussed in Section 16.9. The mine will be operated by an owner fleet with the peak requirements presented in Table 16-3. NMG has signed a Master Fleet Services Agreement ("MFSA") with Caterpillar, who will supply the equipment using their Job Site Solution ("JSS") service model. With this model, NMG will pay for machine use on an hourly basis, which includes; machine supply and maintenance (parts and service), and a fleet management system. NMG will be responsible for the fuel consumption, machine operator, wear parts, and to supply the mine garage.

**Table 16-3: Mining equipment fleet**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Equipment** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Model** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Description** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Units** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Haul Truck | &nbsp;&nbsp;CAT 775G | &nbsp;&nbsp;Payload – 60 t | &nbsp;&nbsp;12 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Hydraulic Excavator | &nbsp;&nbsp;CAT 395 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Operating Weight – 94,000 kg | &nbsp;&nbsp;2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Wheel Loader | &nbsp;&nbsp;CAT 988 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Payload – 12 t | &nbsp;&nbsp;1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Production Drill | &nbsp;&nbsp;Epiroc D65 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Operating Weight – 23,000 kg | &nbsp;&nbsp;2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Track Dozer | &nbsp;&nbsp;CAT D8T | &nbsp;&nbsp;Operating Weight – 38,000 kg | &nbsp;&nbsp;2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Road Grader | &nbsp;&nbsp;CAT 14M | &nbsp;&nbsp;Operating Weight – 24,000 kg | &nbsp;&nbsp;2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Water / Sand Truck | &nbsp;&nbsp;CAT 740 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Capacity – 40,000 litres | &nbsp;&nbsp;1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Utility Excavator | &nbsp;&nbsp;CAT 336 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Operating Weight – 37,000 kg | &nbsp;&nbsp;1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Utility Loader | &nbsp;&nbsp;CAT 950 |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Transport Bus | &nbsp;&nbsp;GMC | &nbsp;&nbsp;20 passengers | &nbsp;&nbsp;1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Powder Truck | &nbsp;&nbsp;n/a | &nbsp;&nbsp;n/a | &nbsp;&nbsp;1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Lowboy | &nbsp;&nbsp;n/a |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pickup Truck | &nbsp;&nbsp;Ford F250 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Crew Cab | &nbsp;&nbsp;10 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Light Plant | &nbsp;&nbsp;n/a | &nbsp;&nbsp;6 kW | &nbsp;&nbsp;6 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Dewatering Pump | &nbsp;&nbsp;n/a | &nbsp;&nbsp;85 kW | &nbsp;&nbsp;4 |

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**16.6.1.** **Operating Schedule** 

The mine will operate on two 8-hour shifts, 5 days per week from Monday to Friday. For equipment calculations, a total of 5 days per year of lost production time has been considered for poor weather conditions. During these periods, the primary crusher, if operating, will be fed from the emergency ore stockpile located on the ROM pad.

Equipment maintenance will be carried out on Monday to Friday, but the weekends can be used to carryout certain maintenance activities that will increase fleet availability.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **16-12** |

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**16.6.2.** **Equipment Utilization Model** 

Figure 16-12 presents the equipment utilization model that is used to understand the key performance indictors ("KPI") that govern the fleet requirements. The definitions for each time component are presented below using haul trucks as an example.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp10img20.jpg)

**Figure 16-12: Equipment utilization model**

▪ Scheduled
 Time – full calendar year less unplanned shutdowns;

▪ Down
 Time – unit is inoperable due to scheduled maintenance or unplanned breakdown;

▪ Available
 Time – scheduled time less down time;

▪ Standby
 Time – the unit is available mechanically but not being used (the engine will typically
 be shut off while the unit is on standby);

▪ Utilized
 Time – available time less standby time. This time is also referred to as the Gross
 Operating Hours ("GOH");

▪ Operating
 Delays – the unit is available and not on standby but not effectively producing (the
 engine will be running during the operating delays);

▪ Operating
 Time – utilized time minus operating delays. This time is also referred to as the Net
 Operating Hours ("NOH").

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **16-13** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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The following KPI's can be calculated from using the formulas below:

▪ Availability
 – (NOH + Op. Delays + Standby) / (NOH + Op. Delays + Standby + Down);

▪ Use
 of Availability – (NOH + Op. Delays) / (NOH + Op. Delays + Standby);

▪ Machine
 Utilization – (NOH + Op. Delays) / (Scheduled Time);

▪ Operating
 Efficiency – (NOH) / (NOH + Op. Delays);

▪ Effective
 Utilization – (NOH) / (Scheduled Time).

Table 16-4 presents the KPI's and time assumptions used for the fleet of trucks, excavators, and drills.

**Table 16-4: Mine equipment KPI's**

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Description** | **Unit** | **Trucks** | **Excavators** | **Drills** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Availability | % | 90.0 | 85.0 | 75.0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Use of Availability | % | 84.6 | 85.5 | 85.3 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Machine Utilization | % | 86.7 | 85.5 | 84.3 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Operating Efficiency | % | 76.2 | 72.7 | 63.9 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Effective Utilization** | **%** | **66.0** | **62.1** | **53.9** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Scheduled Time | h/y | 4171 | 4171 | 4171 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Down Time | h/y | 417 | 626 | 1043 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Standby Time | h/y | 578 | 513 | 461 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Operating Delays | h/y | 424 | 440 | 419 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Utilized Time (GOH) | h/y | 3177 | 3033 | 2668 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Operating Time (NOH)** | **h/y** | **2753** | **2592** | **2248** |

---

**16.6.3.** **Drilling and Blasting** 

Production drilling will be done with diesel-powered down-the-hole ("DTH") drills that will drill 5.5-inch (140 mm) diameter holes on 10 m high benches. Drilling productivities have been calculated using an instantaneous drill penetration rate of 35 m/h and the fixed time drilling components presented in Table 16-5.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **16-14** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Table 16-5: Fixed drilling time per hole**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Description** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Value** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Steel Retract &nbsp;&nbsp;min | 0.40 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Jack Up &nbsp;&nbsp;min | 0.30 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Tramming &nbsp;&nbsp;min | 2.50 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Jack Down &nbsp;&nbsp;min | 0.50 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Collar Time &nbsp;&nbsp;min | 3.00 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Bit Change &nbsp;&nbsp;min | 0.30 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Total** &nbsp;&nbsp;**min** | **7.00** |

---

The drill productivities have been applied to the number of holes drilled per year to determine the annual hours of drilling and number of units required. In addition to the number of holes, which is based on the blast pattern presented in Table 16-6, an additional 2% will be considered for holes that will require re-drilling.

**Table 16-6: Drilling and blasting parameters (ore and waste rock)**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Parameter** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Unit** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Value** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Bench Height | &nbsp;&nbsp;m | &nbsp;&nbsp;10 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Blast hole Diameter | &nbsp;&nbsp;mm | &nbsp;&nbsp;140 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Burden | &nbsp;&nbsp;m | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.25 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Spacing | &nbsp;&nbsp;m | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.25 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Sub drilling | &nbsp;&nbsp;m | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Stemming | &nbsp;&nbsp;m | &nbsp;&nbsp;2.8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Explosives Density | &nbsp;&nbsp;g/cm<sup>3</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.20 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Powder Factor | &nbsp;&nbsp;kg/t | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.32 |

---

NMG is evaluating fully electrified surface drill rigs within the first 5 years of the mining operation. A recently concluded study and concept review from a major OEM identified an electric equivalent production drill, capable of drilling production and pre-sheer holes; the model is currently available as a diesel vehicle. Discussions are underway with drill manufacturers to test electric models at the Matawinie site to allow for electric drills within the first 5 years of the mining operation.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **16-15** |

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Blasting will be carried out using emulsion with an explosive density of 1.20 g/cm<sup>3</sup>. Blasting will be done using electric detonation and drill holes will be double-primed (two detonators and two boosters per hole). Pre-split drilling and blasting will be done on the final pit walls.

Explosive products and accessories will be delivered to site by an explosives supplier. Production holes will be loaded using a "just-in-time" philosophy; therefore, no bulk products will be stored on site. The NMG explosives team will consist of a blaster and a blaster's helper. Two magazines will be installed to store accessories and packaged products, which will be located to the west of the CDF.

There will be roughly one blast per week that will generate between 100,000 t to 200,000 t of rock. The quantity of explosives averages approximately 1,500,000 kg per year.

Blasting mats will be used in the southwest corner of the pit to protect against rock projections due to the proximity of the Hydro-Québec high-voltage power lines. In addition, the blasts will be designed to protect the surrounding infrastructure from potential vibration damages. If a risk is identified, the blast design will be modified to reduce the total explosive charge per delay.

A flyrock projection analysis identified that blasting within 300 m of buildings will require blasting mats or a modified blasting pattern. Occupied buildings within 500 m of blasts will need to be evacuated; alternatively, blasting mats and/or modified blast patterns could be used.

**16.6.4.** **Loading** 

Loading will be done on 5 m benches using diesel-powered hydraulic backhoe excavators equipped with 6.5 m<sup>3</sup> buckets. Productivities have been calculated considering bucket swing times of 40 seconds and a 90% fill factor.

During peak production, the fleet will include two excavators. A wheel loader has also been included in the fleet to assist the excavators and for reclaiming the emergency ore stockpile.

**16.6.5.** **Hauling** 

Hauling will be done with 60-t rigid frame haul trucks. Haul productivities have been calculated considering effective payloads of 58 t, which have been reduced from the nominal payloads to account for a carryback of 2%.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **16-16** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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A haulage network was established in MPSO that considers the hauls for each mining cut to each potential dumping destination. Using rimpull curves provided by the truck manufacturers, MPSO calculated the travel times for each haul. The travel times were then added to the fixed haulage cycle times to arrive at the total cycle times. The fixed cycle times consider 42 seconds for truck spotting, 40 seconds for each bucket, and 72 seconds for spotting and dumping at the destination. It is assumed that the excavator will be waiting for a truck with a loaded bucket 50% of the time, resulting in a 5-second first bucket pass in those instances. A total of seven buckets is required to load each truck, resulting in an average total fixed cycle time of 405 seconds. In addition to these haulage parameters, the truck productivity calculations consider a 3% rolling resistance for in-pit and on the stockpile hauling, a 2% rolling resistance for surface haul roads, a maximum speed of 40 km/h and a downhill maximum speed of 25 km/h.

A total of four trucks are required in pre-production, ramping up to eight in Year 1, nine in Year 3, and reaching a peak of 12 in Year 7.

The average one-way haul distances for the open pit over the life of mine are 1.9 km for ore to the crusher and 2.0 km for waste rock to the CDF.

The trucks may be equipped with rubber box liners to minimize potential noise disturbance, if required.

**16.6.6.** **Auxiliary Equipment** 

A fleet of support equipment has been included for haul road maintenance, drill pad preparation, and cleaning around the loading face. The fleet of support equipment includes dozers, graders, a water/sand truck, and a utility excavator.

A fleet of service equipment such as fuel and lube trucks, lowboys to transport the tracked equipment, a personnel bus, maintenance vehicles, and pick-up trucks is also included.

**16.7.** **Stockpiles and Co-disposal Facility** 

Material mined from the open pit that is not directly hauled to the primary crusher will be placed in several storage facilities across the site. These facilities, discussed in further detail below, include topsoil stockpiles, an OB stockpile, the pre-production ore stockpile, an emergency ore stockpile, and the CDF. Note that trees and topsoil will be cleared prior to placing material in these piles.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **16-17** |

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**16.7.1.** **Topsoil Stockpiles** 

The topsoil (organic material) thickness across the site is variable, ranging from 0 cm to 50 cm per sector. An average thickness of 30 cm across the property was considered appropriate for this Study. The stripped topsoil will be hauled, placed, and compacted if needed in multiple windrows. These windrows will be built strategically within the east sector of the OB stockpile (level 571 m) and around the site, to minimize haul distances. Stockpile heights will be limited to 4.6 m, with an average slope of 1.5H:1V. The stockpiled topsoil will be used as a growth medium for vegetation as part of the site reclamation activities.

As progressive reclamation begins around Year 4 or before, freshly excavated topsoil will be hauled directly to areas where active reclamation work is being carried out, thus reducing costs by limiting re-handling activities.

**16.7.2.** **Overburden Stockpile** 

As with the topsoil, the overburden will be excavated, hauled, and compacted within the overburden stockpile. The OB stockpile is located to the northeast of the concentrator as presented in Figure 16-13. The final configuration of the OB stockpile, complying with the applicable regulations and current practice recommendations, will reach a maximum elevation of 578 m (+/- 25 m in height). The stockpile will be built with 4 m high lifts with an external slope of 3H:1V. A minimum 3 m setback will be built between each bench. In addition to adequate compaction to promote dilative behaviour, blanket drains and finger drains have been designed and strategically placed to maintain the phreatic level as low as possible. Comprehensive QA and QC programs will be implemented during the construction of the stockpile. Vibrating wire piezometers and monitoring wells will be installed, and a surveillance program will be implemented to monitor the performance of the stockpile over time.

The final configuration will allow to stockpile a total of 1.5 Mm<sup>3</sup> of material.

As per the current mine plan, overburden will likely be hauled and placed at the CDF in Year 3 or potentially earlier. The overburden will be used as construction material to begin progressive reclamation in places where the CDF will have reached the final configuration.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **16-18** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp10img21.jpg)

**Figure 16-13: Topsoil and overburden stockpile (final configuration) and CDF Phase 1 impervious foundation configuration**

**16.7.3.** **Pre-production Ore Stockpile** 

Ore mined during the pre-production period will be placed in an ore stockpile and reclaimed in the following year. The ore stockpile will be located near the primary crusher.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **16-19** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**16.7.4.** **Emergency Ore Stockpile** 

To ensure the primary crusher can be fed when the mine will be shut down during extreme weather events, an emergency ore stockpile has been located on the run of mine ("ROM") pad. The emergency ore stockpile has a 10,000-t capacity to provide 24 hours of crusher feed. The emergency ore stockpile has a height of 5 m and a surface area of 1,000 m<sup>2</sup>. Ore from this stockpile will be rehandled with a wheel loader that will dump directly into the hopper of the primary crusher.

**16.7.5.** **Co-disposal Facility (CDF)** 

NAG and PAG tailings, as well as waste rock mined from the open pit will be hauled, placed and compacted in the CDF. The CDF is discussed in further detail in Sections 18.4 and 18.5 and 18.12. The construction of the CDF will begin north of the starter pit and extend to the west (Phases 1 to 4), as presented in Figure 16-14. Based on the current mine plan, in-pit deposition will begin around Year 7. The in-pit deposition will be optimized with the intent to minimize the CDF footprint.

The final configuration of the CDF, complying with applicable regulations and current practice recommendations, will likely reach a maximum elevation of 599 m (+/- 100 m in sub-aerial height and +/- 140 m in height within the in-pit deposition sector). The pile will be built with 10 m high lifts with an external slope of 1.3H:1V. A minimum 10 m setback will be built between each bench. The targeted average external slope of the reclaimed CDF is of 3H:1V. The co-disposition of tailings and waste rock, further discussed in Section 18.12, will allow to maintain tailings saturation as high as possible, mitigating the likelihood of geochemical reactions and promoting dilative behaviour, thereby increasing physical stability. In addition to adequate compaction, blanket drains at the base of the stockpile and finger drains have been designed and strategically placed to maintain the phreatic level as low as possible within the CDF. Comprehensive QA and QC programs will be implemented during the construction of the stockpile. Vibrating wire piezometers, tensiometers, thermistors, inclinometers, as well as monitoring wells will be installed, and a detailed surveillance program will be implemented to monitor the performance of the stockpile over time. In addition to the above instrumentation, survey monuments will be strategically installed to monitor deformations. When possible, instrumentation will be connected to a data logger for continuous recording. The data will be saved in a centralized database, accessible through a web portal. When alert and alarm threshold values are reached, the responsible people will be warned automatically by email and text message.

The CDF final configuration, presented in Figure 16-14, allows for the stockpiling of approximately 58.6 Mm<sup>3</sup> of material.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **16-20** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp10img22.jpg)

**Figure 16-14: CDF Phase A lined plateform phase layout**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **16-21** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp10img23.jpg)

**Figure 16-15 CDF final configuration, OB stockpile construction phases and temporary rockfill stockpile location**

**16.8.** **Mine Dewatering** 

The four sources of water that affect the mining operation are surface runoff, rainfall, snowmelt, and groundwater.

**16.8.1.** **Surface Runoff** 

Around the OB stockpile surface, runoff water will be collected in a ditch system and directed to the Industrial Zone Basin ("BC-2"). Around the CDF and the haul roads, surface runoff water will be collected in a ditch system and directed either to the North Area Basin ("BC-1") or South Collecting Basin ("BC-Sud"). The water from the BC-1 and BC-Sud will then be pumped to the BC-2 for treatment and, eventually, discharged into the environment. The surface runoff water from the pit will be pumped to the BC-1 or BC-2 (as needed) for treatment. The surface runoff water in the pit is expected to be relatively minimal since the majority of the pit is located at the top of watersheds. Where needed, diversion ditches will be added to divert surface runoff water from entering the pit.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **16-22** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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To limit the surface runoff from entering the pit, a perimeter ditch will be established around the pit to capture the surface water before it enters the mining area. Water collected in the ditch system will be directed to a settling basin and eventually discharged back into the environment.

**16.8.2.** **Rainfall and Snowmelt** 

Rainfall and snowmelt within the pit will be collected in pit sumps and pumped to surface, either to the BC-1 or BC-2, for treatment and then discharged into the environment.

**16.8.3.** **Groundwater** 

Groundwater is an important consideration in open pit mining operations. Not only must the water be collected and pumped out of the pit, but it also significantly impacts the stability of the pit slopes. Water pressures act in direct opposition to stabilizing forces and must be accounted for to ensure realistic stability modelling results. A pit dewatering system must be considered in the mine design and mine planning, as groundwater drawdown is vital for a safe and efficient mining operation. The daily pit dewatering quantities were estimated in 2022 by Richelieu Hydrogéologie Inc. and vary from 500 m<sup>3</sup>/day to 2,300 m<sup>3</sup>/day. Groundwater inflows will be collected in sumps and pumped to the BC-1 or BC-2.

For the first 5 years of the operation a total of three 115 hp (86 kW) standard high head diesel pumps will be required. Starting in Year 5, the mine dewatering system will be electrified.

**16.9.** **Co-disposal Facility Construction and Operation** 

The following section provides a brief description of the construction of the CDF, with further details provided in Section 18.12. As mentioned above in Section 16.7.5, the CDF will be built with waste rock from the mine and with NAG and PAG tailings. To mitigate the potential environmental impact of the CDF on the regional groundwater, the CDF will be built on a lined platform surrounded by impervious ditches. The contact water will flow by gravity toward a lined collection basin, BC-1. The collected water will then be pumped and treated as explained in Sections 18.4 to 18.6.

During a full-production year, when the mill will process 2.563 Mt of ore at an average grade of 4.20% C(g), it is estimated that 2.035 Mt and 0.422 Mt of NAG and PAG will be produced, respectively. For the design of the co-disposal cells, a higher ratio of PAG (28%) is considered, with 72% of NAG. It is currently assumed that the tailings moisture content (Mw/Ms) will range from 15% to 18%. This targeted moisture content, at the exit of the filter press, allows proper transportation with haul trucks, as well as placement and compaction using CAT D8 dozers. Tailings placement and the compaction process will be achieved on the wet side of the optimum proctor to promote 1) dilative behaviour; and 2) a high degree of saturation. The intent is to mitigate sulphur oxidation while maintaining a stable landform with limited to no susceptibility to liquefaction.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **16-23** |

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Table 16-7 presents the in situ dry densities used to estimate the storage capacity of the CDF.

**Table 16-7: Densities**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Material** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Value** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;PAG Tailings &nbsp;&nbsp;t/m<sup>3</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.94 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;NAG Tailings &nbsp;&nbsp;t/m<sup>3</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.60 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Waste Rock &nbsp;&nbsp;t/m<sup>3</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;2.13 |

---

It is assumed that the tailings produced during the commissioning of the mill will likely have a higher than expected moisture content or a particle size distribution that does not match the anticipated specifications. Consequently, compaction of these tailings could likely be challenging, and dilative behaviour may not be achieved. These tailings will be placed within the inner part of the CDF and surrounded by a rockfill berm, constructed using waste rock mined during pre-production. During operations, when tailings will comply with the design criteria, they will be placed and compacted within cells built with waste rock. As per the current mine plan, it is anticipated that several deposition cells will be active simultaneously, allowing for an efficient, productive, and flexible operation. A cell for off-spec material will always be active, where tailings deposition can occur during adverse conditions, such as during heavy or prolonged rainfall, winter, or spring freshet. Active snow and surface water management will be implemented to support efficient placement and compaction efforts.

Tailings at the concentrator will be loaded by a CAT 988 front-end wheel loader into a fleet of CAT 775 haul trucks. The intent is to wash heavy equipment exposed to PAG to avoid cross-contamination of NAG tailings with PAG tailings. PAG haul trucks will be equipped with a tarp cover to minimize dust emissions. As per the current mine plan, a total of five trucks are required to haul the tailings.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **16-24** |

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As mentioned above, tailings will be placed and compacted using a CAT D8 dozer. The compaction process (i.e., lift thickness and number of passes) is yet to be confirmed through test-pad scale-tests to ensure that the targeted dry densities are achieved. Haul truck circulation across the NAG tailings deposition zone will be stimulated to increase in situ densities and minimize the compaction effort required by the dozers. Both QA and QC programs will be implemented. These programs will be developed and included in the operation manual and the deposition plan of the CDF.

In areas where the final configuration of the CDF has been reached, progressive reclamation will be initiated (Section 16.7.1).

Road graders and water/sand trucks will be used to maintain the roads related to the CDF.

The CDF construction activities will follow the mine operations schedule of 5-days-per-week. The tailings storage capacity at the concentrator is designed to store the tailings produced during weekends. To de-risk the tailings deposition, a decree modification is under analysis by the MELCCFP to have certain deposition activities operate on a seven-day-per-week schedule.

**16.10.** **Mine Workforce** 

The mine workforce requirement, presented in Table 16-8, reaches 78 during peak production. The mine operations team will work on a 2-crew system, with the first crew working the morning shift and the second crew working the afternoon shift, both from Monday to Friday. Overtime may be required on weekends to make up for production shortfalls.

The fleet of Caterpillar equipment will be maintained by Toromont service crews. NMG will have a small maintenance crew to service the non-Caterpillar equipment and to repair the ground engaging tools and wear items. Field and shop maintenance will be carried out on both the morning and afternoon shifts. If required, weekends are available to perform maintenance and repairs to maximize equipment availability.

The technical services, which include engineers, geologists, and mining technicians, will work from Monday to Friday. An allowance for consultants and sub-contractors has been included in the mine operating cost to cover vacations and special projects.

The workforce to operate the CDF will be comprised of the wheel loader, trucks, dozer, and excavator operators, as well as a shift foreman, and a tailings planner.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **16-25** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Table 16-8: Mine workforce requirements**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Description** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Number** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Mine Operations** |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mine Manager | &nbsp;&nbsp;1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pit Foreman | &nbsp;&nbsp;2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Equipment Operator | &nbsp;&nbsp;38 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Labourer | &nbsp;&nbsp;4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Driller | &nbsp;&nbsp;4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Drill Helper | &nbsp;&nbsp;2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Blaster | &nbsp;&nbsp;1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Blaster Helper | &nbsp;&nbsp;1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mechanic | &nbsp;&nbsp;4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Mine Technical** |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mining Engineer | &nbsp;&nbsp;1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Geologist | &nbsp;&nbsp;1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Sampler | &nbsp;&nbsp;2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Surveyor | &nbsp;&nbsp;1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Tailings Operations** |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Tailings Foremen | &nbsp;&nbsp;1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Tailings Planner | &nbsp;&nbsp;1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Truck Operator | &nbsp;&nbsp;10 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Tailings Loader Operator | &nbsp;&nbsp;2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Tailings Dozer Operator | &nbsp;&nbsp;2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Mine Workforce** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**78** |

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **16-26** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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**17.** **Recovery Methods** 

**17.1** **Mineral Processing Facility Design** 

The mineral processing facility has been designed to produce 105,882 dry tonnes of graphite concentrate per year.

The mineral processing facility includes crushing, grinding, concentrating, dewatering and tailings processing areas.

The concentrator is designed to produce a graphite concentrate containing 97.5% C(t) from an ore containing 4.23% C(g). To achieve this concentration, the comminution and beneficiation processes include crushing, grinding, conventional flotation, polishing and stirred media milling, and column flotation. The facility will also perform thickening, filtration, magnetic separation, drying, screening and bagging of concentrate.

Tailings will be processed to generate two tailings streams, non-sulphide/NAG and sulphide/PAG. Each stream will be dewatered and filtered to a product containing 15% moisture.

At full capacity, the concentrator is projected to operate with 66 full-time employees, including the technical and administrative staff. This amounts to a total of 144 fulltime employees working at the Matawinie Mine when including the mine workforce (Section 16.10).

Note that unless otherwise specified, moisture content in Chapter 17 is defined by Mass of water / (Mass of water + Mass of solids) or Mw/(Mw+Ms). The graphite content, also referred to as C(g), is measured using a protocol to differentiate with other potential sources of carbon, such as carbonate-rich lithologies in ore (e.g., CaCO<sub>3</sub>). It is assumed that the total carbon content, referred to as C(t), should be equal to C(g), in graphite concentrate, since the processing of the ore usually eliminates sources of carbon other than graphite.

**17.2** **Design Criteria** 

Graphite quality is measured in flake size and purity. The design of the concentrator takes this into account to minimize degradation of the graphite flakes while producing high-purity graphite. All concentrator production, totalling 105,882 dry tonnes of 97.5% C(t) graphite concentrate, will either be bagged in bulk or screened and bagged into four different particle size products before being sent to customers, depending on their needs. Average graphite recovery of 93% is used for design that results in an average weight recovery of 4.13%. These figures are based on the recent 2024 lock cycle test work results and may change depending on ore composition. The operation of NMG demonstration plant confirmed that 97.5% C(t) graphite concentrate with a 93% recovery can comfortably be achieved. The concentrator will operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 52 weeks per year. Operating availability of the concentrator is 90%.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **17-1** |

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The concentrator capacity has been established at an average rate of 7,804 dry tonnes per day or a nominal throughput rate of 325 dry tonnes of ore per hour. Table 17-1 summarizes the design basis for the crusher, concentrator and shipping facilities.

**Table 17-1: Process design criteria**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Plant Capacity** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Plant Capacity** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Plant Capacity** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Parameter** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Unit** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Value** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Nominal Ore Processing Rate | &nbsp;&nbsp;dry tpy | &nbsp;&nbsp;2563728 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Nominal Concentrator Ore Processing Rate | &nbsp;&nbsp;dry tpd | &nbsp;&nbsp;7804 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Ore Moisture | &nbsp;&nbsp;% | &nbsp;&nbsp;5.0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Graphite Ore Grade C(g) (average over LOM) | &nbsp;&nbsp;% | &nbsp;&nbsp;4.23 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Crusher Operating Time | &nbsp;&nbsp;% | &nbsp;&nbsp;37.5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Nominal Ore Crushing Rate | &nbsp;&nbsp;dry tph | &nbsp;&nbsp;780 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Concentrator Operating Time | &nbsp;&nbsp;% | &nbsp;&nbsp;90 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Nominal Ore Processing Rate | &nbsp;&nbsp;dry tph | &nbsp;&nbsp;325 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Final Graphite Concentrate Grade C(t) | &nbsp;&nbsp;% | &nbsp;&nbsp;97.5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Final Graphite Concentrate Recovery | &nbsp;&nbsp;% | &nbsp;&nbsp;93 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Total** **Graphite Production (nominal)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**dry tpy** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**105882** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Total** **Graphite Production (average over LOM)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**dry tpy** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**103328** |

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**17.3** **Mass and Water Balances** 

The processing plant mass balance has been calculated based on the developed flowsheet and design criteria.

Table 17-2 and Table 17-3 show a summary of the mass balance during winter and summer seasons. Throughput and flow rates are shown in tonnes per day and cubic metres per day: 1 m³/d of water is equal to 1 tpd.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **17-2** |

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**Table 17-2: Matawinie concentrator summarized process mass balance (winter)**

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Mass Entering System** | **Mass Entering System** | **Mass Entering System** | **Mass Entering System** | **Mass Exiting System** | **Mass Exiting System** | **Mass Exiting System** | **Mass Exiting System** |
| **Streams** | **Dry Solids**<br> **(tpd)** | **Water**<br> **(m<sup>3</sup>/d)** | **Total Mass**<br> **(tpd)** | **Streams** | **Dry Solids**<br> **(tpd)** | **Water**<br> **(m<sup>3</sup>/d)** | **Total Mass**<br> **(tpd)** |
| Graphite ore to Concentrator | 7804 | 411 | 8215 | Water evaporation from dryer | - | 56 | 56 |
| Treated reclaim water from BC-2 | - | 2380 | 2380 | Final Concentrate | 322 | 1 | 323 |
| Reclaim water from BC-2 | - | 2325 | 2325 | Sulphide filter cake | 1287 | 227 | 1514 |
| - | - | - | - | Non-sulphide tailings filter cake | 6195 | 1093 | 7288 |
| - | - | - | - | To collecting basin | - | 3739 | 3739 |
| **Total Entering** | **7804** | **5116** | **12920** | **Total Exiting** | **7804** | **5116** | **12920** |

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**Table 17-3: Matawinie concentrator summarized process mass balance (summer)**

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Mass Entering System** | **Mass Entering System** | **Mass Entering System** | **Mass Entering System** | **Mass Exiting System** | **Mass Exiting System** | **Mass Exiting System** | **Mass Exiting System** |
| **Streams** | **Dry Solids<br> (tpd)** | **Water<br> (m<sup>3</sup>/d)** | **Total Mass<br> (tpd)** | **Streams** | **Dry Solids<br> (tpd)** | **Water<br> (m** **<sup>3</sup>/d)** | **Total Mass<br> (tpd)** |
| Graphite ore to Concentrator | 7804 | 411 | 8215 | Water evaporation from dryer | - | 56 | 56 |
| Treated reclaim water from BC-2 | - | 3775 | 3775 | Final Concentrate | 322 | 1 | 323 |
| Reclaim water from BC-2 | - | 2325 | 2325 | Sulphide filter cake | 1287 | 227 | 1514 |
| - | - | - | - | Non-sulphide tailings filter cake | 6195 | 1093 | 7288 |
| - | - | - | - | To collecting basin | - | 5134 | 5134 |
| **Total Entering** | **7804** | **6511** | **14315** | **Total** **Exiting** | **7804** | **6511** | **14315** |

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Figure 17-1 and Figure 17-2 show more detailed water balances during the winter and summer seasons. Some parts of the reclaim water from the collecting basin BC-2 will be treated and reused as fresh water in the processing plant. The quantity of the required fresh water during the summer will be higher than winter season due to the higher cooling water requirement for the compressors.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **17-3** |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp10img24.jpg)

**Figure 17-1: Water balance during the winter season**

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **17-4** |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp10img25.jpg)

**Figure 17-2: Water balance during the summer season**

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **17-5** |

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**17.4** **Process Flowsheet and Process Description** 

Figure 17-3 shows a simplified flowsheet indicative of the process. The mineral processing facility has seven distinct areas: crushing and stockpile, grinding and flotation, polishing and cleaning (including stirred media mills ("SMM") and secondary cleaning), graphite concentrate dewatering, storage and truck load out, and tailings processing and dewatering.

The simplified flowsheet presented in Figure 17-3 is general. The following sections describe each area in more detail.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp11img001.jpg)

**Figure 17-3: Simplified flowsheet**

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **17-6** |

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**17.4.1** **Crushing** 

The crushing circuit has two identical crushing lines having the same equipment and the same capacity. In normal operation, both lines are in operation, but it is possible to operate only one line if required. The crushing circuit is designed to operate during the daytime (16 hours per day) and only on weekdays. As the rest of the plant is operating 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, the crushing circuit has a higher capacity than the rest of the plant and there is a crushed ore stockpile between the crushing and the grinding circuit to ensure a constant and stable feed to the grinding circuit.

Trucks from the mine discharge the fresh ore into the crushers' hoppers which are equipped with stationary grizzlies and one rock breaker to break the intercepted boulders. ROM ore from the hopper discharges on two grizzly feeders. Fines material bypasses the crusher, is collected at the undersize of the feeders and is directed to the sacrificial belt conveyors. Coarse material is fed to the jaw crushers. They crush the ore to a smaller size before it can move on to the grinding step of the process. Jaw crushers discharges are sent to the sacrificial belt conveyors.

Metal detectors are installed on the sacrificial belt conveyors to detect metal bits before ore is transferred to the stockpile conveyor.

The stockpile conveyor is used to carry the crushed ore out of the primary crusher building and onto a stockpile. Dust material from crusher dust collector system is also fed onto the conveyor.

**17.4.1.1** **Crushed Ore Storage Building** 

The crushed ore brought from the primary crusher is kept on a stockpile in the crushed ore storage building before being moved on to the grinding step of the process. As the crushing circuit is operating only during the weekdays and the rest of the plant all week, the objective of the stockpile is to ensure a constant and stable feed to the grinding circuit.

**17.4.2** **Grinding and Flotation** 

Crushed ore is withdrawn from the stockpile using three apron feeders. The apron feeders transfer the crushed ore via a conveyor to a SAG mill.

The SAG mill is in closed circuit with a single deck vibrating screen. The screen undersize is sent to the ball mill discharge pump box by gravity, while the screen oversize is recirculated to the SAG mill.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **17-7** |

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The ball mill operates in closed circuit with a set of cyclones. The ball mill discharge is pumped to the ball mill cyclones. The cyclones underflow returns to the ball mill while the overflow proceeds to the rougher/scavenger flotation. The cyclones overflow is expected to have a PSD of 80% less than (P<sub>80</sub>) 0.212 and 0.150 mm for nominal and design cases, respectively.

The rougher/scavenger flotation circuit consists of four mechanical tank cells and aims to float the majority of all liberated graphite.

Fuel oil and methyl isobutyl carbinol ("MIBC") are added to the flotation process. There is no modifier required in the flotation process.

The rougher/scavenger concentrate containing 55% C(t) will be directed to the polishing circuit. The rougher/scavenger tails containing 0.18% C(t) will be directed to the concentrator tailings thickener.

**17.4.3** **Cleaning Circuits** 

Upgrading of the rougher/scavenger graphite concentrate is done in four cleaning stages that will be conducted in series. The primary cleaning phase consists of a polishing mill and mechanical flotation cells; cleaner 1 concentrate goes to cleaner 2, while its tailings are pumped to the cleaner scavenger cells for recovery of the more challenging middlings. The cleaner 2 concentrate will be sent to the secondary cleaning stage including SMM and flotation tank cells. Cleaner 2 tailings are returned to the cleaner 1. The SMM discharge will be transferred to cleaner 3; concentrate of this flotation cell goes to the 4th tank cell while its tailings are pumped to the cleaner scavenger. The tailings of the cleaner 4 are returned to cleaner 3 and its concentrate will be pumped to the 2nd SMM. The 2nd SMM discharge, combined with the cleaner 6 tailings, will be pumped to cleaner 5, whose tailings go to the cleaner scavenger and its concentrate is subjected to the next cleaning step in the form of the flotation column (cleaner 6). The column concentrate will be sent to the 3rd SMM, whose discharge will be combined with cleaner 8 tailings and sent to cleaner 7, whose tailings are pumped to the cleaner scavenger and its concentrate is treated through the flotation column (cleaner 8). The concentrate of the 2nd column (cleaner 8) is considered as final concentrate and will be pumped to the concentrate thickener.

**17.4.4** **Graphite Concentrate Dewatering** 

Graphite concentrate dewatering is done using a thickener and filter before being sent to the dryer.

The graphite concentrate thickener is used to dewater the flotation concentrate. This thickener receives concentrate from the 2nd flotation column (cleaner 8).

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **17-8** |

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The thickener overflow is pumped to the process water tank and the thickener underflow, with 35% solids, is discharged to a holding tank prior to being pumped to a press filter. The purpose of a holding tank is to decouple the continuous operation of the thickener upstream from the batch nature of the press-filter downstream.

The concentrate filter delivers a graphite product containing 15% moisture. The filtered concentrate is dropped in a hopper and a screw conveyor sends it to the concentrate dryer.

The concentrate filter filtrate is recirculated into the thickening circuit.

**17.4.5** **Tailings Thickening** 

The tailings thickener is fed by the scavenger flotation cell tails. This thickener increases the tailings slurry density and allows recovering process water with no sulphide flotation reagents to be reused in the graphite flotation circuits.

The thickener overflow is pumped to the process water tank and the thickener underflow is sent to the desulphurization circuit.

**17.4.6** **Graphite Concentrate Drying, Screening and Bagging** 

The graphite concentrate dryer is used to decrease the concentrate filter cake moisture to less than 0.3% and prepares it for screening and bagging.

Filter cake from the concentrate filter press will fall into a hopper and a screw conveyor will take it to the dryer.

The dryer air is discharged into the graphite dryer dust collector and the dry concentrate into the dry concentrate water-cooled screw conveyors.

The graphite dryer dust collector is used to remove the dust generated by the concentrate drying operations from the discharge air to the atmosphere below the permitted emission level. The clean air is then discharged to the atmosphere.

The dust collector solid material removed from the air is sent back into the water-cooled screw conveyors.

**17.4.6.1** **Graphite Dry Screening and Bagging** 

According to the customers' needs, NMG will be able to produce screened concentrate to different size products. After the dryer, dry graphite is pneumatically transported to a bulk graphite bin. From this bin, graphite is blown to two parallel screening lines to produce four size fractions as follows: +50 mesh (+300 μm), -50 to +80 mesh (-300 to +180 μm), -80 to +150 mesh (-180 to +106 μm), and -150 mesh (-106 μm).

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **17-9** |

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**17.4.7** **Desulphurization and Stockpiles** **- Magnetic Separation and Sulphide Flotation** 

The desulphurization circuit consists of two main steps, first removal of the magnetic sulphides by the medium-intensity magnetic separator and then treating the non-mag portion in the sulphide flotation circuit for further sulphide removal. Putting the MIMS before flotation circuit would save some reagents consumption at the flotation stage. This hypothesis was confirmed by conducting the above-mentioned configuration at the demonstration plant.

There are two identical parallel lines for the magnetic separation, each composed of a MIMS fed by a pump from tailings thickener U/F.

MIMS are used as the first step of the desulphurization to remove sulphur compounds from the concentrator tailings.

MIMS concentrates are combined with sulphide flotation concentrate and pumped to the sulphide (PAG) thickener. MIMS tails are fed by gravity to the sulphide flotation conditioning tank where PAX is added as collector reagent. The tank content is pumped into the sulphide flotation Cell #1.

The sulphide flotation cells are used to float the remaining sulphides after the magnetic separation circuit. The collector and frother used in flotation circuit are respectively the PAX and the MIBC.

Sulphide flotation and MIMS concentrate is sent to the PAG thickener and sulphide flotation tails are directed to the NAG thickener.

**17.4.8** **Tailings Dewatering** 

Tailings dewatering is comprised of two parallel circuits: sulphide tailings (PAG) dewatering and non-sulphide tailings (NAG) dewatering.

**17.4.8.1** **Sulphide (PAG) Tailings Dewatering** 

The PAG thickener is fed by the sulphide flotation cell concentrate as well as the MIMS concentrate. Flocculant is also added at the thickener feed.

The thickener overflow is pumped to the tailings water tank.

The PAG thickener U/F pumps send the thickener underflow with 65% solids to the PAG holding tank and this tank feeds the PAG filter press.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **17-10** |

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The filter press cake with 15% moisture falls onto the PAG discharge conveyor. The material continues to the PAG transfer conveyor, then onto the PAG stockpile conveyor, and finally to be stored on the sulphide (PAG) tailings stockpile.

The contents of the PAG filtrate tank are pumped back into the PAG thickener.

**17.4.8.2** **Desulphurized (NAG) Tailings Dewatering** 

The NAG thickener is fed by the sulphide flotation cell tails. Flocculant is also added at the thickener feed. The NAG thickener overflow is pumped to the tailings water tank.

The NAG thickener underflow is sent to the NAG holding tank with 65% solids and the tank content is pumped to the NAG filter presses.

NAG filter presses filter cake with 15% solids first falls onto the discharge conveyors. The material continues onto the NAG stockpile conveyor then falls onto the desulphurized (NAG) tailings stockpile.

The contents of the NAG filtrate tank are pumped back into the NAG thickener.

**17.4.9** **Reagent Area** 

**Flocculant**

The dry flocculant feed system is used to distribute dry flocculant from bulk bags. There are two flocculant systems, one for the concentrate thickener and one for the other three thickeners. Both systems have the same flowsheet. The flocculant bulk bags are first unloaded into the feed system. Flocculant and fresh water are added into an eductor and directed into the flocculant mixing tank.

The mixing tank is equipped with an agitator and is used to mix the flocculant solution thoroughly. Once the mixing tank content has been mixed for a determined time, it is pumped into the flocculant holding tank.

The flocculant holding tank stocks the flocculant before it is distributed into the process by the metering pumps and their in-line mixers.

**Methyl Isobutyl Carbinol**

The MIBC storage tank receives and stocks the MIBC delivered at the plant by tanker truck. The tank content is pumped into the elevated column container which feeds the MIBC to the metering pumps by gravity for distribution in the process.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **17-11** |

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**Fuel Oil**

The fuel oil storage tank receives and stocks the fuel oil delivered at the plant by tanker truck. The tank content is pumped into the elevated column container which feeds the fuel oil to the metering pumps by gravity for the distribution in the process.

**Lime**

The lime mixing tank is used to mix the dry lime with water to prepare the lime slurry that is fed into the process.

Bulk bags containing dry lime are first unloaded into the hopper. The dry lime is pushed by fresh water into an eductor and directed into the lime mixing tank which is equipped with an agitator to ensure proper mixing of the content.

The tank content is discharged by the lime distribution pump, which can recirculate the lime back into the tank, or feed the NAG thickener.

**Xanthate**

The xanthate mixing tank is used to prepare the xanthate solution to be fed into the process.

Bulk bags containing xanthate are first unloaded into the hopper with bag breaker, which then discharges its content into the mixing tank equipped with an agitator. The tank is then filled with fresh water and the content mixed.

The mixing tank content is pumped into the xanthate holding tank. The xanthate holding tank is used to store the prepared PAX until it can be distributed into the process. The tank content is discharged by the metering pumps to the sulphide flotation circuit.

**17.5** **Equipment Sizing and Selection** 

The equipment selection was based on the fulfillment of the design criteria. The equipment list was prepared, and the equipment was sized based on the developed design criteria, flowsheet drawings, the mass balance, and layout considerations.

The design criteria have been updated many times based on the experimental test results that have been done at the NMG demonstration plant as well as the results of tests that have been done at the external laboratories and suppliers' test facilities.

Design factors used were: 4.2% for the crushing and comminution equipment, 20% for the most processing equipment and 25% for the slurry pumps.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **17-12** |

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**17.5.1** **Crushing** 

Ore crushing will be performed by two C130 jaw crushers. The crushing station also includes one rock breaker, two grizzly feeders, two sacrificial conveyors and a crushed ore stockpile feed conveyor. The crushed ore stockpile has a total and live storage capacity of approximately 3 days and 22 hours, assuming 5% average ore moisture. The crushers feed top size will be 700 mm with a D80 of 488 mm; the top size can be respected by a mining operation that manages the ROM maximum size not to exceed this size limit.

The crusher supplier confirmed that the grizzly feeders and the chute opening before jaw crushers can handle a maximum lump size up to 1 m.

The crushing plant discharges rocks with a PSD of 80% less than (P<sub>80</sub>) 106 mm, including the grizzly feeders undersize.

**17.5.2** **Primary Grinding and Rougher/Scavenger Flotation** 

Ore is withdrawn from the bottom of the stockpile using a maximum of three apron feeders with variable speed drives. Each feeder has the capacity to provide the SAG mill with 100% nominal throughput rate.

The SAG mill is 7.32 m in diameter by 3.50 m F/F (3.12 m EGL (effective grinding length)) long with 3,000 kW variable-frequency drive motor. The SAG mill operates in closed circuit with one single deck vibrating screen with panel apertures of 10 mm. Screen oversize is returned to the SAG mill for more comminution. The screen undersize has a P<sub>80</sub> of 0.70 mm and is discharged to the ball mill discharge pump box by gravity.

The secondary grinding circuit consists of a ball mill in closed circuit with a cyclone cluster. The cyclone cluster is comprised of nine 400 mm cyclones, seven operating, two spares. The cyclone underflow flows into the ball mill. The cyclones overflow is expected to have a PSD of 80% less than (P<sub>80</sub>) 0.212 mm and 0.150 mm for nominal and design cases, respectively.

The ball mill is 4.1 m in diameter by 6.6 m long F/F (6.4 m EGL) with 1,800 kW variable-frequency drive motor. The cyclone overflow is directed to the trash screen to remove the existing wood chips or plastic debris before being fed to the rougher/scavenger flotation circuit. The rougher/scavenger flotation circuit is composed of four mechanical flotation cells, each with a volume of 30 m<sup>3</sup>. Rougher/Scavenger concentrate is sent to the polishing mill.

The SAG mill and vibrating screen circuit design criteria are based on the ore comminution characteristics and test work programs, supplier simulations, recommendations and NMG demonstration plant operational experience. The variable-speed motor and automatic ball addition for the SAG mill should create good size reduction control.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **17-13** |

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The ball mill, cyclone and rougher/scavenger flotation circuit design are based on test work, supplier simulations, recommendations and NMG demonstration plant operational experience. The variable-speed motor for the ball mill should control the size reduction and mechanical flotation cells are selected to minimize the risk of sanding.

**17.5.3** **Primary and Secondary Cleaning Circuits** 

The primary cleaning circuit consists of one polishing mill and four mechanical flotation cells that will be used as the cleaner 1 and cleaner 2.

The rougher/scavenger flotation concentrate is pumped to the polishing mill.

The polishing mill is used to scrub the graphite flakes and loosen gangue minerals from the graphite surface without reducing flake size. The polishing mill is 5.49 m in diameter by 9.0 m long, flange to flange (8.84 m EGL), equipped with 1,800 kW motor. Mill discharge is pumped to the cleaner 1 flotation circuit.

The cleaner 1 circuit consists of two flotation cells of 20 m<sup>3</sup>. The cleaner 1 tails are sent to two cleaner scavenger flotation cells of 20 m<sup>3</sup>. The cleaner 1 concentrate is sent to the cleaner 2 flotation cell of 10 m<sup>3</sup>. The cleaner 2 concentrate is sent to the 1st SMM.

The polishing mill, cleaner 1 and cleaner 2 flotation cell designs are based on the test work, supplier input and NMG demonstration plant operational experience.

Concentrate of the cleaner 2 flotation cell is sent to the 1st SMM, equipped with 2 x 185 kw motors, for the removal of the embedded impurities from the surface of the graphite flakes by attrition. The 1st SMM discharge will be diluted to adjust the solids% for the next step of flotation and upgraded in the cleaning stages 3 and 4, each consisting of 2 x 10 m<sup>3</sup> flotation mechanical cells.

Cleaner 4 concentrate will be pumped to the 2nd SMM that is equipped with 2 x 185 kw motors. Discharge of this mill will be diluted to the certain %solids that is suited for the 5th cleaning flotation step. Cleaner 5 consists of 2 x 10 m<sup>3</sup> flotation cells; its concentrate will be upgraded in the cleaner 6, which consists of a flotation column with 3.8 m diameter and 8 m height.

The 1st flotation column (cleaner 6) concentrate will be pumped to the 3rd SMM that is equipped with 2 x 185 kw motors. Discharge of this mill will be diluted to the certain %solids that is suited for the 7th cleaning flotation step. Cleaner 7 consists of 2 x 10 m<sup>3</sup> flotation cells; its concentrate will be upgraded in the cleaner 8, which consists of a flotation column with 3.8 m diameter and 8 m height.

Concentrate of the 2nd flotation column (cleaner 8) is considered as final concentrate with 97.5% C(t) and will be pumped to the concentrate thickener.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **17-14** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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All the tailings of the cleaners 1, 3, 5 and 7 will be sent to the cleaner scavenger circuit, which consists of 2 x 20 m<sup>3</sup> mechanical flotation cells.

SMMs, cleaning flotation cells, and columns design and sizing are based on the test work, supplier input and NMG demonstration plant operational experience.

**17.5.4** **Graphite Concentrate Dewatering** 

The dewatering circuit consists of a high-rate concentrate thickener, a pressure filter and a dryer.

The graphite concentrate is pumped to the 9.0 m diameter concentrate thickener. The thickener overflow is pumped to the process water tank for recirculation of process water while the concentrate thickener underflow, at 35% solids, is pumped to the graphite concentrate holding tank. This tank is 8.0 m diameter x 12.75 m high, equipped with an agitator to prevent settling of the solids content. From the holding tank, the concentrate is pumped to the graphite concentrate filter press. The filter press will be a Larox PF 55/60. The filtrate is recirculated to the graphite concentrate thickener. The filter cake at 15% moisture is discharged to a hopper.

From the hopper, a screw conveyor feeds the filtered graphite into the dryer. The dryer is an electric rotary dryer 1.9 m diameter x 30.0 m long (24.0 m hot working length) equipped with electric heaters having 2,600 kW capacity. The dryer is complete with bag house and exhaust fan. The dried product is transported using pneumatic conveyance to a bulk graphite holding bin.

The concentrate thickener, pressure filter, and dryer circuit designs are based on test work, supplier input and NMG demonstration plant operational experience.

**17.5.5** **Graphite Dry Screening and Bagging** 

The concentrator and dryer deliver the graphite in a continuous stream with a nominal capacity of 13.4 tph. Depending on the ore properties from the mining operations during a particular period in time, the actual flow rate of concentrated, dried graphite will range between a minimum of 11 tph and a maximum of 16 tph.

Below the dryer discharge chute, a fluidized siphon will evenly split the graphite flow into two streams for cooling to 70 °C along two water-cooled screw conveyors. Tandem 1 m<sup>3</sup> pneumatic sending vessels are then fed, each in turn – one being filled while the other conveys – in a sequence alternating every two minutes, to pneumatically convey the graphite up to a receiving bin.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **17-15** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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The normal path is to split the flow equally between the two screening lines. The siphon will naturally make an even split between these two outlets since it works on an overflow principal, and the two outlets will be at the same level as the fluidized siphon pot. If left unrestricted, the flow out (50% to each screening line) would be at the same rate as the flow into the Bulk Receiver. However, the pneumatic conveying system will deliver the bulk graphite into the receiver in two-minute-long batches at 16 tph rate, then there will be several seconds with no graphite flow. Since it is desired to have an almost continuous flow out of the siphon to the screeners, the material flow control valves will regulate the flow according to the buffer level in the Bulk Receiver. With the concentrator and dryer out putting graphite in the range of 11 tph to 16 tph, the screening lines would each handle 5,500 kg/h to 8,000 kg/h flow rate.

Each screening line has two gyratory-reciprocating motion screeners in series, and each screener has two screening decks. The graphite enters the primary screener, which separates the jumbo flake off the top deck. The material that passes the top deck, is then screened on the lower deck. What passes this lower deck is classified as fine. It is estimated that some 75% of the total fine material will be separate at this primary stage. The material that passes the first deck, but is retained by the second deck, will be transferred to the secondary screening stage. This amount is roughly two thirds of the original flow to the primary screen.

The secondary screen, also with two decks, will separate the remaining material into coarse, intermediate and fine.

Both primary and secondary screeners have 2 m screening width x 4.4 m length for a total of 8.8 m<sup>2</sup> per deck. However, in the construction of the machine, there is a physical divider down the centre, effectively making the machine as two 1 m-width machines. From each side of the machine, pretensioned panels of 965 mm x 1,143 mm size are installed two decks high. There is an internal mesh cleaning system with rubber balls installed in bevelled pockets below each section of mesh.

With this physical barrier down the centre of the machine, it is possible to generate different size ranges of the various screened products, which can be named A and B. Further, the screen meshes can be different from one screening line to the other. It was decided on each screening line, to have two variations of coarse in this manner and by partitioning the silo below. Thus, there can be up to four different variations of coarse (Line 1A/1B and Line 2A/2B) and two of Inter (Line 1 / Line 2).

From the screener discharges, the various products (Jumbo, Coarse A/B, Inter and Fine) are directed to their respective silo compartments using airslides.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **17-16** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp11img002.jpg)

**Figure 17-4: Screening** **arrangement from bulk receiver**

**17.5.6** **Tailings Thickener** 

The tailings from the rougher/scavenger circuit are fed to the tailings thickener. This is an 18 m diameter high-rate thickener. The thickener overflow is pumped to the process water tank for recirculation of process water. The thickener underflow at 62-65% solids is pumped to the tailings desulphurization circuit.

The tailings thickener design is based on test work, supplier input and NMG demonstration plant operational experience.

**17.5.7** **Tailings Processing and Dewatering** 

The sulphide removal circuit consists of two MIMS and four mechanical sulphide flotation cells.

The thickened tailings from the concentrator are pumped to the MIMS. Magnetic concentrate, combined with sulphide flotation concentrate is sent to the sulphide (PAG) thickener. Non-magnetic tails are sent to the sulphide flotation circuit. This circuit is composed of four mechanical flotation cells with a volume of 160 m<sup>3</sup> each. The sulphide flotation tailings are directed to the NAG thickener while the concentrate reports to the PAG thickener.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **17-17** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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The sulphide flotation and magnetic separation circuit designs are based on test work, supplier input and NMG demonstration plant operational experience.

The tailings dewatering circuit is composed of one PAG tailings thickener, one PAG tailings press filter, one NAG tailings thickener and two NAG tailings press filters.

The combined concentrate from the sulphide flotation and the magnetic separation circuits (or PAG tailings) is pumped to a 13 m diameter high-rate thickener. The thickener overflow is pumped to the tailings process water tank for recirculation of process water. The thickener underflow at 65% solids is pumped to the PAG tailings holding tank. This tank is 11.0 m diameter x 15.75 m high and has a volume of 1,500 m³, with an agitator to keep solids in suspension.

From the holding tank, the sulphide concentrate is pumped to the PAG tailings press filter. The filter will have 45 plates, expandable to 50 plates. The filtrate is recirculated to the PAG tailings thickener by a filtrate pump. The filter cake at 15% moisture is conveyed to the PAG tailings stockpile.

The NAG tailings or sulphide flotation tailings are pumped to a 15 m high-compression thickener. The thickener overflow is pumped to the tailings area process water tank for recirculation of process water. The thickener underflow at 65% solids is pumped to the NAG tailings holding tank. This tank is 13.5 m diameter x 19.45 m high and has a volume of 2,785 m<sup>3</sup>, with an agitator to keep solids in suspension.

From the holding tank the NAG tailings are pumped to two press filters. Each filter will have 98 plates, which is the maximum number of plates for these filters. Each filter has the capacity to process the nominal tonnage of NAG tailings. In normal operation, only one is operating. The filtrate is recirculated to the NAG tailings thickener by a filtrate pump. The filter cake at 15% moisture is conveyed to the NAG tailings stockpile.

**17.6** **Reagents** 

**17.6.1** **Fuel Oil** 

Fuel oil #2 is used as a collector for graphite flotation. The fuel oil will be delivered by fuel trucks, on request from the mill, and stored in a 46 m<sup>3</sup> double-walled tank. The expected fuel oil consumption is 200 litres per day. The content of the tank will be transferred from the storage tank into the elevated column container which feeds the fuel oil into the metering pumps by gravity for distribution in the process.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **17-18** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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**17.6.2** **Methyl Isobutyl Carbinol** 

MIBC is used as the frother for both graphite and sulphide flotation. The MIBC will be delivered by tanker truck, which will transfer its contents into the storage tank with a capacity of 46 m<sup>3</sup>. The content of the tank will be pumped into the elevated column container which feeds the MIBC into the metering pumps by gravity for distribution in the process. The bulk shipment of MIBC will remove possible container disposal issues. The expected MIBC consumption is 383 litres per day.

**17.6.3** **Flocculant** 

Flocculant is used in all four thickeners to aid the settling of graphite concentrate and tailings. Given the location of the thickeners, two separate flocculant mixing systems are required; the small one for the graphite concentrate thickener that will be installed inside the main processing plant and the bigger system will be used for the PAG, NAG and concentrator tailings thickeners.

The flocculant requirements for the bigger and smaller flocculant mixing systems will be provided by 1 t and 25 kg bags respectively. The total expected flocculant consumption is 307 kg per day.

**17.6.4** **Potassium Amyl Xanthate** 

PAX is used as collector for sulphide flotation. PAX is a very non-selective sulphide collector. It will be delivered in bulk bags and stored in pallets at the tailings processing plant. The PAX mixing system design is based on the bulk bag size. The total expected PAX consumption is 621 kg per day.

**17.6.5** **Lime** 

Lime is not required for the graphite recovery, but it will be possible to add lime at different locations in the circuit to keep the pH between 6.5 and 8 to prevent metal leaching. The maximum anticipated lime usage is 233 kg per day.

**17.7** **Utilities** 

**17.7.1** **Concentrator Water Services** 

**Fresh Water, Process Water**

The collecting pond, BC-2, is fed with water from the tailings water tank overflow and the site runoff pumped from BC-1 and BC-Sud. From this pond, the water will be treated in a water treatment plant and will be used as fresh water and make-up process water. The process water tank is used to feed the process water distribution network. The tank is mainly fed by the thickeners overflow (concentrate and tailings thickeners). The process water tank will have a capacity of 409 m<sup>3</sup>.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **17-19** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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The fresh water tank is used to provide fresh water for the reagent preparation (flocculantant, xanthate, lime), for the concentrate filter and gland seal water to the slurry pumps as well as the cooling water for the compressors, water-cooled mills multi-drives and gear boxes. The tank is fed by the treated reclaim water from BC-2 and has a capacity of 300 m<sup>3</sup>. The fire water will be directly pumped room BC-2 and connected to the plant fire water system.

**Tailings Area Process Water**

The tailings water tank is fed by the PAG and NAG thickeners overflow. If required, reclaim water from the BC-2 pond can be added to this tank. Excess water from the tailings water tank overflows to BC-2. The tailings water tank will have a capacity of 292 m<sup>3</sup>.

The tailings water is used for the PAG and NAG filter presses and the other equipment in the tailings circuit area.

**17.7.2** **Compressed Air, Air Blowers** 

Two plant air compressors are available to provide plant and instrument air to the concentrator equipment. In normal operation, one compressor is in operation and the other is on standby. Compressed air feeds the instrument air distribution circuit, the plant air distribution circuit and the flotation columns.

Two flotation air blowers provide air to all flotation cells. In normal operation, one blower is in operation and the other is on standby.

Two air compressors are available to provide compressed air to the PAG and NAG filter presses. This air is used to inflate membranes in the filter chambers to compress the filter cake and expel water. In normal operation, one compressor is in operation and the other is on standby.

Three filter drying air compressors are available to provide compressed air to the concentrate, PAG and NAG filter presses. This air is used to blow the water out of filter cake to reduce cake moisture. In normal operation, two compressors are in operation and the other is on standby.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **17-20** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**18.** **Project Infrastructure** 

**18.1** **Matawinie Mine and Concentrator** 

This section describes infrastructure, buildings, and other facilities such as access roads and power lines, which are required to complement the processing of graphite ore.

Topographic information for locating the infrastructure is based on a LiDAR topographic map survey data performed in 2015 by NMG and a 2018 MERN LiDAR Survey at a time when the area was forested. NMG performed some punctual on-site surveys of elevations with a GPS. Given that the areas of the overburden storage facility, industrial pad and BC-2 were deforested in 2021, a new topographic survey would provide additional accuracy to the topography.

In addition to the geotechnical investigations available at the time of preparing the 2018 NI 43-101 Technical Feasibility Study Report for the Matawinie Mine (DRA, 2018), complementary geotechnical investigations, including a geotechnical report, a geophysical survey and complementary test pits were performed within the limits of the industrial platform (crusher, reclaim, mills, processing plants and ditches) to confirm the probable rock elevation for the purpose of civil and foundation design of the concentrator. NMG also performed additional geotechnical and hydrogeological investigations at the CDF, ditches and water management collecting basin area. Furthermore, to refine knowledge on rock elevations, additional test pits were completed in 2023 and 2024 in all areas where concrete foundations will be placed, as well as in the future co-disposal stockpile.

The overall general site layout showing the concentrator processing plant and access is shown in Figure 18-1 and Figure 18-2.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-1** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp11img003.jpg)

**Figure 18-1: Overall general site layout and access**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-2** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp11img004.jpg)

**Figure 18-2: Processing plant area**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-3** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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**18.2** **Main Electrical Power Supply** 

**Power Line Main, Substation and Site Electrical Distribution**

The electrical power for the Matawinie Mine will be supplied by Hydro-Québec through a new 120 kV transmission line and will provide 28.2 MVA of available power at the beginning of operations. This approximately 14 km line, which will feed a new outdoor mine substation, will be connected to Hydro-Québec's nearest station, Poste Provost. The power line will be dedicated to the Matawinie Mine and Concentrator Project and will allow for possible future expansion of the graphite concentrator.

A new main power substation 120-13.8 kV will be built to accommodate the new graphite mine and all infrastructure's power demands. This substation will be located at the Northeast of the mining area.

In the main power substation, in addition to the high-voltage equipment, a main 15 kV switchgear fed by a 35 MVA, 120 kV to 13.8 kV step-down transformer, will be installed in a prefabricated electrical room, which will supply the new mine power demands.

The main 15 kV switchgear will be feeding downstream step-down distribution transformers, which will provide power to:

▪ One
 15 kV power factor correction unit, located near the substation area, via cable ducts
 and trays;

▪ Two
 600 V prefabricated electrical rooms (3001-EHR-001 and 3001-EHR-002) that will be located
 to the northeast corner of the concentrator;

▪ Two
 600 V prefabricated electrical rooms (3001-EHR-003 and 3001-EHR-004) that will be located
 to the north of the concentrator;

▪ Two
 600 V prefabricated electrical rooms (3001-EHR-005 and 3001-EHR-006) that will be located
 to the south of the concentrator.

Also, from the main 15 kV switchgear:

▪ Two
 15 kV cables will supply power to the grinding mills motors through a 15 kV to
 2 X 1,725 V transformers;

▪ Two
 overhead 13.8 kV lines on wooden posts will be used to supply power to other areas of
 the mine. One 13.8 kV line will run across the site and across the north and east side
 of the co-disposal area to supply power to collection ponds pumps located in BC-1, BC-2,
 BC-Sud and water treatment plants, to the charging station located near the co-disposal area
 and to the open pit equipment. The other main branch will run northeast to supply power to
 the crushing station. The distribution of overhead power lines will be installed along the
 access roads towards the facilities around the site.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-4** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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All infrastructure across the site will be fed by 13.8 kV overhead distribution power lines or underground duct banks from the main electrical room in the 120 kV to 13.8 kV power substation.

The mine site single-line diagram presented in Figure 18-3 provides more details.

Power to the mining operations will be located along mining and facilities access roads. As the mining operation progress, the 13.8 kV power lines will be modified accordingly. The current load is estimated and shown in Figure 18-4.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-5** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp11img005.jpg)

**Figure 18-3: Mine site single-line diagram**

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-6** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp11img006.jpg)

Note:

1. This
 total Process Power (kW) is based on operation power from the mechanical load list

**Figure 18-4: Project power requirements**

**18.3** **Main Access Road and Site Roads** 

**Main Access Road**

The main access road is a Forestry Class 1 gravel road, measuring 8 km in length and connecting Road 131, part of Québec's Ministry of Transportation's road infrastructure to NMG's industrial mining site. The road was constructed in 2021 with final layers completed in 2022. The structural dimensioning was carried out using the "Chaussée 2" design software of the *Ministère des Transports du Québec* ("MTQ"), in accordance with the methodology of the dimensioning guide of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials ("AASHTO"), 1993 edition, for a life of 25 years. The design of the main access road considers a Class 1 road as per the *Ministère des Ressources Naturelles du Québec* classification. The main access road will be designed at 8.5 m wide with ditches on both sides (1-m shoulders). A parking lot for workers and visitors will be located inside the main property, close to the industrial platform, with access through the main gate.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-7** |

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Access through the main gate will require communication with plant security, located in the processing plant, which will then remotely activate the main gate to permit entry to the Matawinie Mine site. Access cameras will be installed at the main gate for visual confirmation of vehicles and personnel seeking access to the site.

**Service Roads**

Service roads provide access from the main gate entrance at the end of the main access road to the industrial area process facilities and connect to various mining facilities, including the mining pit, the industrial platform, the overburden/organic soil storage facility (OB stockpile), the CDF area, and the water management facilities. These roads will be developed as the mining facilities evolve over the life of the mine.

**Mine Haul Roads**

A mine haul road will be built during pre-production, which will connect the mine to the CDF, the primary crusher, and the OB stockpile. The haul road has been designed for 60-tonne haul trucks with a targeted operating weight of 112,000 kg. The haul road will be 27 m wide and 2.5 km long. When haul road is outside the pit, cut and fill from NAG waste rocks or approved construction materials will be used. Several small road segments will be built over the LOM to connect the mine haul road to the haul ramp exits as the different pit phases are developed.

**18.4** **Surface Water Management** 

**Design Criteria**

The design criteria for contact surface water management are based on the Mining Industry *Directive 019*, published by the MELCC (now the MELCCFP) in March 2012. Surface water collection basins (BC-1, BC-2 and B-Sud), pumping stations (Section 18.4), and the water treatment plant ("WTP") (Section 18.5) are designed to manage the spring runoff, which is a combination of a 100-year snow accumulation melting over a 30-day period and a 2,000-year 24-hour rainfall event.

Environmental weather data to generate hydrological data for the NMG Project were taken from the closest weather station, located in Saint-Michel-des-Saints, 6 km north of the Matawinie Mine. These data were adjusted to consider the orogenic effect and included the effects of climate change.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-8** |

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**Ditches**

The criteria below were retained for the design of the ditches surrounding the industrial zone, the CDF, and the OB stockpile. Unless otherwise specified in this section, the drainage system should be designed to adequately discharge a 1:100-year flood.

▪ Diversion
 ditches (clean water) and collection ditches around the industrial zone and the OB stockpile
 (contact water) are designed to adequately evacuate a 1:100-year flood:

- Contact water collection ditches surrounding the OB stockpile will be protected with rockfill;

▪ Contact
 water ditches around the CDF (contact water) are designed to manage the 1:100-year flood:

- Contact water collection ditches surrounding the CDF and industrial zone will be lined using 2 mm linear low-density polyethylene ("LLDPE") geomembrane;

- Geomembrane from the contact water collection ditches surrounding the CDF will be exposed.

▪ Ditches
 will have the following characteristics:

- A trapezoidal section;

- A minimum width at the base varying from 1 m to 2 m, as per flow requirements;

- A minimum effective depth varying from 1 m to 1.5 m, as per flow requirements;

A minimum slope of 0.3%;

- Minimum side slopes of 2H:1V in the ground and rock;

- A minimum freeboard of 0.30 m during the design flood.

**Culverts**

The following criteria were retained for the design of the culverts surrounding the CDF and the OB stockpile:

▪ The
 culverts are designed to be consistent with the design criteria of the ditch in which they
 will be installed;

▪ The
 minimum slope is 1% to avoid sedimentation and to allow self-cleaning;

▪ HDPE
 pipes are considered with a Manning coefficient of 0.018;

▪ The
 bedding thickness varies between 300 mm and 600 mm.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-9** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Collection Basins**

The criteria below were retained for the design of the BC-1 at the northeast extremity of the CDF and BC-2, west of the industrial site and OB stockpile, and BC-Sud at the south extremity of the open pit. Although co-disposal has been selected as the storage method for tailings, and no permanent water impoundment is planned, the recurrence criterion is based on the type of tailings to be stored, which are potentially acid-generating. Each pond will be lined with a 2 mm LLDPE geomembrane. Anticipated hydrostatic thrusts will be controlled by a drainage system installed beneath the geomembrane, as well as an anchoring system at the bottom, walls, and the crest of each basin. The basins will be excavated both in the overburden and in the bedrock.

**BC-1, BC-2 and BC-Sud**

▪ The
 basins have a minimum storage capacity to store the water volume from a combination of a
 100-year snow accumulation melting over a 30-day period and a 2,000-year 24-hour rainfall
 storm event.

▪ A
 minimum 1.0 m freeboard between the crest and the maximum water level;

▪ A
 minimum height of 0.3 m at the bottom of the basins to account for sediment accumulation
 and for pumping purposes;

▪ In
 accordance with the requirements of *Directive 019*, the emergency spillways of the
 basins are designed to safely evacuate the probable maximum flood ("PMF") while
 maintaining the integrity of the retention structure:

- The spillway's sill is placed 1 m below the edge of the basins;

- The design of the spillway assumes that the water level in the basins is at the spillway's sill before the arrival of the PMF;

- The emergency spillway should safely manage the flow resulting from the maximum probable precipitation ("PMP") without overtopping.

**Water Management Design**

The mine water management plan ("WMP") addresses the surface runoff and the process water to be collected from the industrial areas, including the open pit dewatering, the OB stockpiles, and the CDF. Surface runoff and process water will be collected through a series of collection ditches that will discharge into collection basins (BC-1, BC-2 and BC-Sud). BC-1 and BC-Sud are connected to BC-2 by pumping systems (pumping stations and piping lines) and from there to a treatment system. Diversion ditches are strategically placed with the intent to divert clean water to the environment.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-10** |

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As part of the Matawinie Mine, the basins will be designed to provide an area for the settling of suspended solids prior to water treatment. The WTP will be designed to remove residual suspended solids and dissolved metal ions that are potentially leachable, from the tailings or waste rocks. Treated water from the WTP will be discharged directly to the environment at the final effluent. The discharge point of the final effluent is the *ruisseau à l'Eau Morte,* located south of the mine site. Pit dewatering will be carried out throughout the mine life and post-reclamation, or until the water meets MELCCFP criterion. CDF, progressive reclamation and revegetation carried out during mining operations promote surface runoff water quality of reclaim area.

NMG will prioritize reusing and recycling treated water in the process water make-up to minimize fresh water intake. It should be noted that the suspended solids collected in the basins and the sludge generated in the WTP will be managed on site at the CDF.

A conceptual water flow diagram corresponding to the WMP is shown in Figure 18-5.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-11** |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp11img007.jpg)

**Figure 18-5: Water flow diagram**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-12** |

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**18.5** **Water Management Facilities** 

A total of 13 main watersheds have been defined across the site, as shown in Figure 18-6.

The development of the WMP for the Matawinie Project has been designed and optimized to promote flow by gravity considering the development of the site.

The water management infrastructure (i.e., basins and pumping requirements) is sized based on the required volume of surface runoff to manage, which varies based on the size and development of the CDF facilities and the mine pit. By the end of the Matawinie Mine, a total of three water collection basins will be required to manage the surface runoff on the Project.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-13** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp11img008.jpg)

**Figure 18-6: Main watersheds for the Matawinie Mine site**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-14** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Ditches**

During the first 4 years, the CDF deposition plan targets the use of the northeast sector, to the west of the open pit (watershed 1). The collection ditches FC-1, FC-2 and FC-3 will drain runoff water from this sector and send it to the collection basin BC-1. Ditch FC-3 is an extension of ditch FC-2, and this section will be built during the second year of tailings deposition.

Depending on the use of the OB stockpile, located northeast of the Matawinie Mine industrial zone, ditches FC-5 and FC-4 will allow the drainage of runoff water from this sector towards the BC-2 collection basin by passing through the ditches of the industrial zone. It is planned to use the southeast portion of the OB stockpile first. The FC-5 collection ditch is existing and already routes runoff water toward BC-2. According to the deposition plan, should the northwest portion of the OB stockpile be used, the FC-4 ditch must be built to capture the runoff from this portion of the stockpile.

The FD-1 diversion ditch will intercept and direct runoff to the environment. The useful length of this ditch may vary over time, depending on the deposition progression, which will reduce the potential for diversion. Additionally, the FD-2 diversion ditch will extend on both sides of BC-2 and will prevent runoff from arriving near the industrial zone. As soon as tailings deposition begins in this sector (Year 8), the FC-8 ditch will carry contact water directly to BC-2, forcing a reduction in the length of FD-2.

The drainage system is designed to evolve as the mine expands. Therefore, as tailings deposition progresses south, new collection ditches will be required.

To the west of the CDF, FC-6 ditch will carry runoff along the toe of the stockpile to BC-Sud. This ditch must be operational during the fifth year, according to the current mine plan.

Water from the eastern sector of the CDF will be routed via ditch FC-7 to BC-Sud.

The basins and ditches for each phase of the Matawinie Project are illustrated in Figure 18-7 and Figure 18-8. For all phases, the pumping stations will be designed with sufficient redundancy and flexibility for maintenance.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-15** |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp11img009.jpg)

**Figure 18-7: Initial water management infrastructure for the CDF Phase A**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-16** |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp11img010.jpg)

**Figure 18-8: Final water management infrastructure**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-17** |

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**Collecting Basin**

During water management Phase A (Years 0 to 4), two collection basins (BC-1, BC-2) and adjacent ditches need to be built. With the increase in surface drainage area, a third basin (BC-Sud) will be excavated at the beginning of Phase B-1, around Year 5. Furthermore, at the beginning of Phase B-1, the treatment capacity of the WTP will be increased to manage the higher volumes of surface water runoff.

It should be noted that pumping from one basin to another for treatment is considered starting 5 to 10 days after the onset of spring freshet. BC-1 has been established to send water to BC-2 throughout the year. This will be required to meet the discharge strategy and provide water for the concentrator during the winter months.

In addition to collecting surface water from its own watershed, BC-1 and BC-2 will both be able to collect water from pit dewatering. The quantity of dewatering water varies according to the evolution of the pit exploitation. It should also be noted that process water is continuously recirculated from BC-2. As the tailings are dewatered in the plant, the small quantity of water remaining in the filtered tailings has not been considered at this stage (which is conservative). The process water inflow entering BC-2 is, therefore, equal to the outflow redirected to the plant. This type of operation has been considered in the total volume of BC-2 and does not affect the required storage capacity of BC-2.

Table 18-1 presents the storage capacity for each collection basin to contain and manage the design flood. Figure 18-9 and Figure 18-10 present the layouts of both BC-1 and BC-2. At this stage, no design has yet been developed for BC-Sud.

**Table 18-1: Basins storage capacity**

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| |
|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Collecting Basin |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**BC-1** (North Area Basin) &nbsp;&nbsp;172,000 m<sup>3</sup> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**BC-2** (Industrial Zone Basin) &nbsp;&nbsp;170,000 m<sup>3</sup> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**BC-Sud** (South Collecting Basin) &nbsp;&nbsp;89,000 m<sup>3</sup> &nbsp;&nbsp;256,000 m<sup>3</sup> |

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-18** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp11img011.jpg)

**Figure 18-9: BC-1 layout**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-19** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp11img012.jpg)

**Figure 18-10: BC-2 Layout**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-20** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Pumping Stations and Pipelines**

Throughout the years of operation, water from the pit, runoff and process water will be routed to the basins (BC-1, BC-2, and BC-Sud). Water from both BC-1 and BC-Sud will be pumped to BC-2. From BC-2, the water will be recirculated to the fresh water tank for the concentrator needs or pumped to the WTP for discharge or recirculation. Therefore, the pumping station of the main collection basin will be able to transfer water, in the reverse direction, to BC-2 using the same pipeline and a set of manually operated valves.

Table 18-2 presents the mean annual pumping capacities and the pumping capacities for the management of the design flood for water transfers, i.e., from BC-1 to BC-2 and from BC-Sud to BC-2 and towards the WTP.

The principal collection basin pumping station directly feeds the WTP; therefore, the flow rates identified in Table 18-2 are the WTP design flow rates, which take into consideration the availability factor of the WTP. This availability factor has been set to 95%.

**Table 18-2: Pumping capacity at each collection basin**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pumping System | &nbsp;&nbsp;Phase A | &nbsp;&nbsp;Phase B1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Phase B2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**From the North Area Basin (BC-1) to the Industrial Zone Basin (BC-2)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**From the North Area Basin (BC-1) to the Industrial Zone Basin (BC-2)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**From the North Area Basin (BC-1) to the Industrial Zone Basin (BC-2)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**From the North Area Basin (BC-1) to the Industrial Zone Basin (BC-2)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mean Annual Pumping Capacity &nbsp;&nbsp;(m<sup>3</sup>/h) | &nbsp;&nbsp;255 | &nbsp;&nbsp;215 | &nbsp;&nbsp;215 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pumping Capacity for Design Flood &nbsp;&nbsp;(m<sup>3</sup>/h) | &nbsp;&nbsp;470 | &nbsp;&nbsp;470 | &nbsp;&nbsp;345 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**From the South Area Basin (BC-Sud) to the Industrial Zone Basin (BC-2)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**From the South Area Basin (BC-Sud) to the Industrial Zone Basin (BC-2)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**From the South Area Basin (BC-Sud) to the Industrial Zone Basin (BC-2)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**From the South Area Basin (BC-Sud) to the Industrial Zone Basin (BC-2)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mean Annual Pumping Capacity &nbsp;&nbsp;(m<sup>3</sup>/h) | &nbsp;&nbsp;0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;100 | &nbsp;&nbsp;100 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pumping Capacity for Design Flood &nbsp;&nbsp;(m<sup>3</sup>/h) | &nbsp;&nbsp;0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;780 | &nbsp;&nbsp;860 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**From the Industrial Zone Basin (BC-2) to the WTP** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**From the Industrial Zone Basin (BC-2) to the WTP** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**From the Industrial Zone Basin (BC-2) to the WTP** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**From the Industrial Zone Basin (BC-2) to the WTP** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mean Annual Pumping Capacity &nbsp;&nbsp;(m<sup>3</sup>/h) | &nbsp;&nbsp;350 | &nbsp;&nbsp;350 | &nbsp;&nbsp;350 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pumping Capacity for Design Flood &nbsp;&nbsp;(m<sup>3</sup>/h) | &nbsp;&nbsp;900 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1800 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1800 |

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Table 18-3 summarizes the development of the water management infrastructure.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-21** |

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**Table 18-3: Development of water management infrastructure**

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Infrastructure | &nbsp;&nbsp;Watershed | &nbsp;&nbsp;Inflow from | &nbsp;&nbsp;Outflow to | &nbsp;&nbsp;Year of<br> Commissioning | &nbsp;&nbsp;Year of<br> Decommissioning |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Collection Ditch** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Collection Ditch** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Collection Ditch** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Collection Ditch** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Collection Ditch** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Collection Ditch** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;FC-1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1B | &nbsp;&nbsp;East side of the northern portion of the CDF | &nbsp;&nbsp;BC-1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;- |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;FC-2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1A | &nbsp;&nbsp;West side of the northern portion of the CDF | &nbsp;&nbsp;BC-1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;- |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;FC-3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1A.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;West side of the northern portion of the CDF | &nbsp;&nbsp;FC-2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;At closure |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;FC-4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;8A_O + 8B_O + 9 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Northwestern portion of the overburden stockpile | &nbsp;&nbsp;BC-2 – transit by industrial zone ditches | &nbsp;&nbsp;Depending on the evolution of the overburden stockpile | &nbsp;&nbsp;At closure |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;FC-5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;8A_E + 8B_E + 8C_S + 8D_S | &nbsp;&nbsp;Southeastern portion of the overburden stockpile | &nbsp;&nbsp;BC-2 – transit by industrial area ditches | &nbsp;&nbsp;Existing | &nbsp;&nbsp;At closure |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;FC-6A | &nbsp;&nbsp;2 + 3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Southern portion of the CDF | &nbsp;&nbsp;BC-Sud | &nbsp;&nbsp;4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;At closure |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;FC-6B | &nbsp;&nbsp;2A | &nbsp;&nbsp;Centre portion of the CDF | &nbsp;&nbsp;BC-Sud | &nbsp;&nbsp;4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;At closure |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;FC-7 | &nbsp;&nbsp;3A | &nbsp;&nbsp;Southeastern portion of the CDF | &nbsp;&nbsp;BC-Sud | &nbsp;&nbsp;8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;At closure |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;FC-8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Eastern portion of the CDF | &nbsp;&nbsp;BC-2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;8 | &nbsp;&nbsp;At closure |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Diversion Ditch** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Diversion Ditch** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Diversion Ditch** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Diversion Ditch** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Diversion Ditch** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Diversion Ditch** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;FD-2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;12 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Upstream of the industrial zone | &nbsp;&nbsp;Environment | &nbsp;&nbsp;0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;At closure |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Collecting Basin** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Collecting Basin** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Collecting Basin** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Collecting Basin** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Collecting Basin** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Collecting Basin** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;BC-1 - 172,000 m<sup>3</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Its watershed | &nbsp;&nbsp;BC-2 by pumping | &nbsp;&nbsp;0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;At closure |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;BC-2 - 170,000 m<sup>3</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;5 + 6 + 7 + 8 + 9 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Its watershed + BC-1 and BC-Sud by pumping | &nbsp;&nbsp;WTP by pumping | &nbsp;&nbsp;0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;At closure |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;BC–Sud - 256,000 m<sup>3</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;2 + 3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;Its watershed | &nbsp;&nbsp;BC-2 by pumping | &nbsp;&nbsp;4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;At closure |

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-22** |

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**18.6** **Water Treatment** 

The WTP will be designed to meet effluent quality requirements under the "*Directive 019 sur l'industrie minière*". The methods of water treatment and management of the discharge of water to the receiving environment (discharge point) will also make it possible to meet the criteria defined in *Directive 019* (March 2012) and achieve the environmental release targets (*objectifs environnementaux de rejet* ("OER")) in the receiving environment (*ruisseau à L'Eau Morte*).

The WTP will be designed to the project flow rates and water quality criteria to meet the required concentrations. To do this, the WTP will be able to treat the Matawinie Project flood design flows for each phase; 900 m³/h for Phase A and 900 m³/h for Phase B1. The quality of the raw water for the design is from SNC-Lavalin's FS report (2020), maximum concentrations are from Appendix A of the project prediction study (Lamont, 2020) and anticipated water chemistry is from the co-disposal test cells outflow.

The location of the WTP will be next to BC-2 (Figure 18-11) and the pumping line will be directly through the effluent. Downstream of the WTP, the treated water will be piped to the *Eau Morte Creek* from 2.4 km from the WTP.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-23** |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp11img013.jpg)

**Figure 18-11:** **Location plan of the WTP**

The treatment will be a physical-chemical process with the addition of sludge thickening and dewatering processes. There will be two trains to meet the hydraulic requirements of Phases A and B1. Each train will have a design flow of 500 m<sup>3</sup>/h, for a total of 1,000 m<sup>3</sup>/h.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-24** |

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The processing steps for the liquid processing chain will be as follows (a Block Flow Diagram is shown in Figure 18-12):

1. Neutralization
 (towards an alkaline pH)

2. Coagulation

3. Flocculation

4. Clarification

5. Neutralization
 (towards an acid pH)

6. Filtration

The treatment stream for the sludge treatment chain will be as follows:

1. Sludge
 thickening

2. Dewatering

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp11img014.jpg)

**Figure 18-12:** **Block flow diagram of the WTP**

The neutralization process is required to increase the pH of the feed water; this promotes the precipitation of hydroxides. The addition of a coagulant serves to destabilize the net charge on the surface of the suspended particles and the addition of a polymer promotes the agglomeration of these smaller particles; this physical-chemical process is used to increase the settling rate at the next stage.

The clarification stage, the final step of the physical-chemical process, allows the separation of particles from water. The clarified water is directed to a neutralization basin for the final pH adjustment, while the sludge, which contains the particles removed from the solution, is thickened and pumped to the filter press for dewatering.

The clarified water from the clarifier overflow is directed, by gravity flow, to a pH neutralization reactor and then to a disc filter, the polishing and final step in the liquid treatment chain. The extracted solids from the disk filter are pumped to the BC basin upstream of the WTP.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-25** |

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Initially, the sludge is thickened in a thickener directly below the lamella clarifier. It is then transferred to a filter press for dewatering; the products (or cake) will be transported from the WTP by truck. The liquid extracted from the sludge is transferred to the BC-2 upstream of the WTP. This completes the solid processing chain.

**18.7** **Camp Site Accommodations** 

Considering the proximity of the town of Saint-Michel-des-Saints and other communities, no permanent camp has been provided for the Matawinie Project. The premise is that the nearby towns will provide some of the work force and all the housing to the construction and long-term employees.

**18.8** **Site Buildings** 

**Processing Plant Area**

The processing plant area is located east of the open pit. The plant area (industrial pad) where the concentrator facilities will be built on the site is approximately 400 m by 400 m and slopes towards the south (Figure 18-13).

The area will be excavated and backfilled to variable elevations. The elevation level next to the concentrator will be 544.85 m.

The plant area is sloped, diversion and collecting ditches direct the surface water away from the plant to collector points.

The main facilities, part of the concentrator area, are shown in Figure 18-14.

**Crushed Ore Storage Dome**

The crushed ore from the crusher(s) will be stored in a 52 m diameter and 26 m high dome. The storage dome walls will rest on concrete foundations. The storage dome will be uninsulated, ventilated, and unheated.

The storage area will be on a concrete slab on grades to prevent spillage. Truck doors will be positioned at each end to allow for a loader or excavator to assist in feeding the apron feeders when the stockpile volume is low. The crushed ore will be reclaimed via three apron feeders located under the stockpile in a concrete reclaim tunnel. The inside dimensions of the concrete tunnel are 5.5 m wide by 36.7 m long by 6.7 m high.

The transition from the concrete tunnel to grade is by corrugated multiplate culverts; one for the SAG mill feed conveyor and one as an emergency exit.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-26** |

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**Concentrator Building and Area**

The concentrator is subdivided into the areas shown in Figure 18-13.

Sector 3000 Concentrator area including the primary grinding, rougher/scavenger flotation, polishing and primary cleaning, stirred media and flotation, graphite dewatering, tailings thickening, and magnetic separation.

Sector 4000 area including the dryer, handling system, graphite storage silos, and bulk loadout section.

Sector 5000 area including the tailings dewatering equipment for both the NAG and PAG.

The concentrator area also includes the pump room, the exterior tanks (process water, fresh water, and tailings water), NAG and PAG thickeners as well as domes for the NAG and PAG tailings.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-27** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp12img01.jpg)

**Figure 18-13: Concentrator area**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-28** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp12img02.jpg)

**Figure 18-14: Concentrator plant floor layout**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-29** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**NAG and PAG Storage**

Both NAG and PAG storage buildings will be dome-shaped structures that will allow materials to be reclaimed using loaders and trucks. Both domes will be uninsulated, unheated and ventilated. The domes will be accessible by loaders and trucks for loading of the tailings to be trucked to the CDF.

The NAG dome will be 48 m in diameter and 24 m in height and the PAG dome will be 30 m wide by 15 m high. Each dome wall will sit on concrete foundations. A geomembrane will be placed around the PAG dome, which will direct water to ditches leading to BC-2.

**Office Complex**

A provision has been made for administration offices as a distinct building accessible from the concentrator. This complex will be modular and house offices, a conference room, a lunchroom, a locker room with showers, sanitary installations, and a laboratory.

**Mine Garage**

The mine garage will be a Megadome structure mounted on sea containers with a concrete floor. The sea containers will serve for parts storage and the administrative office of the garage. The facility will be used to service the fleet of mining equipment and light vehicles.

**18.9** **Site Services** 

**Potable Water Treatment**

Provision is made for a potable water treatment based on ultrafiltration membrane system to provide service water for the employees. The potable treatment system will be fed from on-site fresh water well(s).

**Sanitary Wastewater Treatment**

A domestic wastewater treatment system will be provided for on-site use. The planned system includes a septic tank and biological field system (Bionest). Sewage will be collected by underground pipes. The wastewater treatment plant effluent will be directed to BC-2.

**Fuel Storage and Fuelling Station**

Fuel will be required for the process as well as the mining fleet prior to the zero-emissions transition. Process fuel will be stored in an exterior 46,000 L contained tank and a 2,270 L interior daily tank. Two 50,000 L double-walled tanks will be installed for the needs of the mining fleet.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-30** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Site Fire Protection**

A fire protection loop is planned around the process facilities area to distribute fire protection water to different hydrants located nearby buildings located within the industrial pad area. Key equipment will be protected by a sprinkler system where and as required. An electric fire protection pump, a diesel fixed pump, and a jockey pump are all part of the system.

**18.10** **Electrical Distribution – Concentrator** 

**MV and LV Distribution Levels, Systems Grounding and Load Ranges**

The proposed distribution voltage levels for equipment and the type of motors are defined as indicated in Table 18-4. Detailed engineering during the main project phase shall follow the CSA M421 "Use of Electricity in Mines" standard.

**Table 18-4: Voltage and loads**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Voltage** | **Grounding** | **Loads** |
| 13.8 kV, 3-Phase, 3 W | LRG (400 A) | MV main distribution |
| 4.16 kV or 3.3 kV,<br> 3-Phase, 3 W | LRG (100 A) | MV distribution<br> Fixed speed and variable speed motors 5 kV |
| 600 V, 3-Phase, 3 W | HRG (5 A) | Fixed speed and variable speed motors 575 V<br> Process loads no larger than 600 kW |
| 600/347 V, 3-Phase, 4 W | Solidly Grounded | Large HVAC<br> Lighting in Process Area<br> Welding receptacles |
| 208/120 V, 3-Phase, 4 W<br> or 120V, 1-Phase | Solidly Grounded | Small motors 115 V<br> Lighting in Buildings and Small HVAC<br> Small loads up to 6 kW |

---

LRG: low resistance ground; HRG: high resistance ground

**Hazardous Locations**

During this Study, the graphite concentrate related to the dry screening equipment and the area around the graphite concentrate dryer were considered classified as a Class II, Division 2, Group F hazardous area. In fact, these areas, located in the concentrator building, would have been separated from the rest of the building by an explosion-proof and fire-rated wall. Therefore, the electrical equipment enclosures would have been rated NEMA 7 and NEMA 9 and the motor enclosures would have been rated Explosion-Proof, Class II, Division 2, Group F.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-31** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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However, after verification during the detailed engineering, it was concluded that the graphite is not combustible. Thus, there will be no need to provide rated Explosion-Proof electrical equipment enclosures in the bagging system area.

**Emergency Power Concentrator**

An emergency power system will be provided as a standby source of power to feed critical processes loads and essential services within the concentrator (e.g., low voltage (< 1 kV) system control, emergency and exit lighting) in the event of power loss from the power grid.

The standby power source will consist of one 1.5 MW or three 0.5 kW, 600 V diesel generators located in the vicinity of the concentrator area. The total power required for emergency power is estimated at 1.5 MW. If required, the diesel generators might be used during the construction period to supply the temporary construction power.

All critical loads in the concentrator and the substation will be supplied by the same generators located near the concentrator area.

The diesel generator(s) will start automatically once the main 120 kV source is lost. The control system will shed loads, keeping only the critical process and services loads engaged.

The uninterruptible power supplies ("UPS") system will be specified for the 30-minute operation of the critical loads such as the LV control system. The 125 V<sub>DC</sub> Battery and chargers will be designed for 8 hours of discharge for the MV and HV system control and protection.

The telecommunications system will be provided with embedded batteries to ensure emergency communications during a shutdown of the power line.

**Electrical Rooms**

The main substation electrical room 0510-EHR-001 will be a walk-in outdoor type, located within the substation, and will house the 13.8 kV distribution switchgear, protection control and Hydro-Québec metering panels.

Counting the electrical substation, there will be nine electrical rooms. The concentrator electrical equipment will be installed in eight electrical rooms. The electrical rooms will be prefabricated insulated units with necessary HVAC systems.

Six electrical rooms (3001-EHR-001 to 3001-EHR-006) will be located adjacent to the vicinity of the concentrator and will provide power to the concentrator plant via overhead cable trays.

Electrical room 2001-EHR-001 will be located in the crusher area, housing the low-voltage equipment.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-32** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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Electrical room 2020-EHR-001 will be located near the stockpile tunnel, it will supply the low-voltage equipment under the stockpile dome.

**Motors and Starting Methods**

All the motors are induction motors, high-efficiency or premium efficiency. A starting method is selected depending on the motor size, on the type of starting torque, in the process needs (fixed speed or variable speed) but also on the grid reliability and on the starter cost. The retained starting methods are:

▪ Direct
 online ("DOL") motor starting is the most common method. The advantage is that
 it is simple, reliable and less expensive. The disadvantage is that the starting line currently
 is five to six times rated current. The DOL method is used for all low-voltage motors, fixed
 speed applications;

▪ The
 Variable Frequency Drives ("VFD") enables low starting currents because the motor
 can produce the required torque of the rated current from zero to full speed. The VFD start
 provides smooth, step-less acceleration of motor and loads while controlling inrush current
 and the starting torque. As a voltage regulator, they can be used to control the stopping
 of the process.

**Power Factor Correction and Harmonics Filters**

Usually, Hydro-Québec's requirements concerning the connection to the power grid, is to maintain the overall system power factor at 0.95 or higher, and harmonics must be under the limits of all Hydro-Québec requirements.

It was planned to install beside the main 13.8 kV substation area, one 4.5 MVAR three-step power factor correction ("PFC") unit, synchronized to the 4.8<sup>th</sup> harmonic, to be able to maintain the power factor at 0.95. During the Matawinie Mine planification, and to avoid significant investment in Poste Provost (where the Project's substation is fed from), Hydro-Québec has agreed with NMG that the overall Project power factor must be brought to 1 instead of 0.95. In fact, a static synchronous compensator ("STACOM") will be provided and installed in the substation to meet Hydro-Québec requirements.

Equipment likely to generate harmonics are VFDs used for process equipment that demands variable speed when in operation. In addition, LED lights and some of the heaters controlled by silicon-controlled resistors ("SCR") may also generate harmonics. To limit harmonics generated in the network, low harmonic VFDs will be provided for larger size of motors (250 hp and plus) controlled by VFD.

In addition, to reduce the harmonic limits, the medium-voltage VFDs supplying the SAG, Ball and Polishing mills will be of the Very Low Harmonics type (active front end or at least 24 pulses).

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-33** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Grounding**

For grounding systems, the neutral of the main substation power transformer and the neutrals of the distribution transformers will be resistance-grounded to provide better protection for equipment and personnel, and limit damage due to arcing faults.

For equipment grounding, a grounding system, consisting of a network of copper conductors, will be provided for the process of building and another for the substation. The ground conductors will run externally around each building with taps 18-34 thermos-welded to every other column. The individual ground grids will be tied together with interconnecting ground cables.

All major electrical equipment such as transformers, switchgears, large motors, motor controllers, cable tray systems, water and fuel tanks and substation fencing will be individually connected to the grounding network from two points.

The grounding system will be designed to limit the overall resistance to the ground to 4 ohms (4 Ω) or less.

A separate ground bus in electrical rooms and/or control room will be dedicated to instrumentation cables and equipment grounding. This ground bus shall be connected to an isolated grounding system and insulated from the main plant ground. An insulated green ground wire will run to the instrumentation equipment ground studs to ensure instrument grounding system integrity. The instrument ground bus will be connected to the main plant grounding system.

**Cables and Cable Trays**

The power cables will consist of a single conductor or three copper conductors, XLPE-insulated, with aluminum or steel armour, PVC-sheathed and rated for 75 °C.

Cable trays will be ladder-type and made of galvanized steel. Cable trays for instrument cables will have a separated section. For cables of different voltage ratings, either separate trays will be provided or separating barriers will be installed if they lie in the same tray.

**Lighting and Small Power**

The necessary illumination levels will be provided for all areas as per the lighting specification, in accordance with the Mining Code.

Process areas with high headroom (higher than 3 m) will be lit by LED fixtures. Other internal areas of the plant (e.g., process areas that are less than 3 m high, offices, electrical and control rooms) will be lit by LED lamps as well.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-34** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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Outdoor areas (e.g., exterior of process buildings, roads and parking lots) will be lit by LED Roadway lighting fixtures and floodlights installed on wooden poles and structures.

Other areas such as process working zones, control and electrical rooms will be fitted with rapid restarting fixtures to provide partial or full illumination after voltage dips or normal power failure.

To permit movement of personnel during a power failure or an emergency, all areas will be fitted with individual battery pack units located near passages, stairwells and exits. The exit lights will have built-in batteries and energy-efficient lights; the modules will be located near the exits.

The lighting system and receptacle power will be fed by 120 / 208 V dry-type transformers and panel boards located in electrical rooms.

Lighting in the process and production areas will be switched from panel boards. Outdoor lighting will be controlled by photocells or timers.

Welding/power outlets will be installed at appropriate locations for supplying power to portable welders and similar loads.

**Electrical Equipment Specifications**

The characteristics of major electrical equipment were based on developed design criteria and then applied to the mechanical equipment list to generate documents such as electrical single-line diagrams ("SLD"), equipment datasheets and specifications. These datasheets and specifications were then sent to qualified suppliers to obtain budgetary and firm quotations.

**18.11** **Automation and Telecommunication** 

**Control System Philosophy**

The block diagram shown in Figure 18-15 shows the various levels of communication within the control system. It should be noted that, for the Matawinie Project, all communications have been specified to be via Ethernet.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-35** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp12img03.jpg)

**Figure 18-15: Communication** **block diagram**

The instruments and hardwired signals will be wired to the control system using remote junction box-style cabinets situated throughout the process. The remote input/output ("I/O") cabinets will be connected to the controller via a fibre-optic Ethernet loop. The remote-IO cabinets will connect to the system servers via Ethernet switches installed in the control room and/or the electrical room.

Four dedicated controllers for each area have been specified for the Matawinie Mine. All controllers will be located in an Electrical Room and centralized into a distributed control system ("DCS") architecture in the Control Room. No redundant controllers have been specified.

All I/Os, such as the signals/commands from the smart electrical equipment or skid controls, will be linked to the controllers via hardwired signals or through a communication bus such as Ethernet

**Process Control System Input / Output (I/O) Count**

The I/O count was based on the piping and instrumentation diagrams ("P&ID") and is presented in Table 18-5.

**Table 18-5: Input-output summary**

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Area** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**AI** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**AO** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**DI** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**DO** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**VFD** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**MCU** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Concentrator | &nbsp;&nbsp;483 | &nbsp;&nbsp;163 | &nbsp;&nbsp;745 | &nbsp;&nbsp;303 | &nbsp;&nbsp;66 | &nbsp;&nbsp;231 |
| Note: All VFD or MCU are accessed via a network, no hardwired I/O are used. | Note: All VFD or MCU are accessed via a network, no hardwired I/O are used. | Note: All VFD or MCU are accessed via a network, no hardwired I/O are used. | Note: All VFD or MCU are accessed via a network, no hardwired I/O are used. | Note: All VFD or MCU are accessed via a network, no hardwired I/O are used. | Note: All VFD or MCU are accessed via a network, no hardwired I/O are used. | Note: All VFD or MCU are accessed via a network, no hardwired I/O are used. |

---

Table 18-6 lists the remote I/Os to be connected to the Remote I/O cabinets in the plant.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-36** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Table 18-6: Input-output per area**

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Area** | **AI** | **AO** | **DI** | **DO** | **MCU/VFD** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;05XX - GENERAL SITE | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;20XX – PRIMARY CRUSHER | 36 | 8 | 127 | 24 | 23 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;30XX - CONCENTRATOR | 362 | 88 | 331 | 165 | 173 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;40XX – GRAPHITE DRY | 8 | 8 | 16 | 16 | 7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;50XX - DESULPHURIZATION | 63 | 18 | 136 | 58 | 63 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;60XX - REAGENT | 16 | 49 | 151 | 56 | 23 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;GENERATOR | 0 | 0 | 13 | 3 | 0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;PIT | 2 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 3 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;TAILINGS | 2 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;WATER TREATMENT | 0 | 0 | 9 | 3 | 4 |
| Note: Allowance is made from 4 to 5 soft I/Os per MCU/VFD. | Note: Allowance is made from 4 to 5 soft I/Os per MCU/VFD. | Note: Allowance is made from 4 to 5 soft I/Os per MCU/VFD. | Note: Allowance is made from 4 to 5 soft I/Os per MCU/VFD. | Note: Allowance is made from 4 to 5 soft I/Os per MCU/VFD. | Note: Allowance is made from 4 to 5 soft I/Os per MCU/VFD. |

---

For this Study, 20% spare I/O capacity has been considered in the design.

**Local Control System and Instruments**

One local control panel will be provided for each motor or process group of motors related to conveyors. The associated I/Os (stop/start/remote/local) will be hardwired to the I/O cabinets. The control system will then be responsible for relaying start/stop commands to the respective cells in the smart Motor Control Centres ("MCC").

**Fibre-Optic Network**

Within the control room, the servers, workstations, and controllers will be connected using a Star topology. The fibre optic I/O network is a loop starting from a controller located in an electrical room and connected to the nodes of the network using switches and coming back to the electrical room.

**System Server / Software**

A DCS architecture with a dedicated programmable logic controller ("PLC") will be used as the control system platform. The DCS architecture is based on a Client/Server architecture. Server applications presented in Figure 18-15 above are loaded into servers configured in a Virtual Machine environment. Operator clients will also be loaded onto servers and will connect to thin clients using Remote Desktop Services.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-37** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Site Telecommunications**

The wireless communication system will provide service coverage to:

▪ Plant
 operation area (outdoor);

▪ Concentrator
 building (indoor);

▪ Entrance
 gate (indoor/outdoor);

▪ Mine
 operation area (outdoor).

The solution will be based on a broadband mesh communication network based on 802.11n (license-free) dual band. Routers/Access Points density shall be such that continuous connectivity service would be provided to low RF output power devices like VoIP phones, laptops and other personal devices.

Based on the design, there will be a number of gateways connected to existing fibre or copper Ethernet backhaul network infrastructure, and Nodes that will connect to the gateways wirelessly and extend the service coverage area.

There will be a single "carrier class" Network Management System ("NMS") to configure, manage and control all routers of the network. It will be installed in the server room in the concentrator building.

The broadband wireless mesh network will be capable of operation without relying on NMS operation (controller-less network architecture).

**Telecommunication Network and Mobile Radio System**

The broadband wireless solution shall be capable of supporting multiple concurrent applications with various levels of priority, including traffic segmentation and VLAN, for example. The main applications that will be supported are:

▪ Wi-Fi
 unwired remote access to the internet and company intranet;

▪ SCADA
 (mobile and stationary) and telemetry;

▪ Voice-over-IP
 ("VoIP") telephony (IP PBX phone system);

▪ Camera
 and security system;

During construction, a mobile radio system will be used for communication between workers and staff. However, after the completion of mine construction, communications will switch over to the Wi-Fi-based VoIP telephony system. Aside from the communications equipment deployed outdoors or in the process areas, the key infrastructure, such as servers, will be housed in the control room in the concentrator building.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-38** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp12img04.jpg)

**Figure 18-16: High-level architecture of the wireless network**

**Location of Devices**

Devices will be located to ensure the concentrator plant area is adequately covered with Wi-Fi coverage and across the different areas of the mine according to the mine development plan. For the first years of operation, coverage of the open pit will be limited to the co-disposal areas and the southern half of the pit. Additional equipment will start to be installed in the north to allow for coverage in that area as the mining operations are developed.

A total number of seven nodes have been planned for the outdoor plant coverage (two TropOS Gateway fibre and five TropOS Nodes).

As per the indoor Concentrator plant, a total of six TopOS Gateway fibres have been planned.

**Camera and Security System**

All inside cameras and outside cameras that are near buildings shall be wired through a dedicated star Ethernet network (copper or fibre when needed). The network will be dedicated especially to the camera network and will be connected to a DVR (Digital Video Recorder).

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-39** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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As for the wireless cameras, a Broadband Wireless Mesh Network will support high-definition camera connectivity to the fibre backhaul via dedicated PtP links while providing Wi-Fi access and mesh network redundancy.

**18.12** **Co-disposal Facility (CDF)** 

As mentioned in Chapters 13 and 17, the tailings will be desulphurized through a sulphide flotation process and magnetic separation. Two streams of tailings will be produced, NAG and PAG. Tailings will be thickened within the process to maximize water recovery. Afterward, NAG and PAG tailings will be filtered using Larox filter presses. The filtration process will decrease the gravimetric water content of NAG and PAG tailings to 15% to 18%. The recovered water will be pumped back to the mill. Filtered tailings will then be stockpiled on the industrial platform and protected against precipitation and wind. Both types of tailings will be hauled to the CDF by truck.

Mine waste material will be placed on a lined platform. The lined platform will be designed to: i) promote basal drainage toward peripherical ditches; and ii) avoid creating a preferential slip surface at the contact with the geomembrane.

As shown in Figure 18-17, mine waste material (NAG and PAG tailings and waste rock) will be placed concomitantly within so-called deposition cells. The co-disposition strategy has been developed with the intent to minimize sulphur mineral exposure to oxygen. Indeed, waste rock will be used to create well-delimited deposition cells. Inside these deposition cells, a layer of NAG or PAG tailings will be placed and compacted. As per the mine plan, numerous deposition cells could be active at the same time, and selected deposition cells could be dedicated to either NAG or PAG tailings as per the time of the year/mine plan. Within a 3-month window period, PAG tailings will be covered by NAG tailings. The compacted layers of NAG tailings will then limit oxygen flux toward sulphur minerals and maintain PAG tailings saturation as high as possible. Waste rock, as well as both types of tailings, will be placed and compacted with the intent to promote dilative behaviour. Inclusions of waste rock, used to build deposition cells, will be strategically placed within the CDF to increase the overall stockpile strength and minimize potential phreatic surface buildup within the stockpile. As the mining operation progresses, mine waste disposition within the pit will be promoted.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-40** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp12img05.jpg)

**Figure 18-17: Typical cross section of the inside of a deposition cell during operation and construction of the CDF**

In addition to significantly reducing the footprint of the facility, the developed mine waste management strategy is reducing the environmental liability and minimizing the susceptibility of a catastrophic failure.

**Design Criteria**

The detailed engineering will be complying with the applicable regulation and guidelines listed below:

▪ *Directive 019* sur l'industrie minière, mars 2012. (D19).

▪ *Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et des Parcs* (2022).

▪ Guide
 de préparation du plan de réaménagement et de restauration des sites
 miniers au Québec. *Ministère de l'Énergie et des Ressources naturelles* (MERN, 2022). (Le Guide)

▪ *Mining Acts* (RLRQ <sup>1</sup> ,
 chapitre M-13.1).

▪ *Environment Quality Act* (LQE <sup>2</sup>):
 (RLRQ, chapitre Q-2).

▪ *Canadian Environmental Protection Act*, 1999 (S.C. 1999, c. 33).

▪ Global
 Industry Standard on Tailings Management (2020)

▪ ICOLD
 Bulletin No. 194, Tailings Dam Safety (Draft for Review by the National Committees)

<sup>1</sup> RLRQ: *Recueil des lois et des règlements du Québec*

<sup>2</sup> LQE: *Loi sur la qualité de l'environnement* 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-41** |

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▪ Mining
 Association of Canada ("MAC"), 2017. A Guide to the Management of Tailings Facilities

▪ Canadian
 Dam Association (CDA), 2014. Technical Bulletin: Application of Dam Safety Guidelines to
 Mining Dams

▪ Mining
 Association of Canada (MAC), 2011. Developing an Operation, Maintenance and Surveillance
 Manual for Tailings and Water Management Facilities

▪ Mining
 Association of Canada (MAC), 2011. A Guide to Audit and Assessment of Tailings Facility Management

▪ Canadian
 Dam Association (CDA), 2007. Dam Safety Guidelines

▪ U.S.
 Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). 1994. Technical Report – Design and Evaluation
 of Tailings Dams

The following criterion for the stability and volume estimation were retained for the design of the CDF:

▪ Assumed
 in-place compacted dry densities are listed in Table 16-7;

▪ Targeted
 offset of 70 m between the co-disposal pile and the mining pit;

▪ Offset
 of 10 m between the toe of the co-disposal pile and the centre line of any peripheral
 catchment ditches;

▪ 2.5:1
 bench slope at closure;

▪ 1.3:1
 waste rock minimum slope during operation;

▪ 3:1
 final waste stockpile slope after restoration;

▪ Maximum
 co-disposal pile height of 80 m with respect to the natural ground;

▪ The
 surface underneath the waste stockpile will be stripped and smoothed, followed by the installation
 of a geomembrane, with a geotextile layer below and above. The geotextile layer can be replaced
 by a lift of sand (min. 500 mm);

▪ Maximum
 elevation of 599 m above sea level.

**CDF Geotechnical Stability**

As part of the previous FS report (Allaire et al., 2022), the geotechnical stability of the CDF has been studied under static and pseudo-static conditions, along four different cross-sections. These cross-sections were selected to assess the global (maximum elevation of 599 m) and local (each bench) geotechnical stability of the CDF. The obtained results showed that under the loading conditions mentioned above, the factors of safety calculated complied with the targets specified by the *Directive 019*. For static loading, the FOS were above the target of 1.5. The calculated FOS under the pseudo-static condition were also above the target of 1.1. As part of the 2022 FS, the settlement at the base of the CDF was studied, and the results suggested that the settlement should be appropriate, below 1.0 m.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-42** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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As part of this engineering phase, a comprehensive review of the above-mentioned assessment was performed, and potential optimizations were identified. Therefore, advanced laboratory testing is currently being conducted to accurately confirm the tailings' strength and hydraulic properties/characteristics. The previously performed seepage, stability and deformation assessments will then be updated. The findings of these assessments will be used to optimize the overall configuration of the CDF to comply with the current best practice recommendations listed in the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management ("GISTM"), Canadian Dam Association ("CDA") and International Commission On Large Dams ("ICOLD") guidelines.

**CDF Timeline**

As per the current mine plan, mine waste management is scheduled to be achieved over a 28-year period (including 2 years for construction and pre-mining phases). Detailed monthly plans were developed for the first 2 years, followed by yearly plans for the remainder of the life of mine. Figure 18-18 to Figure 18-20 show the CDF evolution through the years.

As currently planned, the mine waste management strategy has been developed in three phases with the intent to minimize the facility footprint and construction/operating costs:

▪ Phase
 A – Short-term

- A-1 (0 to Y-1 Q2 of production);

- A-2 (Y1 Q3 to Y1 Q4 of production);

- A-3 (long-term, Y2-Q1 to Y3 Q2 of production), and;

- A-4 (Y3 Q3 to Y5 Q4 of production)

▪ Phase
 B – Mid-Term (72 to 88 months)

▪ Phase
 C – Long term (>89 months)

It is worth mentioning that these phases differ slightly from the surface water management phases.

**Phase A - Short-term Plans**

As part of the CDF Phase A, the CDF will begin west of the mining pit. This area is separated into four main sectors, identified as: Phases A-1, A-2, A-3 and A-4 (Figure 16-14, Section 16.7.5). These sub-phases have been subdivided as per their sub-watersheds. The first 6 months of mine waste management will be performed within the east sector of the CDF Phase A (Figure 18-18). The CDF Phases A-1 to A-4 will reach an elevation of 587 m and will manage a total of 35.86 Mm3 of mine waste during the first 5 years of the mine operation (Figure 18-19). The natural topography within this sector favours natural drainage with peripheral ditches towards BC-1.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-43** |

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According to the current mine plan, the mine will produce waste rock during the first 6 months. An initial berm, composed of waste rock, will be constructed to contain the waste rock volume at the beginning of mining operations. Afterwards, this berm will be divided into several cells by constructing intermediate waste rock berms. Additionally, toe-drains will be integrated at the foot of the first level berm to help minimize phreatic level built up inside the CDF during operation.

As previously mentioned, mine waste deposition will be achieved within multiple deposition cells simultaneously. Having multiple work areas will increase worker safety, facilitate operations and allow flexibility. As currently envisioned, there will be at least one empty deposition cell built in advance. The scale of the deposition cell will be directly related to the volume of PAG tailings generated over time. At every stage of construction, there will be a deposition cell strategically located where off-spec material can be placed. Proactive surface water management, through temporary ditches, will be implemented to maintain tailings moisture content at target levels. During winter, systematic snow management will be conducted to minimize the likelihood of snow entrapment within the CDF.

The CDF construction/operation will progress level-by-level, building benches. Each bench is delimited by an initial berm composed of waste rock and then divided into cells using intermediate berms. Considering the varied topography, the height of benches for the first level will likely vary but will be limited to the 10 m height.

Figure 18-18 shows the CDF Phase A-1 South sector configuration that is currently under design. It is anticipated that this configuration will be reached after 6 months of operation. Figure 18-19 shows the overall CDF Phase A configuration after 72 months of operation.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-44** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp12img06.jpg)

**Figure 18-18: CDF Phase A-1 sector anticipated configuration (6 months)**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-45** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp12img07.jpg)

**Figure 18-19: CDF Phase A anticipated configuration (72 month)**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-46** |

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**Phases B and C – Medium to Long-term Plans**

According to the current mine plan, the CDF construction will progress toward the west, on the north side of the open pit until it reaches the edge of the open pit Phase 1, around the 84<sup>th</sup> month of operation, then in-pit backfill should start toward the north. The initial in-pit deposition will extend north by approximately 500 m. Over the course of the in-pit backfill, the strategy is for the CDF within the open pit to eventually connect with the previously built CDF north and west of the open pit as part of Phase C of operation.

Starting around the 88<sup>th</sup> month of operation, the construction of the CDF will take place above the backfilled open pit. As the real estate to the east of the open pit is exploited, the CDF could then be expanded in that direction. As part of the construction/operation of the CDF, FC-7 and FC-8 ditches will be commissioned.

As the operation of the CDF progresses, construction/operation will take place above the open pit until the east and west bulges of the CDF are connected. The CDF above the in-pit deposition sector will attain a maximum elevation of 590 m and will expand by approximately 500 m within the pit, as shown in Figure 18-20.

The timing of the CDF construction sequence will have to be adjusted accordingly to the mining operation and executed mine plan with the intent to cover the full life of mine.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-47** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp12img08.jpg)

**Figure 18-20: CDF configuration anticipated at 246 months of operation**

**Reclamation and Revegetation of the CDF**

The co-disposal pile will be gradually covered, using a cover with capillary barrier effect ("CCBE"), as soon as it reaches its final elevation in the pile. This cover will act as an oxygen barrier and is designed to ensure long-term geochemical stability within the pile. The thickness and function of each layer of the cover will be:

▪ 0.5 m
 of screened waste rock, to act as a drainage layer;

▪ 0.4
 m of NAG tailings, to act as the water retention layer;

▪ 0.3
 m of overburden, to act as a protective layer;

▪ 0.3
 m of topsoil, to promote vegetation growth afterwards.

Based on co-disposal results that will be presented to the MELCCFP and MRNF (previously MERN), the cover might not be required as described and will be composed of the co-disposal cells acting for the drainage and water retention layer for the capillary barrier effect covered by at least 1 m of overburden, 0.3 m of topsoil and vegetation.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **18-48** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.** **Market Studies and Contracts** 

**19.1** **Market Studies and Final Product Contracts** 

**19.1.1** **Introduction** 

This section has been written with information provided by Benchmark Mineral Intelligence ("BMI") and other reliable confidential sources. BMI is an independent credible source that compiles international graphite prices and other commercial information for various commercial size fractions and concentrate purities.

Graphite is a form of carbon characterized by its bi-dimensional hexagonal crystalline structure known as graphene, stacked in several thousand layers bound by Van der Walls force. It occurs naturally in metamorphic rocks such as marble, schist, and gneiss, or is obtained synthetically by the calcination of various carbon sources such as petroleum coke. When subjected to extremely high pressure and temperature, the only other existing form of crystalline carbon is generated: diamond, with its three-dimensional structure.

Graphite has unique chemical, electrical, mechanical and thermal properties, such as:

▪ High
 electric conductivity due to the free flow of electrons through the atoms forming the graphene
 grid;

▪ Heat
 conductivity along the molecular plane, and heat insulation in the thru plane;

▪ Low
 reactivity, due to the high stability of the hexagonal C atom structure, providing very high
 resistance to oxidation, thermal shock and chemical attacks;

▪ High
 sublimation point (≈4,000°K at 1 atmosphere);

▪ Low
 expansion coefficient;

▪ Low
 friction coefficient as a result of the slipping effect between graphene layers;

▪ Low
 absorption of X-rays.

This set of properties allows graphite to find demand from a very wide array of applications, from pencil leads and refractory bricks to battery anode material.

Graphite is commercially available in various types, depending on the source, particle size and crystallinity:

▪ Natural
 Amorphous 60-85% C(g): Less than 200 mesh in size, low crystallinity;

▪ Natural
 Flake > 75% C(g): From jumbo flakes (+ 50 mesh) to fine flake (- 150 mesh),
 high crystallinity;

▪ Synthetic
 Flake > 99.55% C(g): Fine particle size (- 150 mesh), very high crystallinity;

▪ Vein
 > 95% C(g): Found in lumps that can be worked into shapes, high crystallinity.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **19-1** |

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The Matawinie Mine contains natural flake graphite. Table 19-1 shows the different types of natural flake graphite, for both primary and secondary transformation processes along with the typical purity and particle size distribution.

**Table 19-1: Different types of natural flake graphite**

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Type** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Feed Material** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Typical Purity** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Type of Processes** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Typical Particle<br> Size Distribution** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Flake Graphite | &nbsp;&nbsp;Ore | &nbsp;&nbsp;75% to 98% | &nbsp;&nbsp;Mechanical concentration and flotation | &nbsp;&nbsp;+ 50 mesh to <br> - 100 mesh |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;High Purity | &nbsp;&nbsp;Flake graphite | &nbsp;&nbsp;99% to 99.9% | &nbsp;&nbsp;Leaching or calcination | &nbsp;&nbsp;+ 50 mesh to <br> - 100 mesh |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Micronized | &nbsp;&nbsp;Flake graphite | &nbsp;&nbsp;91% to 98% | &nbsp;&nbsp;Milling | &nbsp;&nbsp;< 100 µm |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;High Purity Micronized | &nbsp;&nbsp;High purity | &nbsp;&nbsp;99% to 99.9% | &nbsp;&nbsp;Milling | &nbsp;&nbsp;< 100 µm |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Spherical | &nbsp;&nbsp;High purity micronized | &nbsp;&nbsp;≥ 99.95% | &nbsp;&nbsp;Shaping | &nbsp;&nbsp;< 30 µm |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Expandable | &nbsp;&nbsp;Flake graphite | &nbsp;&nbsp;95% to 98% | &nbsp;&nbsp;Chemical intercalation | &nbsp;&nbsp;> + 80 mesh |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;High Purity Expandable | &nbsp;&nbsp;High purity | &nbsp;&nbsp;99% to 99.5% | &nbsp;&nbsp;Chemical intercalation | &nbsp;&nbsp;> + 80 mesh |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Expanded | &nbsp;&nbsp;High purity expandable | &nbsp;&nbsp;99% to 99.9% | &nbsp;&nbsp;Heat shock and milling | &nbsp;&nbsp;< 100 µm |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Foil | &nbsp;&nbsp;Expandable | &nbsp;&nbsp;95% to 99.5% | &nbsp;&nbsp;Heat shock and lamination | &nbsp;&nbsp;Various |

---

Source: Internal Market Data

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **19-2** |

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**19.1.2** **Uses and Demand Trends** 

The most relevant commercial uses of natural flake graphite are illustrated in Figure 19-1.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp12img09.jpg)

Source: Internal data

**Figure 19-1: Graphite** **commercial and dual-use applications for different graphite products over the full range of NMG value chain**

Figure 19-2 shows the natural graphite demand for 2023-2040 per application, while Figure 19-3 zooms in on the natural graphite battery demand forecast per region.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **19-3** |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp12img10.jpg)

**Figure 19-2:** **Natural graphite demand forecast per**

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp12img11.jpg)

Source: BMI Graphite and Anode Market Report November 2025

**Figure 19-3:** **application Natural graphite demand per region in kilotonnes**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **19-4** |

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Table 19-2 lists the future demand trends by main applications. NMG plans to address these markets to diversify its revenue streams and fully utilize its product portfolio.

**Table 19-2:** **Future demand trends by main applications**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Application** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Trend** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Opportunities** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Threats** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Li-ion Batteries | &nbsp;&nbsp;High Growth | &nbsp;&nbsp;Advance of EV, PEV, HPEV<sup>(1)</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;New anode technologies |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Flame Retardants | &nbsp;&nbsp;High Growth | &nbsp;&nbsp;Stringent construction rules |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Polymers – Conductivity / Strength | &nbsp;&nbsp;High Growth | &nbsp;&nbsp;Replacement of metallic parts on automotive | &nbsp;&nbsp;Competing materials |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Polymers – Insulation | &nbsp;&nbsp;GDP Growth | &nbsp;&nbsp;Stringent construction rules | &nbsp;&nbsp;EPS<sup>(2)</sup> cost reduction |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Thermal Management | &nbsp;&nbsp;GDP Growth | &nbsp;&nbsp;Growth of electronic market;<br> New applications on construction | &nbsp;&nbsp;Downsizing of electronics |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Lead-Acid Batteries | &nbsp;&nbsp;GDP Growth | &nbsp;&nbsp;Replacement of carbon black;<br> Start-stop vehicles | &nbsp;&nbsp;Eventual replacement for Li-ion |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Friction | &nbsp;&nbsp;GDP Growth | &nbsp;&nbsp;Growth on automotive and OEM markets | &nbsp;&nbsp;Advance of alternative technologies |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Gaskets and Seals | &nbsp;&nbsp;GDP Growth | &nbsp;&nbsp;Growth on automotive and OEM markets |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Powder Metallurgy | &nbsp;&nbsp;GDP Growth | &nbsp;&nbsp;Replacement of machined parts on automotive |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Carbon Brushes | &nbsp;&nbsp;GDP Growth | &nbsp;&nbsp;Electric motors, automotive |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Nuclear Cores | &nbsp;&nbsp;GDP Growth | &nbsp;&nbsp;Replacement of coal thermal generation, advancement of Pebble Bed reactors | &nbsp;&nbsp;Wind and solar power |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Fuel Cells | &nbsp;&nbsp;High Growth | &nbsp;&nbsp;Hydrogen vehicles |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Refractories | &nbsp;&nbsp;High Growth | &nbsp;&nbsp;Rebound on steel demand driven by construction and oil exploration | &nbsp;&nbsp;Improved quality and technology by the brick manufacturers reducing demand per ton of steel;<br> Advance of monolithic |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Alkaline Batteries | &nbsp;&nbsp;Stable | &nbsp;&nbsp;Replacement of synthetic graphite at lower cost | &nbsp;&nbsp;Growth of rechargeable batteries |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Lubricants | &nbsp;&nbsp;Stable | &nbsp;&nbsp;Organic growth | &nbsp;&nbsp;Talc and other minerals |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Foundries | &nbsp;&nbsp;Declining | &nbsp;&nbsp;New alloys | &nbsp;&nbsp;Replacement by polymers, composite materials and powder metallurgy |

---

Source: Internal Market Data

<sup>(1)</sup> EV: Electric vehicle; PEV: Plug-in electric vehicle; HPEV: Hybrid plug-in electric vehicle

<sup>(2)</sup> EPS: Expandable polystyrene

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **19-5** |

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Natural graphite cannot be directly commercially recycled in all applications due to contamination, wear, and the fact that it becomes an intrinsic part of the alloy it composes. In such cases, it undergoes secondary recycling and can be repurposed. This means that even in mature markets, recycling does not reduce demand for primary natural graphite mining.

Possible future influences on graphite demand from the high growth trending applications are described below.

**19.1.2.1** **Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) Batteries** 

Under the existing technology, graphite is the most suitable material for use in anodes of Li-ion batteries, across all chemistries. Li-ion batteries are steadily replacing all other types of small rechargeable batteries. The demand of graphite to satisfy the global Li-ion cell/Gigafactory capacity was 3,787,000 tonnes in 2024 and is projected to increase to 11,243,000 tonnes in 2035 as shown on Figure 19-4. The development of e-mobility is the primary factor generating demand growth for this type of material. This is made evident through the Li-ion battery ("LiB") production capacity pipeline of 9,512.0 GWh (423 plants) by 2030 (source BMI 2025).

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp12img12.jpg)

Source: BMI - Gigafactory Assessment – September 2025

**Figure 19-4:** **Raw material demand**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **19-6** |

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The key steps for value-added processing of flake graphite concentrate to AAM are shaping, purification and coating:

**Micronization, Spheronization, Purification and Coating (Li-ion Battery Market)**

Currently, most of the production of spherical graphite is made in China. The shaping process consists of consecutive milling steps (micronization and spheronization), which are energy-intensive processes. In the case of natural graphite, the shaping can be performed before or after purification. Non-purified materials from this value-added processing serve different end markets such as powder metallurgy and polymers. Purified materials serve mainly the traditional alkaline battery market. Graphite by-products generated during spheronization can also be considered as a revenue source for battery material manufacturers. Purification is usually carried out by chemical leaching using hydrofluoric acid. The coating process is carried out in several stages starting with the micronization of solid petroleum or coal pitch, which will then be mixed with the spheronized graphite in a certain dosage. This uniform mixture is then heated in successive stages inside a roller furnace or a high temperature reactor for the pyrolysis of the pitch on the surface of the graphite, which is then calcined to obtain an amorphous carbon on the surface. Deagglomeration and sieving steps are then carried out to obtain the particle sizing required by the various customers.

**Purification**

Using the same purification method as described above, other more profitable value-added markets can be served. Purified large natural graphite flakes serve the high-end foil and refractory applications. Purified fines are used in pencils and carbon brushes. Other markets, such as fuel cells, require high purity jumbo flakes as well.

**19.1.2.2** **Expandable/Expanded Graphite** 

Expandable graphite is made by treating natural graphite with acid and oxidizing agents, which enables it to expand quickly when heated. Expanded graphite is produced from this expansion and is characterized by its lightweight, porous structure, as well as notable thermal and electrical conductivity. Expandable graphite is commonly used as a flame retardant additive or as an intermediate product, while expanded graphite is utilized in gaskets, seals, and energy storage. Both materials retain graphite's conductivity and offer increased flexibility and volume, making them applicable in various industrial and environmental contexts.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **19-7** |

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**19.1.2.3** **Flame Retardants** 

New and more stringent fire prevention rules have been implemented in most of the advanced countries and may be implemented in emerging countries as well. The application of a layer of expandable graphite (large flake natural graphite intercalated with acid molecules) with a bonding agent, around the edges of building doors, is used as a sealing agent triggered by high temperatures. In case of fire, the heat causes the salt particles to decompose and form gases, increasing volumes over 200 times, and thus sealing the gap between the door and the frame, preventing smoke from the fire to propagate through the building.

Expandable graphite is also used as additives to rubber and foam, causing these materials to improve their fire-retardant properties.

This application requires mainly large graphite flakes (> 80 mesh), which has demonstrated to be present and retrieved from NMG's West Zone Deposit.

**19.1.2.4** **Thermal Management** 

The introduction of flat screens for electronic appliances created the need to evenly dissipate the heat generated by electronic components. The screens are sensitive to heat, and eventual hot spots behind them in the electronic components cause dark spots on the screen. In case of very thin appliances, high purity graphite foils are required since they allow lamination to lower thickness.

Other applications for the heat dissipating foils, mainly in construction, are under development, and can boost demand in the near future.

With the roll-out of the 5G communication technology, the jumbo and large graphite flake demand for heat dissipation foils is expected to grow significantly above GDP growth.

**19.1.2.5** **Defense related applications** 

Graphite is central to the defense industry because of its exceptional properties: heat resistance, electrical and thermal conductivity, lubrication capacity, and light weight. Below is a sample of applications and uses:

▪ High-temperature
 resistant components;

▪ Composite
 materials;

▪ Batteries
 and power sources;

▪ Braking
 systems;

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **19-8** |

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▪ Anti-erosion;

▪ Electromagnetic
 Armor;

▪ Non-Lethal
 Bombs and Blackened Smoke;

▪ Ballistic
 armor and plates;

▪ Firearm
 Lubricants and Coatings;

▪ Rifle
 parts;

▪ Cooling
 system;

▪ Future
 development.

**19.1.3** **Producers** 

As shown on Figure 19-5, China is the largest and dominant producer of natural graphite (69%), followed by Africa (20%) in 2025.

Besides being the largest producer, China also has reserves for future exploration. Such dominance is well observed in the market, as Chinese price fluctuations affect the global market. The Chinese government, as in any relevant economic activity, steers the strategy to ensure alignment to the country's long-term projection. China has also built a very strong manufacturing ecosystem for graphite transformation.

For example, China introduced a 20% export duty on raw natural graphite in 2010, in order to force replacement of low value-added exports by use of this material for higher value-added applications within China, anticipating the then emerging demand for Li-ion batteries. In parallel, new restrictive environmental regulatory measures were implemented in China, forcing the older and more outdated producers to either go out of business or to consolidate with larger producers, which initially caused a reduction in total production of around 30%. Consequently, many graphite exploration projects were initiated or resumed worldwide.

More recent geopolitical events such as the disputes between the United States ("U.S.") and China and the Russian-Ukrainian conflict made the battery makers and EV producers realize the importance to secure supply of critical materials locally to de-risk their supply chain. In addition, the latest ESG trends, reshoring policies and industrial regulations have been steering European and North American battery / EV manufacturers to source from local suppliers, which offers sourcing compliance and more sustainable practices (i.e., low CO<sub>2</sub> footprint).

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **19-9** |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp12img13.jpg)

Source: BMI Graphite and Anode Market Report November 2025

**Figure 19-5:** **2025 and future natural flake graphite operating per country**

**19.1.4** **Price Forecast of Natural Graphite Flakes** 

This pricing section represents NMG's main markets, mainly in North America, into which it intends to sell its product portfolio. Price forecasts made by BMI and confirmed by other reliable confidential source consider assumptions that values NMG's advantages; optimal logistic cost (direct and indirect), low geopolitical risks, net zero carbon footprint, no U.S. import tariffs, etc.

BMI prices are derived from an August 2024 analysis and have remained largely unchanged since, indicating a stable pricing environment. These figures reflect BMI's forecast on a North America East Coast CIF basis for 97–98% C(t) material. The total nominal flakes concentrate output of the Matawinie Mine is 105,882 tpy of flakes concentrate.

The Tony Block's West Zone graphite concentrate value was calculated based on the weighted average of each size fraction and purity obtained during the metallurgical testing presented in Table 19-3 (volume %).

NMG's actual weighted graphite value is established at $1,334/t for the LOM total production volume at the mine. The basket value was calculated using the base case prices provided by BMI as of August 2024 for Matawinie flake size distribution, including +50 mesh, +80 mesh, +150 mesh and -150 mesh at a purity of >97% C(t).

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **19-10** |

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Due to its strategic location close to two seaports (approximately 160 km to Montréal and Trois-Rivières by paved roads) and proximity to North American end users (mostly based in the Great Lakes area), customers will benefit of low logistic cost to their manufacturing facilities.

Table 19-3 presents graphite concentrate prices in USD for various size fractions

**Table 19-3:** **Weighted average flake prices forecasted in North America**

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Product** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Mine Flake Production and Sales Overview** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Mine Flake Production and Sales Overview** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Mine Flake Production and Sales Overview** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Mine Flake Production and Sales Overview** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Mine Flake Production and Sales Overview** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Product** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Unit** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**+50 Mesh** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**+80 Mesh** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**+150 Mesh** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**-150 Mesh** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mine Flake Size Distribution | &nbsp;&nbsp;% | &nbsp;&nbsp;12 | &nbsp;&nbsp;30 | &nbsp;&nbsp;28 | &nbsp;&nbsp;30 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mine Flakes Output<sup>(1)</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;tpy | &nbsp;&nbsp;12706 | &nbsp;&nbsp;31765 | &nbsp;&nbsp;29647 | &nbsp;&nbsp;31765 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Price<sup>(2)</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;USD/t | &nbsp;&nbsp;1625 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1380 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1281 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1222 |

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Notes:

<sup>(1)</sup> Mine flakes output based on a nominal production rate of 105,882 tpy.

<sup>(2)</sup> BMI – Natural Graphite Market Study – August 2024.

**19.1.5** **Geopolitical Environment** 

In 2024, multiple country announcements—including China's new graphite export license requirements, the Inflation Reduction Act's FEOC graphite limits, and U.S. tariffs on certain graphite imports—have increased uncertainty and made the Chinese graphite supply chain riskier than before. Some African regions are experiencing instability from local unrest and paramilitary groups seeking control over assets, which is putting added pressure on alternative graphite sources and raising risks for securing raw materials in the graphite supply chain. The geopolitical environment is expected to influence commercial terms for graphite contracts, potentially benefiting entities like NMG that are less affected by such events. While these risks were not addressed in this report, they may improve NMG's future commercial terms.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **19-11** |

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**19.1.6** **NMG's Graphite Flake Materials' Contracts** 

In preparation for significant advancements in the coming year, the Project has achieved notable milestones in October 2025 by securing several pivotal material agreements and commercial arrangements. These agreements and arrangements are designed to fortify the Project's commercial strategy and operational stability, positioning it for long-term growth and enhanced market presence. The following section details the key contracts established with governmental and commercial partners, outlines the conditions attached to these arrangements, and highlights the ongoing efforts to expand the Project's customer base and market reach. These commercial agreements and arrangements also include conditions precedent that require NMG to reach a final investment decision by a certain date.

**19.1.6.1** **Government of Canada** 

In October 2025, key commercial arrangements were secured to strengthen the Project's commercial strategy and operations. The Government of Canada signed a 7-year offtake term sheet for 30,000 tpy of graphite concentrate, of which 15,000 tpy is dedicated to the Government of Canada and the other 15,000 tpy for allied countries entities, enhancing market stability for strategic uses. This term sheet contains conditions precedent, including the conclusion of a definitive agreement with the Government of Canada, a successful appropriation process and other approvals, as well as the commitment by allied countries entities to offtake the other 15,000 tpy under similar terms. There can be no assurance that the conditions precedent will be met.

The Government of Canada has also signed a marketing term sheet with NMG for the sale and marketing of its 15,000 tpy, which is also subject to the same conditions precedent as for the offtake term sheet. With NMG's commercial workforce, NMG aims at selling such volume as well as any remaining capacity directly to end-users.

**19.1.6.2** **Panasonic Energy** 

In October 2025, a revised offtake agreement with Panasonic Energy with a 7-year term for 13 000 tpy of anode material has been executed, which represents 25,000 tpy of flakes feed. The offtake agreement with Panasonic Energy also contains conditions precedent, including finalization of the product qualification process and commercial plant validation upon commissioning.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **19-12** |

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**19.1.6.3** **Traxys** 

An updated agreement with Traxys North America LLC covers 20,000 tpy of graphite concentrate for refractories, 10,000 tpy of which is committed on a take-or-pay basis. Such updated agreement agreed to in October 2025 is subject to the board approval of Traxys.

**19.1.6.4** **Undisclosed Anode Manufacturer** 

Advanced negotiations are on-going with an established anode manufacturer for a volume of up to 30,000 tpy of flake concentrate from the Matawinie Mine, potentially supporting customers anode material needs. Natural Flake Graphite Market Pricing for the Matawinie Mine

**19.1.7** **Matawinie Mine Price Forecast** 

With these agreements and arrangements, NMG has secured key commercial arrangements to support its commercial strategy with the current market conditions and NMG's supply ability, and provides NMG with the flexibility to sell flakes to the industrial and specialty markets at the highest possible margins.

The average price for flake graphite in Table 19-4 is based on market forecasts and the weighted product mix (basket) of NMG graphite. NMG has qualified various finished products, including large and jumbo flakes and feed materials for LiB products, with multiple customers.

**Table 19-4:** **Summary price forecast**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Product** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Volume (tpy)<sup>(1</sup>** **<sup>)</sup>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Price (USD/t)<sup>(2)</sup>** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Matawinie Mine Flakes | &nbsp;&nbsp;105882 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1334 |

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Notes:

<sup>(1)</sup> Matawinie Mine flakes volumes based on a nominal production rate.

<sup>(2)</sup> Weighted average over the life of mine.

In conclusion, this Study provides a comprehensive overview of the Matawinie Mine's flake graphite production, highlighting both the expected annual volume and the projected price per tonne over the mine's life. The summary price forecast demonstrates a solid foundation for financial planning and market positioning, with the mine anticipated to deliver consistent output and competitive pricing. These findings reinforce the viability of the operation and its potential to contribute meaningfully to the graphite market. Overall, the analysis supports continued development and investment in the Matawinie Mine.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **19-13** |

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**19.2** **Matawinie Mine Suppliers' Contract** 

In the development of the Matawinie Mine, several important milestones have been reached including securing an energy block for the mine and concentrator from Hydro-Québec with engineering of the electrical line underway, permits to start construction have been granted, and the access road to the Matawinie site has been built. Additionally, the Basic and Detailed Engineering advancement is currently estimated at 80% completion. ABB has been awarded the long lead items for the electrical substation (transformer and switchgear). The main contracts remaining to be awarded pre-FID to maintain the Matawinie Project's critical path are summarized below:

▪ Long
 lead mineral processing equipment (mills and filter presses);

▪ Construction
 management contract;

▪ Civil
 construction tenders.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **19-14** |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**20.** **Environmental Studies, Permitting, and Social or Community Impact** 

The Matawinie Project proceeded through the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment process as required by subsection 4 of Division II of Chapter IV of Title I of the *Environment Quality Act* (CQLR, chapter Q-2, LQE). The Project resulted in the adoption of a ministerial Decree authorizing the Matawinie Project on January 20, 2021, on the territory of the municipality of Saint-Michel-des-Saints *(Décret 47-2021,* Gazette *officielle du Québec, 10 février 2021*, 153e Year, no6). Under section 22 of the EQA, several requests for authorization are required following the different stages of the design, construction and operation activities.

Since the Project's inception, active stakeholder engagement was and continues to be conducted for the Matawinie Mine, underpinned by sustainable development principles.

Several environmental studies have been completed since 2015. Fieldwork to describe the receiving environment started in June 2016. The following sections summarize and update the environmental baseline described in section 20.2 of DRA (2018) and section 20.1 of Allaire et al. (2022).

Monitoring of all environmental aspects will be executed by NMG's environmental team and by other project partners. During construction activities, a representative of the environment team participates in worksite coordination meetings and ensures daily implementation of the environmental program and surveys.

Charts of responsibilities are defined in the environmental monitoring and surveillance program to ensure that NMG commitments set out in the authorizations, including standards, specific mitigation measures and requirements of relevant laws and regulations are adhered to.

**20.1** **Physical Environment Baseline Studies** 

**20.1.1** **Air Quality** 

The initial air quality was assessed based on regional air quality data from Québec's monitoring network and on regional air emission sources (SNC-Lavalin, 2017a). The initial air quality of the Matawinie Mine site is qualified as good. Air emission modelling was performed in accordance with the *Ministère de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques* ("MELCC") guidelines in the ESIA process.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-1** |

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The modelling territory is centered on the proposed mine facilities and covers 400 km<sup>2</sup>. Contaminant concentrations were modelled at the location of 1,850 receptors, some of which represent schools, daycare centres or seniors' residences and at places of prolonged presence such as camps, cabins and residences or frequented locations by individuals. To consider activities during the 25 years of life of mine, which would gradually approach the receptors with the pit footprint and mine operations, three scenarios corresponding to Years 3, 15 and 20 were modelled. The most favourable dispersal conditions are used as an assumption in the modelling. Furthermore, in accordance with the MELCC requirements aimed at modelling the worst possible case, the presence of forest cover on the edge of the mine site has not been considered and it has been assumed that there will be no precipitation, which would have the effect of reducing airborne particles.

Air contaminant emissions during operations will mainly come from drilling, blasting, material transportation, vehicle traffic, ore management, overburden and ore stockpiles, tailings and waste rock, and the concentrator. To mitigate them, NMG has developed the following specific measures:

▪ Change
 of the crusher model to retain a fixed model located in a partially enclosed building with
 a dust collector;

▪ Commitment
 to verify the proper functioning of dust collectors and that their performance is maintained
 over time;

▪ Regular
 roadway maintenance to reduce the silt content on the road surface;

▪ Reduction
 in the generation of dust on mining roads by regular sprinkling with water or by applying
 a dust suppressant authorized by the MELCC. This measure would reduce dust emissions by 75%
 in summer;

▪ Hydroseeding
 of the inactive sections of the co-disposition piles before the final restoration to avoid
 wind erosion and the generation and dispersion of dust;

▪ Selection
 of road covering materials with low crystalline silica content or use of materials emitting
 low quantities of respirable crystalline silica.

According to the modelling, the emissions of atmospheric contaminants of particulate matter, metals and combustion gases generated by the Project will respect the standards of the *Règlement sur l'assainissement de l'atmosphère* ("RAA") (Clean Air Regulation) and the criteria of the MELCC for all sensitive receptors located on the periphery of the mine. However, there is still an uncertainty about the proportion of crystalline silica in the particles for the different emission sources.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-2** |

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According to the environmental analysis, uncertainties persist as to the concentrations of crystalline silicas that would be in the air during mining. In the analysis leading to the Decree 47-2021, the MELCC considers that commitments made by NMG regarding the validation of the hypotheses used to carry out the modelling of the atmospheric dispersion of contaminants and the implementation of additional mitigation measures to reduce emissions, if necessary, will contribute to meeting the criteria for crystalline silica during mining. Monitoring results from dust collectors as well as appropriated mitigation measures will be integrated in the mine operations and an update of dust modelling. This will ensure the protection of the environment and the health and quality of life of residents and users of the territory.

As per Condition 2 of the Decree, a maximum of ore and waste rocks extraction are fixed based on a degree of uncertainty regarding the proportion of crystalline silica in the dust from different sources of emission. In its answer to question QCAE-24 of May 1, 2020 (SNC-Lavalin, 2020a), NMG presented crystalline silica contents for different particle sizes of dust, measured on the Canadian Malartic mine site in Malartic, Québec. The MELCC indicated that the assumptions concerning the ratios and crystalline silica contents that NMG used to establish the emission rates presented in its modelling must be reviewed and adapted to the Phase-2 Matawinie Mine using more representative geological material. In March 2022, NMG committed to submit a new version of the airborne contaminant distribution modelling considering the updated information on crystalline silica with the aim of modifying Condition 2 of the ministerial Decree. In February 2024, NMG sent updated information with crystalline silica contents of geological material from Matawinie with a request for decree modification regarding Condition 2. Therefore, as requested by the MELCCFP, the modelling has been updated with data from the site and the monitoring program includes on-site follow-up during mine operation to ensure that dust emissions meet all criteria. The request is accompanied by a dust management plan to ensure compliance with the criteria in terms of crystalline silica. The geological materials used for the Matawinie mining operations, including surficial road material, will be characterized as the construction and mining plan progresses. The monitoring program will be reviewed accordingly.

**20.1.2** **Soil Characterization** 

According to field observations and the results obtained from analyses and tests carried out in 2016, 2017 and 2019, the main conclusions of the studies are:

▪ The
 stratigraphy encountered in most exploration trenches and manual boreholes corresponds to
 a thin layer of organic soil on the surface covering a layer of compact to loose silty sand
 or gravelly sand;

▪ Except
 for a sulphur concentration that is within the A-B range, all the calculated vibrissae values
 in samples from the organic layer are below criterion "A" (MELCC, 2021);

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-3** |

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▪ All
 whisker values calculated in the silty sand layer are lower than the criterion "A";

▪ Except
 for a hexavalent chromium (Cr VI) concentration that is within the A-B range, all whisker
 values calculated in the samples from the layer of gravelly sand are below the "A"
 criterion.

The higher whisker values presented in the characterization (SNC-Lavalin, 2019) should be representative of the initial state of the soil before the implementation of the mining project. Thus, during the eventual cessation of mining activities, the vibrissae values obtained within the framework of this Study could be used as a point of comparison to interpret the results of analyses that will be obtained.

**20.1.3** **Surface Water and Sediment** 

Surface water and sediment quality was assessed from samples collected between 2016 and 2018 from ten lakes and six streams for the baseline environmental studies that were conducted for the ESIA.

In the ESIA baseline (2017–2019), the surface water quality of these water bodies is generally categorized as good, but some exceedances of the criterion for the protection of aquatic life for chronic toxicity of the MELCC have been observed for iron, aluminum, and lead. The alkalinity of the waters can be described as low, and they are, therefore, sensitive to acidification. Fecal coliforms were detected, mainly in the Matawin River and the *ruisseau à l'Eau Morte*. Sediment quality is good. Nevertheless, exceedances of the criteria for assessing sediment quality in Québec (*Environnement Canada* & MDDEP, 2007). have been observed. Exceedances of the concentration of occasional effects concern cadmium, lead and zinc at one of the stations at *lac aux Pierres*, as well as lead at *lac England*.

Following the Decree (47-2021) and to have a database over several years before the start of operations, NMG has continued environmental monitoring of the groundwater and surface water quality of the Matawinie site with the firm Richelieu Hydrogéologie (Section 20.1.6). The environmental monitoring carried out in 2024 (ABFR, 2024) made it possible to determine the water quality for each water bodies and watercourses. These results also made it possible to continue the comparative analysis of the chosen parameters over time. The main findings of the 2024 water quality monitoring are:

▪ In
 light of the 2024 results, the trophic level of Petit Lac aux Pierres seems to correspond
 more to an oligo-mesotrophic lake.

▪ Lac
 Taureau, Petit Lac aux Pierres, and the Rivière Matawin are in good health and should
 be preserved.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-4** |

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▪ The
 stability of the chosen parameters has been maintained since 2017 for Lac Taureau and the
 Rivière Matawin. The stability of the chosen parameters has been maintained since
 2022 for Petit Lac aux Pierres.

▪ The
 pH of Lac aux Pierres is constant compared to the values recorded in 2022. A significant
 increase in chlorophyll concentrations has been recorded since 2022. The phosphorus level
 in 2024 is within the reference values of the MELCC and is stable compared to the previous
 year. It remains important to continue monitoring this lake in the coming years.

▪ Although
 the current health of Lac Trèfle is excellent, the degradation of the values of all
 the chosen parameters and its tendency towards acidification should be monitored.

▪ The
 number of fecal coliforms observed remained within the standards established by the MELCC
 during the 2024 monitoring.

▪ At
 the effluent site of the exploitation zone (mine site), all results comply with the standards.

Following the monitoring of metals recommended during the last monitoring, monitoring of the concentrations of arsenic, copper, iron, nickel, lead, and zinc began in 2023 across all the aquatic environments under study. All surface metal concentrations comply with the surface water quality standards of the MELCCFP except for iron in Lac Taureau and Rivière Matawin. This parameter should be monitored in future campaigns, but according to the MDDELCC (ABFR, 2024), some high-quality surface waters may have naturally higher concentrations.

**20.1.4** **Geochemistry** 

The following soil and rock materials will be disturbed by mining activities (SNC-Lavalin, 2017b): overburden; waste rock that is predominated by mixed forms of paragneiss and followed by smaller amounts of charnockite, biotite paragneiss, meta-gabbro and graphitic paragneiss. Processing of the graphitic ore will produce both a sulphurized and a de-sulphurized tailings stream.

Representative samples of overburden, waste rock and tailings materials were subject to the following geochemical tests (SNC-Lavalin 2017b, 2019): mineralogy (XRD and QEMSCAN); ABA (Mining Environment Neutral Drainage Program [MEND] 2009); elemental analysis (*Centre d'expertise en analyse environnementale du Québec* [CEAEQ] 2012); and TCLP, SPLP and CTEU-9 static leachate tests (CEAEQ, 2012).

In relation to waste rock and overburden, ABA data suggests that up to 81% of waste rock will be PAG and includes graphitic paragneiss and mixed paragneiss. The non-PAG materials appear to be the overburden, charnockite, meta-gabbro and biotite paragneiss waste rock. No waste rock type or overburden is considered "high risk" according to Directive 019 criteria for TCLP leachable metals (MDDEP, 2012). The graphitic paragneiss waste rock showed a leaching potential for zinc and a lower leaching potential for copper and cadmium. Kinetic test on waste rocks using humid cells showed exceeding of criteria *résurgences des eaux souterraines dans les eaux de surface* (resurgence of groundwater in surface water ("RES")) and Directive 019 criteria for iron, nickel and zinc in late rinse (55 to 65 weeks). The kinetic column test done on the same kind of waste rock also showed exceeding of RES and Directive 019 criteria for iron, nickel, cadmium, manganese and zinc. Every single lithology showed at least one exceeding of criteria at one time during these column tests.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-5** |

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In relation to tailings, according to SNC (2019) ABA and mineralogical data sets suggest the sulphurized tailings will be PAG and the de-sulphurized tailings will be non-PAG (named NAG by SNC, 2019). The PAG tailings showed a leaching potential for cadmium and nickel. The NAG tailings did not show any leaching potential. Neither the sulphurized tailings nor the de-sulphurized tailings can be considered "high risk" according to Directive 019 criteria for TCLP leachable metals (MDDEP, 2012). The acronyms NAG and PAG need interpretation, as it is not the sulphide level that determines whether ARD will eventually appear, but whether effective neutralization potential ("ENP") is present in much greater amounts than the sulphide. For the next phase of operation of the CDF, the classification of tailings is under review and will use the ratio of ENP; the PAG will be classified with Price (2009) categories as *Net Acid Generating* – for any sulphide level and based on Effective NP (typically less than measured NP), NPR < 2.0 (with 2.0 being the interim criterion for the Matawinie Mine at this time) and the NAG will be classified *Net Acid Neutralizing* - for any sulphide level and based on Effective NP (typically less than measured NP), NPR > 2.0 (with 2.0 being the interim criterion at this time).

PAG tailings overall results show the following: 1) Significant sulphide content pyrrhotite predominant and only minor fractions of net-neutralizing reactive carbonate minerals; 2) Rapid sulphide oxidation kinetics; and 3) Mine waste drainage water quality over the short to longer term may have elevated loadings of the following range of contaminants of concern in relation to potential impacts to effluent discharge or groundwater that may be received by a surface water body: acidity, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, lead, zinc and mercury. These identified contaminants of concern are a conservative guide and do not consider any field specific conditions.

NAG tailings overall results show the following: 1) Low sulphide content with moderate fractions of net-neutralizing reactive carbonate minerals; 2) Negligible to very low amounts of acidity generated over the long term; and 3) Mine waste drainage over the short to longer term to be confirmed. Mine waste drainage water quality over the short to longer term is likely to have a range of contaminants of concern, specifically slightly elevated concentrations of the following: iron, copper, and zinc from the column tests only. These identified contaminants of concern are a conservative guide and do not consider any field specific conditions or engineering criterion as the NMG co-disposal designed to prevent acid drainage and metals leaching.

Large-scale field testing of tailings management design (co-disposal) results are summarized in Section 20.3.3.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-6** |

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**20.1.5** **Hydrology** 

Several watercourses drain the northern part of the Lanaudière region, including the rivière Matawin, which drains almost the entire territory of Saint-Michel-des-Saints (SNC-Lavalin, 2018a). The water of the area is drained into the reservoir Taureau, less than 10 km northeast of the study area. Ultimately, rivière Matawin ends in rivière Saint-Maurice, a major sub-watershed of the St. Lawrence River.

The drainage system is well developed in the study area with several water bodies and streams. Several large lakes are present near the study area: lac England (135 ha), lac du Trèfle (203 ha), lac Kaïagamac (195 ha), lac Saint-Servais (198 ha), and lac Sawin (324 ha).

The mineralized zone of the Phase-2 Matawinie Mine is located on a high point, at the head of three small watercourses. Two of these watercourses flow to the northwest and eventually empty into the rivière Matawin. The third watercourse is connected to the lac aux Pierres and flows south into the ruisseau à l'Eau Morte, which is a tributary of the rivière Matawin. The ruisseau à l'Eau Morte watershed has an area of 85 km<sup>2</sup>. This watercourse will receive the effluent of the Phase-2 Matawinie Mine's treated water plant. The water quality and sediments have been characterized in 2017 and 2018. The environmental objective for the effluent in this watercourse that have been obtained by the MELCC in 2020 and presented below (Table 20-1).

**Table 20-1: Environmental discharge objectives ("EDOs") for the final effluent (Qe = 3,204 m<sup>3</sup>/d)**

**(November 12, 2020)**

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Contaminant** | **Utilization** | **Criterion <br> (mg/L)** | **Upstream<br> Concentration<br> (mg/L)** | **Effluent<br> Permitted<br> Concentration<br> (mg/L)** | **Permissible<br> Effluent Load<br> (kg/d)** | **Period** |
| **Conventional** | **Conventional** | **Conventional** | **Conventional** | **Conventional** | **Conventional** | **Conventional** |
| Suspended Matters | CVAC | 58 | 08 | Directive 019 |  | Year |
| **Metals and metalloids** | **Metals and metalloids** | **Metals and metalloids** | **Metals and metalloids** | **Metals and metalloids** | **Metals and metalloids** | **Metals and metalloids** |
| Aluminum | CVAC | 043 | 005 | 136 | 44 | Year |
| Silver | CVAC | 00001 | 0000002 | 000034 | 000109 | Year |
| Arsenic | CPC(O) | 0021 | 00001 | 0074 | 024 | Year |
| Barium | CVAC | 0046 | 00076 | 0140 | 045 | Year |
| Beryllium | CVAC | 0000011 | 0000005 | 0000027 | 0000085 | Year |
| Cadmium | CVAC | 0000056 | 0000003 | 0000187 | 000060 | Year |
| Chromium | CVAC | 0011 | 000009 | 0038 | 0121 | Year |
| Cobalt | CVAC | 01 | 0000065 | 035 | 111 | Year |
| Copper | CVAC | 00015 | 000028 | 00046 | 00147 | Year |
| Iron | CVAC | 13 | 009 | 43 | 137 | Year |

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-7** |

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Contaminant** | **Utilization** | **Criterion <br> (mg/L)** | **Upstream<br> Concentration<br> (mg/L)** | **Effluent<br> Permitted<br> Concentration<br> (mg/L)** | **Permissible<br> Effluent Load<br> (kg/d)** | **Period** |
| Manganese | CVAC | 030 | 0013 | 100 | 32 | Year |
| Mercury | CFTP | 00000013 | 0 | 00000013 | 00000042 | Year |
| Nickel | CVAC | 00087 | 000027 | 0029 | 0094 | Year |
| Lead | CVAC | 000021 | 0000035 | 000065 | 00021 | Year |
| Zinc | CVAC | 0020 | 000097 | 0066 | 021 | Year |
| **Other Parameters** | **Other Parameters** | **Other Parameters** | **Other Parameters** | **Other Parameters** | **Other Parameters** | **Other Parameters** |
| Ammonia Nitrogen (winter) (mg/l-N) | CVAC | 19 | 001 | 66 | 210 | Jun. 1 to Nov. 30 |
| Ammonia Nitrogen (summer) (mg/l-N) | CVAC | 12 | 001 | 42 | 135 | Dec. 1 to May 31 |
| Diesel | CVAC | 02 | 0 | 070 | 26 | Year |
| Fluorides | CVAC | 02 | 003 | 062 | 20 | Year |
| Nitrates (mg/l-N) | CVAC | 3 | 001 | 103 | 33 | Year |
| Nitrites (mg/l-N) | CVAC | 002 | 0 | 0069 | 022 | Year |
| pH |  |  |  | 6,0 to 9,5 |  | Year |
| **Toxicity Tests** | **Toxicity Tests** | **Toxicity Tests** | **Toxicity Tests** | **Toxicity Tests** | **Toxicity Tests** | **Toxicity Tests** |
| Acute Toxicity | VAFe | 1,0 UTa |  | 1,0 UTa |  | Year |
| Chronic Toxicity | CVAC | 1,0 UTc |  | 3,5 UTc |  | Year |
| **Monitoring** | **Monitoring** | **Monitoring** | **Monitoring** | **Monitoring** | **Monitoring** | **Monitoring** |
| Conductivity |  |  |  | Quality monitoring |  | Year |
| Hardness |  |  |  | Quality monitoring |  | Year |
| Total Phosphorus<br> (mg/L-P) |  |  |  | Quality monitoring |  | Year |
| Total Dissolved Solids |  |  |  | Quality monitoring |  | Year |

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CPC(O): Criterion for preventing contamination of aquatic organisms

CFTP: Piscivorous terrestrial fauna criterion

VAFe: Final acute effluent value

CVAC: Criterion of chronic aquatic life

The comparison between the EDOs and the measured (or expected) concentrations in the effluent must be made according to the terms of the addendum from the MDDELCC (2017) of the MDDEP (2008) guidelines document.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-8** |

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Following the Decree (47-2021), NMG carried out hydrological monitoring of the watercourses impacted by the Matawinie Plant Project for:

▪ Permanent,
 real-time monitoring of the flow of tributary CE12 (Eau Morte stream);

▪ The
 levels and flow of watercourses where a lowering of the water level or a reduction in flow
 is possible in the southern sub-watershed ("SBV") (Lac aux Pierres and its outlet
 and CE36);

▪ Periodic
 monitoring of rivers and water bodies affected by the drawdown of the water table (CE35 in
 the southern SBV, CE05 in the northwest SBV and CE20 in the northern SBV) to establish a
 hydrological reference state and characterize the extent and evolution of anticipated changes
 in the water regime.

The Eau Morte stream (CE12) has been monitored since summer 2020. In 2021, permanent water gauges were installed on four other streams for hydrological monitoring. The flow and water height data acquired in the field enabled the drafting of a flow monitoring program in 2023.

**20.1.6** **Groundwater** 

The groundwater quality of the future mine site and neighbouring areas was determined to establish the baseline conditions that prevail before the future mine's activities (SNC-Lavalin, 2017c). For the ESIA baselines studies (2017–2019) groundwater samples were collected in six exploratory boreholes, 15 private wells and two surface water sources, and then analyzed by a certified laboratory. The findings were as follows:

▪ Groundwater
 in the area is described as fresh water given its low dissolved solids ("D.S")
 concentration, which varied between 38 mg/L and 240 mg/L.

▪ The
 geochemical signature of groundwater in the area is characterized by the presence of water
 essentially of the calcium ("Ca") and carbonate ("HCO<sub>3</sub>")
 type. More specifically, groundwater in private wells located in surface deposits has a geochemical
 signature rich in Ca and HCO<sub>3</sub>, whereas the groundwater in wells located in the
 rock has a more variable signature with magnesium ("Mg") or sulphate ("SO<sub>4</sub>")
 proportions.

▪ The
 concentrations of the parameters analyzed (inorganic, phenols, hydrocarbons [PAH and C<sub>10</sub>-C<sub>50</sub>])
 meet the provincial criteria for drinking water and/or seepage into surface water (MELCC,
 2021). Only point concentrations for manganese and iron were observed exceeding the threshold
 values. It should be mentioned, however, that both iron and manganese are aesthetic criteria
 for drinking water, as recommended by Health Canada.

▪ Atypic
 bacteria concentrations exceed the drinking water criterion (200 CFU/100 ml) in three
 private wells and two water sources sampled. One of the water sources has E. coli concentrations.

▪ Few
 other dissolved metals (Cu, As, and Al) exceeded the seepage into surface water criteria
 locally in two to three wells.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-9** |

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To have a database over several years before the start of operations, the entire area of the future Matawinie Mine has been sampled on a frequency of twice a year since 2019. This data is collected upstream and downstream of future high-risk infrastructures. They also follow various wetlands and watercourses present on and around the future mining site. In addition, since 2018, bi-annual groundwater monitoring has been carried out in two specific sectors, namely the demonstration sector of the future mine site and the demonstration plant sector located at 600 rue du Forex in Saint-Michel-des-Saints.

Based on this data, the baseline was updated. In 2024, 29 observation wells are used to monitor groundwater, including drinking water wells, wetlands and resurgences, and 13 sampling stations for surface water, lakes and rivers. The findings were as follows:

▪ Overall,
 the groundwater and surface water analysis results present values in the range of those of
 the background levels calculated for the area under study;

▪ Exceedances
 of specific criteria for certain elements such as arsenic or manganese are attributed to
 the natural quality of water in the sector;

▪ Some
 samples present abnormal values compared to background levels for zinc, and which are possibly
 due to drive point material of the sampling apparatus. It is likely that these concentrations
 are caused by a reaction of the galvanized steel of the filter tips with the environment
 and these will be replaced by PVC tips, as recommended;

▪ One
 well presents more criteria exceedances than the other wells, but no trend has been demonstrated.
 It could, therefore, be slightly impacted by surface works in the demonstration zone sector.
 However, as the number of data is still relatively low, it is not possible to conclude on
 potential trend;

▪ Overall,
 there is no clear upward or downward trend in the concentration of certain elements in groundwater
 and surface water;

▪ In
 terms of water types, most results present water types typical of the natural waters of Québec,
 with variations between the poles of recent recharge water, old groundwater and surface waters
 typical of wetlands;

▪ The
 general piezometry presents small variations, apart from wells located further upstream and
 those located at the limit of the mineralized and fractured zone of the deposit.

**Private Well Inventory**

The inventory of private wells identified 25 private wells within 3 km of the future mine site. Most of these wells are located north of the Project site and are bored in the bedrock fractured aquifer. Fifteen private wells and two surface water sources were sampled and analyzed in the laboratory. Most dissolved metal concentrations are below the potable water criterions.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-10** |

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**Pit Area**

▪ Two
 hydrogeological units were identified, namely unconsolidated deposits composed of sandy-silty
 till, especially northeast of the future mine site, reaching 40 m in thickness, and
 the underlying fractured rock is mainly composed of paragneiss and gneiss.

▪ Groundwater
 depth in the rock unit is very variable, ranging from the ground surface to nearly 38 m
 below it, corresponding to water elevation variation between 481 m and 572 m above
 sea level. Artesian condition is observed in the roc aquifer in the areas where the groundwater
 table intersects ground level (particularly northeast and southwest of the deposit).

The variation of water levels is typical of environments with variable topography. At the site scale, there is a piezometric dome oriented northeast-southwest, due to the topography of the site, where groundwater flows towards each side of this dome axis.

At the sub-watershed scale, groundwater hydrology is controlled by the general topography and surface drainage of this sub-watershed; it flows from south to north towards the *rivière Matawin.*

A hydrogeological conceptual model was developed based on fieldwork results and some assumptions that allowed creating a 3D model simulation (FEFLOW) calibrated for the natural groundwater flow condition (SNC-Lavalin, 2020). A hydrogeological model (MODFLOW) simulating for waste rock backfilling has also been performed (LAMONT and MDAG, 2020). Both models are to simulate contaminant transport and evaluate the potential contaminant impacts on neighbouring wells and receptors from the mine site, especially from the tailings and waste co-disposal pile and pit backfill. Results show no contamination flow to receptors according to specific design criteria and appropriated mitigation measures that have been integrated in the ESIA Report and Ministerial Authorization (the Decree), the detailed engineering, and the deposition plan.

During the operation phase, to keep the bottom of the pit dry, water will be pumped; this will have the effect of lowering the level of the water table in the surrounding area. Dewatering activities will therefore lead to a change in the flow regime and a lowering of the water table. The results of the hydrogeological modelling indicate that a drawdown of 1 m is expected at a maximum distance of 1.9 km from the pit in the northeast/southwest axis while in the transverse axis, the drawdown of 1 m is reached at a maximum distance of 0.6 km.

The potential effects of dewatering could also be felt at four individual wells in *Domaine Lagrange* (decrease in water level varying between 0.73 m and 3.22 m) and three wells belonging to the proponent located between the proposed open pit and the *Domaine Lagrange*.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-11** |

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The other nearest groundwater users are located in the *Domaine Lagrange* neighbourhood and no effect is anticipated on the levels of these wells. It is also planned that wells will be installed in the sector of the industrial zone or within the pit limits (Phases 3 and 4) to withdraw fresh water necessary for the concentrator. The effect of the addition of the wells will be modelled and will be the object of the certificate of authorization to the MELCC before its implementation.

NMG will monitor the water level on a daily basis using pressure sensors in an observation well located between the *Domaine Lagrange* sector and the pit, and in four individual wells in the *Domaine Lagrange*. Interventions will be implemented when the long-term trend of fluctuations in one of the piezometers or individual well allows the interpretation of a drawdown approaching the modelled values. In addition, mitigation measures (e.g., deepening the catchment structure, constructing a new structure, supplying water during corrective works) are planned when the measured values exceed the alert threshold or when negative impacts are observed or projected in the short term.

At the end of the operation phase, pit dewatering and water dewatering activities will cease. There will first be a groundwater inflow to the pit, until the state of equilibrium (hydrostatic) is reached. Once the water level in the pit has stabilized, groundwater flow will return to its initial state on a regional scale, whereas in the site footprint, it will be mainly redirected towards the tributary from the *ruisseau à l'Eau Morte* with only a little flow towards the *Domaine Lagrange*.

**20.1.7** **Noise Environment** 

The MELCC guidelines and instructions include noise limits for construction and operation phases of the Project. These limits have been used to assess the conformity of the Project, determine the impacts, and develop mitigation measures.

NMG has undertaken to respect during operation the noise limits of zoning category I of instruction note 98-01, which are 45 dBA during the day and 40 dBA at night (LAr, 1 h) to the nearest receptor. A voluntary acquisition program is in place for dwellings outside the 1-km radius of the proposed pit, but some receptors are still within this radius.

A permanent station in the *Domaine Lagrange* is installed and provides real-time noise measurements, making it possible to monitor variations in noise emissions and provide reference data in the event of complaints. The day and night evaluation levels thus obtained will be compared to the noise limits of instruction note 98-01 to establish compliance and Decree conditions about noise (Conditions 8 and 9 of Matawinie Project Decree 47-2021).

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-12** |

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**20.2** **Vegetation and Wildlife Baseline Studies** 

**20.2.1** **Vegetation, Wetlands and Special Status Plant Species** 

**Vegetation**

Forest habitats were characterized in the field during the ESIA. Overall, 20 characterization stations were placed considering the forest types present in the study area and focusing on the areas that could be impacted by the Project.

Hardwood stands are the most widespread in the study area and cover an area of 1,824.3 ha. The main plant communities are white birch and sugar maple stands. Mixed stands cover an area of 831.6 ha and are mainly represented by balsam fir–white birch stands. Coniferous stands are scarce in the study area (277.4 ha) and are almost exclusively represented by balsam fir stands. A tamarack – balsam fir stand was also characterized along the *rivière Matawin*. The remaining of the study area is composed of wetlands (456.9 ha), agricultural land (9.4 ha), disturbed areas (natural or anthropogenic; 93.5 ha), water (213.1 ha) and islands (1.9 ha).

**Wetlands**

Wetland characterization was conducted between July 19 and August 11, 2016 (SNC-Lavalin, 2017f). Characterization stations were placed in all wetlands potentially impacted by the Project (project footprint of July 2016) to portray the diversity throughout the study area. Wetland characterization and delineation were performed following the MELCC guidelines in effect at that time (Bazoge et al., 2014). The ecological value of wetlands was then estimated using field data and cartographic analysis. A new wetland field campaign was carried out for the current footprint of the Project in 2018 to complete the data acquired in 2016 (SNC-Lavalin, 2019).

Wetlands include swamps, marshes, peatlands, as well as shallow waters. They represent an area of 472.1 ha in the study area. The most abundant wetlands are riparian shrub swamps (204.2 ha) and wooded swamps (93.2 ha). Peatlands cover 106.7 ha in the study area and are divided into two types, i.e., bogs (62.4 ha) and fens (44.3 ha). Marshes represent 54.8 ha of the study area. Those characterized are located on old beaver dam sites or existing beaver ponds. Finally, shallow water with grass beds are mainly located in water bodies of the *rivière Matawin* floodplain and cover 13.2 ha in the study area.

The ecological value of characterized wetlands is generally high. Some isolated wetlands (wooded swamps and peatlands) have a medium ecological value.

An authorization under section 22 of the EQA must be received from the MELCC prior to start of work. The issuance is conditional on the payment of a financial contribution based on the wetland area impacted by the Project.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-13** |

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The construction of the access road and the industrial pad of the Phase-2 Matawinie Mine in 2021 were financially compensated as provided in the Regulation respecting compensation for damage to wetlands and bodies of water (*Règlement sur la compensation pour l'atteinte aux milieux humides et hydriques* ("RCAMHH")). In 2021, NMG paid CAD 400,659.36 in financial contribution for the loss of 6.64 ha of wetlands and CAD 138,380.15 in 2022 for the loss of 2.24 ha of wetlands.

In 2023, following a request from the monitoring committee, NMG mandated ABFR to carry out an ecological expertise necessary for performing permanent environmental monitoring of targeted wetlands of the Matawinie mining site. The elements studied essentially relate to the physical and biological environment likely to be affected by the mining project. The seven wetlands that were selected for environmental monitoring currently have at Year 0 (July 2023), a high ecological value. A verification of the stations will be carried out annually at the same time of year, i.e., at the beginning of summer, for the entire duration of the mine's operation. Also, monitoring must be ensured during Years 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 following the closure of the site.

In 2024, the natural environment on the study site remains an environment that can be frequented by different wildlife species. However, current anthropogenic activities make the area less attractive for them.

**Special Status Plant Species**

All potential habitats identified using the *Guide de reconnaissance des habitats forestiers des plantes menacées ou vulnérables: Outaouais, Laurentides et Lanaudière* (Couillard et al., 2012) that could potentially be impacted by the Project were visited, at the same time as the plant surveys in forested habitats (SNC-Lavalin, 2017f). A specific survey was also conducted on July 28 and 29, 2016 to inform on the non-forested habitats likely to be impacted by the Project and that may contain threatened, vulnerable, or likely to be so designated plant species.

Occurrences reported in the region by the *Centre de données sur le patrimoine naturel du Québec* ("CDPNQ") are the wild leek (vulnerable in Québec), northern adder's-tongue (likely to be designated as threatened or vulnerable in Québec) and Vasey's pondweed (likely to be designated as threatened or vulnerable in Québec).

Wild leek is associated with forests, but its habitat is absent from the study area. Terrestrial and palustrine habitats associated with northern adder's-tongue, namely sandy shores, wet meadows, fens and rocky outcrops/escarpments, sand dunes, and exposed sands, were explored. Vasey's pondweed habitats, i.e., sunny areas in open water and aquatic grass beds in medium and large rivers or lakes, were also explored. No special status plant species were observed in the study area.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-14** |

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**Invasive Alien Plant Species**

During the 2016 plant surveys, an invasive alien plant was detected in the study area. This species, the common reed, had a colony northeast of the Project location. A survey of invasive alien plant species was carried out in early fall 2018 to further document the presence of such species in the study area. No additional invasive alien colony was identified.

**20.2.2** **Aquatic Fauna and Fish Habitat** 

Information on the fish fauna present or likely to be present in the study area comes from existing data (MFFP, 2015), as well as from specific field surveys conducted in 2016 and 2017 (SNC-Lavalin, 2016c, 2017g and 2017h). Field surveys targeted the watercourses and water bodies likely to be impacted by the Project. Fish habitat was characterized using the homogeneous segments method and experimental fisheries (electrofishing, net, shore seine, fyke net, and bait trap) in two water bodies, i.e. *lac aux Pierres* and *Petit lac aux Pierres*, as well as in 38 unnamed watercourses, *rivière Matawin* and *ruisseau à l'Eau Morte*.

The 2016-2017 surveys confirmed the presence of 12 fish species in the study area. In shallow watercourses, the number of species is fairly low, with five species. The brook trout was caught in one of these watercourses. The creek chub, however, dominates catches. In water bodies, *rivière Matawin* and *ruisseau à l'Eau Morte*, which have been fished with fixed fishing gear, the diversity is 12 species. The creek chub is the most abundant species. The *lac aux Pierres* contains only the brook trout whereas the *Petit lac aux Pierres* is inhabited by two species, namely the brown bullhead and the creek chub. *Rivière Matawin* has a larger diversity with seven species, including yellow perch and smallmouth bass which, like brook trout, are species of fishing interest. No special status species was observed in the study area.

Watercourses where fish presence was confirmed and other watercourses with potential fish habitat are considered to be a fish habitat, i.e., a regulated wildlife habitat. These habitats benefit from a legal status of protection under the *Regulation Respecting Wildlife Habitats* at the provincial level and under the *Fisheries Act* at the federal level. Authorizations will therefore be necessary to comply with these legislations if these habitats were to be impacted by the Project.

Additional inventories resulting from the Matawinie Mine evolution were carried out (AtkinsRéalis, 2024) to validate wetland and fish habitats, as they could potentially be impacted by the adjusted Matawinie Mine (final layout).

In 2024, to comply with Condition 10 of the Matawinie Decree, a plan of the measures that will be carried out to compensate for losses of fish habitat to achieve the objective of no net loss of fish habitat, was submitted to MELCCFP. The purpose of the plan is to optimize the habitat potential of brook trout and restore free passage in watercourses CE09, CE12 and CE36 (SNC-Lavalin, 2024).

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-15** |

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**20.2.3** **Terrestrial Fauna** 

**Big Game**

No field survey was conducted for this group of species due to the absence of a particular issue. The information comes from existing data (Lamontagne et al., 2006; Hénault, 2015; MFFP, 2015; MFFP, 2016).

The white-tailed deer population in hunting Zone 15 is located at the northern limit of its range. In 2008, the density was estimated at 2.4 deer/km<sup>2</sup> of habitat for Zone 15 West (Huot and Lebel, 2012). Harvest varied from 63 to 247 deer between 2011 and 2015 (MFFP, 2016). The MFFP (2015) reports the presence of white-tailed deer yards at the same latitudes of the study area, but outside of the Project's study area. White-tailed deer are frequently observed in the Project's study area.

Moose are relatively abundant in hunting Zone 15, especially because of a good quality habitat (Hénault, 2015). The last estimate of the population in Zone 15 was 1.8 moose/10 km<sup>2</sup> (Hénault, 2015). In addition, the total moose harvest in hunting Zone 15 varied from 231 to 256 moose between 2011 and 2015 (MFFP, 2016). MFFP (2015) reports the presence of a few moose yards within the study area.

The black bear is also relatively abundant in hunting Zone 15 (Lamontagne et al., 2006). Population density has been estimated at 2.4 bears/10 km<sup>2</sup> (Lamontagne et al., 2006). In fact, the bear population in Zone 15 is quite harvested, as the number of black bears harvested was 309 in 2015 (MFFP, 2016).

There is no issue associated with this group of species that is likely to have an impact on resource extraction.

**Furbearers**

No field survey was conducted for this group of species due to the absence of a particular issue. The information comes from existing data (Prescott and Richard, 2013; MFFP, 2016).

Overall, 16 furbearer species are likely to frequent the study area (Prescott and Richard, 2013). The study area overlaps two furbearer management units ("UGAF"), i.e., UGAF Nos. 26 and 27. The main furbearers trapped in this UGAF in 2015-2016 were the American beaver, muskrat, weasel, American marten and raccoon (MFFP, 2016). All these species are common in Québec.

There is no issue associated with this group of species that is likely to have an impact on resource extraction.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-16** |

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**Small Mammals**

The information used to describe the small mammals that inhabit or are likely to inhabit the study area come from a review of existing data (Desrosiers et al., 2002; MFFP, 2015), as well as from a small mammals-specific survey conducted from August 17 to 22, 2016 (SNC-Lavalin, 2016c). This survey was conducted using Victor snap traps placed at four sites and focused on the southern bog lemming and the rock vole, two special status species.

Overall, 203 small mammals belonging to at least nine species were caught. The main species caught was the southern red-backed vole, with 47 specimens. The southern bog lemming was caught at each of the four sites, for a total of 11 specimens. There was no rock vole among the specimens captured and its habitat seems rare in the study area. Other species caught were the short-tailed shrew, masked shrew, smoky shrew, meadow vole, meadow jumping mouse, woodland jumping mouse, and deer mouse. According to Desrosiers et al. (2002), the American water shrew, pigmy shrew, Eastern heather vole, hairy-tailed mole, and star-nosed mole could also use the study area.

Considering the presence of a special status species in the study area, i.e., the southern bog lemming, specific mitigation measures could be required.

**Amphibians and Reptiles**

The information used to describe the amphibians and reptiles that inhabit or are likely to inhabit the study area comes from a review of existing data (AARQ, 2015; MFFP, 2015), as well as from targeted field surveys conducted in 2016 and 2017 (SNC-Lavalin 2017d). The surveys consisted in listening to anuran breeding calls, active searches for pickerel frogs, stream salamanders, forest salamanders and snakes, monitoring artificial shelters for snakes, and in a boat-based turtle survey along the *rivière Matawin*, which has a high potential for the presence of wood turtles. Survey protocols were previously approved by the MFFP.

Four species of anuran were identified, namely the Northern spring peeper, the Eastern American toad, the wood frog and the green frog. The bullfrog was observed during active searches and adds to these species. The active searches conducted between May 10 and June 21, 2017, identified four species of salamander, the blue-spotted salamander, the yellow-spotted salamander, the Eastern redback salamander and the Northern two-lined salamander. Despite a significant survey effort, only two snake species were observed in 2017, the Eastern common garter snake and the Northern redbelly snake. No turtle was observed during the three surveys along the *rivière Matawin* on May 24 and June 7 and 22, 2017. However, the potential presence of other species, such as turtles, cannot be excluded. The CDPNQ (MFFP, 2015) and the AARQ (2015) report occurrences of two other anurans (Eastern newt and mink frog) and four other reptiles (smooth green snake, Eastern painted turtle, common snapping turtle and wood turtle) near the study area. The gray treefrog was also reported during the 2018 bird survey along the eastern access variant.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-17** |

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Of all the species mentioned above, three have a special status, namely the smooth green snake, the wood turtle and common snapping turtle. The smooth green snake was targeted by specific surveys but was not detected. The two turtle species have also been the subject of specific surveys; they were not inventoried, but survey conditions were not optimal. However, the habitats used by these turtles (lakes, water bodies, large watercourses, shorelines) do not overlap the current Project footprint.

There is no issue associated with this group of species that is likely to have an impact on resource extraction.

**20.2.4** **Bats** 

The presence and nocturnal activity of bats were characterized with a fixed acoustic survey using eight recording stations located near water bodies and wetlands (Fabianek, 2016). The survey ran from June 29 to July 19, 2016, i.e., during the birth and lactation periods of bats in Québec. In addition, field searches for hibernacula were carried out from June 29 to 30, 2016. The survey protocol was previously approved by the MFFP.

This survey confirmed the presence of five bat species already reported in the *Lanaudière* region. The hoary bat was the most active, followed by the silver-haired bat, little brown bat, big brown bat and red bat. All these species have a special protection status, except the big brown bat. Passes of *Myotis* bats, bats of the big brown/silver-haired complex and unidentified bat species were also detected. This 20-night survey recorded a total of 296 cumulated passes, all species combined. This activity index is comparable to other study areas sampled after the arrival of the white-nose syndrome in the province of Québec. A visual inspection of rocky outcrops visible from the road yielded no evidence of bat hibernacula in the area visited. Two cottages located in the vicinity of the *lac aux Pierres* were also inspected for signs of bats. However, no guano deposit was visually identified in the areas explored.

Considering the presence of special status species in the study area, specific mitigation measures could be required.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-18** |

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**20.2.5** **Birds** 

**Waterfowl and Other Waterbirds**

A ground-based survey of waterfowl and other waterbirds frequenting the main water bodies of the study area (lac de la Dame, lac à l'Île, lac aux Pierres, lac du Brochet, lac England, Petit lac aux Pierres, lac Séverin, lac Saint-Grégoire, rivière Matawin) was conducted on May 15 and 19, 2017 (SNC-Lavalin, 2017e). The survey protocol was previously approved by the MFFP. Ten waterfowl species, including eight local breeders, and three other waterbird species were observed in the study area. Since no special status species belonging to this group were observed in the study area, there is no issue associated with this group of species that is likely to have an impact on resource extraction.

**Birds of Prey**

Bird of prey surveys were conducted on June 23 and 28, 2017 using eight 500-m transects located along access roads (SNC-Lavalin, 2017e). The survey protocol was previously approved by the MFFP. No bird of prey nest was found, but four species were detected, namely the turkey vulture, bald eagle, broad-winged hawk, and merlin. The bald eagle is designated as vulnerable in Québec under the *Act Respecting Threatened or Vulnerable Species.* Since an adult of this species was observed twice in the *lac England* area, where its potential habitat is present, it was deemed possible the bald eagle would nest there. To confirm this, a helicopter survey was carried out in early May 2018 along the shore of *lac England,* of *Lac aux Pierres* and all other large waterbodies of the study area. No bald eagle nest was found, confirming that this species does not nest in the study area.

**Land Birds**

Land birds were inventoried from June 1 to 9 and from June 22 to 28, 2017 using 70 point counts located in the main habitats of the study area (SNC-Lavalin, 2018). On June 18 and July 4, 2018, six new point counts were carried out in potential special status species habitats to double verify the presence of such species in the study area, as well as along a potential access road east of the study area. A nighthawk survey was also performed at five stations on July 3, 2018 to detect the presence of the common nighthawk. The survey protocols were previously approved by the MFFP. The presence of 53 land bird species has been noted in the study area, mainly common species in Québec, except for the willow flycatcher and the bobolink. The bobolink is threatened according to the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, but the species has no legal protection status. Its habitat is rare in the study area and does not overlap the current Project footprint. The SOS-POP (2015) database reports the presence of known nesting sites of olive-sided flycatcher and Canada warbler in the study area, but these are located outside the current Project footprint.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-19** |

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There is no issue associated with this group of species that is likely to have an impact on resource extraction.

**20.3** **Phase-2 Matawinie Mine Authorization** 

In April 2019, NMG issued the ESIA to the MELCC. The main steps carried out to obtain the Phase-2 Matawinie Mine authorization (the Decree) are listed in Table 20-2.

**Table 20-2: Chronology of significant steps in the Phase-2 Matawinie Mine** **ESIA**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Date** | **Event** |
| 2018-01-18 | Receipt of the Project notice from the MELCC |
| 2018-02-12 | Delivery of the directive |
| 2019-04-05 | Reception of the ESIA |
| 2019-07-08 | Transmission of questions to the Project initiator |
| 2019-09-27 | Reception of questions |
| 2019-10-07 | Reception of the physicochemical characterization of the initial state of the soils |
| 2019-10-30 | Reception of the rehabilitation and restoration plan |
| 2019-11-15 | Transmission to the Project initiator of commitment requests and comments for the environmental analysis |
| 2019-11-25 | Reception of responses to commitment requests |
| 2020-01-27 to 2020-05-26 | Period of public hearing |
| 2020-11-05 | Reception of the latest information from the Project initiator |
| 2020-10-30 | Reception of the last opinion of the government (ministries) and stakeholders |

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On June 26, 2020, NMG received the report and recommendations of the *Bureau d'audience publique sur Environnement* ("BAPE") regarding its Phase-2 Matawinie Mine. The Government's environmental assessment analysis continued at the MELCC from November 2020 to January 2021 and resulted in the adoption of a ministerial Decree that authorized the Matawinie Mine on January 20, 2021, on the territory of the Municipality *(Décret 47-2021,* Gazette *officielle du Québec, 10 février 2021*, 153e Year, no 6). Once the Decree is obtained, NMG must still comply with the different regulatory requirements and develop the Project according to the ESIA commitments and in conformity with applicable regulations.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-20** |

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Condition 1 of the Decree stipulates that the Matawinie Mine on the territory of the Municipality must comply with the terms and measures set out in the following documents:

▪ *Matawinie – Étude d'impact environnemental et social - Saint-Michel-des-Saints – Étude d'impact sur l'environnement déposée au ministre de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques – Ref. : 3211- 16-019, par SNC-Lavalin, avril 2019, totalisant environ 5 206 pages incluant 10 annexes;* 

▪ *Matawinie – Étude d'impact environnemental et social Saint-Michel-des-Saints – Addenda no 1 – déposé au ministre de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques – Ref. : 3211-16-019, par Globerpro International Inc., 23 mai 2019, totalisant environ 25 pages incluant 2 annexes;* 

▪ *Matawinie – Étude d'impact environnemental et social – Réponses aux questions – Nouveau Monde Graphite, par SNC-Lavalin, septembre 2019, totalisant environ 557 pages incluant 7 annexes;* 

▪ *Matawinie – Caractérisation physicochimique de l'état initial des sols - Saint-Michel-des-Saints (Québec) - Nouveau Monde Graphite, par SNC-Lavalin, 7 octobre 2019, totalisant environ 317 pages incluant 7 annexes;* 

▪ *Matawinie – Saint-Michel-des-Saints – Plan de réaménagement et de restauration pour le site du projet minier Matawinie – Ref.: 3211-16-019, par SNC-Lavalin, octobre 2019, totalisant environ 213 pages incluant 7 annexes;* 

▪ *Lettre de M. Fréderic Gauthier, de Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc., à Mme Dominique Lavoie, du ministère de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, datée du 25 novembre 2019, concernant les réponses aux demandes d'engagements, 7 pages;* 

▪ *Prédiction de la qualité des eaux dans la fosse et effets sur le milieu récepteur sous différentes conditions – Projet Matawinie - Saint-Michel-des-Saints, Québec – Préparé pour : Nouveau Monde Graphite – Par LAMONT MDAG, par LAMONT Inc., janvier 2020, totalisant environ 240 pages incluant 4 annexes;* 

▪ *Plan d'intégration au territoire du projet minier Matawinie - Sommaire intégré, janvier 2020, environ 147 pages;* 

▪ *Projet Matawinie – Étude d'impact environnemental et social – Saint-Michel-des-Saints – Étude d'impact sur l'environnement déposée au ministre de l'Environne- ment et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques – Ref.: 3211-16-019 – Février 2020 – Projet: 653897-L022- Réponses aux demandes d'engagement du 15 novembre 2019, par SNC-Lavalin - février 2020, totalisant environ 75 pages incluant 2 annexes;* 

▪ *Projet Matawinie – Étude d'impact environnemental et social - Saint-Michel-des-Saints - Étude d'impact sur l'environnement déposée au ministre de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques– Ref. : 3211-16-019 – Juin 2020 – Projet : 653897-L023* 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-21** |

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▪ *Volume Réponses aux questions – Analyse environnementale du 1er mai 2020, par SNC-Lavalin, juin 2020, totalisant environ 271 pages incluant 8 annexes;* 

▪ *Note technique : L025 – Réf : 653897 – N/Document n° : 653897 - Date : 2020-06-09 – À Frédéric Gauthier – Nouveau Monde Graphite – Lieu : Lévis – Projet : 653897* 

▪ *Inventaire sites potentiels de ponte des tortues, par SNC-Lavalin, juin 2020, totalisant environ 20 pages incluant 1 annexe;* 

▪ *Projet minier Matawinie – Étude d'impact environnemental et social – Dossier 3211-16-019 – Document de réponses aux questions de l'analyse environnementale du 7 août 2020, 20 août 2020, totalisant environ 15 pages;* 

▪ *Projet minier Matawinie – Étude d'impact environnemental et social – Dossier 3211-16-019 – Réponses à la QCAE-2 du 7 août 2020 et mise à jour des acquisitions dans la zone d'acquisition volontaire, 4 septembre 2020, totalisant environ 20 pages;* 

▪ *Projet minier Matawinie – Étude d'impact environnemental et social – Dossier 3211-16-019 – Document de réponses aux questions et commentaires de l'analyse environnementale du MELCC du 8 octobre 2020, 19 octobre 2020, 9 pages;* 

▪ *Lettre de M. Fréderic Gauthier, de Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc., à Mme Dominique Lavoie, du ministère de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, datée du 5 novembre 2020, concernant les réponses aux commentaires du 3 novembre 2020, 2 pages.* 

From the documents in Condition 1, specific conditions have been outlined in Conditions 2 to 16 of the Authorization (the Decree). The main conditions to be included within permits applications are summarized in Sections 20.3.2 to 20.3.4. The Decree of NMG is available in the *Gazette officielle du Québec* (2021)<sup>1</sup>, which is available online:

<u>https://www.environnement.gouv.qc.ca/evaluations/decret/2021/47-2021.pdf</u><u>5</u>

In February 2024, NMG submitted a Decree modification. The requested modifications are the result of NMG's exploration work, which had identified a continuity of the deposit to the south of the proposed pit in the area where Hydro-Québec held the surface rights because of the construction of an additional high-voltage line. In February 2022, Hydro-Québec transferred its surface rights to NMG so that the graphite resources south of the pit could be mined. At the same time, NMG carried out geotechnical stability studies for the pit walls, which led to the optimization of the slopes for the mining operation and its securing. As a result, with the expansion of the pit to the south and a modification of the slopes, the reserves and quantities of mine waste to be extracted were reviewed and increased accordingly, which led to a change in the mining plan. With the new mining plan, the average annual mining rate has, therefore, been slightly increased.

<sup>1</sup> Gazette officielle du Québec, 2021. Lois et règlements. 153e année. Partie 2, no 6. 10 février 2021.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-22** |

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In 2022, NMG published an update to the FS (2022 FS) that combined work at the future Matawinie Mine and Battery Material Plant for graphite processing in Bécancour (Allaire et al., 2022). At the time of the publication of the 2022 FS, the detailed engineering of the mine's infrastructure was already advanced and the construction of certain elements of the mine project had begun, which led to clarifications compared to the 2018 FS (DRA, 2018).

The effects of the activities that are part of the application for an amendment to the Decree on the valued components consider all adjustments to the mining project. To do this, atmospheric emissions, and noise environment models, were carried out with information from the up-to-date detailed engineering plans. The application to amend the Decree concerns the capacity of the Project with an increase in production or a change in the process, and covers activities related to the following aspects:

▪ Updating
 hours of operation for the transportation and handling of tailings;

▪ Updating
 the mine plan, including the expansion of the pit to the south;

▪ Graphite
 production at 106,000 tpy, including industrial site adjustments;

▪ The
 authorization to amend Condition 2 of Decree 47-2021 in accordance with the update of the
 mining plan;

▪ The
 addition of a powder magazine.

The Decree amendment was filled and sent to the government of Québec in February 2024 and is currently being analyzed by the MELCCFP.

**20.3.1** **Permits for Construction and Exploitation** 

Several applications for Authorization's following the different stages of the design or the construction activities will be required from the MRNF, the Municipality, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada ("MPO").

From September 2020, the MELCC adopted an in-depth modification of its environmental authorization policy system under section 22 of the EQA named the *Règlement sur l'encadrement d'activités en fonction de leur impact sur l'environnement* ("REAFIE") (MELCC, 2022). The Regulation oversees activities in need of an authorization based on their environmental impact (REAFIE) (Q-2, r. 17.1). Activities with moderate environmental risk need a ministerial authorization, those at low risk, a declaration of conformity, and those at negligible risk, can be exempt of an authorization or declaration.

The main permits received for Phase-2 Matawinie Mine are summarized in Table 20-3.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-23** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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**Table 20-3: Main authorizations received for the Phase-2 Matawinie Mine**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Activities** | **Object** | **Authority** | **Received<br> date** |
| Wood Cleaning – Industrial Pad and Access Road | Attestation of conformity - Municipality of Saint-Michel-des-Saints | Municipality of Saint-Michel-des-Saints | 2021-02-22 |
| Wood Cleaning – Industrial Pad and Access Road | Provisory - Land lease for infrastructure located on the domain of the State | MERN (currently MRNF) | 2021-03-01 |
| Wood Cleaning – Industrial Pad and Access Road | Intervention permit | MFFP | 2021-03-03 |
| Wood Cleaning – Industrial Pad and Access Road | Authorization (RLRQ, Chapitre-Q-2, article 22) | MELCC (currently MELCCFP) | 2021-02-26, 2021-04-20 |
| Phase-2 Matawinie Mine | Attestation of conformity - Municipality of Saint-Michel-des-Saints | Municipality of Saint-Michel-des-Saints | 2021-06-11, 2021-01-27 |
| Phase-2 Matawinie Mine | Land lease for tailings infrastructure located on the domain of the State | MERN | 2021-08-10, Annual renewal |
| Phase-2 Matawinie Mine | Land lease for infrastructure located on the domain of the State | MERN | 2023-08-01<br> Annual renewal |
| Phase-2 Matawinie Mine | Notice for implementation of measures aimed at avoiding and mitigating the probability of prohibited effects on fish and their habitat | MPO | 2022-08-18 |
| Phase-2 Matawinie Mine | Authorization under section 241 of the *Mining Act* | MRNF | 2024-05-17 |
| Phase-2 Matawinie Mine | Approval under section 210 of the *Mining Act* | MRNF | 2024-07-05 |
| Industrial Pad Site - Preparation and installation of underground water and sanitary sewer infrastructure | Authorization (RLRQ, Chapitre-Q-2, article 22) | MELCC | 2021-07-23 |
| Industrial Pad Site Preparation | Authorization under RLRQ, Chapitre-Q-2, article 22 | MELCCFP | 2023-07-12 |
| Industrial Pad Site Preparation | Attestation of conformity - Municipality of Saint-Michel-des-Saints | Municipality of Saint-Michel-des-Saints | 2020-07-27,<br> 2021-12-16 |
| Wetlands backfill [1] | Authorization | MELCC | 2022-02-21 |

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-24** |

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| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Activities** | **Object** | **Authority** | **Received<br> date** |
| Access road - Installation of culverts and rock blasting as part of the construction of the access road | Authorization (RLRQ, Chapitre-Q-2, article 22) | MELCC | 2021-07-06 |
| Extension - Wood Cleaning – Industrial Pad and Access Road | Forestry intervention permit | MFFP | 2021-04-01 |
| Access Road Construction | Authorization to construct, improve or close a multi-use path | MFFP | 2021-07-13 |
| Access Road Construction | Activity susceptible to affect a wildlife habitat (fish habitat) | MFFP | 2021-07-07 |
| Access Road Construction | RADF Applications | MPO | 2021-06-16 |
| Addenda Wood Cleaning – Industrial Pad and Access Road | Forestry intervention permit | MFFP | 2021-03-22 |
| Addenda Wood Cleaning – Industrial Pad and Access Road | Forestry intervention permit | MFFP | 2023-01-30 |
| Potable water withdraws | Attestation of conformity - Municipality of Saint-Michel-des-Saints | Municipality of Saint-Michel-des-Saints | 2024-02-22 |
| Civils works and building construction | Attestation of conformity - Municipality of Saint-Michel-des-Saints | Municipality of Saint-Michel-des-Saints | 2024-03-06 |
| Wood cleaning - sedimentation basin and storage of construction materials | Intervention permit | MFFP | 2022-01-13<br> 2022-06-02 |
| Wood Cleaning – Industrial Pad | Attestation of conformity – Municipality of Saint-Michel-des-Saints | Municipality of Saint-Michel-des-Saints | 2022-12-16 |
| Excavation and fill | Municipal permit | Municipality of Saint-Michel-des-Saints | 2025-03-10 |
| Forest management | Municipal permit | Municipality of Saint-Michel-des-Saints | 2025-03-10 |
| Concentrator construction | Municipal permit | Municipality of Saint-Michel-des-Saints | 2025-02-25 |
| Phase B2 - Industrial Pad Site – Concentrator and Buildings | Authorization modification, (RLRQ, Chapitre-Q-2, article 22) | MELCCFP | 2025-04-01 |
| Water withdraws – Phase B2 | Authorization modification, RLRQ, chapitre Q-2, article 30) | MELCCFP | 2025-04-01 |

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-25** |

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NMG separated the permitting sequence based on engineering advancement. The next phases will prioritize the following construction works: 1) Industrial platform concentrator and building; 2) tailings and water management infrastructure construction; 3) pit and mine site preparation; and, finally, 4) mine operation (including concentrator start-up, ore extraction, on-site tailings). NMG also needs approval of the Closure Plan and payment of 50% of the financial guarantee within 90 days of approval, followed by 25% of the financial guarantee paid in the first and second year after the MERN approval, as well as its Mining lease for any construction or operations within the pit area.

**20.3.2** **Environmental Monitoring** 

As per Condition 14 of the Decree, environmental monitoring and a follow-up program for the Phase-2 Matawinie Mine was transmitted on February 2021 to the MELCC for review and approval. Answers and additional information are to be filed by NMG into a revised version that incorporates MELCC comments and must be included in the authorizations under article 22 or, where applicable, under article 30 of the LEA for which the works that will generate the impact are planned and justify the monitoring and follow-up. All monitoring and follow-up requirements and approval regarding activities are already in place and related authorizations are communicated with the NMG environmental program for the construction of the Phase-2 Matawinie Mine (Table 20-3). A summary table of NMG environmental commitments and conditions (NMG, 2021), as part of the Phase-2 Matawinie Mine, is available on the company's website in accordance with the analysis and authorization procedures of the Québec Government. This table is updated twice a year.

Regarding the final monitoring and follow-up program for mine exploitation, follow-up work has been completed. This includes the hydrological monitoring of the receiving watercourses CE36, CE05 and CE20, in order to acquire as much information as possible on the flows of the watercourses affected by the Project. It also includes groundwater monitoring and the monitoring of air quality because of the uncertainties at the level of airborne crystalline silica (refer to Section 20.1.1 - Air Quality).

The final version of the territorial integration plan was sent to the MRNF and MELCCFP (Condition 13). Following its approval, construction has started on the site.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-26** |

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**20.3.3** **Tailings Management** 

As specified in Condition 3 of the Decree, full scale field testing was undertaken during the summer of 2020. A 16 m x 16 m cell reproducing parameters of the co-disposal design (Section 18.12) was constructed. The goal was to simulate specific parameters of the deposition plan with instruments at certain strategic locations. Probes for measuring temperature, capillary pressure, water content and oxygen content have been installed and data has been collected and analyzed since August 2020.

Also, contact water has been collected and analyzed every month. The mine tailings co-disposition scheme is shown in Figure 20-1.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp13img01.jpg)

**Figure 20-1: Typical section of the experimental cell and position (metric) of the instruments**

**(red-oxygen; green-suction; blue-water content and temperature)**

**Oxygen Content**

The monitoring of the probes shows that the oxygen is consumed in the desulphurized NAG tailings. In the sulphurous PAG tailings, the high degree of water saturation prevents the concentration of gaseous oxygen, which has been zero since the start of the tests until the end of the tests in 2023.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-27** |

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**Water Content**

The profile of the water content in the test cell shows that the tailings near the surface are the most influenced by weather conditions. We then see seasonal variations at all levels, but in general, sulphurous PAG tailings retain a high degree of saturation. This observation supports the assumptions underlying the concept.

**Temperature**

The temperature fluctuates in the layers and the amplitude is related to the proximity of the probe to the atmosphere. The temperature is an indication of the rate of oxidation which, in the case of the oxidation of sulphides, is an exothermic reaction. No increase in temperature was observed in the PAGs, which indicates the absence of an oxidation reaction and confirms that the PAG may not be self heating.

**Suction**

The probes made it possible to measure the suction in the layers of NAG and PAG tailings. Suction is related to the degree of compaction, water content, and the ability of fine materials to retain water. The measured suctions show that the compaction was not optimal. This result was expected given the light equipment used for compaction and subsequent side effects. Compaction with a properly sized Dozer in bigger cell (100 m X 200 m), such as what is expected during commercial operations (e.g.: Caterpillar D6 or D8 dozer), should avoid this issue.

**Contact Water**

Monitoring the quality of contact water over the course of the tests demonstrated the validity of the prediction model developed during the feasibility and impact studies (LAMONT and MDAG, 2020). As requested in conditions 3 and 5 with the MELCCFP consultations, the results of additional field tests on the waste rock materials conducted alongside the co-disposal test cell will be integrated to the geochemical in the final model. The model can therefore be used to predict what the water quality will be once the mine is in operation and the co-disposition pile is under construction.

**Conclusion**

Monitoring the full-scale field cell confirms the assumptions on the effectiveness of the design. The results of the cell can provide tools to ensure a safe design including proof design criteria into the deposition plan and the monitoring QA/QC program (Condition 4 of the Decree).

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-28** |

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Based on data and correlations from laboratory kinetic test work and large-scale on-site tests, scatterplots with pH are compiled Project pH-dependent water-quality model for full-scale mine site components and validated modelling results (LAMONT and MDAG, 2020, LAMONT, 2020) presented to MELCCFP. Many minerals were close to or above ideal saturation at pH 4, 6, and 8 based on the Matawinie water-quality model. This is an indicator that aqueous concentrations of many elements can represent maximum "equilibrium" concentrations representative of full-scale mine site components meaning that no scaling factors are needed as scale increases.

The experimental cell was restored in July 2024. The tailings were moved to the authorized tailings facility for site development purposes. The cell provided all the information required to enable the development of design criteria for the full-scale project and consultation for conditions 3 and 5 with the MELCCFP is ongoing. At the end of this consultation, a complete report concerning the co-disposal test cell will be submitted to the MELCCFP in 2025 when applying for authorization under section 22 of the EQA (chapter Q-2) or, where applicable, under section 30 of that EQA, concerning the tailings storage facility and tailings management. As requested in Condition 5 of the Decree, the groundwater modelling will be updated and should confirm the assumptions used in the Impact Assessment modelling.

**20.3.4** **Mine Electrification** 

As per Condition 6 of the Decree, NMG must present the progress of work to electrify mobile mining equipment as well as an update of the schedule for carrying out this development opportunity.

In December 2021, a mandate was signed with Hydro-Québec to carry out the preliminary project encompassing the development, installation and operation of a 120-kV electrical line that will supply its Phase-2 Matawinie Mine. The goal is to connect the Phase-2 Matawinie Mine and its concentrator to the province's main power grid via a dedicated line expected to be active for the start of the Phase-2 Matawinie Mine's operations.

**20.4** **Social and Community Impact Update** 

Relevant stakeholder groups were initially identified during the exploration phase of the Matawinie Mine back in 2014 when NMG commenced its participative approach. Since the discovery of mineralization on the Matawinie Property, NMG has launched numerous initiatives to align the development of the Matawinie Mine with the realities, concerns, and values of the local community and the Atikamekw First Nation. More than 100 outreach activities have been held to date to establish dialogue with local organizations, residents, cottage owners, and members of First Nations. NMG consulted and continues to actively engage with stakeholders.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-29** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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NMG has a head office at 481 Brassard Street in Saint-Michel-des-Saints that is open for community enquiries, drop-in visits, employment applications, business inquiries and/or grievances. In addition to refining the Project, open dialogue with the community has helped identify avenues for integration and revealed a strong interest in training, employment, and business opportunities.

NMG continues to collect feedback from stakeholders, provide transparent information on its activities, plans and ESG performance, and maintain an active profile within the milieu thanks to dedicated local resources such as a Community Relations Coordinator and a community office.

**Table 20-4: Engagement with main stakeholder groups**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Stakeholders** | **Communication channels** |
| Citizens and users of the territory | ▪ Public newsletter, website, social media<br> ▪ Site visits and direct interaction with NMG's representatives<br> ▪ Representation at the Phase-2 Matawinie Mine monitoring committee (the "Monitoring Committee")<br> ▪ ESG Report |
| Community and economic development organizations | ▪ Representation at the Monitoring Committee<br> ▪ Meetings and direct interaction with NMG's representatives<br> ▪ ESG Report |
| Employees | ▪ Internal newsletter<br> ▪ Team weekly meetings<br> ▪ Annual full-staff training seminar and other internal events |
| Environmental groups | ▪ Representation at the Monitoring Committee<br> ▪ Site visits and direct interaction with NMG's representatives |
| Indigenous peoples' communities and organizations | ▪ Meetings, site visits and direct interaction with NMG's representatives<br> ▪ Local events<br> ▪ Representation at the Monitoring Committee<br> ▪ ESG Report<br> ▪ Public newsletter, website, social media |
| Members of the public, media, and end-users | ▪ Press releases, quarterly and annual reports<br> ▪ Public newsletter, website, social media<br> ▪ ESG Report<br> ▪ Site visits and direct interaction with NMG's representatives |
| Municipal and governmental authorities | ▪ Meetings, site visits and direct interaction with NMG's representatives<br> ▪ Representation at the Monitoring Committee<br> ▪ Biannual activities report<br> ▪ Press releases, quarterly and annual reports<br> ▪ ESG Report |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-30** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Stakeholders** | **Communication channels** |
| Shareholders and investors | ▪ Annual meeting<br> ▪ Site visits and direct interaction with NMG's representatives<br> ▪ Press releases, quarterly and annual reports<br> ▪ ESG Report<br> ▪ Website, newsletter, social media<br> ▪ Events, panels and conferences |
| Supplier and business partners | ▪ Annual information session on upcoming business opportunities<br> ▪ Meetings and direct interaction with NMG's representatives<br> ▪ Website, social media<br> ▪ Press releases, quarterly and annual reports |

---

A survey (NMG, 2019) of the local population was conducted by Marketing Léger Inc. and confirmed favourable reception of the Matawinie Mine and Concentrator Project, with 82% of respondents calling the Project positive or very positive. The results have remained consistent over the public consultation phase, with an equivalent rate of support (83% in 2018 and 82% in 2019) and viewpoints that remain positive regarding economic benefits (89%) and community integration with respect to quality of life (76%) and the environment (70%).

On April 23, 2019, NMG entered into a pre-development agreement (the "PDA") with the *Conseil des Atikamekw de Manawan* and the *Conseil de la Nation Atikamekw* for the Phase-2 Matawinie Mine. The PDA outlines the respective rights and interests of all parties with respect to pre-development activities and provides a guideline for negotiating an impact and benefit agreement (the "IBA") relating to the Phase-2 Matawinie Mine. According to the PDA, the parties support the development of the Phase-1 Matawinie Mine in a manner that respects the environment, sustainability principles, culture, and lifestyle of the Atikamekw First Nation. As part of the PDA, the Company shall provide training, employment and business opportunities to members of the Atikamekw Nation, as well as establish a joint training fund with the *Conseil des Atikamekw de Manawan* and the *Conseil de la Nation Atikamekw*. NMG and the Conseil des Atikamekw de Manawan entered into an IBA on December 11, 2024, by which the Atikamekw of Manawan (hereinafter, the "Manawan Atikamekw") are giving their Free, Prior and Informed Consent ("FPIC") towards NMG's Matawinie Mine, including the main electric line powering the Matawinie Mine. The IBA includes provisions for the Manawan Atikamekw to take part in the Matawinie Mine's environmental management and monitoring, the implementation of adapted and preferential training and employability measures, the promotion of business opportunities during the Matawinie Mine's construction and operations, as well as the recognition of Manawan Atikamekw culture and the inclusion of cultural safety measures. The IBA also sets out the sharing of financial benefits from NMG's graphite development operations, the costs of which have been incorporated into the Project's cost estimate. A committee has been formed in 2025 to oversee the implementation of the IBA, and a Coordinator from the community based in Manawan acts as liaison officer.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-31** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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On January 24, 2020, NMG announced the signing of a collaboration and benefit-sharing agreement between the Company and the Municipality for the Phase-2 Matawinie Mine (the "Saint-Michel-des-Saints Collaboration Agreement"). The Saint-Michel-des-Saints Collaboration Agreement was based on requests expressed by local stakeholders, on sustainable development principles, and on an agreement in principle reached in August 2018, and summarized in Section 4.4.2 of this Study.

NMG is an active participant within the regional community and associative network, including the Chamber of Commerce, working to promote indirect economic opportunities associated with our operations and workforce attraction. Information sessions are held annually to present the upcoming construction work and associated business opportunities.

Since 2018, work advisories have been sent regularly, every month to every quarter, and for significant events depending on the nature of the work, to nearby residents and other interested stakeholders to relay key information of on-site activities and potential local impacts associated with our Phase-2 Matawinie Mine. News regarding NMG's activities and development updates are published through various platforms – monthly page in local paper, social media, press releases, website, local media, newsletter, quarterly corporate financial reports, etc. – to enable community members to access information.

The Stakeholder Committee that has been assisting NMG in developing the mining project since 2017 has transitioned to a Monitoring Committee. The Monitoring Committee functions as both a consultative body and a platform for environmental and social surveillance of NMG's operations. Led by NMG Community Relations Coordinator and composed of local citizens, First Nation members, business representatives, and local organizations, the Monitoring Committee plays a crucial role in helping NMG identify its stakeholders' concerns and improvement avenues for the next steps of the Project. The Monitoring Committee will remain in place until the post-closure monitoring period of the mine. Minutes for each meeting are publicly available on NMG's website.

A Grievance Policy is in place to provide a framework for handling comments and complaints related to NMG's operations. NMG is committed to providing a structured and equitable mechanism for handling grievances to prevent and mitigate negative impacts and, where applicable, to implement corrective measures or enhance the positive impacts of our activities and operations. NMG also ensures that any inappropriate, discriminatory, or unethical behaviour is investigated and managed according to other existing policies within the Company. All grievances made through official channels, regardless of urgency, are recorded in a grievance register and managed as per the defined eight-step process to ensure follow-up and continuous improvement. A simplified and anonymized register is made public via NMG's website.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-32** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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**20.5** **GHG Emissions Phase-2 Matawinie Mine** 

Consistent to its commitment to carbon neutrality, NMG will purchase verified carbon credits to compensate for any emissions that have not been reduced, thereby ensuring a net zero carbon balance at the end of each year. Such provisions are reflected in the financial model. Refer to Section 26.6 for the comparison between the base case scenario involving equipment such as a diesel fleet and a recommended scenario leveraging on opportunities such as the use of a zero-emission mobile fleet in order to reduce the Matawinie Project's GHG emissions.

**20.6** **Closure Plan** 

Section 232.1 of the *Mining Act* states that a rehabilitation and closure plan is a requirement and must be approved before the mining lease is issued and a financial guarantee to cover all reclamation cost is provided in the 2 years following the approval of the plan. Hence, a reclamation and rehabilitation plan has been presented to the MERN in October 2019. The rehabilitation and reclamation plan has been developed following the provincial Guidelines for Preparing a Mining Site Rehabilitation Plan and General Mining Site Rehabilitation Requirements (2017), which provides to the proponents the rehabilitation requirements. (SNC-Lavalin, 2019b)

Reclamation will include all activities carried out during the mining operations (progressive reclamation) and at the end of mining activities covered by the closure plan.

Progressive reclamation activities will be carried out during the mining activities. The final reclamation cover will be placed on the co-disposal pile as soon as an area of the pile will have reached its final elevation (starting at Year 4). It will reduce the volume of water to treat (after post-closure follow-up) from the co-disposal pile and minimize the visual impact of such structures.

Also, the progressive backfilling of the pit with tailings and waste rocks will begin between the sixth to eighth year of operation. Throughout the mining operation, the open portion of the pit will be secured as its contour reaches its final surface position. A berm composed of blocks of waste rock or other materials 2 m high with a horizontal crest 2 m wide will be constructed at a safe distance from the pit and signposts will indicate the presence of the pit. At the end of the operation, the proponent expects that a body of water will form in its unfilled portion, i.e., the northern section.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-33** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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At the end of the mine life, surface infrastructure and equipment will be dismantled and removed from the mine site. This includes, but is not limited to, electricity transport equipment, e-houses, semi-mobile crusher and conveyors, site buildings, storage sheds and other mine structures. Concrete slabs will be removed and/or covered to enable the growth of vegetation. Backfilling and levelling of ditches and the implementation of wetlands in the collection basin footprint are planned and part of the reclamation activities. A water body is expected to form at the northern portion of the pit. At the end of the monitoring phase, if applicable, access and site roads will be scarified and revegetated.

Restoration work will be carried out gradually during the operation phase. Otherwise, most of the restoration work will be spread over a maximum period of 2 years after the operation phase. The costs for the work planned during the restoration of the mine site of the Matawinie Project as presented has been estimated by SNC-Lavalin at $21.43M (CAD 30M) in 2020 and revised by SRK in 2025 for a total of $23.79M (CAD 33.3 M). This revision will be submitted to the MRNF.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **20-34** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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**21.** **Matawinie Mine Capital and Operating Costs** 

The Matawinie Mine is a greenfield mining and processing facility with a nominal mill feed capacity of 2,550,556 tpy of ore to produce 105,882 tpy of graphite concentrate.

The capital and operating cost estimates related to the Matawinie Mine and the Concentrator have been developed by external consultants and consolidated by NMG as per the sources listed below.

▪ BBA
 prepared the capital cost estimate ("Capex") for the purchase of the mine equipment
 fleet and the development of the open pit.

▪ Pomerleau
 and NMG prepared the capital cost estimates for all facilities except for the incoming power
 line.

▪ Hydro-Québec
 provided the Capex for the incoming 120 kV power line.

▪ AtkinsRéalis
 prepared the design layouts and quantities for the industrial platform including the crusher,
 concentrator and associated facilities.

▪ SRK
 prepared the design layouts and quantities for the initial and sustaining capital cost estimates
 for the CDF and their respective reclamation cover as well as for the water management infrastructure.
 Unit rates for the CDF area as well as for the water management infrastructure were developed
 by Pomerleau and NMG.

▪ Mabarex
 and Technosub prepared the cost estimates for the water treatment plant, including pumps
 and HDPE piping and equipment.

▪ ABB
 prepared the capital cost for the electrical substation.

▪ All
 costs provided by external sources were free of contingency and escalation.

▪ BBA
 performed a due diligence of the cost estimate and costs were adjusted to reflect latest
 market pricing for bulk materials and labour costs as of Q4 2025 and for consistency
 with the commercial plant Capex.

▪ The
 estimate base date is November 2025.

▪ The
 estimate is presented in US dollars (USD) as the base currency.

▪ Bulk
 material costs are initially priced in Canadian dollars (CAD) and subsequently converted
 to USD.

Budgetary pricing for equipment has been converted to USD using the exchange rates provided by NMG (Table 21-1).

**Table 21-1: Exchange rates**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Currency Code** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Currency Name** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Rate** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CAD | &nbsp;&nbsp;Canadian Dollar | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.00 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;USD | &nbsp;&nbsp;US Dollar | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.40 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;EUR | &nbsp;&nbsp;Euro | &nbsp;&nbsp;1.47 |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **21-1** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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**21.1.** **Matawinie Mine and Concentrator Capital Cost Estimate** 

The Capex consists of direct and indirect capital costs, Owner's costs as well as contingency. Provisions for sustaining capital are also included, mainly for the CDF expansion. Amounts for the mine closure and rehabilitation of the site have been estimated as well. The working capital is discussed in Chapter 22.

**21.1.1.** **Estimate Type and Purpose** 

The capital costs estimate prepared for this Updated FS are based on engineering deliverables, methodology and level of detail consistent with a Class 3 as defined by AACE International Recommended Practice 47R-11. The accuracy achieved was evaluated in the consideration of the level of definition reached in major engineering deliverables, execution strategy and pricing for each plant.

The capital cost estimates were developed within the expected accuracy range of -10% to +20% as attested by the results of the probabilistic contingency analysis using Monte Carlo analysis. The Estimate Accuracy inclusive of contingency is measured from P50.

The estimates have been organized by WBS, by discipline, commodity coding, and construction, purchase and turnkey packages.

The main objectives of this estimate are:

▪ Formulate
 the basis for the capital cost and financial section of this NI 43-101 Updated FS report;

▪ Permit
 NMG to reassess the economic viability of the Projects;

▪ Formulate
 the basis for project funding;

▪ Allow
 for the potential reassessment of project scope via value engineering.

**21.1.2.** **Major Assumptions** 

The Capex is based on the Project obtaining all relevant permits in a timely manner to meet the Project Schedule.

NMG selected an owner-managed project execution strategy, in which the owner maintains direct control over key aspects such as planning, coordination, and decision-making while delegating the engineering, procurement and construction management, as further detailed below.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **21-2** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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The owner-managed project execution strategy is essentially a model of project execution that aligns with the principles of an EPCM (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management), but in a disaggregated form. This means that while the core elements of EPCM are present, they are handled separately rather than being bundled under one contractor.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp13img02.jpg)

**Figure 21-1: Owner-managed project execution strategy**

All backfill materials will be available from gravel pits or other sources located close to the site. Mine waste rock from the open pit is not suitable for road construction due to its possibility of being acid generating. All excavated material will be disposed of within the site battery limits.

Temporary power during the construction phase would be provided through temporary genset, or through a temporary powerline from Saint-Michel-des-Saints, until the permanent power is provided by Hydro-Québec.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **21-3** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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**21.1.3.** **Major Exclusions** 

The following items have not been included in the Capex:

▪ Provisions
 for inflation, escalation, and currency fluctuations;

▪ Provisions
 for risk and mitigation plans;

▪ Interest
 incurred during construction;

▪ Project
 financing costs;

▪ All
 duties and taxes.

**21.1.4.** **Capital Costs Summary** 

Table 21-2 presents a summary of the initial capital and sustaining capital costs for the Project.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **21-4** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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**Table 21-2: Summary of capital cost estimate**

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Area** | **Description** | **Labour** **<br> ($)** | **Material** **<br> ($)** | **Equipment** **<br> ($)** | **Indirect /** **<br> Sub-contract ($)** | **Total** **<br> ($)** |
| **Direct Costs** | **Direct Costs** | | | | | |
| 0 | Site Preparation | 21192630 | 10271199 | 3500065 | 21436866 | 56400760 |
| 1 | Mine | 4521982 | 2010714 | 533064 | 1785714 | 8851475 |
| 2 | Ore Crushers & Stockpile | 8848865 | 5161343 | 11406994 | 1858947 | 27276149 |
| 3 | Processing Plant | 56913101 | 27402345 | 37935124 | 2623214 | 124873785 |
| 4 | Architectural | 3488638 | 2019711 | 3311815 | 6664689 | 15484854 |
| 5 | Mechanical | 17813885 | 8629793 | 23483718 | 2351742 | 52279138 |
| 6 | Reagents | 3236977 | 1063380 | 1381057 | 0 | 5681414 |
| 7 | Tailings and Water Management | 15082077 | 7566995 | 3306792 | 5673278 | 31629142 |
|  | **Total Direct Costs** | 131098155 | **64125481** | **84858629** | **42394451** | 322476717 |
| **Indirect** **Costs** | **Indirect** **Costs** |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Owner's Costs | 6.4% | *of direct costs* | *of direct costs* | 20714142 | 20714142 |
|  | EPCM Services | 8.1% | *of direct costs* | *of direct costs* | 26092924 | 26092924 |
|  | GC General conditions | 5.2% | *of direct costs* | *of direct costs* | 16855328 | 16855328 |
|  | POV & Mechanical Acceptance | 3.1% | *of the value of equipment* | *of the value of equipment* | 2630947 | 2630947 |
|  | Commissioning Spare Parts | 0.0% | *of the value of equipment* | *of the value of equipment* | 0 | 0 |
|  | Operating Spare Parts |  | *excluded* | *excluded* | Excluded | 0 |
|  | Initial Fill | 0.7% | *of the value of equipment* | *of the value of equipment* | 613888 | 613888 |
|  | Freight | 7.2% | *of the value of equipment* | *of the value of equipment* | 6138876 | 6138876 |
|  | Vendor Representatives | 2.3% | *of the value of equipment* | *of the value of equipment* | 1929361 | 1929361 |
|  | Insurance and Duties | 1.7% | *of the value of equipment* | *of the value of equipment* | 1403172 | 1403172 |
|  | Contingency | 5.6% | *of direct + indirect costs (including Owner's)* | *of direct + indirect costs (including Owner's)* | 22388503 | 22388503 |
|  | **Total Indirect Costs** |  |  |  | 98767139 | 98767139 |
|  | **Total Capex** **(Total Direct + Indirect Costs)** | **Total Capex** **(Total Direct + Indirect Costs)** |  |  | **421243856** | **421243856** |

---

Note: Totals may not add up due to rounding.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **21-5** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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**21.1.5.** **Sustaining Capital** 

Sustaining capital is the amount required to periodically invest in the operations phase to maintain the functionality of the mining and processing operations. The Capex was developed to minimize outlays in the pre-production phase and delay any capital expenditures to later periods during Project revenue streams.

For the Matawinie Mine, the sustaining capital, estimated at $44.6M, is mainly related to the CDF and water management. The initial period covers the development of preliminary drainage ditches, collection ditches, initial preparation of the west area for the CDF, and the basins BC-1 and BC-2. All other work is scheduled for Years 2 through 25.

**21.1.5.1.** **Closure and Rehabilitation Costs** 

Based on site layouts, a provision of $23.4M was estimated for the closure and rehabilitation of the mine site. Requirements were established, and cost estimates were prepared based on material take-offs and unit rates from recent databases. Quantities for the CDF reclamation cover were provided and priced by SRK.

The closure and rehabilitation costs include the dismantling and removal of all facilities and services and revegetation of the area. Part of the cover placement is included in the estimated operating costs ("Opex") as it will be part of the operation. Possible revenue from the salvage of equipment and materials was not considered in the closure costs.

**21.1.6.** **Basis of Estimate – General** 

The capital cost estimate covers the facilities included in the scope of the work described in previous sections.

The Capex is based on the following key assumptions:

▪ The
 proposed construction work week is based on a 40-hour week, with no construction work during
 the weekend or on official holidays;

▪ Fluctuations
 to nominated currency exchange rates are excluded;

▪ Allowances
 for industrial disputes or lost time arising from industrial actions are excluded;

▪ Project
 financing costs and interest during construction are not included in the Capex;

▪ No
 allowance is provided for acceleration or deceleration of the project schedule.

The project schedule is presented in Chapter 24.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **21-6** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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**21.1.6.1.** **Material Take-Off and Unit Rates** 

All quantities generated for the estimate are based on material take-offs ("MTO"s), quantities provided by engineering firms for various work packages and deliverables that exclude contingencies of any kind. The MTOs were developed using the general layout drawings, the 3D BIM model, and cross-sections and general arrangement drawings.

Based on quantities generated provided for certain work packages and by the MTOs, NMG received quotations from qualified contractors and from its Construction Management partner, Pomerleau.

The rates included the material, transportation, and direct labour to perform the work. Mobilization and demobilization, as well as indirect costs such as site management, construction equipment, and office trailers, were provided as separate costs and included in the Capex.

**21.1.6.2.** **Construction Labour, Productivity Loss Factor** 

For works other than earthworks, concrete, structural steel and building cladding, as well as piping, the labour costs were estimated using Pomerleau's construction data for various disciplines. Costs were updated in 2025 to reflect the increase in construction labour as per the latest Québec construction labour agreement in 2025.

The working calendar was defined as one shift per day, 8 hours per shift and 5 days per week for a total of 40 hours per week. Some contractors stated their preference for 10-hour days, 4 days per week, which was deemed acceptable.

NMG has performed a detailed survey of lodging in the region. It is assumed that sufficient lodging would be available in the nearby areas; therefore, no construction camp is required. The Québec construction labour agreement includes a provision for per diem allowances to cover room and board and travelling of workers is included as per the collective agreement in place.

**21.1.6.3.** **Construction and Contractor's Costs** 

Provisions also cover for construction contractor's site management including supervision and support staff such as administration and procurement, coordination and scheduling, quality and safety.

The estimate is based on the assumption that construction contracts will be attributed on the base of a competitive bidding process amongst qualified contractors. It is assumed that construction contracts will be cost plus, lump sum, or unit rates; hence, this Capex does not consider any time and material type contract.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **21-7** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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Availability of qualified local contractors and skilled workers is assumed. It is also assumed that an average level of site management, contract administration, quality control and adequate safety requirements will be required from the contractors by the construction management.

A realistic schedule, proper logistics and appropriate construction management are also assumed as well as good site conditions, limited number of contractors on-site, limited work outside in winter and limited work disruption due to changes, interferences or delays.

**21.1.6.4.** **Freight, Duties and Taxes** 

Based on recent surveys and studies and when not included in the cost, the freight was accounted for by adding a factor to the value of the goods; a factor of 7.2% is applied.

All duties and taxes were excluded from the capital cost, but relevant factors were considered for the after-tax economic analysis.

**21.1.7.** **Basis of Estimate – Infrastructure** 

Infrastructure for the Project covers those areas that are required for a mining project but are not process nor mining related. Infrastructure includes site earthwork preparation, main substation, sewage treatment plant, fresh water pumphouse and Power Line by Hydro-Québec.

Table 21-3 presents the cost breakdown for the infrastructure Capex.

**Table 21-3: Infrastructure Capex**

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Area** | **Description** | **Labour<br> (** **$)** | **Material<br> (** **$)** | **Equipment<br> (** **$)** | **Indirect /** <br> **Sub-contract<br> ($)** | **Total<br> (** **$)** |
| **0** | **Site Preparation** | **21192630** | **10271199** | **3500065** | **21436866** | **56400760** |
| 0505 | Site Preparation | 21032446 | 10110717 | 3297377 | 0 | 34440540 |
| 0510 | Electrical Substation | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7202271 | 7202271 |
| 0520 | Fresh Water | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 0540 | Wastewater | 160185 | 160482 | 202688 | 0 | 523354 |
| 0550 | Power Line | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14234595 | 14234595 |

---

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **21-8** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**21.1.8.** **Basis of Estimate – Mining** 

The capital costs for the mine include the expenses incurred during the pre-production phase to clear the trees and strip topsoil within the open pit, and to excavate 750,000 t of overburden, ore and waste rock. The capital costs also include the construction of the main haul road which will connect the pit to the crusher pad, the CDF, and the mine garage, as well as the purchase of the certain support and service equipment.

Since the mining fleet will be supplied by Caterpillar using their Job Site Solution service model, the only mining equipment that will be purchased at the start of the Project will be certain support and service equipment. The fleet of production drills and the water/sand truck will be leased, with further details provided in the operating cost section of this report.

Table 21-4 presents the cost breakdown for the mine Capex.

**Table 21-4: Mining Capex**

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Area** | **Description** | **Labour** **<br> ($)** | **Material** **<br> ($)** | **Equipment<br> (** **$)** | **Indirect /** <br> **Sub-contract<br> ($)** | **Total** **<br> ($)** |
| **1** | **Mine** | **4521982** | **2010714** | **533064** | **1785714** | **8851475** |
| 1010 | Site Preparation | 2703403 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2703403 |
| 1015 | Site Preparation - Roads | 1818579 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1818579 |
| 1500 | Mobile Equipment | 0 | 2010714 | 533064 | 0 | 2543779 |
| 1800 | Telecommunications | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1900 | Garage & Office | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1785714 | 1785714 |

---

**21.1.8.1.** **General Concentrator Site** 

The general plant site cost includes site preparation, grading, excavation and backfill of the industrial site to a working elevation of 544 m. The area of over 100,000 m<sup>2</sup> covers the processing plant, the desulphurization plant and storage areas, the ore storage building, the substation and electrical rooms and the construction laydown and office areas.

**21.1.8.2.** **Basis of Electrical Estimate** 

The design and estimate for the electrical and automation/instrumentation was provided by ABB Inc. ABB based the design and the MTOs of their electrical and automation equipment and materials on the mechanical equipment list, layouts, P&IDs, instrument lists and flow diagrams prepared by AtkinsRéalis. For equipment and materials not provided internally by ABB, quotations were received from equipment manufacturers. An award of the electrical substation by ABB was made in 2024 and downpayments have been made for long lead items in 2025. Pomerleau assisted in updating the costs of other electrical areas and labour costs were updated to 2025 as per the latest Québec construction labour agreement.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **21-9** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Fresh Water Pumphouse**

The fresh water and makeup water will be provided by two artesian wells located adjacent to the concentrator. Two pumps, one for each well, will be housed in a prefabricated structure.

Process water make-up will be supplied by the collecting basin and the costs for this operation is included in the water management section.

**21.1.8.3.** **Sewage Water Treatment Plant** 

The sewage treatment plant is a self-contained unit which is located adjacent to the concentrator. The effluent is distributed to the environment. The capital cost for this is included in package C-1105, the civil, earthworks and undergrounds package for the Industrial Platform.

**21.1.8.4.** **Fire Protection** 

The fire protection system Capex includes for a dedicated area in the BC-2 basin for fire water, pumps, buried water lines with fire hydrants placed at strategic locations around the plant site, and a diesel generated fire pump in case of power outages. Any fire protection system located within each facility, is included in that facility.

**21.1.9.** **Basis of Estimate – Crushing Areas** 

**21.1.9.1.** **Crushing Station** 

Primary crushing will be two jaw station module crushing units. The conveyors from the crushers to the ore storage building, including transfer towers, are included in the crushing and conveying section. A building with overhead crane will be constructed over the jaw crushers for noise and dust mitigation. The crushing and conveying system terminate at the top of the storage building.

The conveyor foundations are based on concrete.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **21-10** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**21.1.9.2.** **Ore Storage** 

The ore storage building will be a tubular Triodetic-type frame structure with its walls sitting on cast in place concrete foundations. The apron feeder foundations are also cast in place concrete. The conveyor tunnel and emergency tunnel are based on corrugated metal sleeves set on concrete bases.

**Table 21-5: Crushing Capex**

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Area** | **Description** | **Labour<br> ($)** | **Material<br> ($)** | **Equipment<br> ($)** | **Indirect /<br> Sub-contract<br> ($)** | **Total<br> ($)** |
| **2** | **Ore Crushers & Stockpile** | **8848865** | **5161343** | **11406994** | **1858947** | **27276149** |
| 2010 | General Services | 785219 | 253541 | 562794 | 0 | 1601555 |
| 2100 | Primary Crusher | 3924919 | 1954651 | 7037269 | 0 | 12916839 |
| 2200 | Crushed Ore Storage | 4138727 | 2953151 | 3806930 | 1858947 | 12757756 |

---

**21.1.10.** **Basis of Estimate – Processing Areas** 

**21.1.10.1.** **Process Equipment** 

The process equipment list was derived from the flowsheets. For major equipment, based on data sheets, data tables or technical description, prices were obtained from qualified suppliers. The prices received and incorporated in the Capex represent more than 90% of the process equipment value. The remaining equipment was estimated from databases from recent similar projects or in-house cost estimation.

Pomerleau, working with specialty contractors, developed the construction sequence and installation costs for the process equipment. Provision was also added to cover for special lifts, subcontracts or construction material.

**21.1.10.2.** **Main Processing Plant** 

The main processing plant includes the building structure, foundations, process and service piping, electrical rooms and equipment, and instrumentation / automation.

The estimated costs for the foundations were based on the layout and available detailed design drawings. Pomerleau updated the unit rates for the various construction disciplines by consulting contractors and its own recent construction cost experience. Unit cost for concrete supply was obtained from a qualified contractor. The estimated costs for structural steel were based on the layout drawings and available detailed design drawings. Unit costs for steel supply and installation were obtained from qualified contractors. The cost estimation for interior finishes, tools and storage racking, furniture, accessories and supplies was based on preliminary requirements and budget prices from industrial catalogues or in-house databases.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **21-11** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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Processing piping cost was established by factorization on delivered process equipment based on recent similar projects. 2022 costs were updated in 2025 to reflect the latest Québec construction labour agreement.

Estimated costs for electrical and instrumentation equipment were provided by ABB based on Sections 18.10 and 18.11 of this technical report.

Preliminary requirements were also established for some tooling and storage racking, interior finishing and living quarters supplies. Cost estimation was based mainly on recent industrial catalogues as well as in-house databases.

**21.1.10.3.** **Processing Plant Capex** 

Table 21-6 presents the cost breakdown for the processing plant facilities Capex.

**Table 21-6: Processing Plant Capex**

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Area** | **Description** | **Labour<br> ($)** | **Material<br> ($)** | **Equipment<br> ($)** | **Indirect /<br> Sub-contract <br> ($)** | **Total<br> ($)** |
| **3** | **Processing Plant** | **56913101** | **27402345** | **37935124** | **2** **,623214** | **124873785** |
| 3001 | General | 34912817 | 22183162 | 6090866 | 0 | 63186845 |
| 3002 | Office, Dry, Lab, etc. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2623214 | 2623214 |
| 3007 | Water Services | 5080861 | 1942796 | 601796 | 0 | 7625452 |
| 3008 | Air Services | 2166401 | 487026 | 902618 | 0 | 3556045 |
| 3010 | Primary Grinding | 4798619 | 1073746 | 15249811 | 0 | 21122175 |
| 3020 | Rougher/Scavenger Flotation | 947700 | 205189 | 1177690 | 0 | 2330579 |
| 3030 | Polishing & Primary Cleaning | 2976188 | 462436 | 5769652 | 0 | 9208275 |
| 3040 | Stirred Media Mill & Flotation | 3203491 | 617894 | 4549466 | 0 | 8370851 |
| 3050 | Graphite Concentrate Dewatering | 1912987 | 308760 | 2810697 | 0 | 5032444 |
| 3060 | Tailings Thickener | 914038 | 121336 | 782529 | 0 | 1817903 |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **21-12** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Area** | **Description** | **Labour<br> ($)** | **Material<br> ($)** | **Equipment<br> ($)** | **Indirect /<br> Sub-contract<br> ($)** | **Total<br> ($)** |
| **4** | **Architectural** <br> Graphite Dry Screening & Bagging - | **3488638** | **2019711** | **3311815** | **6** **,664689** | **15484854** |
| 4001 | General | 2121677 | 1715489 | 985995 | 6664689 | 11487850 |
| 4005 | Graphite Dryer & Cooling Screw | 606618 | 148354 | 2225780 | 0 | 2980752 |
| 4010 | Graphite Handling and Screening | 76491 | 10954 | 100040 | 0 | 187485 |
| 4030 | Graphite Bagging and Wrapping | 402758 | 28281 | 0 | 0 | 431039 |
| 4040 | Graphite Load Out | 281093 | 116634 | 0 | 0 | 397727 |
| **5** | **Mechanical**<br> Desulphurization & Stockpiles - | **17813885** | **8629793** | **23483718** | **2351742** | **52279138** |
| 5001 | General | 7299186 | 6144027 | 293013 | 0 | 13736226 |
| 5010 | Sulphide Flotation & Magnetic Separation | 1440664 | 561057 | 3430172 | 0 | 5431893 |
| 5020 | Sulphide Tailings Dewatering | 3488470 | 787963 | 6774955 | 851953 | 11903341 |
| 5030 | Desulphurized Tailings Dewatering | 5585566 | 1136746 | 12985578 | 1499789 | 21207679 |
| **6** | **Reagents**<br> Processing Plant - Reagents - | **3236977** | **1063380** | **1381057** | **0** | **5681414** |
| 6010 | Flocculant | 559765 | 75248 | 545360 | 0 | 1180372 |
| 6020 | MIBC | 1167099 | 467642 | 384443 | 0 | 2019185 |
| 6030 | Fuel Oil | 670372 | 110359 | 260950 | 0 | 1041680 |
| 6050 | Lime | 428915 | 221467 | 19270 | 0 | 669652 |
| 6060 | PAX | 410825 | 188664 | 171034 | 0 | 770524 |

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**21.1.11.** **Base of Estimate – Tailings Management Facilities** 

The tailings management facilities cover areas within the processing plant complex such as the desulphurization facility and the NAG and PAG storage buildings, the access road and return water pipeline from the water treatment plant to the complex, the water treatment plant, the collection ditches and basins, and the tailings and waste rock co-disposal area.

The desulphurization plant and storage facilities were estimated by NMG and Pomerleau with data provided by AtkinsRéalis and SRK.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **21-13** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**21.1.11.1.** **Co-disposal Facility** 

The design and quantities estimate for the CDF were prepared by SRK The design criteria and information are provided in Chapter 18. The Capex was prepared on the basis of immediate requirements to start the CDF and defer what could be delayed to future years. On that basis, the construction work was limited to the initial start of the CDF, initial work on BC-1 and BC-2. The BC-Sud basin will be required at Year 5. The estimates for the sizing of the CDF , and the basins were developed on a yearly basis and included in the sustaining capital.

The Capex was based on the design layouts and quantities provided by SRK. Geomembrane and geotextile cost estimation was performed by Pomerleau based on contractor quotes and its own construction data.

**21.1.11.2.** **CDF and Water Management Access Roads** 

The access roads to the CDF and to the water infrastructure and WTP were designed and estimated with layouts provided by SRK. The plant roads were designed at 6 metres and, during the initial period, covered only from the processing area to and around BC-1 and terminating at BC-2. The other plant roads were from the mine road to the WTP and from the WTP to the process area.

**21.1.11.3.** **Tailings Management and CDF Capex** 

Table 21-7 presents the cost breakdown for the CDF Capex.

**Table 21-7: Tailings management and CDF Capex**

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Area** | **Description** | **Labour**<br> **($)** | **Material**<br> **($)** | **Equipment**<br> **($)** | **Indirect /** **<br> Sub-contract <br> ($)** | **Total**<br> **($)** |
| **7** | **Tailings, CDF and Water Management** | **15082077** | **7566995** | **3306792** | **5** **,673278** | **31629142** |
| 7010 | Water Management & Water Services | 956387 | 557943 | 709792 | 0 | 2224122 |
| 7012 | Contact Water Ditches | 1095237 | 1684902 | 0 | 0 | 2780139 |
| 7013 | Deviation Ditches | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 7014 | Collection Ponds | 7897444 | 3711978 | 357143 | 0 | 11966565 |
| 7015 | Contact Water Pumping Network | 2841644 | 973067 | 2239857 | 0 | 6054568 |
| 7016 | Water Treatment Plant | 779699 | 326657 | 0 | 5673278 | 6779634 |
| 7020 | Tailings Management | 1511666 | 312448 | 0 | 0 | 1824113 |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **21-14** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**21.1.12.** **Base of Estimate – Indirect Costs** 

The indirect cost covers for Project costs not directly associated with the physical construction work such as EPCM costs, temporary power and facilities, vendor representatives during commissioning and training, Owner's costs, future studies, closure costs and contingency.

**21.1.12.1.** **EPCM Costs** 

EPCM services have been estimated based on engineering deliverables and a breakdown of manpower per discipline as per the project schedule. The EPCM costs include engineering, project management, procurement and construction management activities.

**21.1.12.2.** **Construction Indirect Costs** 

The construction field indirect costs include site power, temporary facilities, QA/QC (including survey, soil, concrete, X-ray, etc.). A construction camp is not required as there are available facilities in the nearby towns.

**21.1.12.3.** **Commissioning and Vendor Representatives** 

Dry and wet commissioning includes vendor representatives and contractor workers. The cost estimation is based on a percentage of the equipment value. No provision is included for rework.

**21.1.12.4.** **Other Owner's Costs** 

The Other Owner's costs were provided by NMG. The estimate has been reviewed by BBA prior to the integration in the Capex.

Other Owner's costs include the following:

▪ Owner's
 EPCM support team;

▪ Owner's
 safety cost (personnel, equipment and consumables);

▪ Owner's
 project expenses on site during construction;

▪ Owner's
 vehicles during construction;

▪ Project
 insurances;

▪ Environmental
 permits/government approvals;

▪ Vendors
 tests works;

▪ Safety
 training;

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **21-15** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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▪ Third-party
 consultants;

▪ Project
 external audit and due diligence;

▪ First
 fills;

▪ Trainings;

▪ Operational
 readiness.

**21.1.12.5.** **Spares and Consumables** 

Spare parts, liners, and media for the process and electrical equipment are included in the working capital.

No provision is included for mining equipment spares and consumables since this cost will be included in the hourly rates in equipment provided to NMG by Caterpillar during the mining operation.

**21.1.12.6.** **Indirect and Owner's Costs** 

Provisions for indirect costs are summarized in Table 21-8.

**Table 21-8: Indirect and Owner's costs**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Area** | **Description** | **Indirect /** **Sub-contract <br> ($)** | **Total** **<br> ($)** |
| **Indirect Costs** | **Indirect Costs** | | |
|  | Owner's Costs | 20714142 | 20714142 |
|  | EPCM Services | 26092924 | 26092924 |
|  | GC General conditions | 16855328 | 16855328 |
|  | POV & Mechanical Acceptance | 2630947 | 2630947 |
|  | Commissioning Spare Parts | Included in equipment cost | 0 |
|  | Operating Spare Parts | Excluded | 0 |
|  | Initial Fill | 613888 | 613888 |
|  | Freight | 6138876 | 6138876 |
|  | Vendor Representatives | 1929361 | 1929361 |
|  | Insurance and Duties | 1403172 | 1403172 |
|  | Contingency | 22388503 | 22388503 |
|  | **Total Indirect Costs** | **98767139** | **98767139** |

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **21-16** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**21.1.13.** **Contingency** 

Contingency is an integral part of the estimate and can best be described as a provision for undefined items or cost elements that will be incurred and will be spent, within the defined Project scope, but that cannot be explicitly foreseen due to a lack of detailed or accurate information.

Contingency factors do not include for Project risk associated with currency fluctuations, labour interruptions, changes in Government policies, changes in Project scope, market conditions and other items outside normal Project activities.

An analysis of each estimate line item was performed, and the overall percentage allocated to contingency was 5.8% at P50 which is generally in line with this category of estimate.

**21.1.14.** **Closure Costs** 

The closure costs include the expenditures necessary to dismantle the Project's facilities at the end of the life of the mine and to return the land back to a natural state. Material quantities were derived from the drawings and cost estimation was based on unit rates from recent similar projects. Quantities for the CDF reclamation cover were provided by SRK.

The initial topsoil will be stored and redistributed over the property at intervals during the mine life and at the end of the mine life. A revegetation program will be developed to cover the mine site during the mine life and at the end of the mine life.

The closure costs include the following:

▪ The
 CDF will be gradually covered, as soon as it reaches its final elevation in the pile;

▪ The
 overburden stockpiles will be revegetated;

▪ Roads
 will be scarified and revegetated;

▪ All
 buildings will be dismantled sold or disposed as per regulatory requirements. The surface
 will be covered with overburden and revegetated;

▪ All
 machinery, equipment, pipeline and tanks will be sold and removed from the site;

▪ Power
 transmission lines, poles, substations, transformers and associated electrical infrastructure
 will be removed from the site and sold;

▪ The
 open pit section, not fill up with waste rock and overburden, will be fenced for safety purposes.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **21-17** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**21.1.15.** **Sustaining Capital Expenditures** 

The sustaining capital expenditure of $44.6M was estimated by activity and is further described in this section. The cost estimation for the sustaining capital was based on quantity take-off and unit prices as for the initial construction.

**21.1.15.1.** **CDF and Water Management Area** 

The sustaining expenditures for the CDF and water management area cover, diversion ditches and collection ditches on the mine site.

The work includes the clearing and grubbing of the area, scraping, placing and compacting of sand, installing geo-membrane (LDPE 2.0 mm) and geotextile for Years 1 through 16 inclusive and Years 21 and 25.

The cost estimation for the expansion was based on quantity take-off for geotextile and geomembrane liner as for the initial construction

**21.1.15.2.** **Pumping and Piping** 

Water pipeline requirements for mine dewatering and new pumping and pipelines for the new basins as the mine footprint increase when the open pit operation proceeds from south to north.

**21.1.15.3.** **Engineering for CDF and Water Management Area** 

Engineering has been prepared by SRK for the design and construction management for CDF and water management facilities to be delayed to future years. These facilities include the CDF area, water treatment plant, catch basins, and new collecting and diversion ditches.

**21.2.** **Matawinie Mine and Concentrator Operating Cost Estimate** 

The contributors to the estimation of operating costs for the Mine and Concentrator are listed in Table 21-9.

**Table 21-9: Operating cost estimate contributors**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Scope / Responsibility** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Contributors** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mine Operation | &nbsp;&nbsp;NMG and BBA |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Concentrator Operation | &nbsp;&nbsp;NMG and Soutex |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;General and Administration (G&A) | &nbsp;&nbsp;NMG |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **21-18** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**21.2.1.** **Phase-2 Matawinie Mine** 

This section provides information on the Opex of the Matawinie Mine and covers mining, tailings, processing, site services and general administration. Table 21-10 presents a summary of the operating costs.

The sources of information used to develop the operating costs include in-house databases and outside sources particularly for materials, services and consumables. All amounts are in US dollars, unless otherwise specified.

**Table** **21-10: Operating costs summary – Phase-2 Matawinie Mine**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Description** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Cost per Year**<br> **($/y)<sup>(1)</sup>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Cost**<br> **($/t concentrate)<sup>(2)</sup>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Costs<br> (%)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mining | &nbsp;&nbsp;14391474 | &nbsp;&nbsp;136 | &nbsp;&nbsp;32% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Ore Processing | &nbsp;&nbsp;19984518 | &nbsp;&nbsp;189 | &nbsp;&nbsp;45% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Tailings & Water Management | &nbsp;&nbsp;4265192 | &nbsp;&nbsp;40 | &nbsp;&nbsp;10% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;General and Administration | &nbsp;&nbsp;3161902 | &nbsp;&nbsp;30 | &nbsp;&nbsp;7% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Transport Cost<sup>(3)</sup> | &nbsp;&nbsp;2339573 | &nbsp;&nbsp;22 | &nbsp;&nbsp;5% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Sales and Marketing | &nbsp;&nbsp;177607 | &nbsp;&nbsp;2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;0% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Total Opex** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**44320267** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**419** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**100%** |

---

<sup>(1)</sup> Costs are presented as the annual averages at steady-state after the ramp-up period.

<sup>(2)</sup> Costs are calculated based on a nominal production rate of 105,882 tpy.

<sup>(3)</sup> Total transport costs for the portion of concentrate sent to client designated receiving facilities are distributed across total concentrate production.

**21.2.1.1.** **Mining Operating Costs** 

Mine operating costs have been estimated for each period of the mine plan and are based on operating the mining equipment, the labour associated with operating the mine, the cost for explosives as well as pit dewatering, road maintenance, and other miscellaneous activities.

The mine operating costs over the 25-year mine life have been estimated for a total of $357M and average $2.69/t mined ($138/t of concentrate). Table 21-11 presents the mine operating cost by activity and Table 21-12 presents the mine operating cost by consumable.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **21-19** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Table 21-11: Mining operating costs by activity**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Activity** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Unit** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Value** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loading | &nbsp;&nbsp;$/t | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.25 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Hauling | &nbsp;&nbsp;$/t | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.84 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Drilling and Blasting | &nbsp;&nbsp;$/t | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.46 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Ancillary Equipment | &nbsp;&nbsp;$/t | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.40 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Labour | &nbsp;&nbsp;$/t | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.68 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Equipment Leasing | &nbsp;&nbsp;$/t | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.02 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other | &nbsp;&nbsp;$/t | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.04 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Total** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**$/t** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**2.69** |

---

Totals may not add up due to rounding.

**Table 21-12: Mining operating costs by consumable**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Activity** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Unit** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Value** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Fuel | &nbsp;&nbsp;$/t | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.39 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Tires | &nbsp;&nbsp;$/t | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.06 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Parts | &nbsp;&nbsp;$/t | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.21 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Explosives | &nbsp;&nbsp;$/t | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.35 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Labour | &nbsp;&nbsp;$/t | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.68 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Equipment Leasing | &nbsp;&nbsp;$/t | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.02 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Job Site Solution | &nbsp;&nbsp;$/t | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.94 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other | &nbsp;&nbsp;$/t | &nbsp;&nbsp;0.04 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Total** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**$/t** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**2.69** |

---

Totals may not add up due to rounding.

**Mining Equipment**

NMG has signed a Master Fleet Services Agreement with Caterpillar, who will supply the majority of the fleet of mining equipment using their JSS service model. With this model, NMG will pay for machine use on an hourly basis which includes machine supply and maintenance (parts and service), and a fleet management system. NMG will be responsible for the fuel consumption, machine operator, wear parts, and to supply the mine garage. The mine operating costs are based on pricing received by Caterpillar and their local dealer, Toromont, in Q3 2024.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **21-20** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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For the fleet of equipment that will not be included in the JSS, such as the production drills and service equipment, BBA requested quotations from equipment manufacturers to estimate the cost to operate and maintain these machines.

A diesel price of $0.90/litre was considered as well as an additional 0.07$/litre that will be paid to the fuelling contractor.

**Explosives and Accessories**

An emulsion cost of 0.89$/kg was used, which is based on budgetary pricing from local explosive suppliers. The suppliers also provided pricing for explosive accessories such as detonators, boosters, connectors, and surface wire, as well as a cost for delivery to site.

**Equipment Leasing**

The mine operating costs consider leasing for the production drills and the water/sand truck. Leasing costs have been estimated using a rate of 5% and a 60-month term.

**Other Miscellaneous Costs**

The mine operating costs include an additional $0.240M/y, which consider the costs for consulting services, ore grade control, dewatering costs that are in addition to the operation of the pumps, as well as other miscellaneous costs.

**Mine Labour**

The workforce cost for the mining operations averages approximately $4.6M per year, which has been calculated based on the number of employees and their annual salaries. The salaries include fringe benefits of 30% as well as bonuses.

**21.2.1.2.** **Tailings Loading, Transportation, and Placement** 

The costs to load, transport and place the tailings in the CDF have been estimated to average $1.52/t of tailings ($41/t of concentrate) over the life of the mine. This cost was developed using the same basis of estimate as described for the mine operating costs above. The addition of water management costs brings the total tailings cost to $57/t of concentrate.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **21-21** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**21.2.1.3.** **Ore Processing Operating Costs** 

For a typical year at 105,882 tpy of graphite concentrate, the estimated process operating costs are divided into seven main components: manpower, electrical power, grinding media and reagent consumption, maintenance and wear parts consumables consumption, bagging system, and material handling. The breakdown of these costs is summarized in Table 21-13.

**Table 21-13: Summary of estimated annual initial processing plant operating costs**

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Operating Cost Area** | **Cost per year<br> ($/y)<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Cost<br> ($/t of mill<br> feed)<sup>(2)</sup>** | **Cost<br> ($/t of graphite<br> concentrate)<sup>(2)</sup>** | **Total Costs<br> (%)** |
| Manpower | 4956580 | 1.9 | 47 | 22.2 |
| Electrical Power | 5327758 | 2.1 | 50 | 23.9 |
| Grinding Media and Reagent Consumption | 5914625 | 2.3 | 56 | 26.5 |
| Maintenance & Wear Parts Consumption | 3495691 | 1.4 | 33 | 15.7 |
| Bagging System | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | - |
| Material Handling | 289864 | 0.1 | 3 | 1.3 |
| Transport Costs<sup>(3)</sup> | 2339573 | 0.9 | 22 | 10.5 |
| **Total Operating Costs** | **22324092** | **8.8** | **211** | **100.0** |

---

<sup>(1)</sup> Costs are presented as the annual averages at steady-state after the ramp-up period.

<sup>(2)</sup> Costs are calculated based on a nominal production rate of 105,882 tpy.

<sup>(3)</sup> Total transport costs for the portion of concentrate sent to client designated receiving facilities are distributed across total concentrate production.

**Manpower Costs**

It is estimated that there will be 66 employees for the administration, operations, maintenance and mill metallurgy. The total annual cost for the manpower is estimated at $5M per year. This corresponds to $46.81/t of concentrate produced.

**Electrical Power Costs**

Electrical power is required for the equipment in the processing plant such as crushers, grinding mills, flotation cells, attritors, conveyors, screens, pumps, agitators, dryer, bagging system, services (compressed air and water), etc. The unit cost of electricity was established, using "Tarif L of Hydro-Québec" and is equivalent to 0.06/kWh. The total annual cost for the processing plant electrical power is estimated at $5.6M per year. This corresponds to $53.09/t of graphite concentrate produced.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **21-22** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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The estimated electrical operating costs are based on the crushing plant operating 5 days a week 16 hours per day, and on the processing plant operating 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, and an annual production of 105,882 t of graphite concentrate, The electrical power consumption was developed from the mechanical equipment list and from power requirements from equipment suppliers. Variations of outdoor temperatures through the year were also considered to evaluate the energy consumption related to the ventilation and heating the processing plant.

**Grinding Media and Reagent Consumption Costs**

Processing costs for grinding media and reagent consumption have been divided in two components:

**Grinding Media**

The grinding mills (SAG and ball mill) will need a regular addition of steel balls to replace the worn media and exercise the proper grinding action on the material. Similarly, polishing mills (polishing and stirred media mills) will require addition of ceramic media to replace worn media. The media consumption has been estimated from the abrasion index of the ore, power consumption and from the operation of the demonstration plant Phase 1 - Matawinie Mine.

The total cost of grinding media for the mills is estimated at $4.2M per year or $39.99/t of graphite concentrate.

**Reagents**

Diesel, MIBC, and xanthate are the reagents required throughout the various stages of flotation. Flocculant is required for thickener operations. Lime will be added at the polishing basin and in the plant as required. The annual quantities were determined based test work results and, on the consumption, at the demonstration plant of Phase 1 - Matawinie Mine.

The total cost for plant reagents is $1.5M per year or $14.38/t of graphite concentrate.

**Maintenance and Wear Parts Consumptions**

The maintenance and wear parts consumptions and costs for the crushers liners, screen deck panels, grinding mill liners, polishing mill liners, flotation cell wear parts, pump wear parts, filter cloths, dryer wear parts, etc. for different equipment were estimated as percentages of the cost of the various equipment (from 2% to 6% and averaging 4%). The costs of consumables and wear parts are estimated at $3.5M per year or $33.01/t of concentrate produced.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **21-23** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Material Handling Costs**

Material handling costs include rental and maintenance costs for mobile equipment in the processing plant. The total cost is estimated at $245K per year or $2.31/t of concentrate produced.

**Material Transport Costs**

Material transport costs apply to 25,000 tonnes of graphite concentrate expected to be shipped from Saint-Michel-des-Saints to client designated receiving facilities. The total annual cost for this transported portion is estimated at $2.3M or $22/t of concentrate produced.

The remainder of the production is assumed to be sold on an ex-works (FOB mine plant) basis, excluding all transportation, insurance, and delivery costs beyond the mine gate.

**21.2.1.4.** **General and Administration Operating Costs: Phase-2 Matawinie Mine** 

The G&A operating costs include all materials, services and personnel costs associated with the site administration and technical services. These exclude all costs related to corporate office.

The G&A costs for the Matawinie Mine, are estimated at $3,161,902 per year of operation on average or $29.9/t of graphite concentrate, as summarized in Table 21-14.

**Table 21-14: G&A Operating costs summary – Matawinie Mine**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Category** | **Cost per<br> year** **($/y)** | **Unit Cost<br> ($/t of graphite<br> concentrate)** | **Description** |
| Supplies, Utilities, Taxes, Insurance and Fees | 1521679 | 14.4 | Property taxes, Insurance, Mining leases, Travel and office supplies |
| Manpower | 715000 | 6.8 | Total staff salaries for the 9 full-time equivalent ("FTE") employees that will cover human resources, Procurement, Health & safety, environment, IT and accounting. |
| Programs | 366264 | 3.5 | Training, Onboarding, Emergency Health Services and Community Development & Outreach |
| Environment | 518639 | 4.9 | Carbon tax, Air Quality & Emission monitoring, Water Effluent, Groundwater Follow-Up, Wetlands compensation, Soil & Spill management and Noise, vibration, level Follow-Up |
| Infrastructure and Maintenance | 40321 | 0.4 | Mobile Equipment, Snow Removal, Road & Land Maintenance, IS/IT, Telecommunication and Other Maintenance |
| **Total** | **3161902** | **29.9** |  |

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Totals may not add up due to rounding.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **21-24** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**22.** **Economic Analysis** 

The economic assessment of the Matawinie Mine (herein referred to as the Project) of NMG is based on Q4 2025 price projections in United States currency ("USD" or "$") and cost estimates in Canadian currency ("CAD"). An exchange rate of 0.7143 USD per CAD (1.40 CAD per USD) was used to convert USD market price projections and specific components of the cost estimates into CAD. No provision has been made for the effects of inflation. The evaluation was conducted on a 100%-equity basis. Current Canadian tax regulations were applied to assess the corporate tax liabilities while the Québec mining tax regulations adopted in 2013 were applied to assess the mining tax liabilities.

The financial indicators under base case conditions are presented in Table 22-1.

**Table 22-1: Economic Highlights**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Economic Highlights** | **Unit** | **Matawinie Mine** |
| Pre-tax NPV @ 8% | M$ | 379 |
| After-tax NPV @ 8% | M$ | 238 |
| Pre-tax IRR | % | 17.3 |
| After-tax IRR | % | 15.8 |
| Pre-tax Payback Period | year | 5.7 |
| After-tax Payback Period | year | 5.3 |

---

A sensitivity analysis reveals that the viability of the Project will not be significantly vulnerable to variations in capital and operating costs within the margins of error associated with FS estimates, in this case -10% to +20%. However, the viability of the Project remains more vulnerable to the USD/CAD exchange rate and the larger uncertainty in future market prices.

**22.1.** **Assumptions** 

**22.1.1.** **Macro-economic Assumptions** 

The main macro-economic assumptions used in the base case are listed in Table 22-2. The weighted-average annual price forecast for the Project's basket of graphite concentrate product is based on size-purity-dependent price projections provided by Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. Details on the derivation of this price forecast are provided in Chapter 19 of this report. The sensitivity analysis examines a range of prices 30% above and below this base case forecast.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **22-1** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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**Table 22-2: Macro-economic assumptions**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Item** | **Unit** | **Base Case Value** |
| Exchange Rate | USD/CAD | 1.40 |
| Discount Rate | % per year | 8 |
| Discount Rate Variants | % per year | 6 and 10 |

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The financial analysis is based on the sales prices (weighted average on the life of mine) shown in Table 22-3. These prices are derived from the assumptions and sources in Chapter 19.

**Table 22-3: Sales prices breakdown per product**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Product** | **Volume (tpy)<sup>(1)</sup>** | **Price (USD/t)<sup>(2)</sup>** |
| Matawinie Mine Flakes | 105882 | 1334 |

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Notes:

<sup>(1)</sup> Matawinie Mine Flakes Volumes based on nominal production rate.

<sup>(2)</sup> Weighted average over the life of mine

An exchange rate of 0.7143 USD per CAD (1.40 CAD per USD) was used to convert the USD market price projections into Canadian currency. The sensitivity of the base case financial results to variations in the exchange rate was examined. These cost components, which include U.S. content originally converted into Canadian currency using the base case exchange rate, were adjusted accordingly.

The deposit has been certified a "Mineral Resource" by the Canada Revenue Agency. Thus, the current Canadian tax system applicable to Mineral Resource Income was used to assess the annual tax liabilities Project. This consists of federal and provincial corporate taxes as well as provincial mining taxes. The federal and provincial corporate tax rates currently applicable over the Project's operating life are 15.0% and 11.5% of taxable income, respectively. The applicable marginal tax rates under the Québec mining tax regulations are 16%, 22% and 28% of taxable income and depend on the profit margin. As the final product of the mine for the purpose of this assessment consists of sorted graphite flake concentrates, a processing allowance rate of 13% is assumed.

The assessment was conducted on a 100%-equity basis using a discount rate of 8%.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **22-2** |

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**22.1.2.** **Agreements and Royalties Obligations** 

The Matawinie Property, which includes the Mining Property, is currently subject to a 2.0% net smelter return ("NSR") in favour of Pallinghurst Graphite. The royalty agreement contains provision detailing the formula to calculate the 2.0% NSR for the various products, whether derived directly from the minerals mined at the Matawinie Mine or further transformed. NMG has also signed agreements with the Municipality of Saint-Michel-des-Saints and the Atikamekw of Manawan. These agreements include commitments to share economic benefits, with related costs included in the Project's cost estimate. Further details of these agreements are provided in Chapter 4.

**22.1.3.** **Technical Assumptions** 

The main technical assumptions used in the base case are listed in Table 22-4. More details are available in Chapters 16 and 17.

**Table 22-4: Technical assumptions for the Matawinie Mine**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Item** | **Unit** | **Base Case Value<sup>(1)</sup>** |
| Total Diluted Proven and Probable Reserve | M tonnes | 61.7 |
| Average Grade | % Cg | 4.23 |
| Annual Processing Rate | ktpy | 2.55 |
| Average Stripping Ratio | w : o | 1.16 |
| Mine Life | year | 25 |
| Process Recovery | % | 93 |
| Concentrate Grade | % C(t) | 97.5 |
| Nominal Concentrate Production | tpy | 105882 |
| Average Mining Costs | $/t of graphite concentrate | 136 |
| Average Processing Costs | $/t of graphite concentrate | 189 |
| Average Tailings & Water Management Costs | $/t of graphite concentrate | 40 |
| Average General and Administration Costs | $/t of graphite concentrate | 30 |
| Average Transport Cost<sup>(2)</sup> | $/t of graphite concentrate | 22 |
| Average Sales and Marketing | $/t of graphite concentrate | 2 |
| Average Matawinie Mine Total Costs | $/t of graphite concentrate | 419 |

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<sup>(1)</sup> Average costs reflect steady-state production, exclude the initial ramp-up period, and are based on normalized operations.

<sup>(2)</sup> Total transport costs for the portion of concentrate sent to client designated receiving facilities are distributed across total concentrate production The first production year consists of a ramp-up period of 6 months followed by 6 months at quasi-full production.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **22-3** |

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**22.2.** **Financial Model and Results** 

Figure 22-1 illustrates the after-tax cash flow and cumulative cash flow profiles of the Project for the base case conditions.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp14img001.jpg)

**Figure 22-1: After-tax cash flow and cumulative cash flow profiles**

A summary of the evaluation results presented in Table 22-5 and Table 22-6 provides the cash flow statement, both for base case conditions.

The summary table and cash flow statement indicate that the total pre-production (initial) capital costs were evaluated at $421M. The sustaining capital requirement was evaluated at $45M. Mine closure costs in the form of trust fund payments at the start of mine production were estimated at an additional $23M.

The cash flow statement shows a breakdown and provides an estimated capital spending schedule over the construction period of the Project. Working capital requirements were estimated at 4 months of total annual operating costs. As operating costs vary annually over the mine life, additional amounts of working capital are injected or withdrawn as required.

The total revenue for the integrated Project was estimated at $3,308M, and the total operating costs were estimated at $1,097M.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **22-4** |

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The financial results indicate a pre-tax NPV of $379 at a discount rate of 8%. The pre-tax internal rate of return ("IRR") is 17.3% and the payback period is 5.7 years. The after-tax NPV is $238M at a discount rate of 8%. The after-tax IRR is 15.8% and the payback period is 5.3 years.

The after-tax IRR includes favourable impact of eligible tax credits, such as the Canadian Clean Technology Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit tax measures, provincial tax holidays for large investment projects and other available incentives.

**Table 22-5: Project evaluation summary – Base Case**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Item** | **Unit** | **Matawinie Mine** |
| Total Revenue | M$ | 3308 |
| Total Operating Costs | M$ | 1097 |
| Initial Capital Costs (excludes Working Capital) | M$ | 421 |
| Sustaining Capital Costs | M$ | 44.6 |
| Mine Rehabilitation Trust Fund Payments | M$ | 23.4 |
| Total Pre-tax Cash Flow | M$ | 1721 |
| Pre-tax NPV @ 6% | M$ | 561 |
| Pre-tax NPV @ 8% | M$ | 379 |
| Pre-tax NPV @ 10% | M$ | 249 |
| Pre-tax IRR | % | 17.3 |
| Pre-tax Payback Period (1) | year | 5.7 |
| Total After-tax Cash Flow | M$ | 1101 |
| After-tax NPV @ 6% | M$ | 357 |
| After-tax NPV @ 8% | M$ | 238 |
| After-tax NPV @ 10% | M$ | 150 |
| After-tax IRR | % | 15.8 |
| After-tax Payback Period (1) | year | 5.3 |

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<sup>(1)</sup> Measured from the start of commercial production.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **22-5** |

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**Table 22-6: Cash flow statement – Base Case**

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img150.jpg)

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **22-6** |

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**22.3.** **Sensitivity Analysis** 

A sensitivity analysis has been carried out, with the base case described above as a starting point, to assess the impact of changes in total pre-production (initial) capital expenditure (Capex), operating costs (Opex), product prices (price) and the USD/CAD exchange rate on the Project's NPV @ 8% and IRR. Each variable was examined one-at-a-time (price forecasts of the different concentrate products are varied together). An interval of ±30% with increments of 10% was used for the first three variables. The U.S. content associated with the cost estimates was used to adjust the estimates for each exchange rate assumption.

The before-tax results of the sensitivity analysis, as shown in Figure 22-2 and Figure 22-3, indicate that, within the limits of accuracy of the cost estimates in this Matawinie Mine FS (-10%/+20%), the before-tax viability of the Project does not appear to be significantly vulnerable to the under-estimation of capital and operating costs, taken one at-a-time. As seen in Figure 22-2, the NPV is more sensitive to variations in Opex than Capex, as shown by the steeper slope of the Opex curve. As expected, the NPV is most sensitive to variations in price and the USD/CAD exchange rate. The NPV remains positive at the lower limit of the price interval (±30%) and at the upper limit of the exchange rate interval examined.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp14img003.jpg)

**Figure 22-2: Pre-tax NPV 8% – Sensitivity to capital expenditure,<br> operating cost, prices, and USD/CAD exchange rate**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **22-7** |

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Figure 22-3, showing variations in internal rate of return, provides the same conclusions. Due to the different timing associated with Capex versus Opex, the IRR is more sensitive to variations in Capex than in Opex.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp14img004.jpg)

**Figure 22-3: Pre-tax IRR – Sensitivity to capital expenditure,<br> operating cost, prices, and USD/CAD exchange rate**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **22-8** |

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The same conclusions can be made for the after-tax results of the sensitivity analysis as shown in Figure 22-4 and Figure 22-5. Figure 22-4 indicates that the after-tax viability of the Project is mostly vulnerable to a price forecast reduction and change in the USD/CAD exchange rate, while being less affected by the under-estimation of capital and operating costs. Nevertheless, the NPV remains positive at the lower limit of the price interval and at the upper limit of the exchange rate interval examined.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp14img005.jpg)

**Figure 22-4: After-tax NPV 8% – Sensitivity to capital expenditure,<br> operating cost, prices, and USD/CAD exchange rate**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **22-9** |

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Figure 22-5 showing variations in internal rate of return, provides the same conclusions.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp14img006.jpg)

**Figure 22-5: After-tax IRR – Sensitivity to capital expenditure,<br> operating cost, prices, and USD/CAD exchange rate**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **22-10** |

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**23.** **Adjacent Properties** 

No other mineral properties owned by NMG are located contiguous to the Mining Property and no other advanced mining projects are noted in the area. Another exploration stage claim block forming NMG's Matawinie Property is located some 35 km north of the Mining Property (see Figure 4-1) and is therefore not described in the current report. However, the author considers that the mineralization on this other claim block is somewhat relevant to the mineralization observed in the Tony Block, as they share the same type of lithologies and a similar formational and tectonic environment. Figure 23-1 illustrates the Mining Property and the surrounding active claims. This information was downloaded from the MRNF claims management system (GESTIM) (<u>https://gestim.mines.gouv.qc.ca/MRN</u>) on November 3, 2025.

As stated in Chapter 4, it is important to note that as of Mai 16, 2025, areas covering approximately 5,560 km<sup>2</sup> is subject to a temporary suspension of new claim designations, as these have been deemed incompatible with mining activities by the Matawinie MRC. These areas are roughly centred and cover most of the Mining Property. This does not affect the Mining Property claims, nor their renewal or mineral rights. Additionally, in 2024, the MRNF proposed a draft bill (#63) to amend the *Mining Act* and other provisions. This bill was assented to on November 29, 2024. Article 304.1.3, paragraph 1 of this amendment renders all parcels of land in the private domain incompatible with mining activities except for claims designated prior to May 28, 2024. Hence, the amendment does not affect the Mining Property as it would only retroactively affect claims designated from May 28, 2024, onwards. The Mining Property claims were all designated prior to this date. Additional information about this is available on the MRNF's GESTIM site as well as on SIGEOM's interactive online map (<u>https://sigeom.mines.gouv.qc.ca</u>).

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **23-1** |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp14img007.jpg)

**Figure 23-1: Adjacent properties**

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **23-2** |

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**24.** **Other Relevant Data and Information** 

**24.1.** **Construction Execution Plan and Schedule** 

This section of the report provides a summary and general description of the Project Execution Plan upon which the Project schedule and the capital cost estimate were developed. The major Project's milestones are listed in Table 24-1

**Table 24-1: Project's milestones**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Activity** | **Start Date** | **Completion Date** |
| **Global Milestones** | | |
| Provincial Global Certificate of Authorization (Environmental) |  | Complete |
| Full Investment Decision ("FID") |  | time 0 |
| Detail Engineering |  | Month 9 |
| Major Supplier Engineering | Month -8 | Month 0 |
| Site Preparation Permit Obtained |  | 2020 |
| Site Works Including Tailings and Water Management | Month 2 | Month 26 |
| Mills Construction (equipment installation) | Month 14 | Month 24 |
| Full Power Available on Site |  | Month 18 |
| Cold Commissioning | Month 22 | Month 28 |
| Hot Commissioning | Month 26 | Month 31 |

---

The Project execution schedule developed in this Study and described herein covers the period from the resumption of detailed engineering for the Matawinie Mine.

Major assumptions driving the key milestones for the Matawinie Mine and Concentrator are as follows:

▪ PFDs
 are frozen;

▪ Certificate
 of authorization is approved;

▪ Detailed
 engineering start before FID;

▪ Purchase
 orders ("POs") for critical supplier engineering information will be awarded
 pre-FID;

▪ POs
 for fabrication launched:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Electrical
 long lead items pre-FID.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Mineral
 processing long lead items pre-FID

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Long
 lead items, at day 1 post-FID.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **24-1** |

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▪ Construction
 mobilization will begin 2 months after FID;

▪ The
 mills delivery will begin 12 months after FID;

▪ The
 initial co-deposition dry tailings facility and water management structures will start in
 Month 3 and be completed in Month 17;

▪ Ramp-up
 to be achieved in 12 months, with 60% capacity achieved 3 months after cold commissioning
 completion.

**24.2.** **Master Schedule** 

The master schedule is based on the completion of the construction and achieving mechanical completion of the Matawinie Mine and Concentrator, 6 months of commissioning and ramp-up to produce sufficient graphite for the Battery Material Plant by Month 29 (Figure 24-1).

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **24-2** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp14img008.jpg)

**Figure 24-1: Master schedule**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **24-3** |

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**24.3.** **Project Organization** 

NMG selected an owner-managed project execution strategy in which the owner maintains direct control and management over key aspects such as planning, coordination, and decision-making, while delegating the engineering, procurement and construction management, as further detailed below.

**Project Management and Control**

Under the direction of NMG's project manager and project services director, the project control team of the site will finalize the definitive control budget and schedule for the Project. NMG's project control strategy involves partnering with one firm to establish and implement best practices in budget management, schedule control, change management, and risk monitoring. NMG maintains full control over the project management by introducing vigilant monitoring of cost, schedule, quality, and performance by implementing robust tools and control documents such as:

▪ Change
 control plan for managing changes to project scope, schedule, and budget;

▪ Key
 performance indicators for evaluating project performance;

▪ Monthly
 report on status and key metrics.

**Engineering and Procurement**

The Matawinie Mine will have its own engineering team. The design is to be split into the processing plant design and site infrastructure with one firm, and the tailings co-deposition with another firm.

1. For
 the Matawinie Project, the key starting activities are:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Updating
 quotations from bidders selected from previous bid processes and award of long-lead equipment;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Award
 of critical long lead equipment pre-FID;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ With
 confirmed information, engineering will complete the design for construction bid packages;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ First
 drawings for construction required are for site preparation, underground services and BC-2
 water collection basin;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Engineering
 is expected to be substantially complete by Month 12.

As for procurement, as well as managing the usual bidding and awarding process for purchase packages and contracts, a key to the Project's success will be efficient expediting and development of logistical strategies.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **24-4** |

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**Construction Management**

NMG will hire an experienced general contractor to act as construction manager ("CM"). The CM is also involved pre-FID to assist with budgeting, scheduling, constructability and value engineering.

The Matawinie Mine construction management team will manage and coordinate all activities directly related to the Concentrator, the site preparation, roads, mine pre-production, tailings management facility, main substation, etc. The CM team will report to the Matawinie Mine Construction Manager.

The site will have teams composed of project managers, construction superintendents, supervisors, contract administrators, planning and progress specialists, and BIM specialists.

At each site, the CM will be assisted by a health and safety manager, an environment manager, a site project controls manager, a materials control manager, and a resident engineer who will coordinate with office engineering as well as lead the field QA/QC personnel.

**24.4.** **Matawinie Mine Construction Strategy** 

Under the leadership of a NMG construction director, who will supervise the general contractor hired for construction management and the mine and tailings team, contracts will be organized by major areas and segregated by trades. The construction strategy is based on completing construction and commissioning as soon as possible. The Matawinie Mine is located approximately160 km, by road, north of Montréal, Québec.

Execution will be segmented and managed in two sectors:

▪ Mine
 pre-production, tailings, and water management, comprised of earthwork movement (mass excavation
 topsoil and rock), roads and water management (basins and water treatment plant), will all
 be constructed in parallel to meet the demand of the Concentrator.

▪ Concentrator
 comprised of primary crusher ore dome and tailings domes. The concentrator building shell
 will be erected leaving openings for later insertion of large equipment to avoid delaying
 the construction and, subsequently, commissioning of the production.

The first few months of construction work will be very important. Mass excavation of the collecting basins will take place in parallel with construction of the concentrator.

Blasting will have to be carried out in such a way as not to interfere with foundation operations.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **24-5** |

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Once blasting is complete, construction work will continue in various areas, including the domes and concentrator closure. It will be important to close the concentrator envelope as quickly as possible, so that electrical work can begin and process equipment can be installed. The critical path of the construction duration is driven mostly by the extended period of fabrication of the major equipment, i.e., the ball and SAG mills and the filter press. As a result, they will be purchased prior to FID to reduce the overall construction duration. The installation of major equipment must be well coordinated and will determine the start-up date of the plant. In addition, the 120 kV power line needs to be closely monitored as this portion of the Matawinie Project is not managed by NMG; it is under the management of Hydro-Québec (permitting and construction).

The expected direct labour force requirements for the Matawinie Mine and Concentrator at SMDS are shown in Figure 24-2.

![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1sp14img009.jpg)

**Figure 24-2: Direct workforce for the mine and concentrator**

**24.4.1.** **Operational Readiness and Commissioning** 

Operational Readiness ("OR") activities, as detailed in the Operational Readiness and Commissioning ("ORC") execution plans. The Matawinie Mine has its own plan outlining the activities required to complete the transition to operation. ORC will be led by NMG with the help of external consultants specialized in OR planning and execution.

Maintenance and operation personnel will be part of the pre-commissioning and commissioning activities to gain as much experience as possible and be more efficient in the coming operation and maintenance activities. Hiring and training of the maintenance and operation personal involved will have to be planned accordingly.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **24-6** |

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**24.4.2.** **Pre-commissioning** 

Understanding the challenge of pre-commissioning and commissioning, NMG has integrated pre-commissioning system definition into the coding methodology of all equipment, piping, electrical and instrumentation components. System transfers from the construction team to the pre-commissioning team and respect of commissioning sequence will be facilitated.

Pre-commissioning activities will be executed by a team made up of NMG's personnel and experienced multidisciplinary personnel from consulting firms selected by NMG for their expertise in pre-commissioning.

**24.4.3.** **Commissioning** 

Matawinie Mine commissioning involves a structured and area approach to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of all systems. The process plant commissioning begins with pre-commissioning activities, including equipment inspections, mechanical completion verification and followed by hot commissioning with system integration. The commissioning activities will be performed by NMG's operation personnel, supported by the pre-commissioning team.

Commissioning areas are divided as follow:

▪ All
 auxiliary and common services such as electrical and water;

▪ Mine
 area and facilities;

▪ Collecting
 basins (BC-1, BC-2 and BC-3);

▪ Ore
 crusher and stockpile;

▪ Concentrator;

▪ Desulphurization
 and stockpiles;

▪ Graphite
 dry screening and concentrate storage.

After commissioning of electrical power, the crusher circuit is commissioned first, which involves dry and wet runs to confirm proper alignment, functionality, and throughput capacity. Following this, the milling section, consisting of grinding mills, undergoes performance testing to optimize particle size reduction and achieve the desired slurry consistency. The concentrator, which includes flotation cells, thickeners, and filtration units, is gradually brought online, with rigorous testing to fine-tune the recovery rates and concentrate grade. The desulphurization and stockpile systems are commissioned to efficiently remove impurities and ensure proper material handling and storage for downstream processing. The graphite drying and concentrate storage facility is commissioned to dewater and dry the concentrate, making it ready for bulk loading and market distribution.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **24-7** |

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**24.4.4.** **Production Ramp-up** 

For the Matawinie Mine, the process plant is systematically ramped up to ensure stable and efficient operations; while identifying and resolving any performance bottlenecks to achieve design capacity, this stage is scheduled to take 6 months.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **24-8** |

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**25.** **Interpretations and Conclusions** 

This Study shows that the Matawinie Mine is technically feasible as well as economically viable within the limits of the sensitivity analysis performed on Capex and Opex costs, as well as on selling price. It supports NMG's Project financing efforts. From the Final Investment Decision, NMG's Phase-2 Matawinie Mine could be built within an approximate 31-month schedule.

**25.1** **Interpretations and Conclusions** 

**25.1.1** **Exploration Activities** 

Exploration work by NMG targeting graphite mineralization was initiated on the Tony Claim Block, or Mining Property, in summer of 2014. The work, consisting of airborne geophysics (MAG and TDEM), prospecting, ground TDEM surveying, trenching/channel sampling, core drilling, and metallurgical testing resulted in the discovery of seven mineralized zones. These zones are named the Far-West, West, North, Northeast, East, South-East and South-West Zones. No other known mineral occurrences were identified on the Matawinie Project area prior to the exploration work performed by NMG. Proper quality control measures, including the insertion of duplicate, blank and standard samples were used throughout the exploration programs and returned within acceptable limits. Recent exploration work focused on the more promising results from the West Zone, which is the subject of this report.

**25.1.2** **Mineral Resources** 

Exploration activities by NMG have culminated in the identification of Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves for the West mineralized Zone. The Resource Estimate from which the Reserves are built is based on 8,274 assay intervals collected from 27,888.24 m of core drilling and three surface trenches, providing 207 channel samples. The Mineral Resources of the West Zone, dated November 12, 2025, include: 28.5 Mt of Measured Resources at an average graphitic carbon grade of 4.28% (1.22 Mt C(g)), 101.8 Mt of Indicated Resources at an average C(g) grade of 4.26% (4.33 Mt C(g)), and 23.0 Mt of Inferred Resources at an average C(g) grade of 4.28% (0.98 Mt C(g)) using a cut-off grade of 1.78% C(g).

**25.1.3** **Mineral Reserves and Mining Operations** 

The Matawinie Mine will be mined using conventional open pit mining methods consisting of drilling, blasting, loading, and hauling. Ore will be hauled to the primary crusher and waste rock and tailings will be placed in a co-disposal facility. The CDF will initially be located at the surface and, as of Year 7, tailings and waste rock will be placed inside the mined out open pit.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **25-1** |

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The pit optimization analysis was validated in January 2025 with updated operating costs and selling prices to ensure that the cut-off grade is still valid and that the proposed mine life still provides similar economic returns.

The Mineral Reserves for the Matawinie Mine are based on a 25-year mine life and include 17.3 Mt of Proven Mineral Reserves at an average Graphitic Carbon grade (C(g)) of 4.16% and 44.3 Mt of Probable Mineral Reserves at an average grade of 4.26% C(g), for a total of 61.7 Mt of Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves at an average grade of 4.23% C(g). To access these Mineral Reserves, 15.5 Mt of overburden and 56.2 Mt of waste rock must be mined, resulting in a strip ratio of 1.16:1.

**25.1.4** **Metallurgical Testing** 

The metallurgical test programs that were carried out to support this Matawinie Mine FS confirmed the robustness of the flowsheet that was developed during the PFS.

The additional testing that was completed to address risks and opportunities that have been identified led to the following conclusions:

▪ A
 master composite representing the first few years of planned mining operation and several
 mine plan variability composites confirmed the metallurgical results that were obtained in
 the flowsheet development and optimization programs. This consistent metallurgical response
 validates the robustness of the flowsheet and conditions and, therefore, further reduces
 the process risk of the Matawinie Project.

▪ Potential
 residual sulphide flotation collector in the process water recirculation could result in
 undesirable activation of sulphides in the graphite rougher/scavenger flotation and increases
 sulphide grade in the final graphite concentrate. To mitigate this issue, the design of the
 commercial plant includes two different process water circuits; one dedicated to the graphite
 concentration circuit and the other one for the desulphurization circuit.

▪ Optimized
 conditions have been developed for the desulphurization stage in exterior independent laboratories.
 Moreover, additional tests have been conducted at the demonstration plant, inverting the
 position of the magnetic separators with the sulphide flotation. The new configuration (magnetic
 separation before flotation) resulted in lower S% in the NAG tailings as well as lower collector
 consumption.

▪ Following
 the re-evaluation of the NMG graphite marketing strategy in September 2023 and October 2025,
 the standard coarse graphite particles flotation circuit configuration (jumbo flakes) has
 been revised. The opportunity has been taken to simplify the graphite cleaning flotation
 circuit to focus on delivering higher-quality concentrate better aligned with the growing
 graphite market. The flash flotation cell in the grinding circuit and the classification
 cyclone clusters in the first stage of the graphite cleaning circuit have been removed. The
 cleaning circuit has been reconfigured in series to upgrade the average concentrate grade
 to 97.5% C(t). To validate the robustness of the new configuration, a series of the
 open circuit as well as locked-cycle tests have been conducted in 2024 at the NMG and SGS
 Lakefield laboratory. Based on the test results it is expected that the commercial concentrator
 will be able to produce the final graphite concentrate with 97.5% C(t) grade with 93%
 recovery with a graphite flake size distribution as presented in Table 25-1.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **25-2** |

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**Table 25-1: Projected LOM graphite concentrate flake size distribution**

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Flake Size Distribution** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Flake Size Distribution** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Flake Size Distribution** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Flake Size Distribution** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Flake Size Distribution** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Unit** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**+50 Mesh** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**+80 Mesh** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**+150 Mesh** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**-150 Mesh** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;% | &nbsp;&nbsp;12 | &nbsp;&nbsp;30 | &nbsp;&nbsp;28 | &nbsp;&nbsp;30 |

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The operation of the Phase-2 demonstration plant facilitated the optimization of all unit operations and a systematic investigation of the grinding conditions for the polishing and stirred media mill applications. It also allowed confirming the efficiency of the graphite rougher and cleaning flotation and desulphurization circuit. The operation of the demonstration plant provided critical process data to finalize the flowsheet necessary for the detailed engineering phase.

Several external test programs were carried out to generate process data to confirm equipment sizing during detailed engineering.

The evaluation of critical process equipment on a demonstration scale reduced the uncertainty associated with equipment scale-up from bench scale to commercial operation. Furthermore, the continuous operation of the flotation circuit assisted in identifying metallurgical challenges that only arise after extended operation. It also allowed for the systematic optimization of each process variable under controlled conditions (e.g., polishing and stirred media grinding conditions).

**25.1.5** **Recovery Methods** 

The processing plant is designed to process 325.5 tph of run of mine to produce up to 105,882 tpy of graphite concentrate grading at 97.5% C(t) based on a concentrate recovery of 93%. Considering the variation of feed stock to the processing plant over the mine life, the processing plant will produce a nominal amount of 105,882 tpy. A suitable process flowsheet has been developed, which includes crushing, grinding, flotation, polishing, thickening, filtering and drying.

The concentrator tailings are further processed in the desulphurization circuit, including magnetic separation and sulphide flotation. The NAG and PAG tailings are conveyed to separate stockpiles before being trucked to the CDF.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **25-3** |

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**25.1.6** **Environmental Studies and Permitting** 

NMG received the BAPE report and recommendations regarding its Phase-2 Matawinie Mine. The government's environmental assessment analysis continued at the MELCC (now MELCCFP) from November 2020 to January 2021 and resulted in the adoption of a ministerial decree that authorized the Matawinie Project on January 20, 2021, on the territory of the municipality of Saint-Michel-des-Saints (Décret 47-2021). In February 2024, NMG submitted a Decree modification. The requested modifications are the result of NMG's exploration work that identified the continuity of the deposit to the south of the proposed pit in the area. At the same time, NMG carried out geotechnical stability studies for the pit walls, which led to the optimization of the slopes for the mining operation and its securing. As a result, with the expansion of the pit to the south and a modification of the slopes, the reserves and quantities of mine waste to be extracted were reviewed and increased accordingly, which led to a change in the mining plan. With the new mining plan, the average annual mining rate has, therefore, been slightly increased.

The permitting sequence following a ministerial decree is based on engineering advancement. Authorizations for the access road construction and industrial platform site preparation have been obtained, and construction has started. The next phases are: 1) the building and concentrator construction (ongoing analysis with different authorities; 2) tailings and water management infrastructure site preparation; 3) pit and mine site preparation; and 4) mine operation (exploitation).

As specified in Condition 3 of the Decree, full scale field testing of co-disposal of tailings was undertaken from the summer of 2020. Monitoring the scale field cell for more than 3 years confirmed the assumptions on the effectiveness of the design and provided all the information required to enable the development of design criteria for the full-scale project. A complete report concerning the co-disposal test cell will be submitted to the MELCCFP when applying for authorization under section 22 of the EQA (chapter Q-2) or, where applicable, under section 30 of that EQA, concerning the tailings storage facility and tailings management to ensure a safe design including proof design criteria into the deposition plan and the monitoring QA/QC program (Condition 4 of the Decree). As requested in Condition 5 of the Decree, the groundwater modelling has been updated according to results obtained from 2020.

As per Condition 6 of the Decree, NMG continues to present to the MELCCFP the progress of work to electrify mobile mining equipment.

The final version of the territorial integration plan was sent to the MRNF and MELCCFP (Condition 13) and has been approved and construction has started on the site.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **25-4** |

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Through every phase of the Matawinie Mine, including construction and the preparation for mine operations, a Monitoring Committee, previously operating as NMG's Accompanying Committee since 2017, is in place. The committee functions both as a consultative body as well as a platform for environmental and social surveillance of NMG's operations.

**25.1.7** **Market** 

NMG is implementing a natural graphite project that has competitive advantages due to its privileged location, low carbon footprint, cost structure and experienced team. NMG's Phase-1 demonstration plant located near the mine site has been constructed to supply representative samples for qualification, which allows for an earlier debut in the market and de-risk the first years of sales. NMG's large graphite flake reserve allows NMG to follow the growth of its customers. This demonstration plant has been key to secure long-term supply agreements with Panasonic Energy.

NMG commissioned three market studies and based the financial evaluation of the Project on a more conservative outlook on future graphite material pricing. Table 25-2 summarizes the price forecast for the flake graphite generated by NMG's Matawinie Mine.

**Table 25-2: Summary** **price forecast**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Product** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Volume (tpy** **)<sup>(1)</sup>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Price (USD/t)<sup>(2)</sup>** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Matawinie Mine Flakes | &nbsp;&nbsp;105882 | &nbsp;&nbsp;1334 |

---

Notes:

<sup>(1)</sup> Matawinie Mine Flakes Volumes based on nominal production rate.

<sup>(2)</sup> Weighted average over the life of mine.

**25.1.8** **Economic Analysis** 

This report shows that the Matawinie Mine is technically feasible as well as economically viable.

Based on a 25-year production period and assuming 100% equity financing, the IRR is 17.3% before taxes and 15.8% after taxes. The NPV, at 8% discount rate, is $379M before taxes and $238M after taxes. The payback period is 5.7 years before taxes and 5.3 years after taxes.

**25.1.9** **Overall Project Assessment** 

The QPs of this report consider that, within their expertise, the Matawinie Mine is sufficiently robust to warrant moving to the development phase. It should be noted that the bagging section of the concentrator will require additional engineering, although the impact is not material to the Project.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **25-5** |

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**25.2** **Risk Evaluation** 

There are a number of risks and uncertainties that can be identified for any new project and usually cover the mineralization, mineral processing, financial, environment and permitting aspects. The Matawinie Project is no different and an evaluation of the possible risks was undertaken and is summarized in this section.

Following an analysis of the major risks to the Project, a P50 management risk reserve of $21M is recommended. This reserve is not included in the capital cost estimate but is within the range of the financial sensitivity analysis of the capital cost. The top risks are: 1) Construction productivity differing from baseline estimate; 2) Specialized equipment delivery times longer than anticipated; and 3) Contractor bids differ from budget.

**25.2.1** **Geology** 

No foreseeable significant risks for a reduction of the deposit are expected. The geological interpretations and assay results obtained from infill drilling on the West Zone are sufficient to support the simplified geological model and the Mineral Resources presented in this report. The highly metamorphosed geological environment of the area limits detailed interpretation of the mineralized horizons, which could be thinner and more variable in grade than interpreted, thus resulting in higher dilution then modelled.

**25.2.2** **Mineral Resources** 

The Mineral Resource Estimates for the Mining Property have been prepared using current Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions and Guidelines. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating Mineral Resources and no assurance can be given that the anticipated tonnages and grades will be achieved, that the indicated level of recovery will be reached or that any categories of Mineral Resources will be upgraded to higher categories. The estimation of mineralization is a subjective process, and the accuracy of estimates is a function of quantity and quality of available data, the accuracy of statistical computations and the assumptions and judgments made in interpreting engineering and geological information.

Only the West mineralized Zone has been incorporated into the Matawinie Mine. Other mineralized zones identified on the property have not been studied to be integrated in the Mineral Reserves or mine plan. Additional work, such as core drilling and assaying, is needed to properly assess the potential of these zones. It is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **25-6** |

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**25.2.3** **Mineral Reserves and Mining Operations** 

The Probable Mineral Reserves represent 72% of the total Mineral Reserves for the Matawinie Mine. Probable Mineral Reserves, which are derived from Indicated Mineral Resources, have a lower level of confidence than Proven Mineral Reserves, which are derived from Measured Mineral Resources. This could lead to unexpected grade variations that could alter the mine plan.

Once construction of the external CDF is complete, the plan is to place tailings and waste rock in the mined-out pit. There is a potential risk that the ex-pit facility will be completed prior to having enough space in the mined-out pit. Mitigation to this risk is to expand the ex-pit facility with the intent to i) increase the storage capacity; ii) inform the permitting requirement; and iii) minimize the potential impact on the mine plan.

Since the ore is potentially acid generating, the current plan is to have limited stockpiling. This poses a potential risk if stockpiling is required for blending or mine production-related issues. Mitigation to this risk is to construct an ore stockpile pad, which would be designed accordingly.

**25.2.4** **Recovery Methods** 

Processes and equipment presented in the Concentrator design are largely used in the industry for many years in similar applications around the world. The process has been developed based on the significant test work on representative samples extracted from the mineralization and was also based on the operation of the Phase-1 demonstration plant for more than 5 years. Most of the risks related to the process have been lowered. Major variations in the quality of mineralization could result in limitation of throughput and quality throughout of the process. These limitations include:

▪ The
 crushing and grinding circuits have been designed based on samples from mineralized ores.
 Significant variations in hardness throughout the LOM resource could cause a throughput limitation
 in the comminution circuit. However, test results have shown that the variability within
 the orebody is generally small, with all the ore samples falling in the soft range of competency,
 except for the contact zone between the waste and the ore. This risk was partially mitigated
 by the comminution program that was carried out before detailed engineering. However, variations
 on a daily basis may still occur.

▪ Variability
 flotation tests completed to date have revealed a consistent metallurgical response of composites
 representing large areas within the resource. However, the risk of increased variation for
 smaller areas within the deposit still exists. To better understand the impact of the feed
 grade and level of oxidation on the concentrate carbon grade and recovery, a series of the
 variability tests have been planned and will be carried out on the small core samples from
 different locations and depths of the mine.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **25-7** |

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▪ Access
 to operators trained in graphite operations is limited. Although the demonstration plant
 provided an excellent training tool, commercial operations will require a much larger workforce.

**25.2.5** **Environmental and Permitting** 

The Matawinie Project requires licenses and permits from various governmental authorities such as the MELCCFP. From Year 2, the Project requires decree modifications from the MELCC with respect to Condition 2 where a maximum of ore and waste rock extraction is fixed based on a degree of uncertainty regarding the proportion of crystalline silica in the dust from different sources of emission. The request for decree modification was submitted to the MELCCFP in February 2024. There can be no assurance that NMG will be able to obtain the decree modifications and failure to do so could delay or prevent mine operations as economically planned.

Any delay in obtaining the anticipated construction permits or decree modifications could have an adverse effect on the timing and costs associated with start-up and operation. Such delays may also allow other third-party projects to commence production before the NMG's Mining Property, thereby potentially reducing NMG's target market share, which would have an adverse impact on the level of product sales, operations, and economics of the Matawinie Graphite Property.

Although NMG has had communications with the local communities and has worked with these communities to mitigate their concerns about the potential project's environmental and social impact, the Matawinie Project could be delayed by changes in the communities' attitudes necessitating additional studies and design alternatives.

**25.2.6** **Infrastructure** 

Risk reviews of the mine infrastructure were conducted at regular intervals during the Matawinie Project, notably at the 2022 FS review and gap analysis process, and at 30% of detailed engineering in May 2022, as well as at a risk review workshop with all engineering firms, the construction manager and other partners in October 2023, July 2024,February 2025, and September 2025. The risk register is updated monthly and includes engineering, procurement, environmental, construction, and other key project-wide risks.

The main risks to be considered in the procurement phase are as follows:

▪ The
 contractor's bid differs from the budget and the procurement process is delayed.

▪ Delivery
 times for specialized equipment, materials, key components and consumables are longer than
 expected.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **25-8** |

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The main risks to be considered in the construction phase are as follows:

▪ Construction
 productivity differing from baseline estimate;

▪ Specialized
 equipment delivery times longer than anticipated;

▪ Contractor
 bids differ from budget.

**25.2.7** **Market** 

Among the risks associated with the commercial activities of NMG, we have to consider stringent product performance requirements that makes product development and qualification a fairly exhaustive process. Another risk, which is more market related, relates to competition of other graphite mining projects launching new graphite mining projects, adding capacity into the market. As we see more defensive measures being implemented by certain nations (i.e., tariff, content requirements, proof of origin, export license, etc.) to counteract global geopolitical tensions arising between nations, such import/export measures have to be considered in offtake agreements.

Finally, there are some risks associated with the offtake agreements and term sheets signed by NMG with customers, which contain conditions precedent requiring NMG to have made a positive investment decision with respect to the financing of the Project and entered into certain other project-related agreements by certain fixed dates, failing which customers may terminate their agreements with NMG. There can be no assurance that these conditions can bet met. The offtake agreements are also contingent on finalizing the product qualification process. With regard to the term sheets with the Government of Canada, there can be no assurance that the conditions precedent, including among others, the conclusion of definitive agreements and the successful appropriation process and approval, will be met.

**25.2.8** **Financing** 

The results of the report are based on certain assumptions that were given as of the date of the report. The economic assessment reveals that the viability of the Project will not be significantly vulnerable to variations in capital and operating costs, within the margins of error associated with the report estimates. However, the viability of the Project remains more vulnerable to the USD/CAD exchange rate and the larger uncertainty in future market prices. Delays and cost overrun can impact the Project, rendering them uneconomic.

Currently, there is a significant demand on the mining community for funds for mining opportunities worldwide. NMG is one of those mining companies who would be seeking financing for a project. Even though the results of this financial analysis are positive and show a positive return on investment, NMG is a smaller mining operator and funds could be difficult to obtain.

The mining industry is heavily dependent on the market price of the metals or minerals being mined. There is no assurance that a profitable market will exist for the sale of the same. There can be no assurance that mineral prices will be such that the Project can be mined at a profit. Mineral prices largely fluctuated over the last years and any serious downturn could prevent the continuation of the exploration, construction, and development activities of NMG.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **25-9** |

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**26.** **Recommendations** 

**26.1** **Follow-up Geological Work** 

▪ It
 is recommended that surface mineralization and geology be mapped in more detail, and that
 samples, considered significant, be collected for analysis in the proximity of the open pit
 footprint, where possible, to add to the geological database of the area. This could help
 refine the geological model.

▪ Additional
 parameters such as flake size distribution and purity, as well as sulphur content, should
 also be compiled and shared with key departments to enhance the understanding of the deposit
 and optimize ore processing.

**26.2** **Mineral** **Resources** 

▪ It
 is recommended to include the 597 samples analyzed in 2023 in future Mineral Resource Estimates.

▪ All
 additional drilling in the area should be added to future Mineral Resource models to provide
 a more robust geological model.

**26.3** **Mineral Reserves, Pre-production and Mining Operation** 

▪ An
 analysis should be done to determine if an elevated cut-off grade can provide improved overall
 economics for the Project.

▪ A
 more detailed analysis should be done to estimate mining dilution and ore loss.

▪ As
 the mining operations progress, and removal of overburden and drilling for blasting is performed,
 additional mapping of the mineralization of the West Zone deposit should be carried out and
 fed into an updated version of the block model.

▪ A
 strict grade control program should be implemented as operations advance. This is part of
 standard mining practice and helps optimize ore recovery by having a more detailed and reliable
 geological model.

▪ Additional
 infill drilling is recommended to convert all Probable Reserves to Proven Reserves within
 the Starter pit and in Phase 1 of the open pit. This drilling campaign has been estimated
 at about 2,700 m of drilling, costing $700K.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **26-1** |

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**26.4** **Recovery Methods** 

▪ To
 better understand the impact of the feed grade and level of oxidation on the concentrate
 carbon grade and recovery, a series of variability tests have been planned and will be carried
 out on the small core samples from different locations and depths of the mine.

▪ Develop
 a better understanding of the relationship between PAX dosage in the sulphide rougher and
 the recovery of sulphides into the final graphite concentrate under continuous operating
 conditions. This includes the implementation of control mechanisms to reduce the risk of
 overcollection and the investigation of xanthate destruction technologies and xanthate degradation
 over time.

▪ Develop
 the engineering for the concentrate screening and bagging facilities that are added to the
 process plant and are replacing part of the concentrate bulk storage and loading.

**26.5** **Co-disposal Facility and Related Contact Water Management Infrastructure** 

SRK data gap analysis confirms that the design is at a feasibility level according to regulations, and in the complementary detailed engineering, seepage, stability and deformation analyses will be performed with the intent to demonstrate the robustness of the concept, optimize the design and display compliance with the GISTM and MAC standards and current practice recommendations.

The following additional information and studies are required to continue detailed engineering, address project design refinements and confirm the assumptions made as part of the CDF design and contact water management and water treatment engineering for the Matawinie Mine:

▪ Thus,
 complementary field and laboratory investigations will be performed with the intent to:

- Accurately define the tailings properties and characteristics;

- Assess the CDF performance where the facility will be located at the edge of the pit;

- Assess the compacted tailings liquefaction potential under the 10,000-year seismic event;

- Assess the effect of blasting activities on the CDF performance;

- Assess the effect of off-spec tailings within the facility on the CDF performance;

- Assess the effect of tailings undrained loading conditions on the CDF performance;

- Assess the likelihood of air flux through rockfill berm;

- Assess the likelihood of unsaturated tailings dusting;

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **26-2** |

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- Assess the likelihood of liner perforation;

- Assess the likelihood of surface erosion during heavy rainfall events;

- Assess the performance of the in-pit CDF where saturated material will be located.

▪ For
 in-pit, detailed water balance and wave run-up assessments should be performed with the intent
 to:

- Assess the likelihood of wave erosion of the in-pit CDF slope;

- Assess the likelihood of particles being washed out due to wave actions within the flooded pit;

- Perform the engineering of the protective rock layer on the face of the in-pit CDF slope.

▪ For
 collecting basins:

Assess the need to drill dewatering wells next to both, BC-1 and BC-2, in order to limit hydrostatic pressure that could lead to geomembranes uplift when the water level within the pond will be low.

**26.6** **Environment** 

▪ Continue
 to inform the Community, the Atikamekw First Nation of Manawan, and the Monitoring Committee
 about the evolution of the Project.

▪ Continue
 the engagement with the Atikamekw First Nation of Manawan and the Council of the Atikamekw
 First Nation.

▪ Continue
 stakeholder engagement and active communication to properly inform and consider the local
 communities' and stakeholders' concerns regarding the Project.

▪ Pursue
 the proactive acquisition process of private and leased lands within a 1-km radius of the
 proposed open pit.

▪ Fulfill
 NMG's engagements and put forth mitigation measures when possible.

▪ Continue
 the procedure with the MELCCFP for ongoing request modifications to the mining decree to
 increase the daily mining production tonnages in order to reach the production level of the
 mining plan. Not achieving that would reduce the annual production rate.

▪ Continue
 the integration of full-scale co-disposal cell results and the consultation with the ministry
 (MELCCFP) for tailings management decree conditions (3 and 5) to provide safe and proof design
 criterions into the deposition plan and the monitoring QA/QC program of tailings and waste
 rocks deposition. The work to classify tailings as NAG or PAG should be review based on those
 results and by using the ratio of ENP) categories as "Net Acid Generating and Net Acid
 Neutralizing" for any sulphide level and based on effective NP.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **26-3** |

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▪ Continue
 the planning and development opportunity by the end of the first 5 consecutive year period
 after the start date of the commercial operation of the Matawinie Mine for the replacement
 of its then-existing diesel fleet.

▪ Continue
 the assessment, development and implementation of reduction measures to limit GHG emissions.

The GHG emissions projections for the Phase-2 Matawinie Mine (Figure26-1) present two distinct scenarios, providing a comparative assessment of the impact of planned reduction measures including the recommendation about replacement of the base case diesel fleet with a zero-emission fleet. These two scenarios include Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, as well as specific Scope 3 categories identified in NMG's Climate Action Plan (NMG, 2022).

**1.** **Reference scenario without reduction projects in place**: The blue curve considers the base case,
 representing projected emissions if no planned or fully defined reduction measures are implemented,
 and serves as the baseline scenario for cost calculations and economic analysis.

**2.** **Scenario with reduction projects:** NMG has identified opportunities to further reduce process emissions
 as part of its Climate Action Plan. The green curve illustrates anticipated reductions achieved
 through the use of renewable diesel during the first 5 years of the mine, followed by
 the expected transition to a zero-emission fleet should equipment meet technical and economic
 requirements as specified in the Matawinie Project's Decree. It also includes planned
 reduction measures related to the process and energy efficiency.

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|:---|:---|
| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **26-4** |

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![](tm2530895d2_ex99-1img149.jpg)

**Figure 26-1: Projected emissions at Phase-2 Matawinie Mine**

**26.7** **Recommendations Cost Breakdown** 

Costs associated with implementing the above recommendations have been accounted for within the overall project estimates and are included in the Owner's Costs, G&A, or Indirect Capex categories, as applicable, except for additional drilling costs detailed below.

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|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Recommendations** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Costs ($)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Additional drilling to convert Probable Mineral Reserves to Proven Mineral Reserves in the Starter pit and Phase-1 pit | &nbsp;&nbsp;700000 |

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **26-5** |

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**26.8** **Opportunities** 

The location of NMG's Matawinie Mine is a key competitive advantage to supplying natural graphite to the North American market. NMG's Phase-1 demonstration plant, which use ore material from the West Zone of NMG's Mining Property to create natural graphite flake concentrate, is a pivotal component in de-risking NMG's mining operations.

Opportunities offered by the demonstration plant serve to:

▪ Supply
 enough quantities of each material group to support an adequate market approach.

▪ Qualify
 NMG graphite products and establish a sales record.

▪ Test
 and improve processes for commercial operation optimization.

▪ Implement
 high standard and innovative technology for tailings and mine waste management as well as
 site reclamation.

▪ Start
 employee training and local future workforce outreach program.

▪ Establish
 QA/QC Management procedures and system that will be implemented later in the commercial phase.

▪ Have
 a better understanding of NMG's production costs.

▪ De-risking
 of the scale-up of the commercial plant by operating intermediate size equipment in the demonstration
 plant.

Other opportunities include:

▪ The
 possible integration of additional ore to the Matawinie Project. The West Zone deposit is
 open to the south, north and at depth. Furthermore, the property is host to other mineralized
 zones that could eventually be further investigated and integrated into the Project, if found
 economically viable.

▪ With
 additional NMG value-added processing, by-product selling price can be significantly higher.
 NMG will evaluate each opportunity as a separate business case.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **26-6** |

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**27.** **References** 

**27.1.** **General Project** 

Allaire, A., Cassoff, J., Martel, B.-O., Fortier, S., and Camus, Y. (2022). NI 43-101 Technical Feasibility Study Report for the Matawinie Mine and the Bécancour Battery Material Plant Integrated Graphite Projects, Bécancour, Québec, Canada. Prepared for Nouveau Monde Graphite, dated August 10, 2022. 548 pages.

Allaire, A., Cassoff, J., Martel, B.-O., Fortier, S., Camus, Y., Fréchette, C., and St-Laurent, J.-F. (2025). NI 43-101 Undated Technical Feasibility Study Report for the Matawinie Mine and the Bécancour Battery Material Plant Integrated Graphite Projects, Québec, Canada. Prepared for Nouveau Monde Graphite, dated March 31, 2025. 569 pages.

BBA (2013). Instruction: Estimating - Cost Escalation Evaluation. Document No. 1000000-000000-33-AIN-0002-00, November 18, 2013.

BMI (2024). Natural Graphite Market Study for Nouveau Monde Graphite; August 2024.

BMI (2025). Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, Gigafactory Assessment – September 2025.

BMI (2025). Confidential report by Benchmark Mineral Intelligence - NMG graphite Market Report - November 2025 and confidential market study.

Met-Chem-DRA (2018): NI 43-101 Updated Technical Pre-feasibility Study Report for the Matawinie Graphite Project. Report submitted to Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. on August 10, 2018. 367 pp.

Met-Chem-DRA (2017): NI 43-101 Technical Pre-feasibility Study Report for the Matawinie Graphite Project. Report submitted to Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. on December 8, 2017. 374 pp.

Norda Stelo (2016): Preliminary Economic Assessment Report for the Matawinie Graphite Project. Report submitted to Nouveau Monde Mining Enterprises Inc. on August 5, 2016. 317 pp.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **27-1** |

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**27.2.** **Historical Mineral Exploration and Geoscientific Documents** 

For ease of use, all "GM" reports and other Québec government publications are available for viewing free of charge on *Québec's Ministère Des Ressources Naturelles et de la Faune* E-SIGEOM system, which is accessible on the world wide web: http://sigeom.mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/signet/classes.

The "Examine" documents (and surveys) constitute the gateway to the Géologie Québec record holdings. They represent the overall available information describing the content of the report, in addition to locating the work perimeter. To facilitate document research, references in this report appearing on the E-SIGEOM system are listed first in GM numerical order and in other codes used by the Quebec Government.

**27.2.1.** **References Available on the SIGEOM System** 

CGSIGEOM31O 31P 31I 31J - SIGEOM; (2010). Geological Maps; Ministère des Ressources Naturelles Québec; 64 maps at 1 :50 000 scale.

DP 2018-03 - Solgadi, Fabien (2018). Nouveau levé géochimique de sédiments de fond de lac dans la partie sud de la province de Grenville, Québec; 16 cartes, 15 p.

DV 2012-06 - Thériault R; Beauséjour S (2012). Carte géologique du Québec édition 2012; Ministère des Ressources Naturelles Québec 9 p.

DPV 594 - Rondot J. (1978). Région du Saint-Maurice; Ministère des Ressources Naturelles Québec; 93 p.

DPV 744 - Avramchev L; Lebel-Drolet S. (1981). Catalogue des gîtes minéraux du Québec: région de l'Abitibi; Ministère de l'Energie et des Ressources du Québec; 101 p.

DPV 809 - Avramchev L; Piché G. (1981). Catalogue des gîtes minéraux du Québec: région de Laurentie-Saguenay; Ministère de l'Energie et des Ressources du Québec; 62 p.

GM 60206 - Marcil J-S.; Comeau F. A. (2000). Rapport sur les travaux de reconnaissance dans la région de Matawinie Projet Angoulème; 30 p.

GM 68132 - Dubé J. (2013). Heliborne Magnetic and TDEM Survey Matawinie Property; Dubé et Desaulniers Géoscience; Entreprises Minières du Nouveau-Monde; 52 p.

GM 68856 - Cloutier A. (2015). Technical Report of the 2012-2013 Prospecting and 2013 Drilling Campaigns on the Matawinie Property Québec; Entreprises Minières du Nouveau-Monde; 233 p.

GM 69067 - Dubé J. (2014). High Resolution Heliborne Magnetic and TDEM Survey Matawinie-2 Property; Dubé et Desaulniers Géoscience; 3457265 Canada Inc; 30 p.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **27-2** |

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GM 69069 - Cloutier A. (2015). Technical Report of the 2014 Prospecting and Trenching Campaigns on the Matawinie Property Québec; Entreprises Minières du Nouveau-Monde; 90 p.

GM 69560 - Dubé J. (2015). High Resolution Heliborne Magnetic and TDEM Survey Hotel Property Lanaudière Region Québec; Dynamic Discovery Geoscience; Entreprises Minières du Nouveau-Monde; 26 p.

GM 69561 - Dubé J. (2016). 2014-2015 Ground TDEM PhiSpy Surveys Tony Project Matawinie Property Lanaudière Region Québec; Dynamic Discovery Geoscience; Entreprises Minières du Nouveau-Monde; 26 p.

GM 69562 - Bussières Y; Yassa A (2016). 2016 Resource Estimate Update Tony Block Matawinie Property Lanaudière Region Québec; Entreprises Minières du Nouveau Monde; 1368 p.

GM 71031 - Met-Chem-DRA (2017). NI 43-101 Technical Pre-feasibility Study Report for the Matawinie Graphite Project. Report submitted to Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. on December 8, 2017. 2325 p.

GM 71818- Met-Chem-DRA (2018). NI 43-101 Technical Feasibility Study Report for the Matawinie Graphite Project. Report submitted to Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. on December 10, 2018. 996 p.

GM 71819 - SNC-Lavalin Inc. (2019). Étude d'impact environnemental et social, projet Matawinie. 4786 p.

GM 73896 - Allaire, A., Cassoff, J., Martel, B.-O., Fortier, S., and Camus, Yann (2022). NI 43-101 Technical Feasibility Study Report for the Matawinie Mine and the Bécancour Battery Material Plant Integrated Graphite Projects, Bécancour, Québec, Canada. Prepared for Nouveau Monde Graphite, dated August 10, 2022. 1933 pages and 1 map.

GM 69561 - Dubé J. (2016). 2014-2015 Ground TDEM PhiSpy Surveys Tony Project Matawinie Property Lanaudière Region Québec; Dynamic Discovery Geoscience; Entreprises Minières du Nouveau-Monde; 26 p.

MB 2018-43 – Hardy et al. (2018). Cartographie des formations superficielles de la région de Lanaudière; Ministère de l'Energie et des Ressources Naturelles du Québec; 36 p.

MM 94-01 - Hocq M.; Verpaelst P.; Clark T.; Lamothe D.; Brisebois D.; Brun J; Martineau G. (1994). Géologie du Québec; Ministère des Ressources Naturelles Québec; 154 p.

RG 153 - Katz M. B. (1973). Région de Rolland Cousineau et Legendre; Ministère des Ressources Naturelles Québec; 127 p.

RG 2013-01 - Moukhsil A; Solgadi F.; Clark T.; Blouin S. Indares A.; Davis D. W. (2013). Géologie du nord-ouest de la région du barrage Daniel-Johnson (Manic 5) Côte-Nord; Ministère de l'Énergie et des Ressources naturelles Québec; 44 p.

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RP 541 - Katz M. B (1965). Géologie de la région de Legendre (Parc du Mont-Tremblant) Comtés de Montcalm et de Joliette; Ministère des Ressources Naturelles Québec; 15 p.

RP 552 and RP 552A - Schryver K. (1966). Géologie de la région de Saint-Michel-Des-Saints (partie ouest) Comtés de Joliette Berthier et Maskinongé; Ministère des Ressources Naturelles Québec; 17 p.

**27.2.2.** **References Not Available on the SIGEOM System** 

Bliss J. D.; Sutphin D. M. (1992). Grade and Tonnage Model of Amorphous Graphite: Model 18K; In G. J. Orris and J. D. Bliss Editors US Geological Survey Open File Report 92-437, 23-25 pp.

Bussières Y.; Yassa A. (2016). (2016). Resource Estimate Update Tony Block Matawinie Property Lanaudière Region Québec; Entreprises Minières du Nouveau Monde; 241 p.

Carr S. D.; Easton R. M.; Jamieson R. A.; Culshaw N. G. (2000). Geologic Transect Across the Grenville Orogen of Ontario and New-York; In Can. J. Earth Sci. 37; 193-216 pp.

Corriveau L.; Perreault S.; Davidson A. (2007). Prospective Metallogenic Settings of the Grenville Province; In Goodfellow W.D. ed. Mineral Deposits of Canada: A Synthesis of major Deposit-Types District Metallogeny the Evolution of Geological Provinces and Exploration Methods; Geological Association of Canada Mineral Deposits Division Special Publication No. 5; 819-847 pp.

Davidson. A. et al. (1998). Geological Map of the Grenville Province Canada and Adjacent Parts of the United States of America; Geological Survey of Canada; Map 1947A.

Fleury M. (2008). Paléogéographie Quaternaire de la Région de Saint-Michel-Des-Saints; UQAM Masters Thesis 154 p.

Friedlin S. 35p.(2021). Exploration Géotechnique et Étude en mécanique des roches, Analyse de stabilité des futures parois rocheuses; F8 Roc et Falaises inc., Révision mars 2021, 35 p.

Harris L.; Richer-Laflèche M. (2010). Characterization of Crustal-Scale Structures Interpreted From Gravity "Worms" And Their Relashionship to Hydrothermal Alteration and Mineralization Grenville Province SW Québec; Divex Sub Project SC31 7 p.

Harben P.W; M. Kuzvart (1996). A Global Geology; Industrial Minerals Information Ltd; London 462 p.

Journeaux, N. L. and S. Kamel (2017). Open Pit Slope Design, Pre-feasibility Study, Matawinie Project – Tony Block (Graphite), Saint-Michel-des-Saints, Québec, Report No. L-17-1980, August 25, 2017, 87 pp.

Logan W. E. (1863). Geological Survey of Canada; Dawson Brothers; Montréal 983 p.

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Nadeau L.; Van-Breemen O. (2001). U-Pb Zircon Age and Regional Setting of the Lapeyrère Gabbronorite Portneuf-Mauricie Region South-Central Grenville Province Québec: Radiogenic Age and Isotope Studies; Report 14; Geological Survey of Canada Current Research 2001-F6; 13 p.

Peck W. H.; DeAngelis M. T.; Meredith M. T.; Morin E. (2005). Polymetamorphism of Marbles in the Morin terrane Grenville Province Québec; Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences; V.42, 1949-1965 pp.

Rivers T.; Martignole J.; Gower C.F; Davidson A. (1989). New Tectonic Subdivisions of the Grenville Province Southeast Canadian Shield; In Tectonics 8; 63-84 pp.

Robitaille A.; Saucier J-P. (1997). Paysages régionaux du Québec méridional; Direction de la gestion des stocks forestiers and Direction des relations publiques of Ministère des ressources naturelles. Publications du Québec 213 p.

Rollinson Hugh (1993). Using geochemical data : evaluation presentation interpretation; Routledge; 384 p.

Simandl G.J. and Kenan W.M. (1997). Crystalline Flake Graphite; in Geological Fieldwork 1997 British Columbia Ministry of Employment and Investment Paper 1998-1 24P-1 to 24P-3 pp.

Soucy La Roche, Renaud (2014); Histoire tectono-métamorphique de la zone de cisaillement Taureau orientale et ses implications pour l'exhumation de la croûte moyenne dans la province de Grenville; Mémoire de Maîtrise; Université du Québec à Montréal, 121 p.

SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. (2021). Matawinie Project – Open Pit Slope Stability Assessment and Design. DRAFT. Prepared for Nouveau Monde Graphite: Saint-Michel-des-Saints, QC. Project number: 2CN044.001. Issued December 2021. 347 p.

Terreault, Pierre H., Dorval, A., Casgrain, P., Bilodeau, M.-L., Sims, D., Magnan, M., Bussières, Y., Yassa, P.A., and Peters, O. (2016). Preliminary Economic Assessment Report for the Matawinie Graphite Project**;** Norda Stelo Inc. (GM 71032) August 5, 2016, 317 p.

Wynne-Edwards H. R et al. (1966). Mont-Laurier and Kemp Lake map areas Québec; Commission Géologique du Canada Étude 66 32 p.

Wynne-Edwards H. R. (1972). The Grenville Province. In Variation in Tectonic Styles in Canada; R. A. Price and R. J. W. Douglas G. A. C. Special Paper No 11; 263-334 pp

**27.3.** **Geology and Resources** 

This reference is from Chapter 5.

Environment Canada, 2015. <u>https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_1981_2010_e.html?stnID=5969&autofwd=1</u>

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**27.4.** **Mineral Reserve Estimate** 

These references are from Chapters 15 and 16.

SNC-Lavalin, (2018). Étude hydrogéologique - Zone Ouest du bloc Tony. Rapport Rev. 00; no. Dossier 633679. Pour Entreprises minières Nouveau Monde.

SNC-Lavalin, (2020). Projet Matawinie – Mise à jour du modèle hydrogéologique FEFLOW – 669870-EG-L01-00, daté de février 2020, 64 pages.

Arié, E and Boutelja, M. (2018). Nouvelle mine de graphite, projet Matawinie, Excavation du mort-terrain - fosse., SNC Lavalin, Projet 633679, document Rap-3, p. 86.

**27.5.** **Mineral Processing and Metallurgy** 

These references are from Chapter 13.

Australian Government (2022). Department of Industries Science and Resources. Natural Graphite Purification report, CRC Project report, Future Battery Industries, September 2022.

Berg Kumera, C.-G. (2020). Drying Test Report, Nouveau Monde Graphite Final Conc. 2020, 8 p.

Bornman, F. (2021). Mutotec, Cyclone Test Work, Report, Nouveau Monde Graphite CYC-R-21-003_FB_, March 2021 Rev 01, 30 p.

Diemme, (2020). LAB321010, Nouveau Monde Graphite _FINAL Conc. Thickening and Filtration Test report, 2020 – 2021, 19 p.

Diemme, (2021a). LAB321010, Nouveau Monde Graphite, Conc. Filtration data rev 1.0, 2021, 1 p.

Diemme, (2021b). LAB321010, Nouveau Monde Graphite, PAG. Filtration data rev 1.0, 2021, 1 p.

Diemme, (2021c). LAB321010, Nouveau Monde Graphite, NAG. Filtration data rev 1.0, 2021, 1 p.

Finocchiaro, N., Kaswalder, F. (2020b). Diemme. LAB321010, Nouveau Monde Graphite_NAG Thickening and Filtration Test report, 2020 – 2021, 28 p.

Finocchiaro, N., Kaswalder, F. (2020c). Diemme. LAB321010, Nouveau Monde Graphite _PAG Thickening and Filtration Test report, 2020 – 2021, 26 p.

Hashemi, R., McKibben, M. (2021). SRC Pipe Flow Technology Centre TM, 14927-1C21-MEF-02 SRC Memo on Nouveau Monde Graphite Slurries, 11 p.

Holo-Flite Testing (2020), 30 p.

Keckes, T. (2017). Thickening Test Report 306033, Outotec test report, 50 p.

Metso Drying Test Report, Test No. 61638Rev, Nouveau Monde Graphite Concentrate.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **27-6** |

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Metso Outotec (2021). 329545TQ1. Nouveau Monde Graphite- Matawinie. Filtration Testwork Report, 2020-2021, 34 p.

NMG (2020). NMG Demonstration Plant Design of Experiments, Project 201216 DOE tank cell, 2020, PowerPoint Presentation 35 p.

NMG (2022a). NMG Demonstration Plant, Project 210401 Synthèse position SEPMAG Désulfuration UD.xlsx, 2022.

Nesset, J.E., Rosenblum, F. (2017). Self-Heating Test – Tailings and Sulphide Concentrate Samples, NesseTech Consulting Services Inc. report, 6 p.

Peters, O., Imeson, D. (2015). The Scoping Level Evaluation of Two Samples from the Matawinie Graphite Prospect, SGS test report, 30 pp.

Peters, O., Imeson, D. (2015). The Scoping Level Evaluation of Four Composites from the Matawinie Mineralization, SGS test report, 27 pp.

Peters, O., Imeson, D. (2016). The Scoping Level Evaluation of Nine Samples from the Tony Block Mineralization, SGS test report, 52 pp.

Peters, O., Imeson, D. (2017). The Bulk Processing of Two 6 Tonne Samples from the Tony Block Mineralization, SGS test report, 68 pp.

Peters, O., Imeson, D. (2017). The Flowsheet Development on Samples from the Matawinie Mineralization, SGS test report, 141 pp.

Peters, O. (2017/2018). Excel files with comminution test results, flotation mass balances and sizing data from process optimization program.

SGS (2020). Project 14236 11 – Final Report, 44 p.

Reetsang, T. (2020). NMG samples Flammability Testing - Final memo XPS. Project code.3020817.00_, 5 p.

Restifo, C.M., Patterson, H. (2020). Thermal Processing Inc., Laboratory test report for Nouveau Monde Graphite, (20-HMON-74-0155-00), 2020, 7 p.

SGS (2020). Project 14236-13 Grindability Test Summary, 2020, 2 p.

SGS (2020a). SGS Canada Inc. Project 14236-006. The Flowsheet Optimization on Samples from the Matawinie West Mineralization Report + LCT MC2 and VAR Flotation – Excel files, 2020, 80 p.

SGS (2020b). SGS Canada Inc. Project 14236-006 The Flowsheet Optimization on Samples from the Matawinie West Mineralization VAR Flotation – Excel file, 2020.

SGS (2018). SGS Canada Inc. Project 14236-010 - Nouveau Monde Graphite - The Metallurgical Test Program in Support of a Definitive Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Project, August 21, 2018, 229 p.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **27-7** |

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SGS (2019). SGS Canada Inc. Project 14236-010 The Sulphide Rejection Circuit Using Samples from the Matawinie Graphite Project, Report #2, 2019, 16 p.

Soutex Metso Outotec (2021). 329545TQ1 Part A. - Nouveau Monde Graphite - Matawinie Thickening Report – Part A, 2020 – 2021, 40 p

Thermopower Furnaces (2018). Thermopower Furnaces S.A. (PTY) Ltd. Drying Test Report, J02761 - Nouveau Monde Graphite, 2018, 14 p.

**27.6.** **Infrastructure** 

These references are from Chapter 18.

Lamont, 2020, Appendix A of the project prediction study.

SNC-Lavalin (2020). 654068-4000-40ER-0001-00-Rapport de faisabilité sur la gestion de l'eau, des résidus et stériles miniers. 3 mars 2020.

Methodology of the dimensioning guide of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), 1993 edition.

SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. (2023). Conception de la halde à mort-terrain de la mine de graphite Matawinie. Final. Préparé pour Nouveau Monde Graphite: Saint-Michel-des-Saints, Québec. Numéro de projet : CAPR002717. Émis le 29 septembre 2023

SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. (2024). Préparation de site de la première phase de la halde de co-disposition du projet minier Matawinie. Final. Préparé pour Nouveau Monde Graphite: Saint-Michel-des-Saints, Québec. Numéro de projet: CAPR002717. Émis le 28 juin 2024.

SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. (2024). Review of the Engineering of the Co-disposal Facility at the Matawinie Graphite Mine. Final. Issue for : Nouveau Monde Graphite: Saint-Michel-des-Saints, Québec. Project number: CAPR002717. Issued July 9, 2024.

SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. (2024). Site overall Water Balance for BC1 and BC2 Sizing. Final Issue for: Nouveau Monde Graphite: Saint-Michel-des-Saints, Québec. Project number: CAPR002717. Issued July 19, 2024.

**27.7.** **Environmental** 

These references are from Chapter 20.

ABFR (2024). Aménagement Bio-Forestier Rivest, Rapport de suivi 2023. Analyse de la qualité des eaux de surface 2024 en lien avec l'exploitation de la mine de Graphite Nouveau Monde Graphite, Saint-Michel-des-Saints. Décembre 2024.

Anderson, H. (2012). Invasive Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea subsp. arundinacea) Best Management Practices in Ontario. Ontario Invasive Plant Council, Peterborough, ON.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **27-8** |

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AtkinsRealis (2024). Bilan des travaux complémentaires de caractérisation des milieux humides et hydriques de 2021 à 2024 au site du projet minier Matawinie à Saint-Michel-des-Saints, Septembre 2024.

Bazoge, A., D. Lachance et C. Villeneuve (2014). Identification et délimitation des milieux humides du Québec méridional, Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, Direction de l'écologie et de la conservation et Direction des politiques de l'eau. Gouvernement du Québec. ISBN 978-2-550-67221-0

Beaulieu, M. (2016). Guide d'intervention - Protection des sols et réhabilitation des terrains contaminés. Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques.

Centre d'expertise en analyse environnementale du Québec (CEAEQ) (2012). Méthode d'analyse. MA. 100 – Lix.com. 1.1 Protocole de lixiviation pour les espèces inorganiques. Révision 2012-12-07. Gouvernement du Québec. Québec, QC.

Conseil national de recherche Canada. Modeling of Co-disposal. Concepts for Design Criteria, July 30<sup>th</sup>, 2020, N/d: NRC-EME-56150 Technical Report. 30 juillet 2020. 24 pages.

Consulair (2017). Modélisation des émissions atmosphériques en vue de l'implantation d'une mine de graphite à Matawinie, Version Préliminaire #2.

Couillard L., Dignard, N., Petitclerc, P., Bastien, D., Sabourin, A. et Labrecque, J. (2012). Guide de reconnaissance des habitats forestiers des plantes menacées ou vulnérables. Outaouais, Laurentides et Lanaudière. Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune et ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et des Parcs. ISBN : 978-2-550-64794-2.

Desrosiers, N., Morin, R. and Jutras, J. (2002). Atlas des micromammifères du Québec. Société de la faune et des parcs du Québec, Direction du développement de la faune, et Fondation de la faune du Québec.

DRA (2018). NI 43-101 Technical Feasibility Study Report for the Matawinie Graphite Project. Final Report. Prepared for Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc.

Environment Canada (2025). https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/

Environnement Canada & MDDEP (2007). Environnement Canada et Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et des Parcs du Québec. Critères pour l'évaluation de la qualité des sédiments au Québec et cadres d'application : prévention, dragage et restauration.

Fabianek, F. (2016). Inventaire acoustique des chiroptères dans la MRC de Matawinie, région de Lanaudière. Compte rendu méthodologique et résultats obtenus. Rapport préparé pour SNC-Lavalin inc.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **27-9** |

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FNX-Innox (2024). FNX-Innov, 2024, Mise à jour – Évaluation environnementale de site Phase I*,* réf. F2301941-001_r00, 122 pages.

Gazette officielle du Québec (2021). Lois et règlements. 153e année. Partie 2, no 6. 10 février 2021. Available online: <u>https://www.environnement.gouv.qc.ca/evaluations/decret/2021/47-2021.pdf</u>

Government of Canada (2021). Species at risk public registry. Available online: <u>https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/species-risk-public-registry.html</u>.

Government of Québec (2021). Loi sur les espèces menacées ou vulnérables, RLRQ c E-12.01. Available online: <u>https://www.canlii.org/fr/qc/legis/lois/rlrq-c-e-12.01/derniere/rlrq-c-e-12.01.html#document.</u>

Gouvernement du Québec (2016). Statistiques de chasse et de piégeage. Consulté le 6 novembre 2017. <u>http://mffp.gouv.qc.ca/faune/statistiques/chasse-piegeage.jsp</u>.

Hénault, M. (2015). Plan de gestion de l'orignal dans la zone 15. In S. Lefort et S. Massé (éd.). Plan de gestion de l'orignal au Québec 2012-2019. Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs. Direction générale de l'expertise sur la faune et ses habitats et Direction générale du développement de la faune. Gouvernement du Québec. P. 272-299.

Huot, M. and Lebel, F. (2012). Plan de gestion du cerf de Virginie au Québec 2010-2017. Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune, Secteur Faune Québec, Direction générale de l'expertise sur la faune et ses habitats. Québec, QC.

Lamont and MDAG (2020). Prédiction de la qualité des eaux dans la fosse et effets sur le milieu récepteur sous différentes conditions. Projet Matawinie. Préparé pour Nouveau Monde Graphite. January 2020.

Lamont et MDAG (2020). Addenda - Précisions sur la prédiction de la qualité des eaux souterraines au futur site du projet Matawinie. Daté du 2 juin 2020. Réponses au MELCC mai 2020 20 pages.

Lamontagne, G.H., Jolicoeur, H. and Lefort, S. (2006). Plan de gestion de l'ours noir, 2006-2013. Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune, Direction du développement de la faune. Gouvernement du Québec.

MAMOT ([s. d.]-b). Gouvernement du Québec, ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Occupation du territoire. Décret de population.

MDDELCC (2017). Lignes directrices pour l'utilisation des objectifs environnementaux de rejet relatifs aux rejets industriels dans le milieu aquatique – Comparaison entre les concentrations mesurées à l'effluent et les objectifs environnementaux de rejet pour les entreprises existantes (ADDENDA). Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, Gouvernement du Québec. ISBN 978-2-550-78291-9

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MDDEP (2008). Lignes directrices pour l'utilisation des objectifs environnementaux de rejet relatifs aux rejets industriels dans le milieu aquatique. Ministère du Développement Durable, de l'Environnement et des Parcs. Gouvernement du Québec.

MDDEP (2012). Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et des Parcs. Directive 019 sur l'industrie minière. ISBN : 978-2-550-64507-8

MELCC (2021). Guide d'intervention – Protection des sols et réhabilitation des terrains contaminés. Ministère de l'Environnement et de la lutte contre les changements climatiques. Direction du Programme de réduction des rejets industriels et des Lieux contaminés. Gouvernement du Québec. Mai 2021, 326 p ISBN : 978-2-550-83515-8. [<u>http://www.environnement.gouv.qc.ca/sol/terrains/guide-intervention/guide-intervention-protectionrehab.pdf</u>]

MELCC (2022). Règlement sur l'encadrement d'activités en fonction de leur impact sur l'environnement (REAFIE). Modernisation du régime d'autorisation environnementale. Loi sur la qualité de l'environnement (LQE). Ministère de l'environnement et de la lutte contre les changements climatiques. Gouvernement du Québec.

MEND (2009). Mining Environment Neutral Drainage Program. Prediction Manuel for Drainage Chemistry from Sulphidic Geologic Materials. Report 1.20.1. Natural Resources Canada. December 2009.

*Ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie (2020 and 2024). Secteur des entreprises - Ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie. <u>https://www.economie.gouv.qc.ca/pages-regionales/centre-du-quebec/portrait-regional/secteur-des-entreprises</u>. Consulté le 25 mars 202*

MRC Matawinie (2013). Règlement relatif aux nuisances. Règlement numéro TNO-45-2011. Province de Québec. Municipalité régionale de comté de Matawinie. Territoire non organisé. Mis à jour en décembre 2013.

MERN (2022). Ministère de l'Énergie et des Ressources naturelles. Guide de préparation du plan de réaménagement et de restauration des sites miniers au Québec.

MFFP (2015). Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs. Demande d'informations fauniques. Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs. Gouvernement du Québec. Results obtained on December 4th, 2015.

MFFP (2016). Statistiques de chasse et de piégeage. Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs. Gouvernement du Québec. Consulted on November 6, 2017. <u>http://mffp.gouv.qc.ca/faune/statistiques/chasse-piegeage.jsp/</u>.

MFFP (2021). Règlement sur l'aménagement durable des forêts du domaine de l'État (RADF). Loi sur l'aménagement durable du territoire forestier. Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs. Gouvernement du Québec.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **27-11** |

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NMG (2019). Nouvelles – Soutien réaffirmé envers le projet Matawinie. Nouveau Monde Graphite inc. Nouveau Monde fait le point sur ses efforts d'acceptabilité sociale. Available online : <u>https://nmg.com/fr/soutien-reaffirme-envers-le-projet-matawinie/</u>

NMG (2021). Projet Minier Matawinie. Tableau de suivi des engagements et des conditions environnementales. Décembre 2021. Available online : <u>https://nmg.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Copie-de-NMG-Tableau-de-suivi-des-engagements.pdf</u>

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Prescott, J. and Richard, P. (2013). Mammifères du Québec et de l'est du Canada. Éditions Michel Quintin. Waterloo, QC.

Price (2009). Price, W.A. 2009. Prediction Manual for Drainage Chemistry from Sulphidic Geologic Materials. Canadian Mine Environment Neutral Drainage Report 1.20.1, Natural Resources Canada, dated December 2009.

SNC-Lavalin (2016a). Étude hydrogéologique préliminaire - Inventaires de terrain - Zone Ouest du bloc Tony. Report prepared for Entreprises minières Nouveau Monde. Montréal, QC.

SNC-Lavalin (2016b). Caractérisation de l'ambiance sonore initiale. Report prepared for Entreprises minières Nouveau Monde. Montréal, QC.

SNC-Lavalin (2016c). Projet Matawinie – Inventaire des micromammifères et des anoures. Report prepared for Entreprises minières Nouveau Monde. Lévis, QC.

SNC-Lavalin (2017a). Climat et hydrologie. Report prepared for Entreprises minières du Nouveau Monde. Lévis, QC.

SNC-Lavalin (2017b). Qualité de l'air initiale. Report prepared for Entreprises minières Nouveau Monde. Montréal, QC.

SNC-Lavalin (2017c). Caractérisation environnementale des sols – Zone Ouest du Bloc Tony - Saint-Michel-des-Saints (Québec). Report prepared for Entreprises minières du Nouveau Monde. Montréal, QC.

SNC-Lavalin (2017d). Caractérisation des eaux de surface et des sédiments - Projet Matawinie. Report prepared for Nouveau Monde Graphite. Lévis, QC.

SNC-Lavalin (2017e). Preliminary Geochemical Characterization of Mine Wastes (Draft). Matawinie Graphite Project. Prepared for Nouveau Monde Graphite. Lévis, QC.

SNC-Lavalin (2017f). Étude hydrogéologique préliminaire - Zone Ouest du bloc Tony. Report prepared for Entreprises minières du Nouveau Monde. Montréal, QC.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **27-12** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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SNC-Lavalin (2017g). Projet Matawinie – Végétation, milieux humides et espèces floristiques en situation précaire, exotiques et envahissantes. Report prepared for Entreprises minières du Nouveau Monde. Lévis, QC.

SNC-Lavalin (2017h). Caractérisation des cours d'eau et inventaires de la faune ichtyenne et benthique - Projet Matawinie. Report prepared for Entreprises minières du Nouveau Monde. Lévis, QC.

SNC-Lavalin (2017i). Projet Matawinie – Inventaire de l'herpétofaune. Report prepared for Nouveau Monde Graphite. Lévis, QC.

SNC-Lavalin (2017j). Projet Matawinie – Inventaire de l'avifaune nicheuse. Report prepared for Entreprises minières Nouveau Monde. Lévis, QC.

SNC-Lavalin (2018a). Climat et hydrologie. Report prepared for Entreprises minières du Nouveau Monde. Lévis, QC.

SNC-Lavalin (2018b). Caractérisation environnementale des sols 2016 et Caractérisation environnementale complémentaire des sols 2017 – Saint-Michel-des-Saints (Québec). Report prepared for Entreprises minières du Nouveau Monde. Lévis, QC.

SNC-Lavalin (2019). Projet Matawinie – Caractérisation physicochimique de l'état initial des sols – Saint-Michel-des-Saints (Québec) – Nouveau Monde Graphite, par SNC-Lavalin, octobre 2019, totalisant environ 317 pages incluant 7 annexes.

SNC Lavalin. 2019. Geochemistry Test Work Program Technical Report. Nouveau Monde Graphite, dated March 25, 2019.

SNC-Lavalin (2019b). Plan de réaménagement et restauration pour le site du projet Matawinie Réf.: 3211-16-019, Octobre 2019, 767 pages.

SNC-Lavalin GEM Québec inc. (2019). Projet Matawinie - Végétation, milieux humides et espèces floristiques à statut particulier, exotiques et envahissantes, rapport sectoriel 002, Lévis, 19 p. + annexes.

SNC-Lavalin (2020). Projet Matawinie – Mise à jour du modèle hydrogéologique FEFLOW – 669870-EG-L01-00, daté de février 2020, 64 pages.

SNC-Lavalin (2020a). Volume Réponses aux questions – Analyse environnementale du 1er mai 2020, par SNC-Lavalin, juin 2020, environ 271 pages incluant 8 annexes.

SNC-Lavalin (2024). Optimisation du potentiel d'habitat de l'omble de fontaine et restauration du libre passage dans les cours d'eau CE09, CE12 et CE36.

Soft dB (2017). Étude d'impact sonore théorique. Exploitation de la mine de graphite Matawinie. Report prepared for Nouveau Monde Graphite. Québec, QC

SOS-POP (2015). Banque de données sur les populations d'oiseaux en situation précaire au Québec [November 13, 2015]. Regroupement Québec Oiseaux, Montréal, QC.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **27-13** |

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|:---|:---|:---|
| ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo.jpg) | **Nouveau Monde Graphite**<br>NI 43-101 Technical Report<br>**2025 Feasibility Study for the Matawinie Graphite Mine** | ![](tm2530080d26_headerlogo01.jpg) |

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SQ (2015a). Gouvernement du Québec, Institut de la statistique du Québec. Profils statistiques par région et MRC géographiques.

Ustak, S., Šinko, J. and Muňoz, J. (2019). Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) as a promising energy crop. Journal of Central European Agriculture. 20. 1143-1168. DOI: 10.5513/JCEA01/20.4.2267.

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| **NOVEMBER 2025** | **27-14** |

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