#United States #Vancouver #Graphite One #FAST-41 #Mineral Supply

Graphite One's Strategic Move within FAST-41 Initiative

Graphite One Inc. (TSX-V: GPH; OTCQX: GPHOF), widely recognized as G1 or simply Graphite One, has recently garnered significant attention for its proactive engagement in enhancing U.S. domestic critical mineral supply chains. The company welcomes the U.S. Government's implementation of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, commonly referred to as 'FAST-41', which aims to streamline the permitting process for essential resources and infrastructure projects. This move is particularly timely in the context of the March 20, 2025 Executive Order that mandates immediate measures to ramp up domestic mineral production.

Notably, G1's Graphite Creek Project is a trailblazer, marking itself as the first Alaska mining project featured on the FAST-41 Transparency Dashboard, belonging to a select group of six mining initiatives recognized by the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (known as the Permitting Council). This listing reinforces the company's ambition and framework to enhance U.S. mineral supplies, an area that has been a concern owing to overreliance on foreign imports.

As per Emily Domenech, the new head of the Permitting Council, the body’s objective serves as a guide, or 'sherpa', for businesses venturing into new project implementations. Domenech expressed her commitment to expedite as many projects into construction as possible within the initial years of the upcoming political administration, reflecting a strong push toward enhancing the nation’s infrastructure and mineral capabilities.

“The Administration’s expansion of the FAST-41 program reflects a robust commitment to expeditiously develop the domestic critical mineral supply chains,” asserted G1’s CEO, Anthony Huston. As the first Alaskan mining project listed, Graphite One highlights the urgency in streamlining the permitting process to fortify its ambitions to create a vertically integrated domestic graphite supply chain amidst a climate of increasing demand and market unpredictability.

In the wake of Graphite One’s inclusion on the Federal Permitting list, the company recently created further potential by entering into a second non-binding supply agreement for anode active materials (AAM) with Lucid Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: LCID), a prominent manufacturer of cutting-edge electric vehicles. This partnership marks a substantial endeavor toward establishing a fully domestic graphite supply chain capable of addressing market needs while concurrently supporting U.S. industry and national defense commitments.

Earlier this spring, Graphite One released a crucial feasibility study, finished in a record 15 months ahead of schedule, which showcased a dramatic tripling of the company’s proven and probable reserves. This study is pivotal in demonstrating the potential for domestic production capabilities.

Huston remarked, “The momentum we are generating now to end over thirty years of zero domestic graphite production couldn’t come at a more critical juncture. With China's grip over graphite materials surpassing their hold over Rare Earth elements, timely action is essential. The combined predictability and accountability through the Fast-41 program, a new supply agreement with Lucid, and a significantly increased resource at Graphite Creek positions us strategically to advance.”

Graphite One's Comprehensive Supply Chain Strategy

Currently, the United States relies entirely on imports for both synthetic and natural graphite. In response, Graphite One is fervently developing a comprehensive U.S.-based advanced graphite supply chain anchored by the Graphite Creek deposit, recognized by the US Geological Survey as both the largest graphite deposit in the U.S. and among the most substantial globally. The company’s project plan envisions the construction of an advanced graphite material and battery anode manufacturing plant located in Warren, Ohio. The initiative also comprises a recycling facility aimed at recovering graphite and other battery materials, positioned at the same site, forming the third component of Graphite One's circular economy strategy.

G1’s overarching goal is to become a leading American producer of high-grade anode materials within an integrated framework that connects mining, processing, and manufacturing capabilities, primarily catering to the lithium-ion electric vehicle battery market. This comprehensive strategy is not only pivotal for the company's development trajectory but is also vital for bolstering America's standing within the global supply ecosystem.

In summary, Graphite One is making significant strides in transforming the U.S. mineral landscape, establishing a foothold in the industry by aligning with government initiatives such as the FAST-41 program. The company is ambitiously positioning itself to address the challenges of domestic graphite production while also reinforcing national security and economic stability by fostering self-sufficiency in critical mineral resources.