#Canada #Vancouver #Graphite One #Graphite Creek #FAST-41

Graphite One Initiates the FAST-41 60-Day Planning Period

Graphite One Inc. (TSXV: GPH) (OTCQX: GPHOF), known as "Graphite One," is proud to announce its entry into the 60-day planning stage of the FAST-41 permitting process. This vital phase is focused on creating a detailed Coordinated Project Plan (CPP) and permitting timetable for its flagship Graphite Creek Project. The goal is to make informed decisions that ensure timely progress on the project, which is positioned as a key player in the U.S. graphite supply chain.

This initiative is administered by the Federal Permitting Improvements Steering Council (FPISC), which is designed to streamline and enhance federal environmental reviews and permitting timelines. Graphite One's efforts come at a significant moment, as the global graphite market increasingly depends on China, with recent analyses suggesting that this dependency now exceeds that of rare earth materials.

The Importance of the FAST-41 Process

The FAST-41 framework is pivotal for expediting the permitting process, enabling projects to receive a Record of Decision approximately 25% faster than those not benefitting from FAST-41 provisions. With the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as the lead federal agency for the Graphite Creek Project, coordination among other agencies will be essential to ensure that the project adheres to environmental regulations. The comprehensive timetable detailing the necessary steps will be made available on the FAST-41 Federal Permitting Dashboard by August 1, 2025.

This particular project is noteworthy as it marks the first Alaskan mining venture to be featured on the FAST-41 Dashboard and ranks as the fifth mining project overall. The transparency introduced by the FAST-41 process will enhance public awareness during each stage leading to the project's completion.

Benefits of FAST-41

The primary advantages of being part of the FAST-41 process include:

• - Increased Visibility and Accountability: The timeline for all required actions will be publicly available, updating stakeholders regularly on the project’s progress.
• - Enhanced Coordination: A well-documented plan developed within 60 days will help outline the steps for public and tribal participation, helping to align project goals with regulatory expectations.
• - Accountability Enhancement: Oversight by the Permitting Council ensures compliance with established timelines. Their accountability to Congress will help monitor performance and safeguard against unnecessary delays.

As noted by Anthony Huston, CEO of Graphite One, the incorporation of the FAST-41 protocol will not only enhance accountability and predictability for the Graphite Creek Project but is also a strategic measure against the backdrop of China’s overwhelming dominance in the graphite market – controlling approximately 97% of the global supply.

The Dominance of China in Graphite Production

Recent reports from the International Energy Agency (IEA) highlight that China's control over graphite surpasses even that of rare earth elements, emphasizing the need for a domestic supply chain. Huston remarked that the geopolitical climate and market pressures necessitate moving towards independence from foreign sources of crucial minerals. With tensions around trade practices and tariffs, developing local production capabilities becomes a national priority. Graphite One aims to reduce American dependency on foreign graphite to secure a stable supply chain for industries dependent on lithium-ion battery technologies.

Future Strategies and the Graphite Creek Project

Graphite One's long-term vision revolves around establishing a robust U.S.-based graphite supply chain, taking advantage of the Graphite Creek deposit, recognized as one of the largest in the country. The comprehensive project plan involves building a manufacturing facility for high-grade graphite anode materials, strategically located in Warren, Ohio, along with a recycling facility to support a circular economy within the battery production landscape.

As the project progresses through the FAST-41 process and beyond, Graphite One holds firm on its commitment to leading the charge in creating an independent and sustainable graphite supply industry, fulfilling both national needs and global market demands.

On behalf of Graphite One's Board of Directors,

Anthony Huston

Conclusion

With the commencement of the 60-day planning timeline under the FAST-41 process, Graphite One is poised to reshape the landscape of graphite production and supply in North America, converting regulatory hurdles into opportunities for swift project development while diminishing reliance on foreign sources of graphite.