First Canadian Graphite Inc. has appointed Michael Iverson to its Board of Directors, effective immediately, bringing decades of mining leadership experience to the junior mining company focused on advancing high-grade graphite projects in Quebec. The appointment comes as the company seeks to position itself to supply graphite for battery, energy storage, and advanced manufacturing markets. Iverson is a seasoned mining executive and capital markets professional with more than two decades of leadership experience in the resource sector. He founded Niogold Mining Corp. and co-founded Fortuna Silver Mines Inc., serving in senior executive roles including Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President through 2016.
At Niogold, Iverson led the acquisition and exploration of a significant land package in Val-d'Or, Québec, positioning the company for its acquisition by Oban Mining Corp. at a substantial premium to Niogold's market capitalization. John LaGourgue, CEO of First Canadian Graphite, stated that Iverson brings extensive experience and a proven track record of building successful resource companies, particularly in Québec, as well as driving shareholder value. LaGourgue noted that Iverson will work closely with management implementing best practices as the company expands the resource at its flagship Berkwood Graphite Project and moves toward becoming a leading graphite producer in North America.
Iverson commented on his appointment, stating that he is honoured to join the Board of First Canadian Graphite at such an exciting time. With increasing global demand for graphite as a critical material for energy storage and advanced technologies, the Company is well positioned to expand the current resource through drilling and exploration, execute on a PEA and make the required steps toward production. Over his career, Iverson has raised, invested, and co-invested more than $100 million in companies he has led and advised, with companies where he has served as CEO and/or director achieving aggregate market capitalizations exceeding $1 billion.
The company simultaneously announced that Mr. Brijender (Binny) Jassal will resign from the board of directors but will continue as Chief Financial Officer. First Canadian Graphite continues to focus on advancing its graphite projects, including the Berkwood Graphite Project located in northern Quebec, which has a 43-101 Resource Estimate Report revealing 3.2 million tonnes of indicated and inferred graphite, averaging grades of 17%. The company respectfully acknowledges that the Berkwood Project is located within the traditional territory of the Pessamit Innu First Nation and is committed to fostering respectful, transparent, and collaborative relationships with local Indigenous communities throughout the development process.
This appointment matters because it strengthens First Canadian Graphite's leadership during a period of increasing demand for domestically sourced critical minerals. Graphite is essential for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems, making secure North American supply chains strategically important. Iverson's experience with successful acquisitions and resource development in Quebec specifically positions the company to navigate the complex process of bringing graphite projects to production. Additional information about the company's regulatory filings can be found at https://www.sedar.com.
