Independent US labs confirm Phase I battery performance, paving the way for bag cell and OEM scale testing
Focus Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FMS,OTC:FCSMF) (OTCQB: FCSMF) (FSE: FKC0) (“Focus” or the “Company”), a leading developer of high-performance graphite deposits and innovator of next-generation lithium-ion battery technology, is pleased to announce that its Lac Knife graphite anode material has successfully passed Phase I battery validation testing conducted by both Charge CCCV LLC (“C4V”) and American Energy Technologies Company (“AETC”). The concurrent, independent US laboratory testing programs confirmed that Lac Knife natural graphite achieved near theoretical electrochemical capacity (~371 mAhg), demonstrating high purity, crystallinity and strong suitability for lithium-ion battery anode applications. The successful completion of these evaluations represents a significant milestone toward commercial-scale qualification within C4V’s global supply chain program and future validation at the OEM level.
The tests were conducted using material refined at AETC under Focus’ direction. AETC performed verification testing against established parameters for Focus’ graphite, while C4V performed independent validation via its proprietary Digital DNA™ (“DDNA“) program, which applies industry-standard cell performance benchmarks. Despite minor variations inherent to coin cell assembly and laboratory calibration, both laboratories confirmed that Focus’ Lac Knife material exceeded internal basic qualification thresholds. Based on these results, C4V advanced the material to Phase II of its qualification program, which includes pouch cell fabrication and large format validation for commercial scale evaluation. At the same time, Focus plans to explore additional large-scale testing initiatives with AETC to further assess scalability and performance consistency.
Under identical test conditions, Focus’ natural graphite (batch number GN250619002) was compared to C4V’s synthetic graphite reference material. The Focus sample achieved a first cycle discharge capacity of approximately 373 mAh/g, essentially reaching the theoretical maximum for graphite, while showing good stability. Although electrode density and long-cycle performance were modestly lower than baseline, the material exceeded C4V’s qualification benchmarks, confirming its suitability for large-format pouch cell validation – a more accurate and scalable performance measure using a semi-automated testing platform that directly correlates with electric vehicles.EV“) and energy storage system (“ESS“) cell designs required by original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs“).
The company previously demonstrated strong lithium-ion battery performance with its Lac Knife material; However, these independently verified third-party results now supersede previous findings and provide a modern, industry-standard baseline that will support future offtake qualification and commercial evaluation.
“These results validate the quality of our Lac Knife graphite and its suitability for next-generation anode production,” said Dean Hanisch, CEO of Focus Graphite. “The fact that both AETC and C4V confirm the strong performance of the material gives us confidence as we move into pouch cell testing – the next step towards commercial readiness.”
“C4V is pleased to see that Focus Graphite’s Lac Knife material has successfully completed our Phase 1 validation process under our DDNA program,” said Baasit Ali, VP Supply Chain at C4V. “The material has demonstrated strong electrochemical validation and purity properties that align well with our high-performance anode requirements. We look forward to moving forward with pouch cell fabrication and validation, which will provide a clearer picture of its scalability for EV and ESS applications.”
Next steps
- Fabrication and testing of pouch cells using Focus’s Lac Knife graphite from C4V
- Long-term cycling and safety validation under C4V’s DDNA qualification program
- Subsequent scale-up to large-scale cell testing with industrial partners for commercial qualification
Focus Graphite’s continued partnership with C4V and AETC underscores its commitment to establishing a North American supply of high-quality, ESG-compliant graphite anode material, supporting the energy transition and the critical mineral independence goals that both Canada and its allies share. The company will continue to prioritize dual-use battery initiatives that serve both the civil and defense sectors.
About Charge CCCV LLC (C4V™).
C4V™ is a lithium-ion battery technology company with critical insights into the optimal performance of lithium-ion batteries and Gigafactories. C4V’s discoveries have been fruitful in vastly increasing battery life, safety and charging performance, but more important is the Gigafactory offering that will enable emerging countries to establish their own robust manufacturing ecosystem. C4V works with leading raw material suppliers and equipment supply chains to bring to market fully optimized batteries that possess significant economic advantages and provide the ultimate ‘best in class’ performance for various applications and end-to-end solutions to produce them on a gigawatt hour scale. With its unique and innovative business model, C4V is rapidly targeting more than 100 GWh of cell manufacturing capacity globally by 2032, and its Digital DNA Supply Chain solution ensures materials meet the highest industry standards for performance and reliability.
For more information about C4V, please visit http://www.chargecccv.com
About American Energy Technologies Co. (AETC).
American Energy Technologies Co. (AETC) is a privately held, woman-owned company with operations outside the Chicago area. At its Wheeling, Illinois facility, AETC operates three business units: a factory that makes battery-ready graphite and carbon materials, a pilot demonstration facility for battery materials and graphite dispersions, and a fully functional applications laboratory that supports the above business units.
AETC works with industry partners and manufacturing groups around the world, including the U.S. Department of War, to ensure materials meet performance standards and strategic requirements. Their facilities are equipped for testing, downstream processing, AI-driven manufacturing and carbon materials development.
For more information about AETC, please visit https://www.usaenergytech.com
About Focus Graphite Advanced Materials Inc.
Focus Graphite Advanced Materials is redefining the future of critical minerals with two 100% proprietary world-class graphite projects and advanced battery technology. Our flagship Lac Knife project is one of the most advanced high-purity graphite deposits in North America, with a fully completed feasibility study. Lac Knife will become a key supplier to the battery, defense and advanced materials industries.
Our Lac Tetepisca project further strengthens our portfolio, with the potential to become one of the largest and highest purity graphite deposits in North America. At Focus, we go beyond mining: we are pioneering environmentally sustainable processing solutions and innovative battery technologies, including our patented silicon-reinforced spheroidal graphite, designed to improve battery performance and efficiency.
Our commitment to innovation ensures a chemical-free, environmentally friendly supply chain from mine to market. Collaboration is the core of our vision. We are actively working with industry leaders, research institutions and government agencies to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation graphite materials. As a North American company, we strive to secure a resilient, locally sourced supply of critical minerals, reducing dependence on foreign-controlled markets and fueling the transition to a sustainable future.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of the words “could,” “intend,” “expect,” “believe,” “will,” “projected,” “estimated” and similar expressions, as well as statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company’s current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events.
In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information regarding, among other things, the anticipated benefits of the Company’s recent battery test results; the advancement of Focus Graphite’s Lac Knife graphite anode material through C4V’s multi-phase validation process; the potential performance of the material in future tests on large format or commercial scale pouch cells; and the potential qualification of the material within the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) supply chains. Forward-looking information also includes statements regarding the company’s objectives to expand downstream partnerships, strengthen its technology development and commercialization initiatives and position its Lac Knife and Lac Tetepisca projects as key contributors to the North American graphite supply chain and energy transition ecosystem.
Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks associated with market conditions, regulatory approvals, changes in economic conditions, the ability to raise sufficient funds on acceptable terms or at all, operational risks associated with mineral exploration and development, and other risks described from time to time in the Company’s public disclosure documents available under its profile at SEDAR+.
The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
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