Falcon Energy Materials PLC (TSX-V: FLCN) (OTCQB: FLCNF) announced the opening of its pilot plant near Casablanca, Morocco, according to a press release dated July 9, 2026. The facility, which has been relocated and installed with a fully assembled process line, will produce qualification-scale coated spheronized purified graphite (CSPG) samples for potential customers in the global battery industry. This milestone is significant as it represents the first natural graphite CSPG pilot facility in Morocco and advances Falcon's goal of building a competitive battery anode supply chain outside of China.
The pilot plant will generate operating data and process design criteria required to advance Falcon's proposed 25,000 tonnes per annum commercial-scale anode facility. Commissioning of the process line is underway, with qualification-scale CSPG samples expected to be produced on site in the summer of 2026. These samples will support sample qualification programs previously announced and allow Falcon to tailor material to customer specifications for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and battery producers.
Beyond producing qualification material, the pilot plant provides an important training platform for plant operators in preparation for commercial production. The training programs and operating procedures implemented at the pilot plant are expected to be transferable to the commercial anode facility, potentially supporting a more efficient ramp-up of future operations. This scale-up from laboratory and bench-scale testing is critical for optimizing key aspects of the CSPG production process and establishing detailed process design criteria that will support engineering of the anode plant and future commercial discussions.
Falcon remains confident in the global availability of premium graphite feedstock and continues to test several alternative high-quality sources to ensure a scalable, reliable supply for its operations. The company is strategically partnered with leading technology firms and Tier One Moroccan partners, benefiting from advanced technological expertise, access to high-quality raw materials and chemicals, and a prime geographical location.
“The opening of our Pilot Plant in Morocco is a defining milestone for Falcon. It marks our transition from planning and procurement to operational execution and advances our goal of building a competitive battery anode supply chain outside of China,” stated Matthieu Bos, President & CEO of Falcon. “This facility allows us to produce qualification-scale CSPG samples for potential customers while generating the operating knowledge, workforce experience and process data that will de-risk and accelerate the development of our commercial Anode Plant.”
Falcon Energy Materials is aiming to become the premier provider of natural CSPG, a critical component for energy storage solutions. The company is working toward the development of a state-of-the-art 25 ktpa CSPG production facility in Morocco. For additional information, visit Falcon’s website at www.falconem.net.
The forward-looking statements in the press release highlight risks and uncertainties, including the company's ability to commission the pilot plant as planned, secure financing for the commercial anode facility, and achieve customer qualification. These factors are detailed in the company's management's discussion and analysis filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
