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 global demand for graphite continues to increase for energy storage and advanced technologies, positioning the company to expand its resource base and move toward production.
Mr. Iverson brings more than two decades of leadership experience in the resource sector, having founded Niogold Mining Corp. and co-founded Fortuna Silver Mines Inc., where he served in senior executive roles including Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President through 2016. At Niogold, he 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 market capitalization. At Fortuna, he played an integral role in the company's evolution into an established silver producer with operating mines in Peru and Mexico.
Over his career, Mr. Iverson has raised, invested, and co-invested more than $100 million in companies he has led and advised, bringing deep expertise in public and private equity markets, strategic planning, corporate governance, and sales and marketing. Companies where he has served as CEO and/or director have achieved aggregate market capitalizations exceeding $1 billion.
"The FCI Team is thrilled to welcome Mike to the Board," said John LaGourgue, CEO of First Canadian Graphite. "He brings extensive experience and a proven track record of building successful resource companies, particularly in Québec, as well as driving shareholder value. Mike will be working closely with management implementing best practices as we expand the resource at our flagship Berkwood Graphite Project and assist the move to becoming a leading graphite producer in North America."
Mr. Iverson commented: "I am 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 towards production."
The appointment is significant as First Canadian Graphite continues to focus on advancing its graphite projects and positioning the Company to supply high-quality graphite to meet increasing demand from battery, energy storage, and advanced manufacturing markets. The company's flagship Berkwood Graphite Project in northern Quebec has a 43-101 Resource Estimate Report revealing 3.2 million tonnes of indicated and inferred graphite, averaging grades of 17%.
The Company announces that Mr. Brijender (Binny) Jassal will resign from the board of directors but will continue as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Jassal has been a dedicated director since 2017 and the board thanked him for his contributions.
First Canadian Graphite 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. Additional information about the company's operations and risk factors is available under the Company's SEDAR profile at https://www.sedar.com.
