Focus Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FMS | OTCQB: FCSMF | FSE: FKC0) has engaged Groupe Synergis, a member of BBA Consultants, to conduct a complementary environmental field program at its 100%-owned Lac Knife Graphite Project in northeastern Quebec. The program primarily supports the company's access road planning, engineering, and permitting activities. Fieldwork is expected to be completed by early November 2026, with a preliminary technical report anticipated before winter 2026, marking a meaningful step in the project's regulatory advancement.

Key Points

  • Focus Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FMS | OTCQB: FCSMF | FSE: FKC0) is a Canadian graphite developer advancing its Lac Knife project in Quebec.
  • BBA Consultants engaged to complete a 2026 environmental field program covering biological inventories across an approximately 550-hectare study area.
  • The program builds on up to C$1,378,700 in non-dilutive federal funding from Natural Resources Canada announced June 3, 2026.
  • Investors may be watching for the preliminary technical report and the planned Environmental Impact Study submission to Quebec's MELCCFP in late autumn 2026.

BBA's Biological Inventory Scope Across the 550-Hectare Study Area

BBA's field program will cover updated inventories including small mammals, bats using fixed acoustic monitoring stations, threatened or vulnerable plant species, invasive alien species, and wetlands and waterbodies. The approximately 550-hectare study area encompasses the full Lac Knife project footprint, with a 50-metre buffer on either side of the planned road right-of-way and a 150-metre buffer surrounding the proposed mining area. BBA will consolidate results into a technical report. Because the program area overlaps portions of the broader Lac Knife footprint, the work may also update select environmental inventories originally completed between 2013 and 2020.

Access Road Planning and Federal Funding Underpinning the Program

The environmental field program directly supports Focus Graphite's access road initiative, which involves an approximately 10.2-kilometre preferred corridor combining existing and new road infrastructure connecting the Lac Knife site to the realigned Highway 389. The program builds on federally supported activities funded through Natural Resources Canada's First and Last Mile Fund, which provides up to C$1,378,700 in non-dilutive funding for engineering, environmental, permitting, community engagement, and feasibility activities. The release states the current program is expected to represent the final field program required to complete the updated Environmental Impact Study ahead of its planned submission.

ESIA Progress and Indigenous Engagement Integration at Lac Knife

Focus Graphite's Environmental and Social Impact Assessment continues to advance through the applicable regulatory review process, with timing determined by responsible authorities. The company disclosed that Indigenous and community engagement, previously advanced as a separate component, is now being integrated directly into the ESIA pathway to support a more coordinated review. BBA noted that regulatory authorities may request additional seasonal bat surveys following their review of the 2026 dataset, though the company stated this would not prevent submission of the Environmental Impact Study. CEO Dean Hanisch stated the company is advancing work within its control while the regulatory review proceeds.