First Canadian Graphite Inc. has appointed John LaGourgue as Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors, effective immediately. The appointment comes as the junior mining company seeks to accelerate development of its flagship Berkwood Graphite Project in northern Quebec to meet growing global demand for onshore sourced critical minerals.
LaGourgue brings over 25 years of experience in leadership, capital markets, commercial and governmental relations, business development, and operations in the resource sector. His track record includes successfully securing more than $100 million in debt and equity funding, leading commercial and mining exploration programs, and advancing projects through multiple stages. He has held senior executive roles, board positions, advisory roles, and made investments in private and public companies with a focus on microcap issuers.
"I am honoured to join the FCI team and look forward to driving an exciting new phase for the Company," said LaGourgue. "I see tremendous potential to position First Canadian Graphite as a leader in the global graphite supply chain. Our world-class graphite district features some of the highest-grade and highest-quality graphitic bodies in existence, located in Quebec's mining-friendly jurisdiction with excellent road access and global shipping capabilities."
The Berkwood Graphite Project hosts a high-grade, large-flake graphite resource with a historical NI 43-101 estimate of 3.2 million tonnes of indicated and inferred at an average grade of 17%. The project is positioned adjacent to major world-class graphite developments and benefits from Quebec's clean hydroelectric power and supportive infrastructure. Additional information about the company's filings can be found at www.sedar.com.
Thomas Yingling, who will focus on his role as President to execute a busy 2026 program of field operations and steps toward commercializing the Company's resource, stated: "John's expertise, energy in expanding investor awareness, and clear vision for maximizing shareholder value through commercialization will be instrumental as we advance Berkwood, strengthen our management team and board, and capitalize on the surging global demand for graphite."
The company 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. More information about the company is available at www.firstcanadiangraphite.com.
This leadership change signals First Canadian Graphite's strategic push to become a premier low-cost, high-quality graphite producer as global demand for critical minerals continues to surge. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for the company as it prepares for extensive field operations in 2026 and moves toward commercializing its significant graphite resource in Quebec's mining-friendly jurisdiction.
