First Canadian Graphite Inc. has appointed Michael Iverson to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. 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. His appointment comes as the company focuses on advancing high-grade graphite projects in Quebec to meet growing demand for onshore sourced critical minerals.
Iverson's track record includes leading Niogold's acquisition and exploration of a significant land package in Val-d'Or, Québec, which positioned the company for its acquisition by Oban Mining Corp. at a substantial premium. At Fortuna Silver Mines, he played an integral role in the company's evolution into an established silver producer with operating mines in Peru and Mexico. Throughout his career, Iverson has raised, invested, and co-invested more than $100 million in companies he has led and advised.
"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." LaGourgue noted that Iverson will work closely with management to implement best practices as the company expands the resource at its flagship Berkwood Graphite Project and moves toward becoming a leading graphite producer in North America.
Iverson commented on the appointment, stating, "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 company simultaneously announced that Brijender (Binny) Jassal will resign from the board of directors but will continue as Chief Financial Officer. Jassal has served as a director since 2017.
First Canadian Graphite's strategic focus on graphite comes amid rising 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 acknowledges that the project is located within the traditional territory of the Pessamit Innu First Nation and is committed to fostering respectful relationships with local Indigenous communities.
For investors and industry observers, this board appointment signals First Canadian Graphite's serious intentions to capitalize on the critical minerals opportunity. Iverson's experience with companies that have achieved aggregate market capitalizations exceeding $1 billion suggests the company is positioning itself for potential growth and market recognition. The move also highlights the increasing importance of Quebec's mineral resources in North America's supply chain strategy, particularly for materials essential to energy transition technologies.
Additional information about the company's regulatory filings can be found at https://www.sedar.com, while corporate details are available at https://www.firstcanadiangraphite.com.
