Falcon Energy Materials plc (TSX-V: FLCN) (OTCQB: FLCNF) announced the opening of its pilot plant near Casablanca, Morocco, a significant operational milestone in the company's development of large-scale production of high-purity coated spheronized purified graphite (CSPG) for the global battery industry. The pilot plant, which has been relocated and installed after full assembly and pre-commissioning, will produce qualification-scale CSPG samples for potential customers and generate operating data, workforce training, and process design criteria required to advance Falcon's proposed 25,000 tonnes per annum commercial-scale anode facility.
The pilot plant is the first natural graphite CSPG pilot facility in Morocco. Commissioning of the process line is underway following successful relocation and installation. Qualification-scale CSPG samples are expected to be produced on site in the summer of 2026 for potential customers, supporting the sample qualification programs previously announced. The facility will also generate operating and process design data and support workforce training for the proposed commercial-scale anode plant.
The pilot plant represents a significant scale-up from laboratory and bench-scale testing and is an important step in supporting customer qualification programs and advancing the development of the proposed commercial-scale anode plant. Operating the facility provides Falcon with the opportunity to optimize key aspects of the CSPG production process and establish detailed process design criteria that are expected to support the engineering of the anode plant and future commercial discussions with prospective customers. 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 being implemented at the pilot plant are expected to be transferable to the anode plant and may support a more efficient ramp-up of future operations.
With the pilot plant now operational in Morocco, Falcon is preparing qualification-scale CSPG samples from premium natural graphite feedstock sourced from Africa for evaluation by potential customers, including original equipment manufacturers and battery producers. The facility enables the company to produce material tailored to customer specifications and support the large-scale qualification programs already initiated by prospective customers. 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 growing operations.
"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 (TSX-V:FLCN, OTCQB:FLCNF) is aiming to be the premier provider of natural Coated Spheronized Purified Graphite, a critical component for energy storage solutions. As a dedicated chemical refiner of natural graphite concentrate, Falcon is working diligently towards the development of a state-of-the-art 25 ktpa CSPG production facility in Morocco. Strategically partnered with leading technology firms and Tier One Moroccan partners, Falcon benefits from advanced technological expertise, access to high-quality raw materials and chemicals, and a prime geographical location, factors that will enable it to deliver consistent, high-quality supply to global markets. For additional information, please visit Falcon’s website at www.falconem.net.
This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements pertaining to the pilot plant producing qualification-scale CSPG samples, generating operating data and training, and advancing the proposed anode plant. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties, including those described in the company's management's discussion and analysis filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
