First Canadian Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FCI | OTC: GBMIF | FRANKFURT: BR20) has appointed Michael Iverson to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Mr. Iverson brings over two decades of leadership in the resource sector, having founded Niogold Mining Corp. and co-founded Fortuna Silver Mines Inc., where he served as Chairman, CEO, and President until 2016. His experience includes raising, investing, and co-investing more than $100 million in companies he has led and advised, with aggregate market capitalizations exceeding $1 billion across his portfolio.
John LaGourgue, CEO of First Canadian Graphite, stated, “The FCI Team is thrilled to welcome Mike to the Board. He brings extensive experience and a proven track record of building successful resource companies, particularly in Québec, as well as driving shareholder value.” Mr. Iverson will work closely with management on best practices as the company expands the resource at its flagship Berkwood Graphite Project and moves toward becoming a leading North American graphite producer.
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.”
In conjunction with this appointment, Brijender (Binny) Jassal will resign from the board but continue as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Jassal has served as a dedicated director since 2017, and the company extends its gratitude for his contributions.
First Canadian Graphite holds a 43-101 Resource Estimate for the Berkwood Graphite Project in northern Quebec, reporting 3.2 million tonnes of indicated and inferred graphite at an average grade of 17%. The company is focused on advancing the project to meet demand from battery, energy storage, and advanced manufacturing markets. It also acknowledges the traditional territory of the Pessamit Innu First Nation and is committed to fostering collaborative relationships with Indigenous communities.
This appointment underscores the company’s strategic push to leverage seasoned expertise as it advances exploration, completes a preliminary economic assessment (PEA), and targets production. The board’s strengthened composition is expected to enhance corporate governance and capital markets strategy, positioning First Canadian Graphite to capitalize on the growing need for onshore sourced critical minerals.
