Interview with Dean Hanisch, CEO of Focus Graphite

Recording date: 10th February 2026

Focus Graphite (TSXV: FMS) is emerging as a strategically positioned North American graphite developer at a time when Western governments are actively reshoring critical mineral supply chains. The company's flagship Lac Knife project in Quebec boasts 15% graphitic carbon content, approximately three times the global industry average of 3-5%, providing fundamental cost advantages that management believes can enable price competition with Chinese producers while delivering premium specialty material to defense contractors.

After 18 years of development, the project is approaching commercial viability with substantial government backing. Focus has secured $14.1 million in non-dilutive funding from Natural Resources Canada's Global Partner Initiative, specifically earmarked for building a demonstration-scale purification plant and qualifying material with military and aerospace customers. Combined with existing cash, the company holds $18 million to advance through final permitting stages without near-term equity dilution.

The technical differentiation centers on a fluidized thermal bed purification process that removes impurities through heat rather than chemicals, preserving the structural integrity of large graphite flakes critical for high-value applications. Approximately 40% of Lac Knife's output consists of premium large and jumbo flake material, which the company is positioning for radar suppression coatings, expandable fire suppression graphite, thermal management systems, and ballistic applications. Material has already been successfully tested in missile applications in the Mojave Desert.

With the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment down to 30 remaining questions from an initial 380, management targets completion within three to four months. The $236 million capex for a 27-year mine life producing 50,000 tons annually represents a fraction of typical critical mineral projects, with potential for substantial debt financing from export credit agencies and Quebec government equity participation.

Trading at approximately $50 million market capitalization, Focus presents a compelling valuation relative to peers like Nouveau Monde Graphite ($400 million market cap, 4% grade), particularly as geopolitical imperatives drive Western governments to establish domestic specialty graphite supply for defense applications.

View Focus Graphite's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/focus-graphite

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