NMG Provides a Quarterly Update: Disciplined Execution Backed by Strong Integrated Team, Commercial Agreements with Anchor Customers and Favorable Market Conditions
Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. (NMG) reports progress on its Phase-2 Matawinie Mine and Bécancour Battery Material Plant projects, moving towards a final investment decision (FID). Key developments include:
- Accelerated engineering of Phase-2 facilities to update the integrated ore-to-anode-material feasibility study
- Preliminary work at the Phase-2 Bécancour Battery Material Plant site
- Progress on zero-emission equipment development for the Matawinie Mine with Caterpillar
- Approval of the powerline path for the Matawinie Mine
- $500,000 research grant awarded for next-generation active anode materials
- Continued commercial engagement for remaining Phase-2 production capacity
- Improving market conditions with rising natural graphite prices and EV sales growth
- Period-end cash position of $73.9 million
The company's multiyear offtake agreements with Panasonic Energy and General Motors, combined with favorable market dynamics, provide a solid foundation for scaling up operations.
Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. (NMG) riferisce progressi sui suoi progetti della Fase-2 della Miniera di Matawinie e dell'Impianto di Materiali per Batterie di Bécancour, avvicinandosi a una decisione finale d'investimento (FID). I principali sviluppi includono:
- Ingegneria accelerata delle strutture della Fase-2 per aggiornare lo studio di fattibilità integrato dal minerale al materiale anodico
- Lavori preliminari nel sito dell'Impianto di Materiali per Batterie di Bécancour della Fase-2
- Progressi nello sviluppo di attrezzature a zero emissioni per la Miniera di Matawinie con Caterpillar
- Approvazione del percorso della linea elettrica per la Miniera di Matawinie
- Concessione di una sovvenzione di ricerca di 500.000 dollari per materiali anodici attivi di prossima generazione
- Impegno commerciale continuo per la restante capacità di produzione della Fase-2
- Miglioramento delle condizioni di mercato con l'aumento dei prezzi della grafite naturale e la crescita delle vendite di veicoli elettrici
- Posizione di cassa a fine periodo di 73,9 milioni di dollari
Gli accordi di approvvigionamento pluriennali della società con Panasonic Energy e General Motors, combinati con dinamiche di mercato favorevoli, forniscono una solida base per l'espansione delle operazioni.
Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. (NMG) informa sobre los avances en sus proyectos de la Fase-2 de la Mina Matawinie y la Planta de Materiales para Baterías de Bécancour, avanzando hacia una decisión final de inversión (FID). Los desarrollos clave incluyen:
- Ingeniería acelerada de las instalaciones de la Fase-2 para actualizar el estudio de viabilidad integrado de mineral a material de ánodo
- Trabajo preliminar en el sitio de la Planta de Materiales para Baterías de Bécancour de la Fase-2
- Progreso en el desarrollo de equipos de cero emisiones para la Mina Matawinie con Caterpillar
- Aprobación del trayecto de la línea eléctrica para la Mina Matawinie
- Concesión de una subvención de investigación de 500,000 dólares para materiales activos de ánodo de próxima generación
- Continuo compromiso comercial para la capacidad de producción restante de la Fase-2
- Mejora de las condiciones del mercado con el aumento de los precios de la grafito natural y el crecimiento de las ventas de vehículos eléctricos
- Posición de caja al final del período de 73.9 millones de dólares
Los acuerdos de compra a largo plazo de la empresa con Panasonic Energy y General Motors, combinados con dinámicas de mercado favorables, ofrecen una base sólida para ampliar las operaciones.
Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. (NMG)는 Matawinie 광산의 2단계 프로젝트와 Bécancour 배터리 소재 공장 프로젝트의 진전을 보고하며, 최종 투자 결정(FID)에 가까워지고 있습니다. 주요 발전 사항은 다음과 같습니다:
- 통합 광석-아노드 재료 타당성 조사를 업데이트하기 위한 2단계 시설의 가속 엔지니어링
- 2단계 Bécancour 배터리 소재 공장 부지에서의 초기 작업
- Caterpillar와 함께 Matawinie 광산의 탄소 배출 제로 장비 개발 진행
- Matawinie 광산에 대한 전력선 경로 승인
- 차세대 활성 아노드 재료에 대한 50만 달러 연구 보조금 수여
- 남은 2단계 생산 능력에 대한 지속적인 상업적 협상
- 자연 흑연 가격 상승 및 전기차 판매 증가로 인한 시장 조건 개선
- 기말 현금 보유액 7390만 달러
Panasonic Energy 및 General Motors와의 다년 약정은 유리한 시장 역학과 결합되어 운영 확대를 위한 견고한 기반을 제공합니다.
Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. (NMG) fait état des progrès réalisés dans ses projets de Phase-2 de la Mine Matawinie et de l'Usine de Matériaux de Batterie de Bécancour, se rapprochant d'une décision finale d'investissement (FID). Les principaux développements incluent :
- Ingénierie accélérée des installations de Phase-2 pour mettre à jour l'étude de faisabilité intégrée du minerai au matériau d'anode
- Travaux préliminaires sur le site de l'Usine de Matériaux de Batterie de Bécancour de Phase-2
- Avancées dans le développement d'équipements à zéro émission pour la Mine de Matawinie avec Caterpillar
- Approbation du chemin de la ligne électrique pour la Mine de Matawinie
- Subvention de recherche de 500 000 $ accordée pour des matériaux anodiques actifs de nouvelle génération
- Engagement commercial continu pour la capacité de production restante de la Phase-2
- Amélioration des conditions du marché avec l'augmentation des prix du graphite naturel et la croissance des ventes de véhicules électriques
- Position de liquidités à la fin de la période de 73,9 millions de dollars
Les accords d'achat pluriannuels de l'entreprise avec Panasonic Energy et General Motors, combinés à des dynamiques de marché favorables, fournissent une base solide pour l'expansion des opérations.
Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. (NMG) berichtet über Fortschritte bei den Projekten der Phase-2 der Matawinie Mine und der Bécancour Batterie-Materialanlage und nähert sich einer endgültigen Investitionsentscheidung (FID). Zu den wichtigsten Entwicklungen gehören:
- Beschleunigte Ingenieurarbeiten an den Einrichtungen der Phase-2 zur Aktualisierung der integrierten Machbarkeitsstudie von Erz zu Anodenmaterial
- Vorbereitende Arbeiten am Standort der Batterie-Materialanlage von Bécancour der Phase-2
- Fortschritte bei der Entwicklung emissionsfreier Ausrüstung für die Matawinie Mine in Zusammenarbeit mit Caterpillar
- Genehmigung des Stromleitungswegs für die Matawinie Mine
- Forschungsgeld in Höhe von 500.000 USD für Materialien der nächsten Generation für aktive Anoden gewährt
- Fortgesetztes kommerzielles Engagement für die verbleibende Produktionskapazität der Phase-2
- Verbesserung der Marktbedingungen durch steigende Preise für natürliche Graphit und Wachstum im Bereich der Elektrofahrzeugverkäufe
- Kassenbestand am Periodenende von 73,9 Millionen USD
Die mehrjährigen Abnahmevereinbarungen des Unternehmens mit Panasonic Energy und General Motors sowie die günstigen Marktbedingungen bieten eine solide Grundlage für die Erweiterung der Betriebsabläufe.
- Multiyear offtake agreements secured with Panasonic Energy and General Motors
- $500,000 research grant awarded for next-generation active anode materials development
- 9.9% year-to-date increase in natural graphite prices
- 20% growth in global EV sales in the first half of 2024
- Strong cash position of $73.9 million at period-end
- Progress on zero-emission equipment development for the Matawinie Mine with Caterpillar
- Approval of the powerline path for the Matawinie Mine, enabling full electrification
- Final investment decision (FID) for Phase-2 projects still pending
- Ongoing need for additional financing to reach minimum funding for project launch
Insights
NMG's Q2 update reveals a mixed financial picture. While the company's
The company's focus on CAPEX optimization and leveraging tax credits (up to
Market conditions appear favorable, with a
NMG's progress in developing zero-emission mining equipment with Caterpillar is a significant technological advancement. This initiative aligns with the growing demand for sustainable mining practices and could give NMG a competitive edge in the market.
The company's focus on next-generation active anode materials through the recent research grant is crucial. As battery technology evolves, staying at the forefront of material innovation is vital for long-term competitiveness.
The integrated ore-to-anode-material approach is a strategic advantage, potentially allowing NMG to control quality and costs throughout the supply chain. However, executing this complex integration successfully will be challenging and requires careful management.
The anode material market is showing strong growth signals, with demand projected to reach 1.37 million tonnes in 2024, a
The 25% US tariff on Chinese graphite imports starting in 2026 could significantly boost NMG's competitiveness in the North American market. However, this advantage may be partially offset by potential retaliatory measures or market adjustments.
NMG's strategic agreements with Panasonic Energy and GM provide a solid foundation for future sales. The company's efforts to secure additional offtake agreements for the remaining
- Accelerated engineering of Phase-2 facilities to update the results of the Company’s integrated ore-to-anode-material feasibility study in view of the specific requirements from Panasonic Energy and GM, CAPEX optimization, and other project planning developments, in preparation for FID.
- Preliminary work is ongoing at the Phase-2 Bécancour Battery Material Plant site in preparation for the launch of construction.
- Progress on the development of zero-emission equipment for the Matawinie Mine by Caterpillar as a result of direct involvement from respective technical and mining teams informing an integrated solution tailored to NMG’s site.
- Approval by the regulatory body of the powerline path set to connect the Matawinie Mine to the hydropower network.
-
NMG was awarded a
research grant to advance the development of versatile next-generation active anode materials.$500,000 -
Continued commercial engagement with tier-1 battery and EVs manufacturers for the balance (approximately
15% ) of the Phase-2 Bécancour Battery Material Plant active anode material production. -
Improving market conditions exemplified by
9.9% year-to-date increase in natural graphite prices (Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, June 2024), increasing demand for anode materials in the Western World, announced25% US tariff on Chinese imports, and sustained growth (20% ) in global EV sales (Rho Motion, July 2024). - Reappointment of the Directors and adoption of all resolutions submitted at the Company’s Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders.
-
Period-end cash position of
.$73.9 million
NMG’s site for the Phase-2 Bécancour Battery Material Plant during preliminary work covering tree clearing, site leveling and construction of an onsite road. (Photo: Business Wire)
Arne H Frandsen, Chair of NMG, declared: “The fundamentals of NMG’s business model continue to be reaffirmed by governments and manufacturers’ quest to secure resilient, local, and dependable supply chains for energy autonomy, national security, and decarbonization plans. NMG’s efforts are centered on crystallizing our position as North America’s first and largest fully integrated producer of natural graphite anode material and creating value for our shareholders and stakeholders at every stage.”
Eric Desaulniers, Founder, President, and CEO of NMG, stated: “Backing from our Anchor Customers, trade restriction from Western governments promoting onshoring and friendshoring of battery materials, plus a clear demand/supply deficit for anode material looming in
Path to Commercial Production: Phase 2
Using an integrated project team (“IPT”) model, the Company is preparing for the launch of the Phase-2 Matawinie Mine and Bécancour Battery Material Plant once minimum financing is reached. NMG's in-house team and strategic consultants specializing in engineering, procurement, construction management, and project controls are working collaboratively to advance engineering, and finalize pre-construction deliverables (comprehensive construction sequence, schedule, contracting strategy, programs for health, safety, environment, and quality).
Updated cost projections reflecting the advancement in engineering, cost optimization, and construction planning are being prepared for the updated integrated feasibility study underway. Outputs will support project financing in view of FID. NMG continues to engage with governmental agencies, strategic investors, and lenders to secure a robust capital structure. Additionally, an external tax specialist firm has been tasked with optimizing the Phase-2 CAPEX eligibility for the new Canadian Investment Tax Credit for Clean Technology Manufacturing, which offers a refundable tax credit of up to
At the Phase-2 Bécancour Battery Material Plant site, preliminary works were carried out in recent months to complete tree clearing and the construction of an on-site road.
The Company is reporting progress on the development of zero-emission equipment for the Matawinie Mine on the basis of strategic agreements with Caterpillar Inc. (“Caterpillar”). Site visits, prototypes demonstrations and modeling solutions inform dynamically NMG’s electrification plans and the development of an integrated tailored solution for the Matawinie Mine covering the fleet, charging infrastructure and operating site management. In addition, the final path for the dedicated powerline set to connect the mining site to Hydro-Québec’s hydropower network for enabling the full electrification of the Matawinie Mine was reviewed and approved by the regulatory body.
Business Development & Market Perspectives
In addition to offtake agreements signed with Panasonic Energy and GM, NMG is actively engaged with other tier-1 potential customers for offtake agreement(s) on the balance of its Phase-2 active anode material production accompanied by strategic investments. The Company’s Phase-1 operations support technical marketing and product qualification efforts with said manufacturers.
NMG is also preparing the following commercial phase with its targeted Phase-3 expansion. In preparation for the Uatnan Mining Project development, an initial technical and economic planning study covering camp and logistics requirements is currently being carried out by a local engineering firm to inform next steps. The Company has also initiated the assessment of industrial sites for the establishment of battery material plants to refine the future Uatnan graphite concentrate production, including in
Following a period of pressured market conditions, Q2-2024 generated a
Looking ahead, a sustained deficit in active anode material supply is anticipated to drive price higher, with the market expected to enter a prolonged deficit phase from 2029 onward. Demand for active anode materials is projected to reach approximately 1.37 million tonnes in 2024, a
Despite signs of a potential slowdown in EV adoption, the industry, particularly for major automakers like Hyundai/Kia, Toyota and Ford, showed robust growth with sales surging between
Market conditions remain favorable to NMG’s business strategy, especially with long-term incentives and trade instruments from Western governments targeting onshoring and friendshoring of battery materials.
Corporate Matters
In June 2024, NMG was awarded a
At the Company’s Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders, shareholders reappointed each of the eight nominees as Directors and adopted all other resolutions submitted for their approval. The meeting was complemented with a corporate presentation by NMG’s executive team providing an update on the Company’s key projects, commercial engagement, and growth plan.
For the twelve-month rolling period ended June 30, 2024, NMG reported a total recordable injury frequency rate of 2.57 and severity rate of 0 at the Company’s facilities. There were no environmental incidents during this period. The period-end cash position is
About Nouveau Monde Graphite
Nouveau Monde Graphite is an integrated company developing responsible mining and advanced manufacturing operations to supply the global economy with carbon-neutral active anode material to power EV and renewable energy storage systems. The Company is developing a fully integrated ore-to-battery-material source of graphite-based active anode material in
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Cautionary Note
All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release including, but not limited to those describing the update of the feasibility study for its Phase 2 reflecting the technological advancements, specific requirements of the Anchor Customers, budget optimization, and other project planning developments, to support project financing, and the discussions with various governmental agencies, strategic investors, and lenders, as well as the advantages of its project execution model to ensure greater control over the project’s direction and reduction project management and engineering costs, the active discussions and positive outcome with other tier-1 potential customers for the balance of its Phase-2 active anode material production, strategic investments and the potential of the Phase 3 Uatnan project to meet the western market growth, the assessment of industrial sites for the establishment of production plants for such production, and the intended results of the initiatives described in this press release and those statements which are discussed under the “About Nouveau Monde” paragraph and elsewhere in the press release which essentially describe the Company’s outlook and objectives, constitute “forward-looking information” or “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of Canadian and
Forward-looking statements are subject to known or unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Risk factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, those risks, delays in the scheduled delivery times of the equipment, the ability of the Company to successfully implement its strategic initiatives and whether such strategic initiatives will yield the expected benefits, the availability of financing or financing on favorable terms for the Company, the dependence on commodity prices, the impact of inflation on costs, the risks of obtaining the necessary permits, the operating performance of the Company’s assets and businesses, competitive factors in the graphite mining and production industry, changes in laws and regulations affecting the Company’s businesses, including the changes in China’s policy regarding restrictions on Chinese graphite materials exportations, political and social acceptability risk, environmental regulation risk, currency and exchange rate risk, technological developments, and general economic conditions, as well as earnings, capital expenditure, cash flow and capital structure risks and general business risks. A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in NMG’s Annual Information Form dated March 27, 2024, including in the section thereof captioned “Risk Factors”, which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Unpredictable or unknown factors not discussed in this Cautionary Note could also have material adverse effects on forward-looking statements.
Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can directly or indirectly affect, and could cause, actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management’s expectations and plans relating to the future. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law.
The market and industry data contained in this press release is based upon information from independent industry publications, market research, analyst reports and surveys and other publicly available sources. Although the Company believes these sources to be generally reliable, market and industry data is subject to interpretation and cannot be verified with complete certainty due to limits on the availability and reliability of raw data, the voluntary nature of the data-gathering process and other limitations and uncertainties inherent in any survey. The Company has not independently verified any of the data from third-party sources referred to in this press release and accordingly, the accuracy and completeness of such data is not guaranteed.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Further information regarding the Company is available in the SEDAR+ database (www.sedarplus.ca), and for
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240815600388/en/
MEDIA
Julie Paquet
VP Communications & ESG Strategy
+1-450-757-8905 #140
jpaquet@nmg.com
INVESTORS
Marc Jasmin
Director, Investor Relations
+1-450-757-8905 #993
mjasmin@nmg.com
Source: Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc.
FAQ
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