Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. is ramping up its efforts in Becancour, Quebec, to implement its Phase-2 Becancour Battery Materials Plant. To meet its expected needs for a skilled workforce, construction contractors, and product and service suppliers, NMG is actively engaged in regional development initiatives in the areas of training and procurement. The Company is also continuing its engineering, permitting, and pre-construction work towards the final investment decision ("FID").

These activities are underpinned by offtake agreements and strategic investments with Panasonic Energy Co. Ltd. and General Motors Holdings LLC. With Phase-1 plant operations up and running, its Phase-2 execution plan is taking shape with the commitment of anchor customers and investors, Panasonic and GM.

This is the ideal time to align all key ingredients--qualified employees and performing business partners--to make the launch of commercial operations a success." NMG is supporting five students within this first cohort who will work at its Phase-1 plants throughout their training period and who are on track to become permanent employees upon their graduation. The Mauricie and Centre-du-Quebec regions will be key players in the energy transition with the battery industry, and this announcement enables to invest in jobs of the future. At the event, NMG representatives presented the project for the Phase-2 Becancour battery Materials Plant as well as its ESG requirements and procurement process.

Along with field-based activities to promote NMG's training program and its procurement strategy, the Company's project team is also working closely to advance the engineering, pre-construction, and permit applications for the FID.