Northern Graphite and BMI Group to Collaborate on Development Plan for Battery Anode Material Facility at Former Baie-Comeau Paper Mill

Core Viewpoint - Northern Graphite Corporation and BMI Group are collaborating to evaluate the feasibility of establishing a Battery Anode Material facility at a former paper mill in Baie-Comeau, Quebec, which aims to support the growing demand for battery materials essential for electric vehicles and renewable energy [1][3]. Group 1: Partnership and Development Plans - The partnership will engage local authorities and utility providers to secure power supply for a Stage 1, 50,000 tonnes-per-year BAM hub in Baie-Comeau, focusing on maximizing economic benefits and minimizing environmental impacts [2]. - The proposed BAM hub could be located at BMI's Norderra multimodal industrial hub or an alternative greenfield site, with the Norderra location offering significant advantages due to existing infrastructure [3][4]. Group 2: Market Demand and Strategic Importance - Graphite demand is projected to surge in the coming years, positioning Canada as a leader in battery materials critical for electric vehicles and renewable energy [3]. - The Baie-Comeau initiative addresses a critical need in the energy transition supply chain, as Battery Anode Material is the largest component of lithium-ion batteries [5]. Group 3: Infrastructure and Supply Chain - The partnership would enhance BMI Group's critical minerals infrastructure and help Northern become one of the world's largest integrated graphite producers, with feedstock supplied from Northern's LDI mine in Quebec and development projects in Namibia and Ontario [6]. - BMI Group's Critical Mineral Corridor aims to connect Ontario and Quebec's mineral resources to global markets, establishing a stable supply chain for essential minerals like lithium, graphite, nickel, copper, and cobalt [9].