Graphano Applauds Canada's New Major Projects Office as Catalyst for North American Graphite Supply

Core Viewpoint - Graphano Energy Ltd. supports the launch of Canada's Major Projects Office (MPO), which aims to expedite approval processes for major projects, particularly in critical minerals and energy sectors, reducing timelines from five years to two [1][2]. Group 1: Company Developments - Graphano's Lac Saguay graphite project has an initial mineral resource estimate of 1,640,000 tonnes at 7.00% graphitic carbon (Cg) and an inferred resource of 1,580,000 tonnes at 7.00% Cg [3][4]. - The company plans to engage with the MPO as its projects advance and is preparing to close a non-brokered private placement financing to fund upcoming programs [5][3]. - The graphite portfolio of Graphano is positioned to enhance the North American and European supply chain, especially as the U.S. faces high tariffs on Chinese graphite imports [2][3]. Group 2: Industry Context - The MPO's initiative is timely as it aligns with the growing demand for graphite, particularly for applications in lithium batteries and energy storage technologies [8]. - With China being the largest global producer of graphite, the need for reliable North American alternatives is increasing due to new U.S. tariffs of 163% on Chinese imports [2][8].