Month: 2026-04

OTTAWA, ON --(ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com - April 9, 2026) - Focus Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FMS) (OTCQB: FCSMF) (FSE: FKC0) ("Focus" or the "Company"), a Canadian developer of high-grade flake graphite deposits and advanced graphite materials for battery, defence, and industrial applications, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Joint Product Development Agreement ("JPDA") with Forge Nano Inc. ("Forge Nano"), a leading U.S. based semiconductor equipment and advanced materials company pioneering Atomic Layer Deposition ("ALD") technology for AI-era chip manufacturing and defense battery applications, to evaluate ALD coating technology on natural graphite sourced from the Company's Lac Knife project ("Lac Knife" or the "Project") in Quebec.This focused development program is designed to generate near-term performance data on ALD-coated natural graphite, with results expected to inform future scale-up, customer engagement, commercial off-takes, and funding pathways. The work targets improved cycle life, fast charging performance, and durability under demanding operating conditions, areas that are becoming increasingly important across battery, industrial, and defence applications.Key HighlightsJoint product development program with Forge Nano to evaluate ALD-coated natural graphiteApproximately 2 kilograms of Lac Knife graphite to be processed and evaluated across multiple coating conditionsProgram designed to generate performance data for battery applications, including improving cycle life, fast charging capability, and material stabilityResults to support future pilot programs, funding applications, scale-up decisions, and downstream engagementProgram Overview and Strategic RationaleThe JPDA establishes a structured proof-of-concept program to evaluate ALD coating on Focus Graphite's high-grade natural graphite.Under the agreement, Focus will supply uncoated graphite from Lac Knife, and Forge Nano will perform coating, analytical testing, and electrochemical evaluation.The objective is to determine whether ALD can serve as a viable alternative to conventional pitch coating, which remains the industry standard but is energy intensive and dependent on fossil fuel inputs.In addition to potential cost and environmental considerations, the program is designed to evaluate performance under real-world conditions. Modern battery systems are increasingly required to operate under fast charging, repeated cycling, and variable temperature environments, all of which can accelerate material degradation. Surface-level engineering, where many of these failure mechanisms originate, is emerging as a key lever to improve performance."Performance gains in next-generation batteries are increasingly unlocked at the surface level," said Jason Latkowcer, VP Corporate Development at Focus Graphite. "By combining Lac Knife's high-grade graphite with Forge Nano's atomic layer deposition platform, we are evaluating how atomic-scale coatings can improve battery life, charging performance, and durability. This collaboration is a step toward positioning this material for higher-performance roles within North American energy and defence supply chains."Why Forge NanoForge Nano brings a differentiated platform based on Atomic Armor™ ALD, a precision coating process that modifies materials at the atomic scale to enhance performance at the surface level.This approach enables highly uniform coatings that can improve cycle life, enhance rate capability, and increase material stability under demanding conditions. These attributes are increasingly important across battery, industrial, and defence applications where reliability, performance consistency, and energy efficiency are critical.Forge Nano's broader platform also includes its subsidiary, Forge Battery, which is advancing a 3 GWh per year U.S.-based lithium-ion manufacturing facility supported by over US $100 million in Department of Energy funding. The facility is focused on producing high-performance, domestically manufactured battery cells for defence and niche mobility markets, further reinforcing the relevance of advanced material technologies within North American supply chains.By working with Forge Nano at this stage, Focus Graphite is evaluating whether these performance enhancements can be achieved using natural graphite from Lac Knife, supporting the development of higher-value graphite products aligned with evolving market requirements.Expected Outcomes and Next StepsThe primary deliverable from this phase is a comprehensive data package that will support:Follow-on pilot-scale development programsEngagement with battery manufacturers and downstream partnersApplications for non-dilutive funding and strategic supportThis initial phase is intended to establish a technical and economic basis for advancement toward kilogram-scale production and future pilot programs, subject to successful results.If validated, future development may include scaling the process using Forge Nano's manufacturing systems, increased graphite supply, and expanded battery validation, including application-specific testing.As previously announced on December 8, 2025, the Company formalized a funding agreement of up to $14,062,500 in non-repayable contributions under NRCan's Global Partnerships Initiative ("GPI"). The GPI funding is specifically intended to support the development and demonstration of electro-thermal purification technology in Canada. Insights generated from this program are expected to inform downstream processing opportunities, including coating and material enhancement processes, which may be evaluated for integration into future development stages, subject to successful results.Qualified PersonThe technical content disclosed in this news release was reviewed and approved by Richard Pearce, PE, President of Brasil Insight Capital LLC., a consultant to the Company, and a qualified person as defined under National Instrument NI-43-101.About Forge Nano Inc. Forge Nano is a leading U.S. based semiconductor equipment and advanced materials company pioneering Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) technology for AI-era chip manufacturing and defense battery applications via its platform technology, Atomic Armor. Atomic Armor is a scalable, adaptable nano-scale coating system that strengthens America's most critical systems - at the atomic level. The superior surface coatings produced by our Atomic Armor™ process allow our partners to unlock peak performance. Learn more at https://www.forgenano.com.About Focus Graphite Advanced Materials Inc. Focus Graphite Advanced Materials is redefining the future of critical minerals with two 100% owned world-class graphite projects and cutting-edge battery technology. Our flagship Lac Knife project stands as one of the most advanced high-purity graphite deposits in North America, with a fully completed feasibility study. Lac Knife is set to become a key supplier for the battery, defense, and advanced materials industries.Our Lac Tetepisca project further strengthens our portfolio, with the potential to be one of the largest and highest-purity and grade graphite deposits in North America. At Focus, we go beyond mining – we are pioneering environmentally sustainable processing solutions and innovative battery technologies, including our patent-pending silicon-enhanced spheroidized graphite, designed to enhance battery performance and efficiency.Our commitment to innovation ensures an eco-friendly supply chain from mine to market. Collaboration is at the core of our vision. We actively partner with industry leaders, research institutions, and government agencies to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation graphite materials. As a North American company, we are dedicated to securing a resilient, locally sourced supply of critical minerals – reducing dependence on foreign-controlled markets and driving the transition to a sustainable future.For more information on Focus Graphite Inc., please visit http://www.focusgraphite.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-graphite/ X: https://x.com/focusgraphiteInvestors Contact: Dean Hanisch CEO, Focus Graphite Inc. dhanisch@focusgraphite.com +1 (613) 612-6060Jason LatkowcerVP Corporate Developmentjlatkowcer@focusgraphite.comCautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could," "intend," "expect," "believe," "will," "projected," "estimated," and similar expressions, as well as statements relating to matters that are not historical facts, are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events.In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information regarding, among other things, the anticipated scope, timing and completion of the Joint Product Development Agreement with Forge Nano; the expected processing and evaluation of Lac Knife graphite using Atomic Layer Deposition ("ALD") coating technology; the generation and timing of performance data related to cycle life, fast charging capability, and material durability; the potential for ALD coating to serve as a viable alternative to conventional coating methods; the use of program results to support future pilot-scale development, scale-up decisions, funding applications, and engagement with downstream partners; and the Company's plans and objectives for advancing value-added graphite products and downstream processing opportunities.Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to market conditions, regulatory approvals, changes in economic conditions, the ability to raise sufficient funds on acceptable terms or at all, operational risks associated with mineral exploration and development, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's public disclosure documents available under its profile on SEDAR+.The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/291705 Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

HONG KONG, Apr 9, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The luxury NEV maker has now been profitable for two consecutive years, signaling more stable footing in a competitive market.Caption: Image courtesy of Seres Group.Driven by policy support, shifting consumer demand, and advances in technology, China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) industry is entering a new phase of development, with Seres Group positioning itself at its center. On April 8, the Hong Kong-listed NEV maker (ticker code: 9927.HK) reported results that reflect its technology capabilities, product lineup, and international expansion strategy.In 2025, Seres recorded operating revenue of RMB 164.89 billion (USD 24 billion), up 13.63% year-on-year. Net profit attributable to shareholders reached RMB 5.96 billion (USD 867.3 million). Revenue hit a record high, and the company said it has now reported profitability for two consecutive years, achieving a notable milestone in an industry where many players remain loss-making.Aito builds position in luxury NEV segmentSeres attributed its latest performance to ongoing product development and brand positioning. It said it continues to align its strategy with user demand while refining its product mix and market focus.As an early entrant into China’s premium NEV segment, the company has sought to differentiate through what it describes as “technology luxury,” a term it uses to position its vehicles.Its premium brand, Aito, reported strong delivery figures for 2025. The Aito M9 exceeded 110,000 units in annual deliveries and was described by the company as the bestselling model in the RMB 500,000 (USD 72,757) segment for two consecutive years, 2024 and 2025. Meanwhile, the Aito M8 delivered more than 150,000 units during the year, maintaining its position as the top-selling model in the RMB 400,000 (USD 58,206) segment since launch. The Aito M7 also surpassed 110,000 units.Combined, these three models pushed Aito’s total annual deliveries above 420,000 units. Seres said this made Aito the leading high-end automotive brand in China by sales and set a new delivery pace in the segment.Beyond product performance, the figures point to the broader rise of Chinese brands in the premium global automotive market.In assisted driving, Seres said it increased R&D investment and made technical progress. In 2025, Aito vehicles accumulated 3.8 billion kilometers of assisted driving mileage. During the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday, 51.9% of mileage driven by Aito M9 vehicles was generated using assisted driving functions, according to the company. These figures indicate growing adoption and suggest increasing maturity of the company’s assisted driving system.Seres added that the data and expertise accumulated to date will support further development and iteration of its assisted driving systems.Strong cash flow and ESG positioningThe company’s financial position also strengthened. As of December 31, 2025, net cash flow from operating activities reached RMB 28.12 billion (USD 4.1 billion), nearly five times its net profit. Seres attributed this to its robust cash flow management and revenue generation, which it said provide resilience against industry cycles and support continued investment in R&D, product development, and international expansion.Seres also emphasized its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts. It said it has sought to integrate ESG principles across R&D and supply chain operations, with a focus on achieving long-term sustainability and alignment with broader societal and environmental goals.Its endeavors have earned it an AAA ESG rating from MSCI, its highest tier, according to the company. The rating reflects its governance framework and ESG management, and may influence its appeal to both retail and institutional investors.Looking ahead, Seres plans to focus on expanding production capacity, investing further in core technologies, and broadening its distribution network.Often compared with Western luxury automotive brands such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW, Seres has had to manage high expectations around product quality and brand positioning. Its latest results, if anything, suggest it is not only making progress toward meeting those expectations, but also hint at its potential to eventually surpass them. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Ottawa, Ontario--(ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com - April 8, 2026) - Stria Lithium Inc. (TSXV: SRA) is pleased to announce the execution on April 8, 2026, of an investment agreement (the "Investment Agreement") with Alicanto Minerals Ltd. (ASX: AQI) ("Alicanto") for the acquisition of a net smelter return (NSR) royalty of up to 2% on the advanced West Australian Mt Henry Gold Project (the "Acquisition") and the appointment of experienced Royalty Company Executives to transform its business into a mining royalty business. The Acquisition constitutes a change of business under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange").Following completion of the Acquisition and the transactions contemplated under the Investment Agreement, Stria will focus its activities on the mining royalty business and intends to use its working capital to acquire more precious metals royalties.Key points of the royalty acquisition and proposed change of businessCreation of a new royalty company that combines the unique skill sets of a highly successful project generation team with a proven royalty management teamStria has executed its first deal as part of this strategy, securing a net smelter return (NSR) royalty on the Mt Henry Gold Project in Western AustraliaMt Henry hosts a JORC-compliant historical Measured & Indicated Resource1 of 22.1Mt @ 1.2 g/t for 822,000oz and an Inferred Resource of 2.4Mt @ 1.2 g/t for 94,000oz2. The resource is shallow and completely open, and is currently being advance through a 50,000m drill program, making it ready positioning it for immediate growthFollowing the Acquisition - Management Appointments Following the completion of the Acquisition, Stria will appoint experienced royalty company executives Adam Davidson and Tyron Rees as Chief Executive Officer and Vice President of Corporate Development respectivelyMr Davidson and Mr Rees, who most recently held senior executive positions at ASX200 Deterra Royalties (ASX: DRR), were also the founders of Trident Royalties, which they grew from a US$20m shell company to its acquisition by Deterra Royalties for ~US$200mExperienced mining and resources executives, Stephen Parsons and Michael Naylor have been appointed as advisors to the Board on growth and acquisitions post-transaction. Experienced geologist Sam Brooks to join Stria as Project Generation GeologistMr Parsons, Mr Naylor and Mr Brooks are the founders of several highly successful ASX-listed precious metals and copper companies including ASX 200 companies Bellevue Gold (ASX: BGL), Gryphon Minerals (ASX: GRY), Firefly Metals (ASX: FFM) (TSX: FFM), and Andean Silver (ASX: ASL)The team has been successful in identifying resource assets that have a clear pathway to rapid growth, production and revenue Private PlacementConcurrently with the Acquisition, Stria will complete a non-brokered private placement (the "Placement") of its common shares for minimum proceeds of a CDN$12.0 million via the issuance of 16,000,000 common shares at a price of CDN$0.75 per common share. Stria intends to use its strong working capital position and experienced team to build a portfolio of royalty assets, predominantly in precious and base metals while maintaining flexibility to capitalise on other emerging opportunitiesAbout the Mt Henry Gold ProjectThe Mt Henry Gold Project is an advanced brownfields asset located in the prolific Norseman area in Western AustraliaMt Henry hosts a historical JORC Mineral Resource of Measured & Indicated 22.1Mt @ 1.2 g/t gold for 822,000 ounces and Inferred 2.4Mt @ 1.2 g/t gold for 94,000 ounces and sits within a 16km mineralized corridor; The mineralization remains completely open along strike and down dip with clear potential for rapid Resource growth and broader district-scale upside34Alicanto recently announced the commencement of a 50,000m drill program at Mt Henry, with diamond drilling commenced in early March 2026, aimed at driving Resource growth and advancing the project toward a potential mining operation5The project benefits from simple geometry and significant widths of mineralization from surface, making it highly amenable to a potential open pit mining operationThe historical mineral resources6 at the Project are reported inside pit shells completed at an assumed gold price of ~A$2,160/oz (approximately US$1,550/oz); With gold now between A$6,700-A$7000/oz (approximately US$5,000/oz), there is clear potential for larger pit shells and evaluation of broader development scenarios7Prior drilling highlights the quality of the asset with substantial widths and grades from unmined areas revealing the scale and continuity of mineralization, results include8:18.0m @ 16.4g/t gold from 14m (hole MHRD0121)19.0m @ 9.0g/t gold from 29m (hole NMC005)64.0m @ 3.9g/t gold from 65m (hole 5HENC068)39.0m @ 5.2g/t gold from 100m (hole NHC122)18.0m @ 9.8g/t gold from 1m (including 5m @ 33.1g/t gold from 8m) (hole NSRD0004)Mineralization trends for 16km with only shallow (typically