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

香港, 2026年4月9日 - (亞太商訊 via SeaPRwire.com) - 華營建築集團控股有限公司（「華營控股」）傾力承建的香港單體規模最大環球智算中心近日正式落成啟用。這一工程的落地不僅刷新了浙建集團境外工程單體合同額最高紀錄，更標志著其「數據中心」産品綫邁入全新發展階段。自 1967 年創立以來，華營控股深耕香港建築市場近 60 載，正以數字基建爲核心賽道實現戰略轉型，而數據中心已成爲企業面向創新科技時代的全新名片。值此企業即將迎來2027年成立60周年里程碑之際，華營憑藉頂尖承建實力築牢香港數字經濟發展根基，穩居香港數據中心建設領域主要承建商之列，為香港建設國際創新科技中心、深度融入國家數字經濟發展戰略提供堅實算力支撐，亦為企業六十年發展征程寫下嶄新的時代注腳。本次落成的環球智算中心坐落于香港沙田火炭，項目合同金額超 42 億港幣，施工總工期 756 日。面對工期緊、惡劣天氣頻發、技術標準高、協同要求嚴等多重挑戰，華營控股憑藉逾半世紀積累的專業建造能力、嚴謹的項目管理體系與堅定的品質承諾，實現項目高標準、高質量按期交付，充分展現了華營控股在高端數據中心建設領域的核心優勢與行業領導力。項目建成後可支撑千億級參數大模型訓練與推理，將大幅提升香港高性能智算資源供給能力，推動人工智能、金融科技、智慧城市、生物醫藥等前沿領域産學研用協同創新，成爲香港數字經濟與新質生産力發展的關鍵算力基礎設施。從傳統建築領域到數字基建新賽道，華營控股的戰略轉型，既是順應國家數字經濟發展戰略與香港特區政府科創産業布局的必然選擇，更是企業憑藉前瞻視野與自主轉型能力，把握時代機遇的主動布局。隨著國家「十五五」規劃以及“双碳”目标的全面推進，數字經濟與新型基礎設施已成爲高質量發展核心引擎，香港特區政府亦持續推動數據中心、人工智能、算力基礎設施等戰略産業發展，爲數字基建建設提供了堅實政策支持與廣闊發展空間。在此背景下，華營控股將數據中心打造爲核心産品綫，歷經十餘年深耕布局，已形成從設計到建設、從傳統數據中心到高端智算中心的全流程承建能力，構建起覆蓋香港、服務大灣區、對接國家戰略的數字基建能力體系。自 2013 年布局數據中心領域以來，華營控股在該賽道持續深耕、成果豐碩，形成了豐富的項目交付經驗與技術積澱。2013 年起，華營控股先後完成鴨脷洲數據中心改建項目，為香港早期數字基建補位；打造中國聯通（環球）數據中心項目，搭建起「一带一路」跨境數字互聯互通的重要節點；承建嘉民集團一期及二期數據中心發展項目，以BIM（建築信息模型）技術加持，實現規模化、標準化數據中心的高效建造；落地萬國葵涌數據中心發展項目，打造全港首座自建數據中心，亦是首個最先進的三級資料中心，同時躋身亞洲最高的專用數據中心之列。直至 2026 年環球智算中心落成，華營控股在 2013-2026 年間完成了多個不同類型、不同定位的數據中心項目建設，逐步實現從數據中心承建商到高端智算基礎設施建設引領者的升級，成爲香港數字基建領域的核心建設力量。深耕香港近 60 載，華營控股始終立足本土、服務發展，作爲香港本地領先的建築承建商，華營控股不僅在數據中心等新基建領域成果斐然，更在公營房屋、商業樓宇、院校建設、酒店翻新等多個領域打造了衆多標杆項目，承建項目屢獲殊榮，以專業匠心鑄就了香港城市建設的重要篇章。而「數據中心」産品綫的崛起，以及在人工智能、信息化管理建築項目等方面的不斷創新，更是爲這家老牌建築企業注入了全新發展活力，實現了傳統建築業務與新型數字基建業務的協同發展。以環球智算中心落成爲新起點，即將迎來 60 周年發展的華營控股，將持續强化「數據中心」核心産品綫的戰略地位，加大在數字基建領域的技術研發與資源投入，不斷提升數據中心、智算中心等高階算力基礎設施的建設技術與服務水平。華營控股將繼續深化新基建領域的戰略布局，以專業的建造能力、創新的發展思路，推動香港數字基建高質量發展，助力香港更好融入國家發展大局，爲大灣區數字經濟協同發展、建設國際創新科技中心持續貢獻力量。未來，華營控股將以「厚積底蘊、厚發實績、厚植未來」的發展態勢，持續以數字基建賦能科創發展，讓數據中心這張新名片更加閃亮，在企業六十年發展的新起點上，書寫傳統建築企業向數字基建領軍企業轉型的全新篇章。華營控股承建的環球智算中心再次刷新集團境外工程單體合同額的最高記錄。此項目是由華營控股承建的香港單體規模最大環球智算中心，充分彰顯華營控股在深耕數據中心這一新基建領域的階段性成果。華營承建的萬國葵涌數據中心是全港首座自建數據中心，亦是首個最先進的三級資料中心，同時是亞洲最高的專用數據中心之一。 華營承建的另一個環球數據中心以國際標準建造，堪稱 中國「一帶一路」資訊基礎設施互聯的樞紐工程。關於華營建築集團控股有限公司華營建築集團控股有限公司於 1967 年在香港創立，深耕本地建築市場近 60 載，屬本地領先的建築承建商之一。華營控股在香港主要承接公私營機構的樓宇建築工程及RMAA工程項目。作為總承建商，華營控股負責（i）項目的整體管理；（ii）制定工作計劃；（iii）聘用分包商並監督其工程；（iv）採購建築材料；（v）與客戶及其顧問團隊溝通和協調；及（vi）保障符合安全、環境及其他合約要求。華營控股對外承接多項具代表性之工程項目，當中包括白田村第十三期公營房屋重建項目、啟德1E區1號公營房屋發展項目、運用組裝合成建築法（MiC）的洪水橋及荃灣聯仁街過渡性房屋項目、觀塘市中心第二及第三區住宅綜合發展項目、灣仔軒尼詩道1號（One Hennessy）、麗晶酒店翻新工程、多座數據中心、各大專院校，包括香港中文大學、香港科技大學和香港理工大學在內的教學及科研樓、宿舍等，所承建之項目屢獲殊榮。媒體聯繫Wendy Zhu 電話：+852 3950 5756 郵箱：media@czcgl.com.hk Copyright 2026 亞太商訊 via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com