Name of the Project
Matawinie mine and Bécancour battery material plant – Phase 2.

Location
The Matawinie graphite property is located north of Montréal, Québec, Canada, in Saint-Michel-des-Saints.

Project Owner/s
Aspiring strategic graphite supplier Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc (NMG).

Project Description
The Phase 2 Matawinie mine has been designated a project of national interest by the Canadian government as part of efforts to strengthen domestic critical minerals supply chains and support allied economies.

Once in production, the project is expected to become the largest graphite mine in the G7, supplying material for battery, advanced manufacturing and energy applications.

An updated feasibility study has indicated that Phase 2 is technically feasible and economically viable.

With a 25-year life-of-mine, the Matawinie mine will leverage the West Zone deposit for a nominal production of 105 882 t/y of graphite concentrate. 

The deposit will be mined using conventional openpit mining methods consisting of drilling, blasting, loading and hauling.

The site is considered concrete-ready for the start of construction upon a positive final investment decision, with several key contracts having been awarded, including process equipment, the dedicated powerline and the electrical substation. The Phase 2 Bécancour battery material plant is planned as a comprehensive advanced processing platform set to receive Matawinie graphite concentrate production for refining and commercial distribution. The plant is expected to produce 43 334 t/y of micronised graphite by-product.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The Matawinie mine and Bécancour battery material plant have a pretax net present value, at an 8% discount rate, of $1.33-billion and an internal rate of return of 17.3%, with a payback of 5.8 years.

Capital Expenditure
The Matawinie mine and Bécancour battery material plant require initial capital expenditure (capex) of $1.33-billion.

Capex for the Matawinie mine is estimated at $415-million and for the Bécancour battery material plant at $911-million.

Planned Start/End Date
Construction and commissioning of the Matawinie mine are expected to take about 31 months, leading to full commercial production by the end of 2028.

Latest Developments
NMG hosted a ground-breaking ceremony on May 20 to mark the official start of construction.

The milestone reflects several years of planning and investment in local communities and demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainable development through the responsible valorisation of graphite, a critical and strategic mineral at the heart of the energy transition, NMG has stated.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Not disclosed.

Contact Details for Project Information
Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc, tel +1 450 757 8905.