Saint-Michel-des-Saints, Québec — February 18, 2026 — Leads & Copy —
Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. (NMG) (NYSE: NMG, TSX: NOU) is advancing its Phase-2 Matawinie Mine project with the procurement of key construction resources. The project has been identified by the Government of Canada as a project of national interest.
Contracts, which represent over 50% of the project’s CAPEX, have been awarded for construction capacity, services, equipment, and materials. These contracts are within the estimates of NMG’s updated feasibility study for the Phase-2 Matawinie Mine, which is in accordance with National Instrument 43-101. Full execution of the contracts is contingent upon the Company reaching a positive final investment decision (FID).
Eric Desaulniers, Founder, President, and CEO of NMG, said that locking in top‑tier partners ahead of FID further de‑risks the final financing steps and upcoming project execution. He added that efforts invested in construction planning and early contractor involvement is yielding tangible benefits by securing the capacity to mobilize immediately upon a positive FID and to deliver within the pricing envelope set by the latest technical report.
Pomerleau has been appointed as Construction Manager for the construction and commissioning stages of the Matawinie Mine. This includes the industrial platform, concentrator, environmental infrastructure, water treatment plant, and associated facilities. Pomerleau’s responsibilities will include overseeing the detailed construction sequence and schedule, contractors’ supervision, worksite logistics, implementation of health and safety, environment, and quality programs, as well as cost control.
Manawan-Fournier, an Atikamekw joint-venture between the Manawan Atikamekw Band Council and L. Fournier & Fils, has been awarded the first and largest construction package. This package will kick-start construction activities upon reaching a positive FID. Civil work includes the construction and development of various networks, industrial structures, as well as concrete work, temporary structures, and maintenance work necessary for the complete realization of the project.
Beauce Atlas, a Québec-based company, has been awarded the steel structures package. Beauce Atlas will participate in the final engineering and constructability optimization of the industrial facilities, including strategic sourcing of steel, fabrication of structural components, and full on-site installation.
NMG is finalizing an agreement with Metso to supply key processing equipment, including the crushing station, apron feeders, mills, flotation cells and filter presses.
Additional contracts secured include mechanical equipment, turnkey solutions for facilities, electrical substation and powerline, and specialized consultants. According to the company, combined with close to 80% advancement level on detailed engineering, these contracts solidify the Company’s execution plan to bring the Matawinie Mine from shovel-ready to commissioning.
NMG is developing responsible mining and advanced processing operations to supply the global economy with carbon-neutral advanced graphite materials. The Company is developing in Québec, Canada, a fully integrated ore-to-processed-graphite value chain to serve tomorrow’s industries in energy, advanced technology, and manufacturing.
The company said that collaboration with Manawan-Fournier advances NMG’s commitment to stimulate business opportunities, training and employment for the Atikamekw First Nation of Manawan, as reflected in the Company’s long-term engagement in the community and formalized in the Impact and Benefit Agreement.
In collaboration with the Commission de la construction du Québec, NMG and the Atikamekw First Nation of Manawan co-hosted special information activities for the community February 10 and 11, 2026, to facilitate the participation of workers and contractors in the construction. Training sessions for the ASP Construction card are also being offered in the community.
Source: Nouveau Monde Graphite
