First Canadian Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FCI | OTC: GBMIF | FRANKFURT: BR20) has appointed Michael Iverson to its Board of Directors, effective immediately, as the company intensifies efforts to advance its Berkwood Graphite Project in northern Quebec to meet rising demand for onshore critical minerals.
Iverson brings more than two decades of leadership in the resource sector. He founded Niogold Mining Corp. in 1998 and co-founded Fortuna Silver Mines Inc., serving in senior roles including Chairman, CEO, and President through 2016. Since 2007, he has also held executive positions with Volcanic Gold Mines Inc. At Niogold, Iverson led the acquisition and exploration of a significant land package in Val-d’Or, Québec, positioning the company for acquisition by Oban Mining Corp. (now Osisko Mining Inc.) at a premium. At Fortuna, he helped the company grow into an established silver producer with mines in Peru and Mexico.
Over his career, Iverson has raised, invested, and co-invested more than $100 million in companies he led and advised. Companies where he served as CEO or director have achieved aggregate market capitalizations exceeding $1 billion. He brings expertise in public and private equity markets, strategic planning, corporate governance, and sales and marketing.
“The FCI Team is thrilled to welcome Mike to the Board,” said John LaGourgue, CEO of First Canadian Graphite. “He brings extensive experience and a proven track record of building successful resource companies, particularly in Québec, as well as driving shareholder value. Mike will be working closely with management implementing best practices as we expand the resource at our flagship Berkwood Graphite Project and assist the move to becoming a leading graphite producer in North America.”
Iverson commented: “I am honoured to join the Board of First Canadian Graphite at such an exciting time. With increasing global demand for graphite as a critical material for energy storage and advanced technologies, the Company is well positioned to expand the current resource through drilling and exploration, execute on a PEA and make the required steps towards production.”
The company also announced that Brijender (Binny) Jassal will resign from the board but continue as Chief Financial Officer. Jassal has been a director since 2017.
First Canadian Graphite holds a 43-101 Resource Estimate Report revealing 3.2 million tonnes of indicated and inferred graphite at the Berkwood Project, averaging grades of 17%. The company is focused on supplying high-quality graphite to battery, energy storage, and advanced manufacturing markets. The Berkwood Project is located within the traditional territory of the Pessamit Innu First Nation, and the company is committed to fostering respectful and collaborative relationships with local Indigenous communities.
More information about the company and its projects is available on its website at www.firstcanadiangraphite.com.
