First Canadian Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FCI | OTC: GBMIF | FRANKFURT: BR20) announced the appointment of Michael Iverson to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Iverson, a veteran mining executive and capital markets professional with over two decades of experience, will help guide the company as it advances its flagship Berkwood Graphite Project in northern Quebec.
Iverson founded Niogold Mining Corp. in 1998 and co-founded Fortuna Silver Mines Inc., serving as Chairman, CEO, and President through 2016. He also held executive roles at Volcanic Gold Mines Inc. since 2007. Under his leadership, Niogold acquired and explored a significant land package in Val-d'Or, Quebec, leading to its acquisition by Oban Mining Corp. (now Osisko Mining Inc.) at a substantial premium. At Fortuna, he helped the company grow into a major silver producer with operations in Peru and Mexico.
Throughout his career, Iverson has raised, invested, and co-invested more than $100 million in companies he led or advised. Companies where he served as CEO or director have achieved aggregate market capitalizations exceeding $1 billion. His expertise spans 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 dedicated director since 2017.
First Canadian Graphite is advancing its Berkwood Graphite Project, which has a 43-101 Resource Estimate Report revealing 3.2 million tonnes of indicated and inferred graphite, averaging grades of 17%. The project is located in northern Quebec, within the traditional territory of the Pessamit Innu First Nation, and the company is committed to fostering collaborative relationships with local Indigenous communities.
The appointment comes as global demand for graphite surges, driven by its use in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and advanced manufacturing. Graphite is a critical mineral for many governments seeking to secure onshore supply chains. For more information about the company and its projects, visit www.firstcanadiangraphite.com.
