Lac Rainy Graphite, MetPro and SGS R&D will proceed if Lac Carheil’s winter drilling succeeds.

The plant is being designed to produce 100,000 tonnes per annum of more than 94% total graphitic carbon concentrate and dry tailings for co-deposition with overburden.

The project in the Cote Nord region is set to benefit from the Quebec province’s Plan for the Development of Critical and Strategic Minerals.

The grant will finance further detailed process equipment investigation and metallurgical test work at the pilot plant scale. This work aims to advance the design process of the flake graphite concentrate plant to the prefeasibility level.

This funding is part of the PARIDM grant programme, which is designed to support projects in the advanced stages of research and innovation that align with sustainable development criteria.

Minister of Natural Resources and Forests and Minister Responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie−Îles-de-la-Madeleine Regions Maïté Blanchette Vézina said: “In a complex geopolitical context and strong global demand for minerals, it is becoming more strategic than ever to support companies that want to optimise their practices with a view to sustainable development.

“Innovation and the development of our great mineral potential are essential keys to ensuring the sustainable future of our mining sector, maintaining our competitiveness on the international scene and decarbonising the economy.”

Lac Rainy Graphite will collaborate with MetPro Management and SGS R&D to conduct scoping study work, which is contingent on the successful winter drilling programme at Lac Carheil.

The drilling aims to upgrade and expand the existing mineral resource, with a large representative sample planned for more detailed investigation to refine the flow sheet to bankable feasibility study level.

The current test work has resulted in an optimised flow sheet design for Lac Carheil flake graphite, with a focus on size recovery and producing a dry, inert tailings waste product.

This design eliminates the need for a conventional tailings storage facility, reducing environmental impacts related to long-term waste storage.

The additional pilot scale test work will improve confidence in the design for potential offtake parties and investors.

The project is expected to commence later in 2025, with the grant covering a support period of up to 30 months.

Metals Australia is also pursuing further funding applications, including with the US Government.