Preferred Access Corridor Expected to Reduce Future Infrastructure Capital Requirements and Advance Lac Knife Toward Construction Readiness

Ottawa, Ontario – Newsfile Corp. – July 14, 2026 – Focus Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FMS) (OTCQB: FCSMF) (FSE: FKC0) (“Focus” or the “Company“), a Canadian developer of high-grade flake graphite deposits and advanced graphite materials for battery, defence, and industrial applications, is pleased to announce the completion of the Lac Knife Access Road Desktop Study (the “Study“) prepared by Norda Stelo (“Norda“) and overseen by IOS Geosciences (“IOS“) as part of the Company’s broader infrastructure advancement program for the Lac Knife Graphite Project (“Lac Knife” or the “Project“) located near Fermont, Quebec.

Following a comprehensive multi-criteria evaluation of three potential access road scenarios, the Study identified Scenario 2 (CH B + M3) as the preferred route (the “Preferred Route“). The selected route combines approximately 2.5 km of an existing access road corridor (CH B) with approximately 7.7 km of the existing Mazarin Road (M3), creating a practical and efficient connection between the realigned Highway 389, currently under construction, and the future mine site. The recommendation was unanimously supported following a joint technical review conducted by Norda, IOS, and Focus.

The Preferred Route maximizes the use of existing transportation corridors while minimizing environmental disturbance, permitting complexity, construction timelines, and stakeholder impacts. By leveraging existing infrastructure and the Highway 389 realignment, the selected corridor significantly reduces new road construction requirements relative to historical development assumptions, creating the potential to lower future infrastructure capital requirements and further strengthen the Project’s development profile.

The Study forms part of the infrastructure planning activities being advanced under the Company’s recently announced Natural Resources Canada (“NRCan“) First and Last Mile Fund (“FLMF“) program. As announced on June 3, 2026, Focus Graphite secured $1,378,700 in non-dilutive funding through NRCan’s FLMF program to support road and power infrastructure planning for the Lac Knife Graphite Project in Quebec. The funding supports the engineering, environmental, permitting, and Indigenous engagement activities required to progress both the proposed all-season access road and Hydro-Quebec grid connection toward construction readiness.

Advancing a More Efficient Infrastructure Strategy

The identification of the Preferred Route represents another important milestone in the systematic de-risking of the Project. Infrastructure is often one of the largest capital requirements for northern resource developments, making access optimization a critical component of project economics and overall development risk.

The 2023 NI 43-101 Technical Report – Feasibility Study Update, Lac Knife Graphite Project (the “2023 Feasibility Study“), contemplated the construction of an approximately 32 km access road connecting the Project to the existing alignment of Highway 389. Subsequent infrastructure investments by the Quebec Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, including the realignment of Highway 389 currently under construction, created an opportunity to significantly reduce the length of new road construction required. This has the potential to reduce future infrastructure capital requirements while improving the overall efficiency, constructability, and long-term development profile of the Project, supporting Focus’s long-term objective of advancing Lac Knife toward a shovel-ready development stage.

“Strong projects are built through disciplined planning and consistent execution,” said Dean Hanisch, Chief Executive Officer of Focus Graphite. “Identifying a preferred access route is another important milestone for Lac Knife because infrastructure decisions made today can have a meaningful impact on future capital requirements, project economics, and execution risk. We are looking forward to acting on these results and making the most of the 2026 field season. Every milestone strengthens the Project and moves us closer to establishing Lac Knife as a long-term strategic source of high-quality graphite for North American and allied supply chains.”

Figure 1: Proposed Access Road, Lac Knife (Norda Stelo, 2026)

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1963/305099_42e53e6c4418eaf9_001full.jpg

Qualified Person

The technical content disclosed in this news release was reviewed and approved by Richard Pearce, PE, President of Brasil Insight Capital LLC., a consultant to the Company, and a qualified person as defined under National Instrument NI 43-101.

About Focus Graphite Advanced Materials Inc.

Focus Graphite Advanced Materials is redefining the future of critical minerals with two 100% owned world-class graphite projects and cutting-edge battery technology. Our flagship Lac Knife project stands as one of the most advanced high-purity graphite deposits in North America, with a fully completed feasibility study. Lac Knife is set to become a key supplier for the battery, defense, and advanced materials industries.

Our Lac Tetepisca project further strengthens our portfolio, with the potential to be one of the largest and highest-purity and grade graphite deposits in North America. At Focus, we go beyond mining — we are pioneering environmentally sustainable processing solutions and innovative battery technologies, including our patent-pending silicon-enhanced spheroidized graphite, designed to enhance battery performance and efficiency.

Our commitment to innovation ensures an eco-friendly supply chain from mine to market. Collaboration is at the core of our vision. We actively partner with industry leaders, research institutions, and government agencies to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation graphite materials. As a North American company, we are dedicated to securing a resilient, locally sourced supply of critical minerals — reducing dependence on foreign-controlled markets and driving the transition to a sustainable future.

For more information on Focus Graphite Inc. please visit http://www.focusgraphite.com.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-graphite/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusgraphite
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Investors Contact:
Dean Hanisch
CEO, Focus Graphite Inc.
dhanisch@focusgraphite.com
+1 (613) 612-6060

Jason Latkowcer
VP Corporate Development
jlatkowcer@focusgraphite.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words “could,” “intend,” “expect,” “believe,” “will,” “projected,” “estimated,” and similar expressions, as well as statements relating to matters that are not historical facts, are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company’s current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events.

In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information regarding, among other things, the future development of the Lac Knife Graphite Project; the advancement of road and power infrastructure planning activities under Natural Resources Canada’s First and Last Mile Fund program; the anticipated benefits of the preferred access corridor identified in the Study, including the potential to reduce future infrastructure capital requirements, permitting complexity, environmental impacts, construction timelines, and stakeholder impacts; the completion of future engineering, environmental, geotechnical, permitting, and stakeholder engagement activities; the potential construction and development of a permanent all-season access road and Hydro-Québec grid connection; the timing and outcome of regulatory approvals and permitting processes; the Company’s ability to secure additional funding required to advance infrastructure and project development activities; the future construction, development, and operation of the Lac Knife Project; and the Company’s expectation that the selected access route may enhance the overall infrastructure profile, economics, and construction readiness of the Project.

Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to market conditions, regulatory approvals, changes in economic conditions, the ability to raise sufficient funds on acceptable terms or at all, operational risks associated with mineral exploration and development, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s public disclosure documents available under its profile on SEDAR+.

The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – Thailand is strengthening its transition toward a net-zero economy through enhanced collaboration between government and industry. On the occasion of its 20^th anniversary, Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) announced its strategic initiative, “The NEXT Chapter to Net Zero 2050,” aimed at accelerating implementation across five priority areas under the theme ‘Accelerating Collaborative Action towards Net Zero 2050.’ The initiative reinforces the cement industry’s evolving role as a Climate Solution Partner, aligned with the Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap, a collective industry commitment supporting national climate goals.

The TCMA at 20 event was presided over by H.E. Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, and brought together senior representatives from government agencies, industry, professional institutions, and international organizations, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing Thailand’s Net Zero 2050 target.

In his remarks, the Minister of Industry emphasized that achieving net-zero emissions requires coordinated action across all sectors under a unified ‘ONE MIND’ approach. The Ministry of Industry continues to advance enabling policies, regulatory frameworks, and economic instruments to support industrial decarbonization, while promoting green industry development, strengthening ESG standards, and enhancing competitiveness. He also highlighted ongoing collaboration with international partners, including UNIDO, GIZ, and the Government of Canada, to accelerate the deployment of low-carbon technologies.

Dr. Chana Poomee, Honourary Chairman of TCMA, noted that Thailand’s cement industry is transitioning beyond its traditional role toward becoming a Climate Solution Partner, contributing to climate mitigation through both emissions reduction and the development of sustainable construction solutions.

Representing the government sector, Dr. Raweewan Bhuridej, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and Mr. Sunthorn Kaewsa-ard, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Industry, underscored the importance of public–private partnerships (PPP) in translating policy commitments into measurable outcomes, ensuring that emissions reductions are achieved alongside sustained industrial competitiveness.

Mr. Surachai Nimla-or, Chairman of TCMA, described “The NEXT Chapter” as a strategic inflection point for the industry, guided by the principle of being competitive, sustainable, and low-carbon. TCMA is advancing this transition through five key implementation engines, integrating policy, technology, innovation, energy transition, circular economy, and digitalization to enable systemic change that is measurable, scalable, and aligned with national timelines.

TCMA also continues to advance the SARABURI SANDBOX, a low-carbon city pilot that serves as a platform to test policy instruments, technological solutions, and green financing mechanisms through multi-stakeholder collaboration, with the objective of scaling successful models at the national and regional levels.

The launch of “The NEXT Chapter” underscores the role of Thailand’s cement industry as a key contributor to regional decarbonization efforts and highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration in advancing an inclusive and sustainable transition toward a low-carbon economy.

Hashtag: #TCMA #TCMAat20 #TCMAinAction #TCMAtoNetZero2050 #NextChapterNetZero #ClimateSolutionPartner #CementDecarbonization

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

New directors bring 60 years of combined capital markets and resource industry expertise

CALGARY, ALBERTA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – First Energy Africa Oil Corp. (“First Energy Africa” or the “Corporation”), a Calgary-based energy corporation , today announced the appointment of Simon Akit and Frederick Kozak to its Board of Directors, effective July 13th, 2026.

Mr. Akit is founder and managing partner of a resource advisory firm, bringing more than 25 years of experience in Canadian and U.S. capital markets and seven years of engineering and operations experience in the resource industry. He has held senior capital markets and leadership roles at Ventum Financial, Canaccord Genuity, among others and has raised over $5 billion in equity and debt financing for resource companies from institutional investors across Canada, the United States, Europe, and Asia. He holds an MBA from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, is a Professional Engineer (APEGA) and currently serves on the boards of several public and private companies.

A Canaccord Genuity former oil and gas research analyst, Kozak is an award winning financial analyst and corporate executive. He brings more than 40 years of experience in the resource and capital markets sector with a focus in Africa and South America. Mr. Kozak holds an MBA from the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario. He is a Professional Engineer (APEGA) with Lifetime status in Alberta and currently serves on the boards of one public company and one private company.

“Simon and Fred are bringing complementary technical and capital markets seniority required for our complex business. We are confident their contributions will set the right approach on our strategic priorities,” said Jeff Ruskowsky, President, First Energy Africa

The Corporation remains committed to upholding the highest standards of governance and sustainability as it continues to responsibly unlock value across its resource portfolio.

Hashtag: #FirstEnergyAfricaOil

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About First Energy Africa Oil

First Energy Africa Oil Corp. is a privately held Canadian corporation pursuing exploration and block acquisitions in sub-Saharan Africa. The Company is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Wealth & Finance International recognised AI Account for helping SMEs and accounting firms automate everyday finance tasks, enabling them to focus on business growth.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – AI Account Pte Ltd (www.aiaccount.com), a Singapore-headquartered provider of AI-powered cloud accounting software, has been named Best AI-Driven Accounting Software Platform 2026, South East Asia, at the Wealth & Finance International FinTech Awards 2026. The recognition celebrates the company’s continued innovation in transforming financial management through intelligent automation, helping businesses and accounting professionals reduce manual work, strengthen compliance, and gain greater visibility over their financial operations.

In conjunction with the award, AI Account has also been featured in the latest edition of Wealth & Finance International magazine, where the publication highlights the company’s vision, product innovation, and growing impact across Southeast Asia’s accounting technology landscape.

What Does the Recognition Reflect

The Wealth & Finance International FinTech Awards recognise financial technology companies across global markets for product innovation, client impact, and operational excellence. The Best AI-Driven Accounting Software Platform, South East Asia title is awarded to platforms that demonstrate a measurable step forward in how financial management technology serves businesses in the region.

The accompanying editorial feature, published in Wealth & Finance International’s magazine, spotlights how AI Account serves SMEs, accounting firms, and corporate service providers managing multiple clients or entities and needing structured, audit-ready financial data with scalable access. It highlights the platform’s approach to combining automation with robust system controls, and the team’s commitment to evolving the product to meet emerging compliance requirements.

What Sets AI Account Apart

The platform was built around a single principle: the day-to-day work of financial management- invoicing, reconciliations, reporting, compliance submissions should be handled by the system, not the business owner.

Think of a human accountant buried under stacks of invoices, chasing reconciliations, manually pulling reports, and racing against compliance deadlines. That is the reality for most businesses today, and it is exactly the problem AI Account was built to solve.

An “AI accountant” is layered throughout the platform, applying intelligent accounting logic and automation across invoicing, reconciliations, reporting, and compliance workflows. The result is a modern, all-in-one accounting system that reduces manual effort while maintaining the controls that businesses and their advisors rely on.

“This recognition means a great deal to us, not because of the title itself, but because of what it represents. We built AI Account around one belief: that accounting should work for businesses, not the other way around. Every automation we ship, every workflow we simplify, is measured against one outcome, our clients spending less time on finance admin and more time running their business. Being recognised for that focus, across the whole of South East Asia, tells us we are building something that genuinely matters.”

—Tommy Teo, Co-Founder of AI Account Pte. Ltd.

Hashtag: #AIAccount

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About AI Account Pte. Ltd.

AI Account Pte. Ltd. is a Singapore-based provider of cloud-based accounting software serving accounting firms across multiple countries. It provides comprehensive functionality, including multi-currency accounting, inventory management, project tracking, and automated invoicing, with an unlimited usage model designed to support scalable growth.

AI Account’s mission is to deliver affordable, innovative, and future-ready accounting solutions while progressively integrating artificial intelligence to automate processes and enhance financial insights.

For more information, visit: https://www.aiaccount.com

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to reinforce the implementation of an Indonesian government-funded scholarship framework aimed at cultivating top-tier future talent. A cornerstone of this collaboration is the integration of Indonesia’s newly launched Garuda Scholarship to support more outstanding students pursuing undergraduate studies at HKUST. Building on the cooperation agreement established in May 2024, the new MoU solidifies the formal scholarship framework while paving the way for both parties to explore further synergistic opportunities in student internships, academic exchanges, and joint research initiatives to drive innovation in higher education.

The agreement was recently signed by Prof. Badri Munir SUKOCO, Acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, and Dr. Alison LLOYD, Associate Provost (Academic Strategy and Data Analytics) of HKUST. With the implementation of this agreement, HKUST is set to welcome its fifth batch of government-sponsored undergraduate students from Indonesia in the upcoming academic year starting this September.

Beyond providing scholarship support for undergraduate students, HKUST and the Indonesian authorities actively discussed broadening the scope of their future collaboration during their recent meeting. Both parties are keen to explore potential avenues for joint research initiatives, academic knowledge exchange, student and faculty mobility programs, and the introduction of credit-bearing internships. These efforts aim to widen students’ global perspectives, equip them with practical work experience, and better prepare them for future career success.

Dr. Alison LLOYD, Associate Provost (Academic Strategy and Data Analytics) of HKUST, said, “HKUST is the first higher education institution in Hong Kong to partner with the Indonesian Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology in nurturing outstanding Indonesian undergraduates. We are deeply honored by the Indonesian government’s enduring trust and support for HKUST’s academic excellence. Indonesian students are an integral part of our international community, enriching our campus through their talent, perspectives, and consistent excellence across various academic disciplines. The signing of this new agreement marks a significant milestone in our partnership. Moving forward, HKUST will fully leverage its strengths in education, pioneering research, and knowledge transfer to advance shared objectives with Indonesia in areas such as digital transformation, green energy, and business innovation. Together, we aspire to cultivate future leaders—equipped with a global outlook, innovative mindset, and a strong sense of social responsibility—to inject new momentum into the sustainable development of Indonesia, the ASEAN region, and the world.”

Prof. Ardi FINDYARTINI, Director of Transformative Learning Strategies and System at the Directorate General of Science and Technology, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, said, “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to developing Indonesia’s future leaders through the Garuda Scholarship initiative. By embedding our talented undergraduate students within world-class academic and research ecosystem, we are not only expanding their global perspectives but also equipping them with essential future competencies. We highly value HKUST’s enduring trust and collaboration, and we are confident that this synergy will greatly contribute to Garuda ecosystem.

Currently, Indonesian students constitute HKUST’s second-largest international undergraduate student population. Building on this strong partnership, HKUST now hosts the largest number of Indonesian government-sponsored undergraduate students among all tertiary institutions in Hong Kong. These students are rigorously selected from leading secondary schools across Indonesia and represent the country’s most promising young talent.

This agreement will further leverage HKUST’s world-class teaching and research capabilities to cultivate outstanding talent aligned with Indonesia’s national development priorities. Currently, most sponsored Indonesian students are enrolled in programs spanning Engineering, Business and Management, Science, and Biotechnology. Moving forward, both sides plan to explore opportunities to expand their cooperation in frontier research collaboration and high-impact educational and talent-development initiatives, injecting fresh momentum into the socio-economic development of both Hong Kong and Indonesia.

Hashtag: #HKUST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.