Falcon Energy Materials plc (TSX-V: FLCN) (OTCQB: FLCNF) announced the opening of its pilot plant near Casablanca, Morocco, marking a significant step toward large-scale production of high-purity coated spheronized purified graphite (CSPG) for the global battery industry. The pilot plant, which has been relocated and installed following full assembly and pre-commissioning, will produce qualification-scale CSPG samples for potential customers and generate operating data, workforce training, and process design criteria needed to advance Falcon's proposed 25,000 tonnes per annum commercial-scale anode facility.
The pilot plant is the first natural graphite CSPG pilot facility in Morocco. Commissioning of the process line is underway, and qualification-scale CSPG samples are expected to be produced on site in the summer of 2026. These samples will support sample qualification programs previously announced with potential customers, including original equipment manufacturers and battery producers. The facility enables Falcon to tailor material to customer specifications and support large-scale qualification programs.
Operating the pilot plant provides Falcon with opportunities to optimize key aspects of the CSPG production process and establish detailed process design criteria that will support the engineering of the anode plant and future commercial discussions. Beyond producing qualification material, the pilot plant serves as a training platform for plant operators in preparation for commercial production. Training programs and operating procedures implemented at the pilot plant are expected to be transferable to the anode plant, potentially supporting a more efficient ramp-up of future operations.
Falcon remains confident in the global availability of premium graphite feedstock and continues to test several alternative high-quality sources to ensure a scalable, reliable supply for its growing operations. The company is strategically partnered with leading technology firms and Tier One Moroccan partners, benefiting from advanced technological expertise and access to high-quality raw materials and chemicals.
“The opening of our Pilot Plant in Morocco is a defining milestone for Falcon. It marks our transition from planning and procurement to operational execution and advances our goal of building a competitive battery anode supply chain outside of China,” stated Matthieu Bos, President & CEO of Falcon. “This facility allows us to produce qualification-scale CSPG samples for potential customers while generating the operating knowledge, workforce experience and process data that will de-risk and accelerate the development of our commercial Anode Plant.”
Falcon Energy Materials is aiming to become a premier provider of natural CSPG, a critical component for energy storage solutions. As a dedicated chemical refiner of natural graphite concentrate, the company is working toward development of a state-of-the-art 25 ktpa CSPG production facility in Morocco. For additional information, visit Falcon’s website at www.falconem.net.
This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that the pilot plant will be commissioned and operated as planned, will successfully produce qualification-scale samples, and that training programs will be transferable to commercial operations. Risks include volatility in market prices, ability to obtain financing, supply chain disruptions, and changes in demand for battery materials. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.
