Nouveau Monde Graphite’s Matawinie Mine

Benefits

• Graphite is an essential component of defence applications and electric vehicle and energy storage system batteries. The project will contribute to decarbonising the transportation sector while helping diversify global graphite supplies away from carbon-intensive sources.
• The project will be powered by Québec's affordable clean hydropower, ensuring sustainable and environmentally friendly operations. Nouveau Monde plans to transition to a zero-emission fleet at the mine site.
• In 2024, the Atikamekw First Nation of Manawan signed an Impact Benefit Agreement with Nouveau Monde Graphite that will enhance collaboration on aspects related to Atikamekw culture, the environment, training, employment, business opportunities, and financial benefits. The agreement sets out the significant participation of the Manawan Atikamekw to responsibly develop graphite in the Nitaskinan in a way that respects the environment and provides direct benefits to the community.

Latest updates

• On May 19, 2026, the Government of Canada and Nouveau Monde Graphite announced that construction has started.
• On April 16, 2026, Nouveau Monde Graphite announced that it raised approximately US$96.5 million in equity financing. Together with a previously announced US$335 million debt commitment, this funding is intended to support progress toward a final investment decision and construction.
• On April 9, 2026, Nouveau Monde Graphite executed an updated binding long-form term sheet with the Government of Canada, setting out the principal commercial terms for the supply, storage and resale of graphite concentrate from the Company’s Phase 2 Matawinie Mine.
• On March 26, 2026, Nouveau Monde Graphite announced an updated binding long-form term sheet with the Government of Canada setting out the principal commercial terms for the supply, storage and resale of graphite concentrate from the Company’s Phase‑2 Matawinie Mine. This works toward transaction agreements, with Canada committing to purchase 30,000 tonnes per annum of flake graphite concentrate from the Matawinie Mine on a take-or-pay basis over a seven-year term.
• On March 17, 2026, the Canada Infrastructure Bank and Export Development Canada executed an agreement with Nouveau Monde Graphite for a $459 million loan to support the next phase of the Matawinie Mine. Once finalized, the funding will help develop, build, and launch the graphite mine, strengthening Canada’s economy in key sectors like energy, defence, technology, and manufacturing.
• On November 13, 2025, the project was referred to the Major Projects Office (MPO).
• On October 31, 2025, the project was announced as a strategic project under the Critical Minerals Production Alliance. The announcement included offtake agreements with the Government of Canada, Panasonic, and Traxys, along with an investment commitment from the Government of Japan.
• The MPO coordinated efforts among federal financing agencies to help Nouveau Monde Graphite secure the necessary funding. The MPO is currently monitoring the project’s progress and providing oversight to ensure it stays on track and progresses towards its next milestones.

Learn more about the project