Nouveau Monde Graphite says it is preparing for the construction of its Phase-2 Matawinie Mine – a major project of national interest as identified by the Government of Canada – via the procurement of key construction capacity, services, equipment and materials.
Major contracts awarded over the past few months, with provisions for full execution upon the company having reached a positive final investment decision, represent over 50% of the project’s CAPEX and are within estimates of NMG’s updated feasibility study for the Phase-2 Matawinie Mine in accordance with National Instrument 43-101.
Eric Desaulniers, Founder, President, and CEO of NMG, stated: “By locking in top‑tier partners ahead of FID, we are further de‑risking the final financing steps and upcoming project execution. Efforts invested in rigorous construction planning and early contractor involvement is yielding tangible benefits—securing the capacity to mobilise immediately upon a positive FID and to deliver within the pricing envelope set by our latest technical report. We are proud to deepen our relationship with the Atikamekw First Nation of Manawan through the civil works contract awarded to Manawan‑Fournier and to extend our collaboration with Pomerleau, whose work to date has sharpened our execution strategy. We are planning on expanding this group of like-minded partners who share our values of safety, quality, and sustainability, via contracts in concrete, structures, systems, and specialised services, always striving to create direct and indirect opportunities for Indigenous and local businesses and workers.”
In continuity with the pre-construction mandate, NMG has appointed Pomerleau as Construction Manager for the construction and commissioning stages of the Matawinie Mine, namely the industrial platform, concentrator, environmental infrastructure, water treatment plant, and associated facilities. Through its direct involvement in planning and optimising the Matawinie Mine construction over the past two years, Pomerleau has acquired a deep understanding of the project and contributed to mapping the execution strategy. As part of NMG’s integrated project team, Pomerleau will oversee the detailed construction sequence and schedule, contractors’ supervision, worksite logistics, implementation of the health and safety, environment, and quality programs, as well as cost control.
The first and largest construction package that will kick-start construction activities upon reaching a positive FID was awarded to Manawan-Fournier, an Atikamekw joint-venture between the Manawan Atikamekw Band Council and L. Fournier & Fils, an established East Canadian mining and civil contractor who had carried out the construction of the access road and preparatory work for the industrial platform in 2021-2022. Civil work includes the construction and development of various networks (stormwater, sanitary, firefighting, water, etc), industrial structures (basins, platforms, buildings, domes, roads), as well as concrete work, temporary structures, and maintenance work necessary for the complete realisation of the project.
The collaboration with Manawan-Fournier further advances NMG’s commitment to stimulate business opportunities, training and employment for the Atikamekw First Nation of Manawan, as reflected in the company’s long-term engagement in the community and formalised in the Impact and Benefit Agreement. In collaboration with the Commission de la construction du Québec, NMG and the Atikamekw First Nation of Manawan co-hosted special information activities for the community February 10 and 11, 2026, to facilitate the participation of workers and contractors in the construction. Training sessions for the ASP Construction card are also being offered in the community.
The steel structures package has been awarded to Beauce Atlas, a Québec-based company specialising in the engineering, detailing, fabrication, and installation of complex structural steel for buildings and heavy industrial facilities. Through an early contractor involvement approach, Beauce Atlas will actively participate in the final engineering and constructability optimisation of the industrial facilities. Beauce Atlas’ scope of work will include the strategic sourcing of steel, fabrication of structural components, and full on-site installation, encompassing buildings, crane rails, as well as all associated works and logistics.
NMG is also finalising an agreement with Metso, a leader in sustainable technologies, end-to-end solutions and services in mineral processing, to supply key processing equipment, including the crushing station, apron feeders, mills, flotation cells and filter presses. Engineering for the equipment is 90% complete. This agreement is set to further strengthen NMG and Metso’s partnership, supporting coordinated planning for long-lead items and alignment with the construction schedule.
Additional contracts secured include mechanical equipment, turnkey solutions for facilities, electrical substation and powerline, and specialised consultants. These contracts, combined with close to 80% advancement level on detailed engineering, solidify the company’s execution plan to bring the Matawinie Mine from shovel-ready to commissioning.
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