Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
February 23, 2026
First Canadian Graphite Appoints New CEO to Lead Quebec Mining Expansion
TLDR
- First Canadian Graphite appoints John LaGourgue as CEO to accelerate development of its high-grade Berkwood Graphite Project, positioning the company as a leader in the global graphite supply chain.
- The appointment brings 25 years of executive experience, including securing over $100 million in funding and advancing projects through multiple stages to develop Quebec's 3.2 million tonne graphite resource.
- This leadership change supports onshore critical mineral development in Quebec, fostering respectful relationships with Indigenous communities while meeting growing global demand for sustainable graphite sources.
- First Canadian Graphite's new CEO aims to transform Quebec's high-grade graphite deposits into a premier low-cost producer, leveraging the region's mining-friendly jurisdiction and clean hydroelectric power.
Impact - Why it Matters
This leadership change at First Canadian Graphite signals a strategic push to develop North American graphite resources at a critical time when global demand for battery materials is surging. Graphite is essential for electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems, with current supply chains heavily dependent on China. The development of high-grade graphite projects in mining-friendly jurisdictions like Quebec could help diversify supply chains, reduce geopolitical risks, and support the transition to clean energy. For investors, this represents an opportunity in the critical minerals sector, while for the broader economy, it contributes to building domestic capabilities in strategic materials essential for the green transition.
Summary
First Canadian Graphite Inc. (TSX.V: FCI), a junior mining company focused on developing high-grade graphite projects in Quebec, has announced the appointment of Mr. John LaGourgue as its new Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors, effective immediately. This strategic move comes as the company aims to accelerate the development of its flagship Berkwood Graphite Project in northern Quebec, which boasts a historical NI 43-101 resource estimate of 3.2 million tonnes of indicated and inferred graphite at an impressive average grade of 17%. The company operates within the traditional territory of the Pessamit Innu First Nation and emphasizes its commitment to fostering respectful relationships with local Indigenous communities throughout the development process.
Mr. LaGourgue brings over 25 years of extensive experience in leadership, capital markets, commercial relations, and operations within the resource sector, including a proven track record of securing more than $100 million in debt and equity funding and advancing projects through multiple stages. In his statement, the new CEO expressed enthusiasm about joining the FCI team and highlighted the tremendous potential of positioning First Canadian Graphite as a leader in the global graphite supply chain. He specifically noted the world-class graphite district's high-grade, large-flake graphite resources located in Quebec's mining-friendly jurisdiction with excellent infrastructure, including road access and global shipping capabilities powered by clean hydroelectric power.
The appointment aligns with First Canadian's vision to capitalize on surging global demand for graphite, particularly for electric vehicle batteries and other clean energy technologies. Thomas Yingling, who will now focus on his role as President to execute a busy 2026 program of field operations and commercialization steps, emphasized that Mr. LaGourgue's expertise in expanding investor awareness and maximizing shareholder value through commercialization will be instrumental as the company advances the Berkwood project. The original release can be viewed on www.newmediawire.com, where additional details about the company's forward-looking statements and risk factors are available through their SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by NewMediaWire. Read the original source here, First Canadian Graphite Appoints New CEO to Lead Quebec Mining Expansion
