Graphite One Bolsters Operations and Outreach Following Financing Success

Graphite One funds its Alaska project with a C$35M raise, appoints a local VP for community relations, and launches major US and European marketing campaigns.

Graphite One Inc. is implementing a dual strategy to strengthen its community engagement and market profile as it advances its Graphite Creek project in Alaska. The company's recent announcements, coming on the heels of a successful capital raise, signal a concerted push toward the next phase of development.

Fresh Capital for Strategic Initiatives

The company's latest operational moves are supported by a recently closed public offering. On February 18, Graphite One raised gross proceeds of C$35 million. The financing involved the placement of 20,002,000 units at C$1.75 per unit, with each unit comprising one common share and one warrant. Each warrant is exercisable to acquire an additional share at C$2.25 for a period of 36 months. The syndicate of agents, led by BMO Capital Markets, exercised its full over-allotment option. The agents received a cash commission of C$2,010,210.

Management stated the net proceeds are earmarked primarily for expenditures related to an anode active material (AAM) facility, covering design, engineering, permitting, and equipment, alongside general working capital requirements.

Strengthening Ties with Local Communities

A key component of Graphite One's strategy is enhancing its local presence in Alaska. The company announced the creation of a new executive position, Vice President of Community Relations, and appointed Lucille Carter to the role on Thursday. Carter brings relevant management experience from her previous position as Senior Vice President of Regional and Shareholder Services at the Bering Strait Native Corporation.

Her local roots are considered a significant asset; Carter grew up in Nome and Teller, communities located near the Graphite Creek deposit. She has already assumed her duties, working from the company's office in Anchorage.

CEO Anthony Huston emphasized that responsible development is founded on "open and ongoing communication" with nearby communities. The company points to an existing Subsistence Council and plans to expand community activities to include Teller, Brevig Mission, Mary’s Igloo, and the Nome region. Effective community relations are widely viewed as a critical factor during the permitting and development stages of any mining project.

Marketing Push Targets Key Investor Regions

Simultaneously, Graphite One is launching initiatives to raise its visibility in financial markets. The company disclosed two distinct marketing agreements, also announced on Thursday.

In the United States, a four-month campaign with Florida-based i2i Marketing Group commences on March 1. The engagement involves an upfront payment of US$250,000, followed by potential fees of up to US$250,000 per month for the remainder of the term.

Concurrently, the company is extending its partnership with German investor relations firm MCS Market Communication Service GmbH. This four-month European campaign carries a cost of up to €350,000 per month. The company specifically noted that compensation for these services will be paid in cash, with no securities being issued to the marketing firms.

Market Reaction and Strategic Outlook

The company's share price showed short-term positive movement following the announcements, trading at €0.84, a gain of 3.43% on the day. However, the stock remains down significantly over a 30-day period.

The overall picture is one of a company deploying newly acquired capital with clear intent. Graphite One is channeling funds into deepening community integration in Alaska while simultaneously executing targeted marketing campaigns in North America and Europe. This two-pronged approach is designed to build essential social license and investor support as it navigates the forthcoming permitting and development milestones for the Graphite Creek project.