08:11 AM EST, 11/12/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Nouveau Monde Graphite ( NMG ) traded 2.2% higher at last look Wednesday in New York Stock Exchange pre-market trading as the company provided an update on the progress of its phase-2 Matawinie graphite operation in Quebec.

Nouveau Monde said it has signed offtake agreements with Panasonic Energy, the Government of Canada and Traxys North America covering future graphite output at Matawinie. Negotiations with other parties are ongoing, the company added.

The company said it continues to advance the phase-2 Matawinie mine and phase-2 Becancour battery material plant via samples production and process optimization at its Phase-1 and third-party facilities, engineering, and construction preparation.

The project financing process has significantly advanced in recent months, including due diligence, the company said.

A feasibility study for the Matawinie mine outlined a posttax net present value of US$238 million discounted at 8%, with a $15.8% internal rate of return and a 5.3-year payback period.

"Thanks to our commercial partnerships we are tapping into industrial know-how, developed supply chain footprints, and strong diplomatic ties to broaden market access for the flake graphite from our Matawinie Mine," Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer Eric Desaulniers said. "Our team is now actively engaged with lenders, strategic investors, and customers to line up financing efforts and term negotiations in view of final investment decision."