Graphite One’s Path Forward: Key Catalysts for 2026

While its recent inclusion in the OTCQX Best 50 ranking provided a positive signal, Graphite One Inc. now faces a pivotal phase. For investors, the focus is shifting decisively from share price momentum to the tangible execution of its plan to build a U.S.-based graphite supply chain. With no material, price-sensitive announcements in the last two days, market attention is turning to the company's stated milestones for 2026.

The coming period will be defined by progress on several critical fronts.

The single most significant potential catalyst remains securing project financing. In late 2025, the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) increased its preliminary Letters of Interest to $2.07 billion. It is vital to note that these LOIs are non-binding expressions of interest.

The essential next step, which management has targeted for 2026, is the submission of a formal EXIM application. Only upon filing and subsequent acceptance would a detailed due diligence phase commence, a process that could ultimately lead to a binding loan commitment. This transition is paramount for the project's advancement.

Permitting: Tracking Progress on the FAST-41 Dashboard

The Graphite Creek project is listed on the FAST-41 Dashboard maintained by the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council. This designation aims to streamline federal permitting and enhance transparency.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Graphite One?

Investors will closely monitor whether the publicly visible interim milestones are achieved as scheduled. Adherence to the timeline outlined in the official "Coordinated Project Plan" will serve as the primary gauge for determining if the project remains on track for a final investment decision and subsequent construction phase.

Rare Earth Elements: A Potential Supplementary Revenue Stream

Independent testing in January confirmed the presence of rare earth elements (REE) at the project site. While graphite remains the core economic driver, the feasibility of co-production could potentially alter the project's valuation model.

The market will await technical clarifications on this front. Key questions center on whether REEs can be recovered without disrupting the primary graphite processing flow. Only detailed engineering studies demonstrating an economically viable recovery method would elevate this finding beyond an intriguing geological footnote.

The Strategic Backdrop: Critical Minerals Policy

The broader political environment continues to offer tailwinds. A Critical Minerals Ministerial meeting in early February highlighted what participants described as the "failing" state of international markets for essential raw materials and underscored the urgency of establishing preferred trading partnerships. This context is directly relevant for Graphite One, as its investment thesis is intrinsically linked to the U.S. strategy of reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.

The company's progress in 2026 will be measured against three concrete deliverables: the submission of its formal EXIM application, demonstrable advancement through the FAST-41 permitting process, and substantive technical updates regarding rare earth element recovery.