Major contracts awarded for Matawinie Mine work

Key Takeaways:

• Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. has awarded more than half of the Phase 2 Matawinie Mine’s construction contracts ahead of a final investment decision, showing the project is nearing construction with engineering mostly finished and costs secured
• Key contractors have been chosen including Pomerleau as construction manager, a joint venture between Manawan Atikamekw Band Council and L. Fournier & Fils for civil works, Beauce Atlas for steel, and Metso for processing equipment
• The mine, recognized as a priority by the Government of Canada, includes agreements to create jobs and training opportunities for the Atikamekw First Nation of Manawan and strengthen their involvement in the project construction and workforce

The Whole Story:

Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. has awarded major construction contracts representing more than 50% of the Phase-2 Matawinie Mine’s capital expenditure, with provisions for full execution upon reaching a positive final investment decision (FID), the company said in a news release.

The contracts—secured over recent months and aligned with the company’s updated feasibility study—cover civil works, steel structures, processing equipment and specialized services for the mine, which the Government of Canada has designated a major project of national interest.

For builders and contractors, the awards signal imminent mobilization once FID is achieved, with detailed engineering at close to 80% completion and a locked-in pricing envelope.

Pomerleau has been appointed Construction Manager for the industrial platform, concentrator, environmental infrastructure, water treatment plant and associated facilities. The Quebec-based firm will oversee construction sequencing, contractor supervision, worksite logistics, health and safety, environment, quality programs and cost control.

The largest construction package was awarded to Manawan-Fournier, an Atikamekw joint venture between the Manawan Atikamekw Band Council and L. Fournier & Fils. The civil works scope includes construction of stormwater, sanitary, firefighting and water networks; industrial structures such as basins, platforms, buildings and domes; concrete work; and temporary structures.

“By locking in top-tier partners ahead of FID, we are further de-risking the final financing steps and upcoming project execution,” Eric Desaulniers, Founder, President and CEO of NMG, said in the release. “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.”

Beauce Atlas, a Quebec-based structural steel specialist, was awarded the steel structures package. The company will participate in final engineering and constructability optimization, with scope including strategic sourcing, fabrication and on-site installation of structural components, crane rails and associated works.

NMG is finalizing an agreement with Metso, an international mineral processing equipment supplier, for key processing equipment including crushing stations, apron feeders, mills, flotation cells and filter presses. Engineering for the equipment is 90% complete.

Additional contracts have been secured for mechanical equipment, turnkey facility solutions, electrical substations and powerlines, and specialized consulting services.

The company has also formalized its commitment to Indigenous employment through an Impact and Benefit Agreement with the Atikamekw First Nation of Manawan. In February, NMG and the First Nation co-hosted information sessions to facilitate worker and contractor participation in construction, with ASP Construction card training also being offered in the community.