Graphite Creek, located approximately 37 miles north-northwest of Nome, is the largest known graphite deposit in the nation and positions our region to be a fundamental player in our country’s transition to a cleaner energy future. The high-grade flake graphite found at Graphite Creek is in high demand for use in batteries for electric vehicles and utility-scale energy storage.

BSNC’s monetary investment in Graphite One is an investment in the future of the region. Because no BSNC or village corporation lands are within the project boundaries, leadership was determined to find a means to ensure the project benefits the communities nearest the project as well as all of Our People. After many discussions and careful review, BSNC believes Graphite One shares our values land stewardship and developing economic opportunities in concert with local communities. BSNC seeks out local and in-state investment opportunities that can benefit our shareholders not only through improving the corporation’s financial standing, but also through shareholder employment opportunities and other local benefits. Graphite One fits all those criteria.

BSNC’s decision to make this investment comes after Graphite One was awarded a $37.5 million grant from the Department of Defense (DOD) in July 2023. The DOD grant will help Graphite One complete a feasibility study of the project, which is a major milestone, and BSNC’s investment will support additional work.

Yes. The BSNC-Graphite One Advisory Board will provide a direct line of communication from local stakeholders to project leaders. It will be the primary way for stakeholders to offer any suggestions or share concerns or other input they have regarding the project.

No. The Graphite Creek deposit is located on state land in the BSNC region.

Graphite One has gathered years of environmental data from the proposed mine site and the surrounding area and will continue to do so to ensure the project operates in concert with the natural environment. Development at Graphite Creek would be held to some of the highest standards in the world, while protecting the environment.

BSNC made a $2 million investment in Graphite One, with an option to invest up to another $8 million at a later time. While $2 million is certainly a large figure, the investment accounts for a very small portion of BSNC’s overall portfolio. We are confident in Graphite One’s ability to execute the project after years of observing their diligent work in the region to advance the project to date.

Yes. Graphite One currently seeks to employ residents from communities near the project and BSNC will work collaboratively with Graphite One to ensure additional shareholder-hire opportunities are available as the project progresses. Graphite One directly employed 18 local people, including 15 BSNC shareholders/descendants during the 2023 exploration season.

Yes. Graphite One will work with tribal and village corporation leadership to support communities with community donations of:

Brevig Mission:

• $50,000 in 2023
• $50,000 in 2024

Teller:

• $50,000 in 2023
• $50,000 in 2024

Nome: $30,000 to the HomePlate housing project in 2023.

Yes. Graphite One will participate in the BSNC intern program to develop BSNC shareholders and descendants for positions at the mine.

Graphite One will provide annual scholarships to support careers in mining related fields:

• $25,000 in scholarships in 2024-2026
• $40,000 in scholarships in 2027-2029
• $75,000 in scholarships during operation

Yes. To an extent, Graphite One will grant preference to BSNC businesses for service contracts or purchasing materials.

For more information about Graphite One, Inc., please visit graphiteoneinc.com

If you have any questions for BSNC, please email media@beringstraits.com