Building the Future of Critical Minerals in Canada:

Nouveau Monde Graphite’s Matawinie Project

In Saint-Michel-des-Saints and Bécancour, Pomerleau is supporting Nouveau Monde Graphite in the development of strategic industrial infrastructure tied to Canada’s battery supply chain and critical minerals sector. Delivered within a mining and industrial construction environment, the project leverages Pomerleau’s expertise in preconstruction, planning, construction management and multidisciplinary coordination to support the development of a Quebec and Canadian graphite supply chain.

Through a collaborative approach, advanced technological tools and rigorous planning, the teams are contributing to the delivery of an integrated project connecting mining operations, material processing and the growing demand for critical minerals.

Two Complementary Infrastructures at the Core of One Industrial Project

The Nouveau Monde Graphite project is built around two complementary developments that will play a key role in establishing a local graphite supply chain.

The first component involves the development of the Matawinie mine in Saint-Michel-des-Saints, where a graphite concentrator and the infrastructure required to operate the mining site will be constructed. Delivered in a forest environment, this project draws on extensive expertise in mining and industrial construction, as well as mechanical, electrical and piping work, and project management.

The second component involves the planned facility in Bécancour, which will process graphite extracted from Saint-Michel-des-Saints to support various industrial applications related to the battery supply chain. As the project evolved, this component was adjusted toward the rehabilitation of an existing building in order to accelerate construction and commissioning of an initial battery materials plant in Bécancour to meet a pre-commercialization agreement.

Together, these two infrastructures form an integrated industrial project designed to support the development of a Quebec and Canadian graphite industry, from raw material extraction to material processing.

Preconstruction Expertise Supporting a Major Mining Project

Pomerleau has been supporting Nouveau Monde Graphite since the project’s early preconstruction phases, which began around 2022. As part of this mandate, the teams support the client with planning, constructability reviews, concept and engineering reviews, estimating, risk management and schedule development to efficiently structure the project’s various phases before major construction begins.

This progressive approach helps optimize construction methods, improve coordination between project partners and ensure the overall feasibility of the planned infrastructure for both the mining site and the processing facilities.

Building a Graphite Mine in a Natural Environment

Pomerleau’s primary mandate currently involves managing construction of the Matawinie mine on a forested site in Saint-Michel-des-Saints, requiring significant coordination between the client, consultants and the many specialized contractors involved in the work.

The work notably includes major civil works, formwork, reinforcing steel installation, concrete pouring for the foundations, reinforcing steel installation, erection of the steel superstructure and secondary steelwork, construction, and building envelope for the concentrator. The teams are also involved in the installation of industrial equipment (primary crusher, conveyors, etc.), tanks, industrial piping, instrumentation, and electromechanical systems and components.

The project also includes the construction of strategic infrastructure such as the co-disposal facility, accumulation basins, pumping station, water treatment plant, temporary 34.5 kV power line and fibre optic network, 120 kV electrical substation, telecommunications and physical security systems, as well as administrative and sanitary buildings for the site. Additional work includes the construction of the mining residue storage dome, graphite storage and loading facilities, and various specialized structures related to mining operations.

The project will ultimately lead to the commissioning of a graphite concentrator and the infrastructure required to support mining operations on the site.

A Strategic Project for the Battery Supply Chain and Critical Minerals

The Matawinie project aims to support the development of a national graphite supply chain, a strategic material used notably in electric vehicle batteries and several critical industrial applications. In recent years, the project has been recognized as strategic to Canada’s critical minerals sector and has been the subject of several major announcements related to its financing and development.

The project is also presented as an important economic driver for the Lanaudière region and for Quebec. In addition to generating jobs and economic benefits for local and Atikamekw communities, it contributes to the development of Quebec expertise related to strategic materials.

Rigorous Planning in a Complex Environment

Like many large industrial and mining projects, the project presents numerous challenges and risks related to evolving design, scheduling and coordination between the various stakeholders involved.

The unique context of a graphite mine located in a remote region, combined with the project’s complexity and site access constraints, creates significant challenges for planning and executing the work. Additional considerations include the availability of specialized labour and the organization of work in a region where several industrial projects are being developed simultaneously.

To ensure efficient execution, Pomerleau acts as construction manager and mobilizes experts in project management, project controls, planning and budget monitoring, site coordination, and health and safety.

Digital Tools to Optimize Project Execution

The project includes the use of several innovative technological tools designed to improve coordination, monitoring and project planning. The teams notably use BIM tools, digital 3D models, 4D simulations, quantity estimation using digital models, drone surveys and web-based dashboards that allow real-time project tracking through Pomerleau’s project controls systems.

360° cameras, time-lapse systems and live monitoring tools also help improve coordination between project partners and support project controls throughout construction.

In a context where digital models contain more information than traditional drawings, the digital approach facilitates decision-making, improves visualization of construction sequencing and optimizes execution within a complex mining and industrial environment.

A Project Delivered in a Sensitive Environment

Environmental protection remains a constant priority throughout the Matawinie project. Located near lakes and within a sensitive watershed, the project requires rigorous control of water management, discharges and spills to ensure compliance with applicable environmental requirements and commitments.

The teams must notably manage issues related to surrounding water systems, protection of wildlife present on the site and strict compliance with environmental permits throughout the construction phase.

Environmental management is therefore fully integrated into project planning and execution, alongside health and safety and day-to-day construction coordination.

A Collaborative Approach With Communities and Indigenous Partners

For several years, the project has relied on a social acceptability approach developed in collaboration with local communities, the Atikamekw communities, and regional partners. This approach aims to create positive impacts for the region while maintaining ongoing dialogue with the various stakeholders involved in the project.

The project includes partnerships with businesses and Indigenous communities, particularly through specialized joint ventures. This commitment to collaboration helps strengthen the project's integration within its environment and develop lasting relationships with surrounding communities.

A Mobilizing Project for Pomerleau’s Teams

The Saint-Michel-des-Saints mining project could mobilize up to approximately 450 workers at the peak of construction, including specialized partners involved in carrying out the work.

For Pomerleau’s teams, the project represents a unique opportunity to contribute to a major mining project recognized as strategic at the national level. The collaborative work environment with the client, the technical challenges associated with construction in a natural environment and the opportunity to contribute to infrastructure supporting critical minerals are all strong sources of motivation for the teams.

Pomerleau is proud to participate in the development of the Matawinie project alongside Nouveau Monde Graphite and to contribute to the delivery of infrastructure that will support the future of critical minerals and the battery supply chain in Quebec and across Canada.