First Phosphate Welcomes the Addition of Phosphate to the Critical Minerals List of the United States

Core Viewpoint - First Phosphate Corp. welcomes the inclusion of phosphate in the U.S. Final 2025 List of Critical Minerals, highlighting its significance for defense and energy sectors, particularly in relation to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries [1][3][4]. Group 1: Company Overview - First Phosphate is a mineral development and cleantech company focused on establishing a vertically integrated mine-to-market supply chain for LFP batteries in North America [9]. - The company's flagship Bégin-Lamarche Property in Quebec is noted for being one of North America's rare igneous phosphate resources, producing high-purity phosphate suitable for LFP battery cathode materials [5][9]. Group 2: Industry Implications - The U.S. joins Canada, South Korea, the European Union, and specific Canadian provinces in recognizing phosphate as a critical mineral, indicating a growing global emphasis on phosphate's importance [2]. - The decision to classify phosphate as a critical mineral was influenced by recommendations from various U.S. departments, underscoring its strategic value [3]. Group 3: Recent Developments - First Phosphate has successfully produced commercial-grade LFP 18650 battery cells using North American critical minerals, demonstrating the practical application of its phosphate resources [6]. - The company received a "Met" rating from the Defense Industrial Base Consortium for its white paper on securing North American phosphate supply for LFP cathode materials, reinforcing its commitment to national security and energy storage solutions [4][5].