Core Viewpoint - LG Energy Solution will acquire full ownership of NextStar Energy from Stellantis, which is a strategic decision aimed at strengthening the battery manufacturing ecosystem in Canada and enhancing growth opportunities in North America [2][3][8]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - LG Energy Solution will purchase Stellantis's 49% equity stake in NextStar Energy, which was established as a joint venture in 2022 to create Canada's first large-scale battery manufacturing facility [2][8]. - The ownership transition is a mutually agreed decision between LG Energy Solution and Stellantis, ensuring a seamless transition and long-term growth for NextStar Energy [3][8]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - NextStar Energy will leverage LG Energy Solution's technological expertise and operational capabilities to better serve a wider customer base, including the Energy Storage System (ESS) industry [4][10]. - Stellantis will continue to be a key customer, sourcing battery products from NextStar Energy, thereby reinforcing the partnership [4][9]. Group 3: Investment and Employment - Over $5 billion CAD has been invested in NextStar Energy's facility, which currently employs over 1,300 people, with a target of 2,500 employees as production scales up [5][8]. - The facility is crucial for Canada's advanced manufacturing and clean-energy sector, enhancing North America's battery supply chain and supporting long-term industrial competitiveness [5][6]. Group 4: Market Position and Future Growth - LG Energy Solution aims to increase its global ESS production capacity to over 60 GWh this year, with more than 50 GWh of this capacity located in North America [11]. - The acquisition positions LG Energy Solution to respond swiftly to the growing demand in the ESS market and strengthens its role in Canada's electric vehicle industry [7][11].

Core Insights - First Phosphate Corp. has achieved a significant milestone by successfully creating and testing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells using North American critical minerals, completing the full cycle from "pit to battery cell" [1][4][7] Company Achievements - The LFP battery cells produced demonstrated commercial-level performance, achieving at least 80% capacity retention after 2,000 charge and discharge cycles, which aligns with industry standards [2][6] - The company utilized phosphate and iron materials sourced from its properties, validating the effectiveness of these critical minerals in LFP battery production [4][7] Production Process - The production process involves several steps: extracting igneous phosphate rock, converting it into phosphate concentrate, producing purified phosphoric acid, and creating iron phosphate precursor, which is then mixed with lithium to form the LFP cathode material [5][6] - Graphite sourced from Nouveau Monde Graphite in Montreal is used for the anode material, completing the battery cell production [5] Market Implications - The successful testing of these battery cells positions First Phosphate Corp. to engage with investors and partners, showcasing the viability of its critical minerals and processing capabilities for commercial applications [7]