Core Insights - First Phosphate Corp. has achieved a significant milestone in establishing a North American supply chain for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries [1][5] - The company successfully produced commercial-grade LFP battery cells using 100% North American-sourced critical minerals, emphasizing domestic manufacturing independence in the energy storage sector [2][5] Company Developments - The production of LFP battery cells has been a three-year pilot project, starting with igneous phosphate rock from the company's property in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec [6] - The company plans to develop a phosphate mine by 2029, with a feasibility study currently underway [6] - The process involves producing phosphate concentrate, which is reacted with sulfuric acid to yield purified phosphoric acid, crucial for industrial applications [6] Supply Chain and Partnerships - The iron phosphate used in the batteries is sourced from the Bégin-Lamarche property, while lithium carbonate is obtained from Century Lithium in Nevada, and graphite is provided by Nouveau Monde Graphite in Quebec [7] - The company has partnered with Ultion Technologies in Nevada for the manufacturing of LFP battery cells, which are suitable for small mobility applications and can scale for large energy storage and electric vehicles [8] Future Plans - The company aims to transition from pilot to commercial scale production, with the LFP cathode plant expected to be operational by late 2026 or 2027, and the mine and phosphoric acid plant by 2029 or 2030 [8] - The goal is to produce fully North American LFP battery cells primarily from Quebec on a commercial scale by the end of the decade [8] Industry Context - The development of LFP technology originated in North America, with historical partnerships involving universities and research centers, but production shifted to China over the past two decades [9] - The recent achievement marks a reclaiming of energy storage independence for North America, showcasing the potential for domestic manufacturing using local critical minerals [9]