First Phosphate has received conditional approval for a non‑repayable contribution of up to C$16.7 million from the Government of Canada, delivered through Natural Resources Canada under the Global Partnerships Initiative.
The funding will support detailed technical and engineering work to determine the processing systems and equipment required to produce a phosphate concentrate suitable for the lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery sector. This work will follow the specifications set out in the company’s agreement with its confirmed offtaker.
The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, said: “Canada and our partners are putting real capital behind the secure and resilient critical mineral supply chains that our economies and defence industries rely on. By supporting companies like First Phosphate, we are helping deliver the minerals the world needs and the prosperity and security Canadians deserve.”
Armand MacKenzie, President of First Phosphate, added: “This financial support of the Government of Canada represents an important lever for the continuation of our development work. This contribution enables us to carry out detailed work aimed at validating LFP application requirements and the expectations of our offtakers and international partners.”
The programme aims to strengthen Canada’s position in the LFP battery supply chain by advancing domestic capability to convert apatite into high‑purity phosphoric acid for battery use. It will also support the creation of a scalable Canadian process for battery‑grade phosphate concentrate, reducing reliance on overseas suppliers. The initiative is expected to generate skilled employment and could pave the way for a Canadian phosphoric acid facility linked to local concentrate production. The funding covers eligible work on the company’s Saguenay–Lac‑Saint‑Jean project through to 2028.
Image: Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Canada; John A. Passalacqua, CEO First Phosphate; Armand MacKenzie, President of First Phosphate; Geert Muylle, Ambassador & Special Envoy for energy security & critical raw materials, Belgium; Karl Dhaene, Ambassador of Belgium to Canada; Claude Guay, M.P. and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Canada.
Credit: First Phosphate Corp
