First Phosphate Signs Agreement for a $16.7 Million Non-Repayable Contribution with the Government of Canada

Executive Summary

• First Phosphate Corp. secured a non‑repayable $16.7 million contribution from the Government of Canada’s Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Global Partnerships Initiative to advance its Bégin‑Lamarche phosphate project.
• The funding will support engineering and feasibility work through 2028 aimed at producing battery‑grade phosphate concentrate for the lithium‑iron‑phosphate (LFP) market, creating an estimated 277 skilled jobs and laying groundwork for a domestic phosphoric acid facility.
• The agreement underscores strategic Canadian policy to strengthen critical mineral supply chains and positions First Phosphate as a key player in North‑American LFP battery production.

Key Details

• Funding Amount: $16.7 million (non‑repayable contribution).
• Source: Government of Canada – Natural Resources Canada, Global Partnerships Initiative.
• Agreement Date: March 4 2026; press release issued March 16 2026.
• Purpose: Accelerate technical and engineering development for the Bégin‑Lamarche demonstration and feasibility project, including processing circuit design and equipment selection to validate production of phosphate concentrate meeting LFP battery quality standards.
• Project Scope: Feasibility study for an integrated mine‑to‑processing operation in Saguenay‑Lac‑Saint‑Jean, Québec; eligible activities funded through 2028.
• Economic Impact: Anticipated creation of ~277 skilled jobs; potential establishment of a Canadian phosphoric acid (PPA) production facility supporting local phosphate concentrate supply.
• Strategic Goal: Reduce reliance on foreign sources for battery‑grade phosphate, develop a scalable domestic process for high‑purity PPA, and enhance Canada’s position in the global LFP battery value chain.
• Quotes:
• Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources – highlighted government commitment to secure critical mineral supply chains.
• John Passalacqua, CEO of First Phosphate – emphasized the investment as a step toward an integrated Canadian LFP battery supply chain.

Notable Quotes

“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,” – The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

“We welcome this investment from the Government of Canada which supports the continued progress of our project and its strategic role in the LFP battery supply chain,” – John Passalacqua, CEO, First Phosphate.