First Phosphate Corp. reports developments tied to its mineral exploration, project development and clean-technology strategy for lithium iron phosphate battery supply chains in North America. Company news centers on the Bégin-Lamarche igneous phosphate property in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Québec, including drilling results, mineralization updates, resource-model work and technical validation for battery-grade phosphate concentrate.
Recurring updates also cover non-dilutive government funding, project-finance discussions, warrant exercises, capitalization-table changes, investor-relations arrangements and research coverage. The company describes Bégin-Lamarche as a high-purity phosphate resource with low impurity levels and links its target markets to energy storage, data centers, robotics, mobility and national security.
First Phosphate Corp (CSE: PHOS) (OTCQB: FRSPF) has signed a technology license agreement with Prayon SA to produce merchant grade phosphoric acid (MGA) from igneous apatite phosphate rock. The agreement enables the construction of a manufacturing plant in Canada with a daily production capacity of 600 metric tons of P2O5. The company has selected Ballestra S.pA. for engineering services and maintains its sulfuric acid supply agreement with Norfalco-Glencore. The facility will have the capability to convert approximately 500,000 tonnes per annum of igneous apatite into upwards of 190,000 annual tonnes of value-added phosphoric acid.
First Phosphate Corp (CSE: PHOS) (OTCQB: FRSPF) has announced two new investor relations engagements. The company has hired Capital Analytica for a six-month period starting November 20, 2024, for CAD $120,000, to provide social media consultation, sentiment reporting, forum monitoring, and investor relations services. Additionally, First Phosphate has engaged OGIB Corporate Bulletin for a six-month marketing agreement starting November 20, 2024, for CAD $40,000. Both companies are based in British Columbia and operate at arm's length from First Phosphate, with no current ownership of company securities.
GKN Hoeganaes and First Phosphate (FRSPF) announced a strategic collaboration to establish a North American supply chain for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. The partnership follows GKN's successful integration of First Phosphate's magnetite into its Ancorsteel melting process, producing high-purity iron powder for LFP battery components. First Phosphate plans to integrate Ancorsteel into its upcoming production facility in Quebec, targeting 400,000 tonnes per annum by 2032. GKN Hoeganaes will support this initiative through its Gallatin, Tennessee plant and R&D facilities in New Jersey, focusing on developing sustainable, domestically-sourced LFP battery materials.
First Phosphate Corp (CSE: PHOS) (OTCQB: FRSPF) has announced the commencement of trading on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol FRSPF. The company also achieved DTC eligibility, enabling electronic clearing and settlement of shares in the United States through the Depository Trust Company. These developments are expected to enhance share liquidity, simplify trading processes, and provide investors with benefits including efficient trading, transparent pricing with real-time quotes, and trusted disclosure. The OTCQB listing is recognized by the SEC and operated by OTC Markets Group.
First Phosphate Corp. (CSE: PHOS) (OTC: FRSPF) announces the publication of a peer-reviewed research note by Queen's University and Université de Québec à Chicoutimi comparing igneous phosphate ore bodies worldwide. The study includes First Phosphate's Bégin-Lamarche property, analyzing ore grades, beneficiated phosphate concentrate levels, and mining operations.
Key findings:
- First Phosphate's Bégin-Lamarche property in Quebec shows potential to produce a high-quality phosphate concentrate with 40.9 wt.% P2O5, above the global average of 36.9 wt.% for igneous ore.
- The property's phosphate layer is found close to the surface (~6.5 m), suggesting a prospective location for open-pit mining.
- First Phosphate believes Quebec igneous anorthosite phosphate rock could be a source of high purity phosphate for North America's LFP battery needs.
First Phosphate Corp (CSE: PHOS) (OTC: FRSPF) has secured a facility lease for a 10,000-tonne per annum iron phosphate cathode active material pre-cursor (pCAM) plant in Saguenay, Quebec. The First Saguenay plant is expected to create about 100 high-tech jobs and is supported by local economic development organizations. The facility, located at 5373 Chemin Saint-Anicet, La Baie, Quebec, will be retrofitted with an estimated investment of USD $65 million. The 10-year lease is conditional on financing arranged by April 30, 2025.
First Saguenay is strategically positioned 20 km from the deep-sea port of Saguenay and is connected to the Canadian National Railway network. The plant is part of First Phosphate's plan to establish a fully integrated LFP battery supply chain in North America, with initial production anticipated for Q1 2026.
First Phosphate Corp. (CSE: PHOS) (OTC: FRSPF) has appointed Peter J.F. Nicholson to its board of directors, effective September 1, 2024. Nicholson, founder and president of Wealth Creation Preservation & Donation Inc. (WCPD), replaces Marc Branson who resigned on the same day. Nicholson brings extensive experience in tax-assisted investments and philanthropic tax planning, particularly in the mining industry. He has helped generate over $350 million for client donations and served on numerous foundation boards. The company's chairman, Laurence W. Zeifman, expressed confidence that Nicholson's mining and fundraising experience will benefit First Phosphate as it develops its projects. As part of his appointment, Nicholson has been granted 150,000 RSUs, vesting in two tranches.
First Phosphate Corp. (CSE: PHOS) (OTC: FRSPF) (FSE: KD0) has announced the resignation of director Marc Branson, effective September 1, 2024. Mr. Branson is leaving the Board of Directors to focus on his personal business commitments. The company's Chairman, Laurence W. Zeifman, expressed gratitude for Mr. Branson's dedication and service, acknowledging his foundational role in the company's early-stage development. Mr. Branson, in turn, wished First Phosphate well and expressed confidence in the company's potential to impact the LFP battery industry in North America. He stated his intention to remain a friend to the company as he pursues new endeavors.
First Phosphate Corp. (CSE: PHOS) (OTC: FRSPF) announced significant insider purchases of company shares. Chairman Laurence W. Zeifman acquired 370,500 shares through a controlled between July 31 and August 9, 2024, at prices ranging from $0.17 to $0.217. CEO John Passalacqua, through a controlled entity, has purchased 807,500 shares since the company's CSE listing in February 2023, with recent acquisitions in July and August 2024.
The company's management and directors also previously acquired 2,700,000 shares from Glen Eagle Resources Inc. Most directors and management receive compensation in Registered Share Units (RSUs) to preserve capital for business growth. First Phosphate recently completed a 25,929 drill program at its Bégin-Lamarche property and is preparing a NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate and preliminary economic assessment.
First Phosphate Corp (CSE: PHOS) (OTC: FRSPF) CEO John Passalacqua has increased his shareholdings through recent open market purchases. On July 29, 2024, he indirectly acquired 366,500 common shares, bringing his total beneficial ownership to 11,204,529 shares and 2,941,500 convertible securities. This represents approximately 18.82% of outstanding shares on a non-diluted basis and 18.11% on a partially diluted basis.
The acquisitions were made through Shpirtrat Trust and ExpoWorld , with recent purchases at prices of $0.33, $0.22, and $0.17 per share. Mr. Passalacqua's long-term investment view suggests he may continue to acquire or sell securities depending on market conditions and other factors.