First Phosphate Corp. (CSE:PHOS) has received a significant boost for its mining project and planned purified phosphoric acid plant.
The Hon. Mario Simard, Member of Parliament (BQ) for the Riding of Jonquière, Quebec, has expressed his support for the endeavor.
In a letter addressed to First Phosphate, Simard, who serves as the vice-chair of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources and is the critic for natural resources for the Bloc Québécois, emphasized the importance of the project in the context of climate change and the transition to clean energy.
"In the current context of climate change, all efforts to undertake the energy transition in a concrete way must be supported and encouraged," Simard wrote. "In this respect, phosphate is a key element in the development of the battery industry."
The support from Simard is seen as a significant endorsement for First Phosphate's vision to establish the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region of Quebec as the LFP Battery Valley of North America.
John Passalacqua, CEO of First Phosphate, expressed gratitude for Simard's backing.
"The team at First Phosphate appreciates the support that Mr. Simard and his staff have provided to us since the very beginning of our concept," said Passalacqua.
"In Canada, we need leadership that backs major projects and that supports job creation in local economies, especially an economy with the potential of Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, Quebec."
Simard’s letter highlighted the environmental benefits of phosphate-based batteries, particularly lithium iron phosphate batteries, which are non-toxic and offer superior fire protection. He underscored the potential of the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region to become a leader in the energy transition through the development of a LFP battery industry.
"Thanks to the availability of phosphate (amongst the purest 1% in the world), our region has the potential to establish itself as a true leader in the energy transition, all through the development of a LFP battery industry," Simard wrote.
The full letter of support from Mr.Simard can be accessed on First Phosphate's website.
First Phosphate's project aims to leverage Quebec's clean hydroelectric grid and the region's abundant phosphate resources to contribute to the growth of the battery industry and support the transition to green energy.