First Phosphate Corp. (CSE:PHOS, OTCQB:FRSPF) has announced a strategic collaboration with GKN Hoeganaes, a division of GKN Powder Metallurgy, to support the development of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode active material.
The company sees the partnership as a pivotal step in establishing a sustainable and locally sourced supply chain for LFP batteries in North America, essential for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems.
The partnership builds on the integration of First Phosphate’s magnetite into GKN Hoeganaes' advanced Ancorsteel melting process.
This combination has successfully produced high-purity iron powder, which serves as a precursor for LFP cathode material required for the production of LFP batteries.
First Phosphate will use Ancorsteel in its upcoming facility in Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, Quebec, which targets an annual production capacity of 400,000 tonnes of iron phosphate precursor (FP pCAM) and LFP cathode active material (LFP CAM) by 2032.
"Working with GKN Hoeganaes to bring Ancorsteel to the market is a vital step in advancing our mission to create a sustainable and locally sourced LFP battery supply chain", First Phosphate CEO John Passalacqua said.
"This partnership combines our high-quality phosphate resources with GKN Hoeganaes' expertise in iron powder production, setting the stage for a robust North American battery ecosystem."
Matthias Voss, GKN Hoeganaes president, added: "Partnering with First Phosphate enables us to contribute our advanced iron powder technology to a rapidly growing industry that is focused on clean and efficient energy storage solutions.”