Proactive - Interviews for investors

First Phosphate CEO highlights Bégin-Lamarche research and North America's role amid CATL concerns

Episode Summary

First Phosphate's CEO, John Passalacqua joined Steve Darling from Proactive to announce the release of two detailed research reports prepared by Queen’s University and Université de Québec à Chicoutimi. The reports focus on the mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry of the Mountain, North, and South Zones of the Bégin-Lamarche igneous phosphate deposit. This deposit, located within the Lac-Saint-Jean Anorthositic (LSJA) Suite in Québec, forms part of the world’s largest anorthosite complex. The comprehensive findings, now available on the company’s website, provide critical insights into the resource’s potential and strategic significance. Passalacqua also addressed broader industry developments, particularly in light of recent geopolitical tensions surrounding CATL, the world’s largest battery maker, and its ties to China’s military. CATL’s inclusion on a U.S. government list alleging collaboration with China's military has raised concerns, particularly regarding its relationship with Tesla. CATL supplies lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries to Tesla’s Shanghai factory, the automaker's largest, and these batteries are exported to markets such as Europe and Canada. Some U.S. lawmakers have criticized CATL’s battery storage projects within the United States, citing potential security risks. Passalacqua emphasized the growing importance of establishing a secure North American supply chain for critical minerals like phosphate, which is vital for the production of batteries, fertilizers, and other technologies. He underscored First Phosphate's unique position in this chain, highlighting the strategic advantages of developing a localized and reliable resource base to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. With the ongoing shift toward renewable energy and geopolitical factors influencing global supply chains, First Phosphate aims to play a pivotal role in building a North American solution for critical materials while supporting the continent’s energy transition and industrial autonomy. #proactiveinvestors #firstphosphatecorp #cse #phos #otcqb #frspf #phosphate #LFPBatteries #PhosphoricAcid #BatterySupplyChain #LocalManufacturing #NorthAmericanProduction #CleanEnergyMaterials #EVBatteries