First Phosphate has announced the successful production of commercial-grade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) 18650 format battery cells in a significant step towards localising the LFP battery supply chain in North America.

This development utilises critical minerals sourced entirely from North American suppliers, aligning with the company's mission to enhance regional production capabilities.

The LFP cathode and anode materials for the First Phosphate 18650 LFP battery cells were produced using high-purity phosphoric acid from igneous phosphate concentrate derived from the company's Bégin-Lamarche property in Quebec, Canada.

The phosphate was processed in the pilot installations of Prayon Technologies, Belgium.

Iron powder, derived from magnetite concentrate from the same Quebec property, was processed by GKN Hoeganaes in Tennessee.

Lithium carbonate was sourced from Century Lithium's operations in Nevada, while natural graphite-based active anode material was produced by Nouveau Monde Graphite from its Quebec, Canada operations.

First Phosphate CEO John Passalacqua stated: “Today we demonstrate that North America, and Quebec in particular, possess the full spectrum of critical minerals and industrial capabilities to re-onshore LFP battery cell production.

“It is important to remember that LFP battery technology originated in North America. Reclaiming this leadership is essential to securing North American energy storage, mobility, data centre, robotics and defence industry infrastructure.”

The assembly of the LFP 18650 battery cells was undertaken by Ultion Technologies, a private battery technology company based in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ultion specialises in LFP battery materials and cells, with development and pack assembly operations focused on North American applications.