First Phosphate Corp. has published a study on its phosphate deposit in Saguenay, Quebec, in the scientific journal Ore Geology Reviews. The study, conducted by researchers from Queen's University and Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, highlights the deposit's potential for purified phosphoric acid production, which is used in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery manufacturing.
The Bégin-Lamarche Igneous Phosphate Deposit, located in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Québec, Canada, is part of the 1.14 Ga Lac-Saint-Jean Anorthositic Suite. The deposit contains phosphate-rich layers with low levels of chlorine and trace elements, making it suitable for purified phosphoric acid production. Apatite is the primary phosphatic mineralization in the deposit, with concentrate levels of around 40% P2O5.
The research noted low concentrations of trace elements relative to sedimentary phosphate deposits. The geometry, thickness, and near-surface occurrence of specific phosphate layers were described as potentially favorable for open-pit mining, subject to further engineering and mine planning studies. Steeve Lavoie, Chief Geologist of First Phosphate and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, oversaw the study.
The study was published in the scientific journal Ore Geology Reviews, available on ScienceDirect / Elsevier.
