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First Phosphate Produces LFP Battery Cells Using North American Critical Minerals

Using mainly Quebec critical minerals

Saguenay, Quebec – Newsfile Corp. – July 7, 2025 – First Phosphate Corp. (CSE: PHOS) (OTCQB: FRSPF) (FSE: KD0) (“First Phosphate” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has successfully produced commercial-grade lithium iron phosphate (“LFP”) 18650 format battery cells using North American-sourced critical minerals, advancing its mission to localize the LFP battery supply chain in North America.

The LFP cathode and anode materials for the First Phosphate 18650 LFP battery cells were produced using North American critical minerals from the following supply sources:

  • Phosphate: High-purity phosphoric acid produced from igneous phosphate concentrate extracted from the First Phosphate Bégin-Lamarche property in Quebec, Canada and processed in the pilot installations of Prayon Technologies of Belgium, Europe.
  • Iron: Iron powder produced using magnetite concentrate from the First Phosphate Bégin-Lamarche property in Quebec, Canada and processed by GKN Hoeganaes of Tennessee, USA.
  • Lithium: Lithium carbonate produced by Century Lithium Corp. (TSXV: LCE) from its operations in Nevada, USA.
  • Graphite: Natural graphite-based active anode material produced by Nouveau Monde Graphite (NYSE: NMG) from its operations in Quebec, Canada.

“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,” said John Passalacqua, CEO of First Phosphate. “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 center, robotics, and defense industry infrastructure.”

The production process for the First Phosphate LFP 18650 Battery cells from North American critical minerals is viewable at: http://www.firstphosphate.com/NorthAmericanBatteryCells.

LFP 18650 battery cells are versatile lithium-ion batteries that are widely used in industries such as robotics, automation, military and defense, data centers, telecommunications, medical devices, consumer electronics and electric mobility.

LFP 18650 battery cells can be found in autonomous electronic devices such as robots, drones and UAVs, power chargers, laptops, power tools, electric bicycles and scooters, solar storage devices, home energy and power backup units, flashlights, digital cameras, night vision goggles, medical diagnostic equipment, data centers, AI infrastructure and telecommunications towers.

The LFP 18650 battery cells were assembled for First Phosphate by Ultion Technologies Inc (Las Vegas, Nevada), a private battery technology company specializing in LFP battery materials and cells with development and pack assembly operations for North American applications.

The First Phosphate LFP 18650 battery cells are being unveiled today by First Phosphate CEO, John Passalacqua, at the Oreba3 International Conference on Olivines for Rechargeable Batteries in memory of John B. Goodenough, 2019 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry. For additional details, please see: https://oreba3.ca/conference-agenda.

About First Phosphate Corp

First Phosphate (CSE: PHOS) (OTCQB: FRSPF) (FSE: KD0) is a mineral development company dedicated to producing high-purity phosphate for the LFP battery industry. The Company’s vertically integrated approach connects sustainable phosphate mining in Quebec with North American battery supply chains, targeting the energy storage, data center, robotics, mobility, and defense sectors. First Phosphate’s flagship Bégin-Lamarche property in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean is a rare North American igneous phosphate resource, yielding high-purity phosphate with minimal impurities.

Media & Investor Contact:

Bennett Kurtz
Chief Financial Officer
bennett@firstphosphate.com
Tel: +1 (416) 200-0657

Investor Relations: investor@firstphosphate.com
Media Relations: media@firstphosphate.com
Website: www.FirstPhosphate.com

Follow First Phosphate:

X: https://x.com/FirstPhosphate
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-phosphate

Forward-Looking Information & Cautionary Statement

This news release contains certain statements and information that may be considered “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “targets”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “an opportunity exists”, “is positioned”, “estimates”, “intends”, “assumes”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate” or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “will” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” and other similar expressions. In addition, statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements, including, among other things: the Company’s planned exploration and production activities; the properties and composition of any extracted phosphate; and the Company’s plans to connect sustainable phosphate mining in Quebec with North American battery supply chains.

These statements and other forward-looking information are based on assumptions and estimates that the Company believes are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances, which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to, the various assumptions set forth herein and in the Company’s public disclosure record including the short form base prospectus dated June 5, 2024, as well as: there being no significant disruptions affecting the activities of the Company or inability to access required project inputs; permitting and development of the projects being consistent with the Company’s expectations; the accuracy of the current mineral resource estimates for the Company and results of metallurgical testing; certain price assumptions for P2O5 and Fe2O3; inflation and prices for Company project inputs being approximately consistent with anticipated levels; the Company’s relationship with First Nations and other Indigenous parties remaining consistent with the Company’s expectations; the Company’s relationship with other third party partners and suppliers remaining consistent with the Company’s expectations; and government relations and actions being consistent with Company expectations

There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. There can be no assurance that any opportunity will be successful, commercially viable, completed on time or on budget, or will generate any meaningful revenues, savings or earnings, as the case may be, for the Company. In addition, the Company will incur costs in pursuing any particular opportunity, which may be significant. These factors and assumptions are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors and assumptions that could affect the Company and, though they should be considered carefully, should be considered in conjunction with the risk factors described in the Company’s other documents filed with the Canadian and United States securities authorities, including without limitation the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Management Discussion and Analysis dated June 27, 2025 and Annual Report on 20-F dated July 8, 2024, which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in the forward-looking information or information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Global Eco forum in China’s Guiyang highlights Green Transformation


GUIYANG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 July 2025 – Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2025, China’s only national-level international forum dedicated to ecological civilization, kicked off on Saturday in Guiyang, the capital of southwest China’s Guizhou Province.

This photo taken on July 5, 2025 shows a sign of the Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2025 in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province.
This photo taken on July 5, 2025 shows a sign of the Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2025 in Guiyang, southwest China’s Guizhou Province.

This year’s event, themed “Harmonious coexistence between humans and nature — global collaborative development for green transformation,” has attracted some 800 participants. Twenty sub-forums will be held, covering key topics on sustainable development, climate change, biodiversity conservation and environmental governance.

The Opening Ceremony of 2025 Eco Forum Global Guyang, Photographed on July 5th 2025.
The Opening Ceremony of 2025 Eco Forum Global Guyang, Photographed on July 5th 2025.

During the two-day event, the latest eco-friendly technologies and products in fields like new energy and solid waste treatment will be unveiled and promoted.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Morris Toiraena, deputy speaker of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, praised the forum’s role in promoting international green cooperation.

“The forum’s enduring commitment to ecological civilization, aligned with China’s forward-thinking concepts, policies and actions, serves as an inspiring example for all of us,” he said.

Since its inception in 2009, the forum has successfully convened 12 sessions. It now serves as both a key platform to showcase China’s progress in ecological civilization and a cultural bridge for fostering international exchanges and cooperation.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Octa Broker: Malaysia’s BNM May deliver a surprise rate cut


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 July 2025 – This Wednesday, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) will announce its policy rate decision. While most analysts expect Malaysia’s central bank to keep the rate unchanged, Octa Broker suggests a surprise rate cut is possible due to subdued inflation, strong ringgit, and a high probability for Federal Reserve(Fed) rate cuts later this year.

Malaysia inflation and interest rate vs USDMYR exchange rate
Source: LSEG
Source: LSEG

On Wednesday, 9 July, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), the nation’s central bank, will reveal its policy rate decision. Like most other central banks around the world, BNM strives to maintain a balance between low inflation and sustainable economic growth. Its key monetary policy instrument is the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR). By adjusting the OPR, BNM influences interest rates throughout the Malaysian economy, impacting borrowing costs for businesses and consumers and ultimately influencing economic activity and inflation.

The BNM has kept its base rate unchanged for almost two years, a policy that sets it apart from many of its regional counterparts, such as Bank Indonesia, the Bank of Thailand, the Philippine central bank, and the Bank of Korea. They all have opted to lower interest rates in an effort to stimulate their respective economies. The last time the BNM adjusted its monetary policy was in May 2023, when it unexpectedly increased its OPR to 3.00% to combat persistently high inflation, which was being fueled by robust household spending and tight labour market conditions. Since that time, the Malaysian economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience, showing only an insignificant slowdown; however, some of the most recent data prints have begun to suggest a potential shift in underlying economic trends, prompting closer scrutiny and analysis of future policy directions.

Although Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded at a solid 4.4% annual rate in Q1 2025, it was slower than during the previous quarter and below the 4.5% expansion rate expected by the market. At his press conference in May, Abdul Rasheed, the BNM Governor, stressed that growth in major trading partners due to trade restrictions would affect spending and investment activities in Malaysia and said that ‘the balance of risk to the growth outlook is currently tilted to the downside’. Indeed, the most recent economic data has consistently underperformed expectations over the past several months, raising concerns regarding the future trajectory of the Malaysian economy.

In April, Malaysia’s industrial production saw only a 2.7% increase year-over-year (y-o-y), substantially below the 3.9% expansion rate expected by the market. In May, the country experienced an unexpected 1.1% annual decline in exports, primarily due to reduced shipments of petroleum products, chemicals, iron, and steel. This contrasted sharply with economists’ predictions of a 7.5% export growth. Consequently, Malaysia’s trade surplus for May was significantly lower than anticipated, reaching only 0.8 billion ringgit (MYR). Most importantly, Malaysia’s consumer price index (CPI) rose just 1.2% y-o-y in May, less than the 1.4% increase forecast by the market.

BNM’s upcoming policy rate decision arrives on the back of rather disappointing data prints’, says Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa Broker. ‘With inflation at four-year low and exports slowing sharply to the point of almost pushing the trade balance into the negative territory, I do not think BNM can afford to keep the rates at 3.00% for much longer. BNM is actually well-positioned to act now. Slowing inflation provides room for a rate cut, while slowing exports and external growth uncertainties provide a good reason for it’.

Although it is relatively uncommon for central banks to make surprise policy rate decisions so as not to unnerve the markets, BNM is facing substantial external pressure to act preemptively. Starting from July 9, Malaysian exports to the U.S. will be subject to a 24% tariff, unless a successful negotiation for a lower rate can be achieved. There has been little progress on that front lately. Moreover, USDMYR has dropped by almost 13% since April last year and risks falling further as investors’ monetary policy expectations regarding the U.S. central bank remain decidedly dovish. Indeed, traders are currently pricing in a 72% chance of a rate cut by the Fed in September. Meanwhile, the latest interest rates swaps market data factors in a roughly 33% probability that the Fed’s rate will decline by 75 basis points (bps) to 3.50-3.75% by the end of the year, substantially reducing the interest rate differential between the U.S. and Malaysia. This will likely exert an additional bearish pressure on USDMYR, potentially hurting Malaysian exports even further.

Kar Yong Ang concludes: ‘While global investors might be overly optimistic regarding the Fed’s propensity for rate cuts, Malaysia still faces significant external growth challenges regardless of relative monetary policy stances. The global economy will almost certainly slow down due to U.S. tariffs, and given Malaysia’s openness as an export-oriented economy, it is highly vulnerable to the resulting downturn in global trade and weaker demand from major trading partners, alongside the direct impact of the tariffs on its own exports’.

On balance, as the BNM will be announcing its policy rate decision amidst growing external pressures and a string of disappointing economic reports, the chances for a surprise rate cut have increased considerably. Octa broker analysts believe that subdued inflation allows for a rate cut, while slowing exports and external growth uncertainties provide a good reason for it. Indeed, the looming 24% U.S. tariff on Malaysian exports and ostensibly dovish Fed further complicates the outlook and underscores the need for preemptive action to mitigate downside risks.

___

Disclaimer: This press release does not contain or constitute investment advice or recommendations and does not consider your investment objectives, financial situation, or needs. Any actions taken based on this content are at your sole discretion and risk—Octa does not accept any liability for any resulting losses or consequences.

Hashtag: #Octa

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Octa

is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including improving educational infrastructure and funding short-notice relief projects to support local communities.
In Southeast Asia, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

DFI Retail Group to Announce 2025 Half-year Financial Results and Host Analyst Presentation Live Webcast

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 July 2025 – DFI Retail Group Holdings Limited will announce its 2025 half-year Results after market close on 22 July 2025, followed by an analyst presentation live webcast on 23 July 2025.

Date: Wednesday, 23 July 2025

Time: 09:30 – 10:30 am (Hong Kong Time)

Presented by: Mr. Scott Price, Group Chief Executive and Mr. Tom van der Lee, Group Chief Financial Officer

Kindly RSVP by completing the form on or before Tuesday, 18 July 2025.

To avoid delays, we encourage participants to log in ten minutes ahead of the scheduled start time. A replay of the presentation will be available via webcast on DFI Retail Group’s website.

Should you have any queries please email us at DFIComms@DFIretailgroup.com.

Hashtag: #DFIRetailGroup #Mannings #Guardian #7-Eleven #Wellcome #MarketPlace #ColdStorage #Giant #IKEA #yuu

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

DFI Retail Group

DFI Retail Group (the ‘Group’) is a leading Asian retailer, driven by its purpose to “Sustainably Serve Asia for Generations with Everyday Moments”. The Group is dedicated to delivering quality, value and exceptional service to Asian consumers through a compelling retail experience, supported by an extensive store network and highly efficient supply chains. The Group, including associates and joint ventures, operates a portfolio of well-known brands across five key divisions: health and beauty, convenience, food, home furnishings, and restaurants.

Vientiane’s Bus Rapid Transit Service Set to Begin Trial Operations by End of August

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses during the way travelling from China by Chinese manufacturer Chery Wanda to Vientiane Capital, Laos. 5 November 2024. (Photo credit: Laos - China Railway Company Limited)

Vientiane’s BRT service is scheduled to begin trial operations free of charge for three months by the end of August, Mayor of Vientiane Capital Athsphangthong Siphandone announced during the 9th Ordinary Session of the Vientiane People’s Council’s second legislature on 7 July.

The BRT project has made substantial progress, with construction of lanes and stations currently at 71.64 percent completion, according to Athsphangthong. Officials expect construction to reach 90 percent completion by the end of July, positioning the system to become fully operational by the end of 2025.

The BRT system will feature 12-meter electric air-conditioned express buses with 40 seats each, operating on dedicated routes for faster and safer service. Twenty-eight of the total 55 electric BRT buses arrived in Laos on 5 November 2024, with the remaining 27 buses expected to arrive in the future. 

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses during the way travelling from China by Chinese manufacturer Chery Wanda to Vientiane Capital, Laos. 5 November 2024. (Photo credit: Laos – China Railway Company Limited)

The system will operate daily from 6 am to 10 pm and will integrate seamlessly with the city’s existing bus network.

The BRT route includes six main stations located throughout the capital: Chao Fa Ngum Park, Inpeng Temple, Morning Market (Vientiane Bus Station), Patuxay, Phonekheng, and National University of Laos. These buses will run on exclusive BRT lanes, providing faster and safer service for commuters while reducing traffic congestion in the city center.

The project extends beyond the initial phase, with construction plans including expanding the BRT route to connect Wattay International Airport and the Laos-China Railway Station. This expansion is targeted for completion by the end of 2026, creating crucial transportation links between the capital’s key transit hubs and establishing seamless connectivity for both domestic and international travelers.

Since its mid-2024 launch, the project has made strong progress, aiming to improve public transport with efficient, eco-friendly service for Vientiane’s residents and visitors.

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses during the way travelling from China by Chinese manufacturer Chery Wanda to Vientiane Capital, Laos. 5 November 2024. (Photo credit: Laos – China Railway Company Limited)

 

Kenanga Investment Bank’s NagaWarrants Unlocks New Trading Frontiers with HSCEI and HSTECH Warrants


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 July 2025 – Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (“Kenanga Group” or “The Group“), Malaysia’s no. 1 issuer of structured warrants, proudly announces the launch of its first-ever Hang Seng China Enterprises Index (“HSCEI“) structured warrants – HSCEI-CAA and HSCEI-HBA – and Hang Seng TECH Index (“HSTECH“) structured warrants – HSTECH-C30 and HSTECH-H27 – under its flagship brand, NagaWarrants by Kenanga (“NagaWarrants“).

From left to right: Kenneth Teoh, Deputy Head, Equity Derivatives, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (
From left to right: Kenneth Teoh, Deputy Head, Equity Derivatives, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (“KIBB”); Luk Wai Hong, William, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director, KIBB; Angeline-Ong Su Ming, Independent Non-Executive Director, KIBB; Philip Lim, Head, Equity Markets & Group Head, Equity Derivatives, KIBB; Datuk Chay Wai Leong, Group Managing Director, KIBB; Datuk Lee Kok Khee, Executive Director, Head of Group Equity Business, KIBB; Jeremy Nasrulhaq, Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, KIBB; Anita Mo, Chief Executive Officer, Hang Seng Indexes Company; Isabelle Zhen, Head, Group Equity Marketing, KIBB

This launch marks a strategic expansion of the Group’s East Asia footprint, following the successful introduction of Hang Seng Index (“HSI”) structured warrants – HSI-CIW and HSI-HMO – in 2021. With HSCEI and HSTECH now listed on Bursa Malaysia, Malaysian investors will gain diversified access to two of Hong Kong’s most influential indices, offering new opportunities to tap into China’s financial and technology sectors.

The HSCEI tracks heavyweight mainland enterprises listed in Hong Kong, including financial and infrastructure giants such as ICBC, China Construction Bank, PetroChina, and Ping An Insurance. It serves as a key benchmark for tracking the performance of China’s largest state-owned enterprises.

The HSTECH, on the other hand, captures the growth of China’s leading tech innovators such as Tencent, Meituan, Xiaomi, and JD.com. With its focus on fast-evolving technology and innovation, HSTECH is ideal for traders with higher risk appetites looking for volatility and growth potential.

Kenanga Group’s presence in the structured warrants market is underscored by its 64% market share in HSI warrants. In 2024, the structured warrants segment on Bursa Malaysia recorded a turnover of RM30.3 billion, contributing approximately 4% to the exchange’s total market turnover of RM848.7 billion.

The launch of HSCEI and HSTECH structured warrants is expected to broaden market participation, diversify product offerings, and boost overall liquidity – particularly among retail traders already familiar with Hang Seng Index warrants.

“The launch of HSCEI and HSTECH structured warrants marks a pivotal step in our mission to democratise access to global markets. As Malaysia’s leading issuer, Kenanga Group remains committed to driving innovation, expanding investor opportunities, and shaping the future of structured warrants. This initiative reflects our long-term vision to empower a new generation of traders while reinforcing our leadership in the region’s capital markets,” said Datuk Chay Wai Leong, Group Managing Director of Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad.

“In 2024, NagaWarrants achieved a record-breaking market share of 52%, with a total turnover of RM15.7 billion. This milestone also marks our 300th Hang Seng-listed structured warrant on Bursa Malaysia – a testament to our relentless drive to innovate and serve the evolving needs of Malaysian traders,” added Datuk Lee Kok Khee, Executive Director, Head of Group Equity Business of Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad.

Beyond product innovation, NagaWarrants continues to empower investors through a blend of educational outreach and advanced analytics. In 2024, it hosted over 50 webinars and events, earning the SRP Asia Pacific Award for Best Educational Initiative in 2022, 2023 and 2025. At the same time, its adoption of machine learning models – which analyse interest rate movements, market trends, and regional dynamics to anticipate demand fluctuations – has enhanced precision in warrant issuance.

In recognition of its leadership and innovation, Kenanga Group has received several prestigious accolades, including:

  • Bursa Excellence Awards: Best Structured Warrants Issuer (2021 and 2024) (Equity and Index)
  • Global Banking & Finance Awards (UK): Best Warrants Issuer & Best Market Maker (2024 and 2025)
  • FinanceAsia (HK): Most Innovative Use of Technology (2024 and 2025)

Looking ahead, Kenanga Group remains committed to supporting investors through innovation, education and access to global markets. To explore trading opportunities and stay informed, visit www.nagawarrants.com or join our Telegram community (@NagaWarrants).

Hashtag: #KenangaInvestmentBank

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (197301002193 (15678-H))

Established for over 50 years, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (“The Group“) is a leading financial group in Malaysia, offering a wide range of services, including equity broking, investment banking, treasury, Islamic banking, listed derivatives, investment management, wealth management, structured lending, and trade financing. The Group’s digital innovations include the launch of KDi GO, a wealth-centric app, along with game- changing products such as Rakuten Trade, Malaysia’s first fully digital stockbroking platform, and Kenanga Digital Investing, an A.I. robo-advisor.

Kenanga has garnered multiple awards, including top honours at the Bursa Excellence Awards 2024 and The Edge Malaysia Centurion Club 2023. The Group also secured the Top 20 Overall Excellence and the Niche Cap Excellence Award at the National Corporate Governance and Sustainability Awards 2024. As one of the highest- scoring constituents of the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index and a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact, Kenanga continues to drive collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in the financial industry.

For more information, please visit

Lao Man Arrested in Thailand for Producing, Selling Child Abuse Content

Lao Man Arrested in Thailand for Producing, Selling Child Abuse Content

Thai police arrested a 20-year-old Lao national on 6 July at a resort in Muang District, Surin Province, for allegedly producing and distributing child sexual abuse material through paid online groups.

US Tariffs to Take Effect 1 August Without New Trade Deals

US Tariffs to Take Effect 1 August Without New Trade Deals
US President Donald Trump (C) holds a gavel after signing the "Big Beautiful Bill Act" at the White House in Washington, DC, on July 4, 2025. (photo credit: Brendan SMIALOWSKI / POOL / AFP)

AFP – US tariffs will kick in on 1 August if trading partners from Taiwan to the European Union do not strike deals with Washington, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on 6 July.