Mapped: Where is the Best Phosphate For LFP Batteries?
Although global phosphate reserves stand at 72 billion metric tons, EV batteries typically require high-purity phosphate found in rare igneous rock phosphate deposits.
In this infographic sponsored by First Phosphate, we explore global phosphate reserves and highlight which deposits are best suited for Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery production.
Phosphate Rock: Sedimentary vs. Igneous
Phosphate exists in both sedimentary and igneous rock types.
Sedimentary rock forms from layers of sediment and organic matter, while igneous rock originates from cooled magma or lava.
Interestingly, igneous phosphate rock deposits have the advantage of producing higher-purity phosphoric acid suitable for EV battery production, but 95% of global phosphate is in sedimentary rock.
Where in the World is Phosphate?
The lionโs share of phosphate reserves, around 70%, is located in Morocco.
Rank | Country | Reserves (in thousand metric tons) | Share (%) |
---|---|---|---|
1 | ๐ฒ๐ฆ Morocco | 50,000,000 | 69.4% |
2 | ๐ช๐ฌ Egypt | 2,800,000 | 3.9% |
4 | ๐น๐ณ Tunisia | 2,500,000 | 3.5% |
5 | ๐ฉ๐ฟ Algeria | 2,200,000 | 3.1% |
6 | ๐จ๐ณ China | 1,900,000 | 2.6% |
7 | ๐ง๐ท Brazil | 1,600,000 | 2.2% |
8 | ๐ฟ๐ฆ South Africa | 1,600,000 | 2.2% |
9 | ๐ธ๐ฆ Saudi Arabia | 1,400,000 | 1.9% |
10 | ๐ฆ๐บ Australia | 1,100,000 | 1.5% |
11 | ๐บ๐ธ United States | 1,000,000 | 1.4% |
12 | ๐ซ๐ฎ Finland | 1,000,000 | 1.4% |
13 | ๐ฏ๐ด Jordan | 1,000,000 | 1.4% |
14 | ๐ท๐บ Russia | 600,000 | 0.8% |
15 | ๐ฐ๐ฟ Kazakhstan | 260,000 | 0.4% |
16 | ๐ต๐ช Peru | 210,000 | 0.3% |
17 | ๐บ๐ฟ Uzbekistan | 100,000 | 0.1% |
18 | ๐ฎ๐ฑ Israel | 60,000 | 0.1% |
19 | ๐ธ๐ณ Senegal | 50,000 | 0.1% |
20 | ๐น๐ท Turkey | 50,000 | 0.1% |
21 | ๐ฎ๐ณ India | 46,000 | 0.1% |
22 | ๐ฒ๐ฝ Mexico | 30,000 | 0.0% |
23 | ๐น๐ฌ Togo | 30,000 | 0.0% |
24 | ๐ป๐ณ Vietnam | 30,000 | 0.0% |
3 | Other countries | 2,600,000 | 3.6% |
World total (rounded) | 72,000,000 | 100.00% |
Significant igneous phosphate deposits are only found in Brazil, Canada, Finland, Russia, and South Africa.ย
Within igneous rock types, there is also a distinction in purity. About 4% of global phosphate deposits are igneous carbonatite rock, while a mere 1% are the highest-purity igneous anorthosite rock.
Why is it Important for EVs?
The igneous rock type itself is crucial, especially when considering the waste produced during the creation of purified phosphoric acid used in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for EVs.
Igneous anorthosite rock advantages for LFP battery production include:
- 90% can be converted to LFP grade purified phosphoric acid for LFP battery
- Allows 100% focus on LFP battery and EV clients downstream
- Clean processing allows for a fully circular economy.
First Phosphate: Leading the Charge
With a rare igneous anorthosite rock deposit in Quรฉbec, First Phosphate is leading the charge in producing the highest purity, ESG-driven, carbon-neutral phosphate for the global LFP battery industry.