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 lion’s share of phosphate reserves, around 70%, is located in Morocco.
| Rank | Country | Reserves (in thousand metric tons) | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇲🇦 Morocco | 50,000,000 | 69.4% |
| 2 | 🇪🇬 Egypt | 2,800,000 | 3.9% |
| 4 | 🇹🇳 Tunisia | 2,500,000 | 3.5% |
| 5 | 🇩🇿 Algeria | 2,200,000 | 3.1% |
| 6 | 🇨🇳 China | 1,900,000 | 2.6% |
| 7 | 🇧🇷 Brazil | 1,600,000 | 2.2% |
| 8 | 🇿🇦 South Africa | 1,600,000 | 2.2% |
| 9 | 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia | 1,400,000 | 1.9% |
| 10 | 🇦🇺 Australia | 1,100,000 | 1.5% |
| 11 | 🇺🇸 United States | 1,000,000 | 1.4% |
| 12 | 🇫🇮 Finland | 1,000,000 | 1.4% |
| 13 | 🇯🇴 Jordan | 1,000,000 | 1.4% |
| 14 | 🇷🇺 Russia | 600,000 | 0.8% |
| 15 | 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan | 260,000 | 0.4% |
| 16 | 🇵🇪 Peru | 210,000 | 0.3% |
| 17 | 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan | 100,000 | 0.1% |
| 18 | 🇮🇱 Israel | 60,000 | 0.1% |
| 19 | 🇸🇳 Senegal | 50,000 | 0.1% |
| 20 | 🇹🇷 Turkey | 50,000 | 0.1% |
| 21 | 🇮🇳 India | 46,000 | 0.1% |
| 22 | 🇲🇽 Mexico | 30,000 | 0.0% |
| 23 | 🇹🇬 Togo | 30,000 | 0.0% |
| 24 | 🇻🇳 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.
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 Québec, First Phosphate is leading the charge in producing the highest purity, ESG-driven, carbon-neutral phosphate for the global LFP battery industry.
