Today, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced that Arianne Phosphate Inc. has received conditional approval for an investment of up to $735,000 through the Critical Minerals Research, Development and Demonstration (CMRDD) program. This funding forms part of the Government of Canada’s $80.3-million investment, announced by Prime Minister Carney at the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit, aimed at building reliable critical minerals supply chains in the country.
The investment will support Arianne Phosphate Inc.’s efforts to process phosphate rock from its Lac à Paul deposit and optimize the phosphoric acid purification process. If commercialized, this project could establish a Canadian source of phosphorus, a key component in lithium-iron-phosphate batteries, while also supporting the production of fertilizers and other specialty products.
Critical minerals, including phosphorus, are essential for technologies driving the global economic and industrial transition. Through investments in a resilient and sustainable Canadian mining and mineral processing sector, the Government of Canada aims to create jobs, strengthen national sovereignty, and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the clean energy transition.
Minister Hodgson highlighted that supporting projects like Arianne Phosphate’s Technology Centre strengthens Canada’s leadership in critical minerals, promotes innovation, ensures supply chain security, and generates employment, while positioning the country at the forefront of the global shift to clean technologies. Parliamentary Secretary Claude Guay emphasized that this investment ensures a reliable, sustainable supply of critical minerals necessary for clean energy generation and storage. Arianne Phosphate’s Executive Chairman, Marco Gagnon, noted that government support will help advance the Lac à Paul project, benefiting Canada, stakeholders, and shareholders, while reinforcing the country’s critical minerals leadership.
The Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy guides these initiatives, aiming to develop critical mineral value chains that drive the low-carbon economy and advanced technology sectors. At the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit, Prime Minister Carney announced $80.3 million to strengthen domestic research and development, enhance global supply chain resilience, and respond to market disruptions, including $50.3 million specifically for R&D and strategic partnerships.
