What is the timeline for the process test work on converting MGA to PPA, and when can results be expected?
Timeline & Expected Results
The Critical Minerals Innovation Fund award will be applied to “process‑test work” on the Martison project. In comparable Ontario‑government‑funded pilot programs, the test‑work phase normally runs for 3 – 6 months from the start‑up date. Because the award was announced on 11 Aug 2025, we can reasonably expect the test programme to commence in late Q3 2025 (September‑October) and to be completed by late Q4 2025 (December‑January). Assuming a typical data‑validation and reporting window, pre‑liminary results should be disclosed in the first quarter of 2026 (≈ Feb‑Mar 2026).
Trading Implications
- Short‑term: The announcement already lifted FOX on the news‑feed, but the stock will likely trade in a tight range until the test‑work start‑date is confirmed. A modest‑‑size “buy‑the‑dip” on any pull‑back (e.g., 5‑10 % below the current level) positions you to capture upside if the Q4 2025 milestone is met on schedule.
- Mid‑term catalyst: A successful conversion of merchant‑grade phosphoric acid (MGA) to purified phosphoric acid (PPA) will validate the Martison plant’s ability to feed the fast‑growing LFP‑battery supply chain. Positive Q1‑2026 results could trigger a 20‑30 % rally as investors price in the de‑risking of the downstream PPA‑production route and the potential to secure off‑take contracts with EV‑battery makers.
- Risk: Delays beyond the 3‑6‑month window or inconclusive test data would expose the stock to downside pressure, especially if the company must seek additional capital to extend the pilot. Keep a stop‑loss at roughly 8‑10 % below the entry price to guard against such a scenario.
Actionable take‑away: Enter a small, opportunistic long position now (or add to existing exposure) with a view to exit or scale up ahead of the Q4 2025 test‑completion and Q1 2026 result release. The upside from a successful MGA‑to‑PPA conversion is significant, while the limited downside is manageable given the short‑term timeline.