First Phosphate Corp Signs Collaboration Agreement with Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nations for Quebec Mining Project

First Phosphate Corp has signed a collaboration agreement with the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nations concerning its proposed phosphate mine and Lithium Iron Phosphate cathode active material plant project in Quebec's Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean Region. The agreement establishes comprehensive guidelines covering employment opportunities, business development, environmental protection across the Nitassinan ancestral lands, coordination of exploration work with First Nation members, and supervision of future operations. Signed by First Phosphate CEO John Passalacqua and Vice President of Government Relations Armand Mackenzie alongside representatives from the Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan, this partnership represents a model for Indigenous collaboration in resource development projects.

The agreement addresses multiple critical aspects of project development, including potential future access to the industrial park at Mashteuiatsh for project development and financial participation in the project by the First Nation. This comprehensive approach ensures that economic benefits are shared with the local Indigenous community while respecting traditional lands and practices. The Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nations have committed to working with First Phosphate in establishing rare igneous phosphate as a critical and strategic mineral at Canadian federal government levels, potentially influencing national mineral policy and recognition.

This collaboration demonstrates First Phosphate's commitment to meaningful partnership with Indigenous communities, setting a precedent for how mining companies can work respectfully with First Nations on traditional territories. The guidelines established through this agreement aim to balance economic development with environmental stewardship and cultural preservation, addressing concerns that have historically complicated resource extraction projects on Indigenous lands. By formalizing this relationship early in the project development process, both parties create a framework for ongoing dialogue and mutual benefit.

The timing of this agreement coincides with First Phosphate's continued advancement of its phosphate mine and Lithium Iron Phosphate cathode active material plant plans. The company's efforts to secure critical mineral status for rare igneous phosphate at the federal level, supported by this Indigenous partnership, could have significant implications for Canada's critical minerals strategy and the global battery supply chain. This collaboration represents a shift toward more inclusive and sustainable resource development practices in Canada's mining sector.