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

First Phosphate Corp has announced the signing of a collaboration agreement with the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nations regarding its proposed phosphate mine and Lithium Iron Phosphate cathode active material plant project in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean Region of Quebec, Canada. The agreement, signed by First Phosphate CEO John Passalacqua and Vice President of Government Relations Armand Mackenzie, along with representatives from the Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan, sets out comprehensive guidelines for multiple aspects of the project development. This framework addresses employment opportunities, business development horizons, and environmental protection measures across the Nitassinan or ancestral lands of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh people.

The collaboration establishes protocols for harmonizing exploration work with the members of the First Nation who occupy the Nitassinan territory, ensuring that all future activities respect traditional land use and cultural practices. The agreement also provides for supervision of future work by the First Nation, creating a cooperative oversight mechanism that balances industrial development with indigenous rights and environmental stewardship. According to the company's announcement, future access to the industrial park at Mashteuiatsh for project development and financial participation in the project by the First Nation are also under consideration as part of the ongoing partnership.

The Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation has committed to collaborating with First Phosphate in establishing rare igneous phosphate as a critical and strategic mineral at the Canadian federal levels of government. This joint advocacy effort represents a significant aspect of the agreement, as recognition at the federal level could unlock additional support and resources for the project while positioning Canada in the global critical minerals supply chain. The collaboration marks an important development in the evolving relationship between resource companies and Indigenous communities in Canada, demonstrating how industrial projects can proceed through meaningful partnership rather than confrontation.

This agreement represents a substantial advancement for First Phosphate's project development timeline, as it addresses key social license considerations that have become increasingly important for resource projects in Canada. By establishing clear guidelines for employment, environmental protection, and community engagement, the company aims to ensure the project proceeds in a manner that respects the rights and interests of the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nations while creating economic opportunities for both the company and the local community. The timing of this announcement coincides with First Phosphate's continued advancement of its plans for the phosphate mine and Lithium Iron Phosphate cathode active material plant, positioning the company to move forward with greater certainty regarding community support and regulatory compliance.

The effort to establish rare igneous phosphate as a critical and strategic mineral at the federal level carries significant implications for Canada's critical minerals strategy and the broader North American battery supply chain. Success in this endeavor could position First Phosphate's project as a strategically important domestic source of materials essential for lithium iron phosphate batteries, which are increasingly used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. The collaboration with the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nations strengthens the company's position in seeking this designation, as it demonstrates community support and alignment with broader national interests in developing secure, ethically sourced critical mineral supplies.