First Phosphate Corp. (CSE:PHOS, OTCQX:FRSPF, FRA:KD0, OTC:FPHOY) announced that it has finalized agreements for $4.84 million in non-repayable funding from the Government of Canada through Natural Resources Canada's First and Last Mile Fund to support infrastructure development for its Bégin-Lamarche phosphate deposit in Quebec.
The funding includes approximately $3.07 million for a study focused on clean energy infrastructure, including the site selection, connection corridors, feasibility work and design of a 161-kilovolt transmission line and substations in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region. The project will also include technical, cost, environmental and consultation work.
A further $1.77 million will support preparatory work for a new access road and studies to identify options for upgrading bypass roads connecting the proposed mine with regional infrastructure, including rail links and the Port of Saguenay.
The agreements build on $16.7 million in funding made available by NRCan in March 2026 through the Global Partnerships Initiative for development of the Bégin-Lamarche deposit.
First Phosphate said that the infrastructure projects are intended to address clean energy and transportation gaps in the region and support the development of critical mineral production. Eligible activities covered by the contributions are planned through 2030.
"This support from the Government of Canada for First Phosphate sends a strong message to our investors and partners in Quebec, Canada, and internationally," First Phosphate president Armand MacKenzie said.
"It reinforces confidence in our ability to carry out this strategic mining project and deliver our high-purity igneous phosphate to the market on schedule."
Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, highlighted the role of infrastructure investment in connecting Canada's resources with global markets while supporting jobs and strengthening supply chains.
"Investments like these help unlock our full potential by connecting projects to the infrastructure they need to move forward - creating jobs, strengthening supply chains and delivering lasting prosperity for Quebec and Canada," Hodgson said.