First Phosphate Corp. (CSE:PHOS, OTCQX:FRSPF, FRA:KD0, OTC:FPHOY) said Monday that its Bégin-Lamarche igneous rock phosphate mining project has been granted "Filon" accelerated support status by Quebec's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests.
The designation is part of an MRNF initiative aimed at speeding up development milestones for mining projects in the province.
The specialized support is intended to facilitate discussions with government departments and agencies responsible for issuing mining authorizations and permits for the project.
"With the Bégin-Lamarche project, Québec is transforming its geological potential into an economic advantage," said Kateri Champagne Jourdain, Québec Minister of Natural Resources and Forests.
"By developing a high-purity phosphate deposit intended for the battery sector, we are helping to build a more innovative, more resilient economy focused on future markets. Filon will advance this structural project through a specialized support mechanism."
"We appreciate that the Government of Québec has granted accelerated status to our Bégin-Lamarche igneous rock phosphate project," said John Passalacqua, CEO of First Phosphate. "Our project holds significant strategic value in helping to onshore the lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery supply chain in North America."
The Filon initiative was announced as part of the Québec Strategy for the Development of Critical and Strategic Minerals 2025-2031, and targets critical and strategic mineral projects across the province.