First Mining Gold Signs Process Agreement with First Nations, Advancing Anishinaabe-Led Impact Assessment at Springpole

• First Mining Gold has entered into a Process Agreement with Cat Lake First Nation and Lac Seul First Nation
• The agreement supports the implementation of a community-based Anishinaabe-Led Impact Assessment (ALIA)
• The framework ensures meaningful participation in reviewing the Springpole Gold Project through an Anishinaabe cultural perspective
• The agreement demonstrates First Mining's commitment to indigenous engagement and project development
• The company views Springpole as having potential for significant infrastructure and economic benefits in Northwestern Ontario

First Mining Gold Corp. (TSX: FF, OTCQX: FFMGF, FRANKFURT: FMG) is a Canadian gold development company established in 2015 by Keith Neumeyer, the founding President and CEO of First Majestic Silver Corp. The company's primary focus lies in advancing two of Canada's largest gold projects: the Springpole Gold Project in northwestern Ontario and the Duparquet Project in Quebec's Abitibi region. First Mining also maintains ownership of the Cameron Gold Project in Ontario and holds interests in other significant projects, including the Pickle Crow Gold Project (partnered with Firefly Metals Ltd.) and the Hope Brook Gold Project (partnered with Big Ridge Gold Corp.).

Signing of the Process Agreement with First Nation Groups

Strategic Significance

The signing of the Process Agreement with Cat Lake First Nation and Lac Seul First Nation represents a crucial milestone in First Mining's development strategy. This agreement demonstrates the company's commitment to meaningful indigenous engagement and sustainable project development. By supporting the Anishinaabe-Led Impact Assessment, First Mining is adopting a progressive approach to resource development that incorporates indigenous perspectives and traditional knowledge.

Community Engagement Framework

The Process Agreement establishes a comprehensive framework that defines the relationship between First Mining and the First Nations communities. Through this structured approach, the company ensures clear procedural guidelines while integrating vital Anishinaabe cultural perspectives into the project review process. The framework emphasizes meaningful participation from indigenous stakeholders, supported by dedicated capacity building initiatives that enable effective community involvement. This thoughtful approach to engagement helps establish the foundation for enduring relationships with affected communities.

Project Development Implications

The agreement marks a significant advance in the Springpole Project's development trajectory, bringing several key advantages to its execution. Through formal engagement processes, First Mining has enhanced its stakeholder support base while simultaneously reducing development risks through early and meaningful community involvement. The integration of indigenous knowledge into environmental and social impact assessments strengthens the company's approach to project planning. This comprehensive strategy not only reinforces First Mining's social license to operate but also aligns the project more closely with contemporary ESG principles.

Regional Economic Impact

The Springpole Project positions itself as a catalyst for positive change in Northwestern Ontario's economic landscape. Beyond the immediate benefits of infrastructure development in underserviced areas, the project promises to create sustainable economic opportunities that can span generations. Through its community-focused approach, First Mining is fostering skills development and capacity building initiatives that extend beyond the project's direct employment benefits. This strategic investment in regional development demonstrates the company's commitment to creating lasting positive impacts for local communities.

Project Portfolio Overview

Springpole Gold Project

First Mining's flagship Springpole Project is advancing through several critical development milestones that underscore its strategic importance. The company is currently progressing through a comprehensive Feasibility Study while simultaneously managing ongoing permitting activities. A significant milestone was achieved in June 2022 with the publication of the draft Environmental Impact Statement, demonstrating the project's advancement through regulatory requirements. The company maintains active community engagement programs that support these development initiatives, reflecting its commitment to stakeholder involvement throughout the project's evolution.

Duparquet & Additional Assets

First Mining has built a diversified portfolio that extends beyond its flagship project, creating multiple avenues for value creation. The Duparquet Project in Quebec represents a significant development opportunity at the PEA stage, positioned within the prolific Abitibi region. The company's Ontario-based Cameron Gold Project adds further development potential to the portfolio. Strategic partnerships enhance the company's asset base, with the Pickle Crow Gold Project being advanced in collaboration with Firefly Metals Ltd., and the Hope Brook Gold Project progressing through a partnership with Big Ridge Gold Corp. This balanced approach to portfolio management combines wholly-owned assets with strategic partnerships to optimize resource allocation and development potential.

Environmental & Social Governance

Indigenous Relations Strategy

First Mining Gold has established a comprehensive approach to indigenous relations that goes beyond traditional consultation practices. At its core, the strategy emphasizes community-based impact assessments and meaningful capacity building support for First Nations partners. By integrating cultural perspectives into project planning and fostering long-term partnerships, the company demonstrates its commitment to transparent, respectful engagement with indigenous communities. This approach not only supports current project development but also builds a foundation for lasting relationships that can benefit future generations.

Sustainability Commitment

The company's sustainability framework reflects a modern understanding of responsible resource development. First Mining has woven environmental protection measures throughout its project planning, while simultaneously developing initiatives that can deliver tangible community benefits. By incorporating traditional knowledge into its environmental assessments and planning processes, the company creates a more robust approach to resource management. This is complemented by a focus on equitable economic benefit sharing and strategic infrastructure development that can serve both project needs and community interests over the long term.

The Investment Thesis for First Mining Gold

• Strong Indigenous Relations and ESG Leadership: First Mining's Process Agreement with Cat Lake and Lac Seul First Nations demonstrates progressive approach to community engagement, reducing development risk and strengthening social license to operate.
• Strategic Asset Portfolio in Premier Mining Jurisdictions: The company holds two of Canada's largest undeveloped gold projects, with Springpole in Ontario and Duparquet in Quebec's prolific Abitibi region, providing significant scale in stable mining jurisdictions.
• Advanced-Stage Development Status: Springpole's development is progressing with key milestones achieved, including a published draft Environmental Impact Statement and ongoing Feasibility Study, indicating clear path to advancement.
• Portfolio Diversification Through Strategic Partnerships: Company maintains a balanced approach with wholly-owned projects and strategic partnerships (Pickle Crow with Firefly Metals, Hope Brook with Big Ridge Gold), reducing development risk while maintaining upside exposure.
• Infrastructure Development Catalyst: Springpole's potential to deliver significant infrastructure improvements to Northwestern Ontario adds strategic importance beyond gold development, potentially attracting government support and additional investment.
• Management Team Credibility: Founded by Keith Neumeyer of First Majestic Silver, the company benefits from experienced leadership with proven track record in mine development and capital markets.
• Multiple Value Catalysts: Advancement of Anishinaabe-Led Impact Assessment, progress on Springpole Feasibility Study, further development of First Nations partnerships, potential strategic partnerships for project development and the advancement of secondary assets through existing partnerships.‍
• Regional Economic Development Play: Position as a significant economic catalyst for Northwestern Ontario could attract additional support from various stakeholders, including government and infrastructure partners.

The Process Agreement announcement signifies First Mining Gold's commitment to responsible and inclusive resource development. This agreement represents more than just a regulatory milestone; it demonstrates the company's understanding of the crucial role that indigenous communities play in successful project development. The framework established through this agreement could serve as a model for future resource development projects in Canada.

The implications extend beyond immediate project development considerations. By investing in community relationships and supporting indigenous-led assessment processes, First Mining is building a stronger foundation for long-term success. This approach aligns with growing investor focus on ESG principles and suggests a mature understanding of the evolving requirements for successful mining project development in Canada.

For investors, this development indicates First Mining's capability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships and advance major projects in a responsible manner. The company's commitment to indigenous engagement, combined with its strong asset base and clear development strategy, positions it well for future growth and value creation in the Canadian gold mining sector.

The announcement reinforces First Mining's position as a forward-thinking gold developer that recognizes the importance of community partnerships in creating sustainable value. As the company continues to advance its project portfolio, this agreement serves as a significant milestone in de-risking the Springpole Project and establishing First Mining as a responsible developer in Northwestern Ontario's mining sector.