Cat Lake First Nation and First Mining Gold Reach Milestone Agreement on Mobilizing the Cat Lake All-Season Access Road

Executive Summary

• First Mining Gold Corp. and Cat Lake First Nation finalized a landmark agreement to mobilize the development of an all-season access road connecting Cat Lake First Nation to Sioux Lookout.
• First Mining committed up to $4 million to fund road permitting, right-of-way clearing, geotechnical fieldwork, and detailed engineering design, with mobilization scheduled to begin in summer 2026.
• The infrastructure project is a critical milestone for the long-term viability of First Mining's Springpole Gold Project and aligns with the joint position authorizing the project under historic Anishinaabe-led Impact Assessment conditions.

Key Details

• Agreement finalized between Cat Lake First Nation ("CLFN") and First Mining Gold Corp. to mobilize an all-season access road.
• Route connects Cat Lake First Nation to Sioux Lookout via the Vermilion River Road, utilizing a mix of existing forestry roads and new construction to minimize costs while maximizing regional socio-economic benefits.
• First Mining committed up to $4 million to directly fund road permitting, right-of-way clearing, geotechnical fieldwork, and detailed engineering design.
• Project mobilization and engineering work to commence in summer 2026.
• Road development is a key priority for CLFN, outlined in their Band Council Resolution dated May 26, 2026.
• Project has received collaborative support from the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada ("IAAC"); the role of the Ontario government remains unclear.
• Agreement coordinates directly with the joint position authorizing the Springpole Project announced by Cat Lake and Lac Seul First Nations.
• All corridor activities must strictly adhere to 35 cultural and ecological conditions derived from the historic, Anishinaabe-led Impact Assessment ("ALIA").
• Ontario is identified as the final crucial partner required to fully unlock the corridor.
• The road aims to end decades of isolation for the fly-in community, improve safety and healthcare access, and lower living costs.

Notable Quotes

• Chief Russell Wesley (Cat Lake First Nation): "My mandate as Chief was to establish an all-season road that ends decades of isolation, improves safety and healthcare, and lowers living costs. This infrastructure is a major socio-economic win for both Cat Lake and the entire region... First Mining Gold management has shown true partnership by putting real money on the table to start engineering, and the federal IAAC continues to cooperate constructively."
• Dan Wilton, CEO (First Mining Gold Corp.): "Reaching this agreement with Cat Lake First Nation is a definitive step forward for the development of the Springpole Gold Project. Year-round infrastructure is vital to the project's long-term viability and ensures that economic benefits are shared within the local community. We are grateful for the leadership and efforts of the Chief and Council of Cat Lake First Nation."