First Phosphate Corp. has filed an updated National Instrument 43-101 technical report for the Bégin-Lamarche project in Quebec, replacing its initial mineral resource estimate from September 2024 with a 378% increase in indicated mineral resources.

The updated pit-constrained mineral resource estimate, prepared by P&E Mining Consultants with an effective date of May 1, 2026, comprises a measured resource of 6.2 million tonnes grading 7.70% P2O5, an indicated resource of 198.5 million tonnes grading 6.00% P2O5, and an inferred resource of 89.5 million tonnes grading 6.16% P2O5.

The previous resource statement reported an indicated pit-constrained mineral resource of 41.5 million tonnes grading 6.49% P2O5. The expanded resource base is supported by more than 65,000 metres of total drilling across the property, including a 40,000-metre drill campaign. P&E Mining Consultants confirmed that the deposit remains open at depth.

Metallurgical test work indicates an anticipated apatite concentrate grade of 40.4% P2O5 at an 88% process recovery rate. The material has also been qualified for the production of battery-grade phosphoric acid for lithium iron phosphate batteries, achieving a conversion ratio of 91.1% with low levels of potentially deleterious elements.

The Bégin-Lamarche property is situated adjacent to existing road and hydroelectric infrastructure and lies 70 kilometres by driving distance from the deep-sea Port of Saguenay. The project also benefits from a definitive, long-term, partially prepaid offtake agreement with an existing partner.

Building on the updated technical report, First Phosphate plans to advance the project toward a feasibility study targeted for completion by December 2026, with commercial production at Bégin-Lamarche targeted for 2029.

Read the full announcement: First Phosphate Files NI 43-101 Technical Report for Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for Bégin-Lamarche Igneous Phosphate Deposit