The addition of First Mining (TSX: FF) follows the semi-annual rebalancing of the index, which benchmarks the VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF. This fund specifically tracks small-cap companies that derive at least half of their revenue or mineral resources from gold and silver mining.

CEO Dan Wilton noted that the index inclusion serves as a strategic milestone as the company advances its core assets, including the Springpole Gold Project in Ontario and the Duparquet Gold Project in Quebec. First Mining, founded in 2015, holds a portfolio focused on Canadian development projects, with the federal Environmental Assessment for Springpole receiving approval earlier this year.