 First Mining Gold Corp. TSX:FF, OTCQX:FFMGF reported that partner Big Ridge Gold Corp. TSX-V:BRAU, OTCQB:ALVLF has now earned a 51 stake in the advanced Hope Brook project in Newfoundland having completed the first stage of an earn-in deal inked last year. Big Ridge has spent C10 million in exploration at the asset, issued 15 million of its shares to First Mining and granted it a 1.5 net smelter returns NSR royalty on Hope Brook, of which 0.5 can be bought back for C2 million. 