DRYDEN, ONT. — The Ontario government has announced it is speeding up Frontier Lithium’s PAK project near Red Lake, the first to move forward under Ontario’s One Project, One Process (1P1P) framework.
PAK Lithium is the first in Canada to be developed as a fully integrated lithium operation and encompasses both a mine and mill, as well as a downstream conversion facility for manufacturing battery-quality lithium chemicals, explains a release.
Located 175 kilometres north of Red Lake, the site contains a technical and ceramic-grade spodumene with low iron content, which makes it one of the few commercially viable deposits for producing battery-grade lithium.
It is also closely aligned with the proposed lithium refinery in Thunder Bay, which would be the first lithium hydroxide conversion plant on the continent.
To power projects like PAK Lithium, the province is also beginning engagement with local stakeholders and Indigenous communities to accelerate the development of a new transmission line between Dryden and Red Lake.
“We’re honoured that Ontario has selected the PAK Lithium Project as the first to advance under the ‘One Project, One Process’ framework,” said Trevor Walker, president and CEO of Frontier Lithium, in a statement. “This moment defines Ontario’s commitment to responsible, investment-ready critical mineral development that is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives, and in this case, Anishinninew laws. New transmission infrastructure into the Red Lake region derisks our project further, provides the foundation for additional regional investment.”
The 1P1P framework is a co-ordinated, whole-of-government approach to streamline permitting approvals, end delays and attract global investment, the release adds.
The Ministry of Energy and Mines will act as a single point of contact to co-ordinate all necessary provincial approvals and Indigenous consultation to reduce government review time by 50 per cent.
