Government Support Marks Major Step in Strengthening Ontario’s Critical Minerals Sector
Frontier Lithium secures federal and provincial backing for a Lithium Conversion Facility in Thunder Bay, boosting Ontario’s role in the EV battery supply chain
THUNDER BAY – BUSINESS – Frontier Lithium has announced that both the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario intend to provide financial support for the company’s planned Lithium Conversion Facility in Thunder Bay. This funding commitment, which is subject to contribution agreements, is expected to cover a substantial portion of the project’s capital expenditures.
The facility represents a significant milestone in advancing Canada’s and Ontario’s critical minerals strategies, positioning the region as a key player in North America’s battery supply chain. By supporting upstream processing, government leaders are working to establish a self-sustaining critical minerals ecosystem, reducing reliance on foreign lithium supplies.
Transforming Ontario into a Lithium Powerhouse
The planned Lithium Conversion Facility will process lithium from Frontier’s PAK mine project, converting it into approximately 20,000 tonnes of lithium salts per year. This output is expected to supply batteries for around 500,000 electric vehicles annually.
A key advantage of the facility is its flexible design, which allows for the processing of lithium from other Canadian and international sources. As the first of its kind in Canada, the facility will play a crucial role in strengthening North America’s energy and critical minerals supply chain.
Government Leaders Voice Support
Frontier Lithium’s leadership and government officials have praised the investment as a game-changer for Ontario’s mining and battery industries.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our journey to establish fully integrated lithium operations in Northwestern Ontario. We are pleased to see support for upstream critical minerals processing comparable to the commitments provided to the downstream manufacturing sector in Ontario,” said Trevor R. Walker, President & CEO of Frontier Lithium.
“Critical minerals are a generational economic opportunity for Canada. Investments at every step of the value chain offer the opportunity for economic growth and job creation while enabling the technologies we need for a modern global economy,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources.
“Our government is working with Frontier Lithium and the federal government to protect Ontario workers and jobs by mining and refining our critical minerals right here in Ontario,” added Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
Why Thunder Bay?
Thunder Bay’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and transportation infrastructure make it an ideal site for a Lithium Conversion Facility. As global demand for lithium-ion batteries surges, this project will help position Ontario as a leader in the electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage markets.
With growing investments in clean energy and sustainable technology, Thunder Bay is emerging as a critical hub for Canada’s push toward green industrialization and energy independence.
About Frontier Lithium
Frontier Lithium Inc. is a pre-production mining company focused on becoming a leading supplier of battery-grade lithium salts for North America’s electric vehicle and energy storage sectors. The company’s PAK Lithium Project is one of the largest lithium resources in Ontario’s Great Lakes region.
