📋 Tender Overview
ShareTable of ContentsContentQuick FactsQuotesAdditional ResourcesMedia ContactsContentTORONTO - Today, the Ontario government announced it is accelerating Frontier Lithiums world-class PAK Lithium Project near Red Lake, the first to move forward under Ontarios One Project, One Process (1P1P) framework. As part of its plan to protect Ontario workers and communities, the government is unlocking the full potential of the provinces metals and mining sector through the new framework, with this project marking a key step in building a fully integrated and self-reliant critical minerals supply chain.With President Trump taking direct aim at our economy, our government is protecting our workers and communities by building mines faster, said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. Were moving away from foreign dependence toward Canadian self-reliance by designating Frontier Lithiums PAK Project as the first under our new One Project, One Processframework. This will accelerate the permitting related to development of Canadas largest and North Americas highest-grade lithium mine to create good-paying jobs, strengthen Canadas supply chain and counter Chinese critical mineral dominance.PAK Lithium is the first in Canada to be developed as a fully integrated lithium operation and is North Americas highest-grade lithium resource. It is the largest lithium project in Ontario, encompassing both a mine and mill, as well as a downstream conversion facility for manufacturing battery-quality lithium chemicals. Located 175 kilometres north of Red Lake, the site contains a rare technical and ceramic-grade spodumene with exceptionally low iron content, making 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. This announcement puts Ontario on a global playing field with Australia, one of the worlds largest lithium producers.Ontarios outdated, fragmented permitting system previously caused delays of up to 15 years to open a mine - holding back investment, job creation and access to critical and strategic minerals. The 1P1P framework is a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to streamline permitting approvals, end bureaucratic delays and attract global investment. Through 1P1P, the Ministry of Energy and Mines will act as a single point of contact to coordinate all necessary provincial approvals and Indigenous consultation to reduce government review time by 50 per cent. This will provide operators and investors the certainty and predictability needed to get new mines open faster and secure Ontarios position as a global leader in responsible, fast-tracked mining development.Were 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. This moment defines Ontarios 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. Today is a meaningful step forward, made possible through the efforts of the Government of Ontario, and Indigenous and local communities and Frontier Lithium.To power projects like PAK Lithium and meet future demand, 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. According to the Independent Electricity System Operators Regional Plan Addendum, electricity demand in the Red Lake area could increase by as much as 250 per cent due to new mines and growing communities. Expanding the Norths energy grid will unlock significant economic and partnership opportunities for Indigenous communities, advancing economic reconciliation while enabling mining electrification that will create jobs and lower emissions.Todays historic announcement through the new One Project, One Process (1P1P) framework reaffirms this governments commitment to advancing critical mineral development in Red Lake and across Northwestern Ontario, said Fred Mota, Mayor of Red Lake. The inclusion of new electricity transmission infrastructure to expand the Norths energy grid represents a significant investment in the future of our region - supporting sustainable growth, resource development, and community prosperity. We appreciate Minister Lecces leadership and continued efforts to advance these projects in collaboration with, and in the best interests of, our First Nations partners. The Municipality of Red Lake looks forward to continuing to work alongside the Province of Ontario to unlock the full potential of our region and strengthen the foundation for long-term economic development.The Crowns duty to consult obligation remains fully upheld under 1P1P. While the previous process for consultation was often confusing and sporadic for both mining proponents and Indigenous communities due to lack of regulatory cohesion, this new model provides a more coordinated, transparent and timely approach to project reviews with Indigenous communities and encourages participation in the mining sector, including employment, training, community benefits and equity partnerships.Quick Facts Ontarios mining sector supports 28,000 direct jobs and 46,000 indirect jobs through associated mineral processing and mining supply and services. There are currently 36 active mining operations in Ontario. Electricity demand in the North of Dryden region, which includes Red Lake, is forecasted to grow up to 250 per cent its current level by 2050, driven largely by the expected growth in the mining sector. A high growth scenario could see demand grow by up to six times its c
