Northwestern Ontario lithium project sparks mixed reactions over new provincial process
CBC
Plans are underway for a full service lithium mining and processing operation in northwestern Ontario, the province's minister of energy and mines announced Wednesday.
Frontier Lithium’s PAK Lithium Project is the first development to be accelerated through the 'One Project, One Process' (1P1P) framework, which the government describes as “a co-ordinated, whole-of-government approach to streamline permitting approvals, end bureaucratic delays and attract global investment.”
The province says it's the largest lithium project in Ontario and includes a mine and mill, as well as a downstream conversion facility for manufacturing battery-quality lithium chemicals.
However, the 1P1P policy has received criticism from several First Nation leaders, who say it does not allow for meaningful engagement with communities affected by fast-tracked developments.
“This government and its partner are not engaged with us. They push us, overload us with information and drag us through their process,” said Brandon Rae, chief of North Spirit Lake First Nation, at a news conference Wednesday at Queen's Park.
“There’s no room to pause or ask for more time without being left out completely. If this is what Ontario calls partnership, it’s not one built on respect or fairness.”
North Spirit Lake, a fly-in First Nation about 500 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay, would be one of the closest communities to the facility.
Indigenous involvement in the project's planning and development was highlighted at Wednesday's announcement, with the province saying that “the Crown’s duty to consult obligation remains fully upheld under 1P1P.”
Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce says the framework aims to cut red tape.
“With President Trump taking direct aim at our economy, our government is protecting our workers and communities by building mines faster,” Lecce said in Wednesday's news release from the government.
The mine, mill and conversion facility would be located 175 kilometres north of Red Lake. The project is also closely aligned with a proposed lithium refinery in Thunder Bay.
The Ontario-focused production is part of the Ford government's ongoing plan to increase self-reliance in the province, according to Lecce, moving away from industry giants such as Australia and China.
With increasing demand worldwide, lithium is a key component in electric and hybrid vehicle batteries, medical imaging, and energy storage systems.
Despite pushback, the announced project and planning framework has drawn support from organizations such as the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA).
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