The Ontario government has announced the acceleration of Frontier Lithium’s PAK Lithium Project near Red Lake, marking the first initiative to proceed under the province’s new ‘One Project, One Process’ (1P1P) framework. This move is part of Ontario’s broader strategy to strengthen its mining and critical minerals sector, promoting economic self-reliance and reducing foreign dependency. By designating the PAK Project as the first under the 1P1P model, the province aims to fast-track the development of Canada’s largest and North America’s highest-grade lithium mine, boosting employment, strengthening the supply chain, and supporting Canada’s clean energy transition.
The PAK Lithium Project is the first in Canada designed as a fully integrated lithium operation, encompassing a mine, mill, and downstream processing facility for battery-quality lithium chemicals. Located 175 kilometres north of Red Lake, it contains high-grade spodumene deposits that make it a commercially viable source for lithium production. The project aligns closely with the proposed Thunder Bay lithium refinery, which would become North America’s first lithium hydroxide conversion plant. This milestone positions Ontario as a global competitor alongside top lithium producers such as Australia.
Ontario’s previous mine permitting system often caused delays of up to 15 years. The new 1P1P framework seeks to halve these timelines through a coordinated, whole-of-government approach. The Ministry of Energy and Mines will serve as a single point of contact for all provincial approvals and Indigenous consultations, offering greater clarity and predictability for investors. This reform is expected to attract new investments, accelerate job creation, and secure Ontario’s reputation as a global leader in responsible mining development.
Frontier Lithium’s CEO Trevor Walker expressed gratitude for Ontario’s commitment to responsible, inclusive mining development that honours Indigenous laws and perspectives. The province is also engaging with Indigenous communities and local stakeholders to develop a new transmission line between Dryden and Red Lake to meet rising electricity demands, which could increase by up to 250 per cent due to mining expansion. This infrastructure will help power future projects, support Indigenous economic participation, and enable mining electrification to reduce emissions.
Local leaders, including Red Lake Mayor Fred Mota, welcomed the announcement as a historic investment in Northwestern Ontario’s economic and environmental future. The framework upholds the Crown’s duty to consult Indigenous communities, offering a transparent, coordinated, and inclusive process that supports community benefits, training, and equity partnerships.
This initiative directly supports Ontario’s Critical Minerals Strategy, which focuses on harnessing key resources for batteries and clean energy technologies. With 36 active mining operations employing over 70,000 people directly and indirectly, Ontario’s mining sector remains a cornerstone of the province’s economic resilience and growth.
