The federal government is helping open up access to one of the largest lithium resources in the world.
Natural Resources Canada is investing $1.2 million to improve access to the Shaakichiuwaanaan mining project, minister Tim Hodgson recently revealed.
The capital hails from The First and Last Mile Fund, which is backed by $1.5B as of Budget 2025.
Lithium, a key component for battery tech, is considered by The Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy to be a “critical mineral.”
Hodgson says that critical minerals “are essential to a prosperous, secure, and sustainable Canada and Quebec, and building and modernizing critical infrastructure like roads is what turns mineral deposits from potential into real projects.”
“This investment will improve access to the Shaakichiuwaanaan lithium project, helping move a world-class resource closer to production while supporting local jobs, strengthening supply chains and reinforcing Canada’s position as a reliable supplier of the critical minerals our allies and trading partners need,” the minister remarked.
The project is being led by Lithium Innova, a wholly owned subsidiary of PMET Resources.
The road upgrade will rehabilitate and upgrade 20 kilometres of access road connecting the Trans-Taiga road to the Shaakichiuwaanaan site.
“The development of critical minerals resources requires the infrastructure to connect remote regions to economic opportunities,” according to Mandy Gull-Masty, who serves as Member of Parliament for Abitibi–Baie-James–Nunavik–Eeyou.
“Investments that improve transportation access help support regional development, strengthen supply chains, and contribute to northern Quebec’s growing role in Canada’s critical minerals economy,” Gull-Masty said.
“Infrastructure is an important part of bringing a new mine into production, and this contribution would support that work as we advance the project,” commented Ken Brinsden, chief executive officer of PMET.
PMET was founded as Patriot Battery Metals in 2007.