Ontario Fast-Tracks First Lithium Project Under New ‘One Project, One Process’ Framework
Province accelerates Frontier Lithium’s PAK Project near Red Lake and supports new northern transmission line to power critical mineral development
Toronto, Ontario – The Ontario government has announced that Frontier Lithium’s PAK Lithium Project, located near Red Lake, will be the first to advance under the province’s new ‘One Project, One Process’ (1P1P) framework — a coordinated approach designed to speed up mine development, eliminate bureaucratic delays, and strengthen Ontario’s critical minerals supply chain.
The announcement, made by Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines, marks a major shift in how Ontario permits large-scale mining projects. The new framework will consolidate approvals and Indigenous consultation under one streamlined process, with the goal of cutting review times by up to 50 per cent.
“With President Trump taking direct aim at our economy, our government is protecting workers by building mines faster,” said Lecce. “We’re moving away from foreign dependence toward Canadian self-reliance by designating Frontier Lithium’s PAK Project as the first under our new framework.”
Building Canada’s Largest and Highest-Grade Lithium Mine
The PAK Lithium Project is one of the largest and highest-grade lithium resources in North America, containing a rare low-iron spodumene deposit used in battery production. The project includes plans for both a mine and mill, along with a downstream conversion facility to produce battery-quality lithium chemicals for electric vehicles.
Located 175 kilometres north of Red Lake, the site will anchor Ontario’s emerging critical minerals corridor and align with the proposed Thunder Bay lithium refinery, which would become the continent’s first lithium hydroxide conversion plant. Together, these projects aim to establish Ontario as a global leader in the clean energy transition — competing directly with major lithium producers such as Australia.
Reducing Delays and Strengthening Indigenous Partnerships
Historically, Ontario’s mining approval process could take up to 15 years, deterring investment and delaying access to strategic minerals. The 1P1P framework replaces that system with a single point of contact within the Ministry of Energy and Mines, ensuring faster coordination across government ministries and more predictable timelines for investors and communities.
The province emphasized that Indigenous consultation remains a core part of the new model. Under 1P1P, the Crown’s duty to consult is fully upheld, with a focus on creating transparent, timely, and inclusive engagement. Indigenous communities will have greater access to opportunities in employment, training, and equity partnerships through Ontario’s $70 million Indigenous Participation Fund and $3 billion in loan guarantees under the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program.
“Ontario’s approach to permitting is now modern, efficient, and grounded in partnership,” said Lecce. “It ensures that Indigenous communities are fully part of our shared prosperity.”
Expanding Northern Power Infrastructure
To meet the growing energy demands of new mining operations, the province is also working with Indigenous communities and local stakeholders to accelerate a new transmission line between Dryden and Red Lake. According to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), electricity demand in the region could rise by 250 per cent by 2050, driven largely by mining and community growth.
Fred Mota, Mayor of Red Lake, praised the investment:
“The inclusion of new electricity transmission infrastructure to expand the North’s energy grid represents a significant investment in our region’s future,” Mota said. “It supports sustainable growth, resource development, and community prosperity.”
Securing Ontario’s Place in the Global Lithium Market
The PAK Lithium Project represents a cornerstone of Ontario’s Critical Minerals Strategy 2022–2027, which seeks to build an end-to-end supply chain — from mining and refining to manufacturing and recycling. Ontario’s mining sector currently supports 28,000 direct jobs and 46,000 indirect jobs across mineral processing and related industries.
As global demand for lithium continues to surge, Ontario’s move to fast-track development under 1P1P is expected to attract new investment and position the province as a key player in the North American battery supply chain.
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