Ontario Fast-Tracks First Project Under New ‘One Project, One Process’

Press Release

October 29, 2025

Province accelerating Ontario’s largest lithium project and supporting new northern transmission line

TORONTO – Today, the Ontario government announced it is accelerating Frontier Lithium’s world-class PAK Lithium Project near Red Lake, the first to move forward under Ontario’s ‘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 province’s 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. “We’re moving away from foreign dependence toward Canadian self-reliance by designating Frontier Lithium’s PAK Project as the first under our new ‘One Project, One Process’ framework. This will accelerate the permitting related to development of Canada’s largest and North America’s highest-grade lithium mine to create good-paying jobs, strengthen Canada’s 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 America’s 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 world’s largest lithium producers.

Ontario’s outdated, fragmented permitting system previously caused delays of up to 15 years to open a mine – holding back investment, job creation and access to critical and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 Ontario’s position as a global leader in responsible, fast-tracked mining development.

“We’re 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 Ontario’s 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 Operator’s 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 North’s 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.

“Today’s historic announcement through the new One Project, One Process (1P1P) framework reaffirms this government’s 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 North’s energy grid represents a significant investment in the future of our region – supporting sustainable growth, resource development, and community prosperity. We appreciate Minister Lecce’s 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 Crown’s 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

• Ontario’s 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 current levels.
• This announcement directly supports Ontario’s Critical Minerals Strategy by helping Ontario harness the potential of critical minerals used in batteries and advance the development of energy infrastructure needed to power these operations.
• The government is supporting Indigenous participation through a $70 million investment in the Indigenous Participation Fund and $3 billion in available loan guarantees through the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program.

Quotes

“Northern Ontario is home to the resources that will fortify our economy against the economic threats we face. Exemplified by Frontier Lithium’s bold PAK Lithium Project being the first mine empowered by Ontario’s new ‘One Project, One Process’ framework, our government is seizing the opportunity to accelerate economic development in Northern Ontario.”
– George Pirie

Minister of Economic Development and Growth

Additional Resources

• One Project, One Process framework
• Ontario’s Critical Minerals Strategy

Media Contacts

Chelsea McGee
Minister Lecce’s Office
Chelsea.McGee@ontario.ca

Robert Quartarone
Communications Branch
robert.quartarone@ontario.ca

ILR5