Snow Lake Lithium has outlined plans to develop the world’s first all-electric lithium mine in Manitoba, Canada. The company will be developing a domestic supply of this critical resource for the North American electric vehicle (EV) industry.
With demand for electric vehicles growing rapidly, the global automotive and energy storage industries will be competing to access raw materials, especially lithium, that are a crucial component of batteries.
With North American automakers committing to meet the demand for electric vehicles, the future of the North American automotive industry relies on sourcing lithium hydroxide on the continent, rather than importing it from Asia, as well as creating an integrated domestic supply chain.
To enable the seamless integration of the supply chain, Snow Lake Lithium plans to establish a joint venture to create a lithium hydroxide processing plant and is seeking a partnership with an automotive OEM or a battery manufacturer to deliver this.
Philip Gross, Snow Lake Lithium CEO, said: “We are facing a once-in-a-century industrial pivot as North America accelerates towards an electrified future. If we don’t act now to secure a seamless lithium supply chain from rock to road, the North American car industry will not exist in 10 years’ time.
“Our ambition is to become the first fully integrated, carbon-neutral lithium hydroxide provider to the North American electric vehicle industry.
“We are developing the world’s first all-electric lithium mine, operated by renewable power, and are currently looking for a joint venture partner to create a lithium hydroxide processing plant in the region.”
Snow Lake Lithium’s 55,000-acre site is expected to produce 160,000 tonnes of six percent lithium spodumene a year over a 10 year period. Currently, Snow Lake Lithium has explored around one percent of its site and is confident that this will expand over the next year.
Snow Lake Lithium’s mine will be operated by almost 100 percent renewable, hydroelectric power to ensure the most sustainable manufacturing approach. The Manitoba region has a rich history of mining giving Snow Lake Lithium access to some of the most talented and experienced miners in North America.
Gross concluded: “Mining runs through Manitoba’s DNA, the evolution of the electric vehicles supply chain offers a once in a generation opportunity to deliver economic growth and secure a sustainable future for mining for the province.
“We are working closely with Manitoba Province to develop the right conditions to make the most of this opportunity.”
