TORONTO — The Ontario government is moving to fast-track Frontier Lithium’s world-class PAK Lithium Project near Red Lake, marking the first development to advance under its new ‘One Project, One Process’ (1P1P) framework. The move represents a major step in the province’s push to streamline mine permitting, strengthen its critical minerals supply chain, and attract investment to Northern Ontario.
“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.”
The PAK Lithium Project is Ontario’s largest lithium development and North America’s highest-grade lithium resource. It is the first in Canada to be developed as a fully integrated lithium operation, encompassing a mine, mill, and downstream facility to manufacture battery-grade lithium chemicals. Located 175 kilometres north of Red Lake, the project contains rare technical and ceramic-grade spodumene with extremely low iron content, positioning it among the few deposits globally capable of producing high-purity lithium for batteries.
The project is closely tied to a proposed lithium refinery in Thunder Bay, which would be the first lithium hydroxide conversion facility on the continent. Together, these initiatives are designed to establish Ontario as a North American hub for electric vehicle (EV) battery materials and reduce reliance on imported critical minerals from China and other markets.
Cutting Red Tape for Mining Development
Ontario’s new ‘One Project, One Process’ framework replaces the province’s fragmented permitting system, which officials say previously caused delays of up to 15 years before a new mine could open. The new approach coordinates environmental and regulatory reviews across government, aiming to cut approval timelines by half.
Under the 1P1P model, the Ministry of Energy and Mines will serve as a single point of contact to oversee provincial approvals and Indigenous consultation. The goal is to reduce bureaucratic overlap, enhance transparency, and give investors more certainty about project timelines.
“The 1P1P framework is a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to streamline permitting approvals, end bureaucratic delays and attract global investment,” Lecce said. “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.”
Industry and Local Support
Frontier Lithium welcomed the province’s decision, calling it a milestone for both the company and Ontario’s critical minerals strategy.
“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.”
The government also announced plans to begin consultations with Indigenous communities and local stakeholders to develop a new transmission line between Dryden and Red Lake. According to the Independent Electricity System Operator’s (IESO) regional plan, power demand in the area could grow by as much as 250 per cent due to new mining activity and community expansion.
Expanding northern energy infrastructure, the province said, will create economic opportunities for Indigenous partnerships and enable mining electrification to reduce emissions while boosting local employment.
“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.”
Strengthening Indigenous Participation
Ontario emphasized that the Crown’s duty to consult remains fully upheld under the new framework. By integrating consultation into a single, coordinated process, the province aims to make engagement with Indigenous communities more transparent and efficient while ensuring meaningful participation in project development.
The province is supporting Indigenous involvement in the mining sector through a $70 million Indigenous Participation Fund and $3 billion in loan guarantees available through the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program.
Economic Impact
Ontario’s mining sector currently supports 28,000 direct jobs and 46,000 indirect jobs through mineral processing, supply, and services. By advancing the PAK Lithium Project and future developments under the 1P1P model, the province hopes to strengthen its position as a global supplier of responsibly sourced critical minerals essential to electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable energy systems.
With the 1P1P framework now underway, Ontario is signalling a new era in mining — one focused on speed, collaboration, and long-term self-reliance.
