Canada invests to unlock lithium potential and improve connectivity and industry in north ern Quebec

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 28, 2026 /CNW/ --Today, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced a federal investment of over $1.2 million through Natural Resources Canada's First and Last Mile Fund (FLMF) to improve access to the Shaakichiuwaanaan mining project -- one of the largest lithium resources in the world -- in the Eeyou Istchee Baie-James region of northern Quebec.

The project is being led by Lithium Innova Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of PMET Resources Inc. The road upgrade will rehabilitate and upgrade approximately 20 kilometres of existing access road connecting the Trans-Taiga road to the Shaakichiuwaanaan site. This will unlock access to a significant deposit of lithium, caesium and tantalum -- minerals that are essential to batteries, energy storage systems, electric vehicles and advanced manufacturing. Additionally, upgrades will improve road safety and reliability, ensuring dependable year-round access for people and equipment travelling between the highway, the project camp and the critical minerals site.

By providing the infrastructure needed to advance responsible resource development, support remote communities and get minerals to market, this investment supports our ambition to unlock our natural resource abundance in order to create jobs, economic and energy security and prosperity for Quebec and Canada.

Quotes

"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 Honourable Tim Hodgson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

"The development of critical minerals resources requires the infrastructure to connect remote regions to economic opportunities. 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."

The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty
Member of Parliament for Abitibi–Baie-James–Nunavik–Eeyou

"We welcome the Government of Canada's support for the Shaakichiuwaanaan access road upgrade project. Infrastructure is an important part of bringing a new mine into production, and this contribution would support that work as we advance the project. Alongside Shaakichiuwaanaan's inclusion in the Canada Investment Summit Prospectus, this is encouraging recognition of its potential to contribute to Canada's critical minerals supply chains."

Ken Brinsden
President, CEO and Managing Director, PMET Resources Inc.

Quick Facts

• The Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy aims to advance the development of Canada's critical minerals and related value chains to drive the transition to a low-carbon economy and support advanced technology and manufacturing.
• The First and Last Mile Fund (FLMF) is supported by $1.5 billion in federal funding, as announced in Budget 2025. The FLMF will build infrastructure to support new mines and economic growth in mining regions, prioritizing projects that move Canada's resources to customers at home and abroad efficiently and responsibly.
• Most critical mineral deposits and enabling infrastructure projects in Canada are located on Indigenous territories. Recognizing this, the FLMF also provides specific funding available to enable Indigenous leadership, engagement and participation throughout the mining value chain.

Associated Links

• Project Shaakichiuwaanaan (PMET Resources Inc.)
• First and Last Mile Fund
• Canada's Critical Minerals Strategy

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

Contacts: Natural Resources Canada, Media Relations, 343-292-6096, [email protected]; Charlotte Power, Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, [email protected]