This investment will help create battery-grade lithium in Canada and add to the domestic EV battery supply chain
November 28, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
The Government of Canada is accelerating its efforts to create jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net zero by 2050. By supporting the transition of Canada's automotive sector toward net zero, the government is acting on its commitments and ensuring that Canadian jobs and critical minerals remain central to a strong and resilient 21st century economy.
Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, along with George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview, announced a $27 million contribution to E3 Lithium Ltd. through the Strategic Innovation Fund's Net Zero Accelerator initiative. This investment will support E3 Lithium's $87 million project for the construction of a demonstration plant specializing in lithium production. This facility will be the first step toward a full-scale lithium production plant that will produce up to 20,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium. This will enable the development of a sustainable, long-term source of lithium supply, which is critical to building electric vehicles and an anchor in the North American supply chain. By investing in Canadian lithium production, the government is not only ensuring Canada is ready for the increasing demand for domestically produced batteries but also continuing to support our critical minerals sector so that Canadians will have access to the resources needed to electrify our transportation ecosystem.
This project offers a first-of-its-kind solution that will allow for the production of high-quality lithium in a more efficient manner and in greater quantity, and it will create and maintain 166 high-quality jobs for Canadians in Alberta. The project will also advance the forthcoming Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy by bringing value-added mineral processing capability to the Canadian ecosystem.
