Thursday, October 29, 2026
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.
“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,” said Ken Brinsden, president, CEO and Managing Director, PMET Resources Inc.
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.
“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,” said Tim Hodgson.
Featured image: (PMET Resources)
