Snow Lake Lithium and LGES will collaborate to explore the opportunity to create one of Canada's first lithium hydroxide processing plants in CentrePort, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Under the terms of the MOU, Snow Lake Lithium will supply LGES with lithium over a 10-year period once production starts in 2025. The MOU and contemplated partnership will be subject to a number of conditions, including the completion of due diligence from both parties.
A scoping study, in partnership with Primero, is already underway to identify the technologies, innovations and skills required to deliver a world-class lithium hydroxide plant within the Manitoba Province.
Philip Gross, CEO Snow Lake Lithium said, "We are delighted to collaborate with world-leading LG Energy Solution to build a rock to road battery supply chain for the electric vehicle market in North America."
"Both Snow Lake Lithium and LG Energy Solution recognise the importance of local sourcing of critical raw materials, such as lithium, and that this is the logical step for battery and electric vehicle manufacturers."
"Our all-electric lithium mine in Snow Lake Manitoba will power 5 million electric vehicles over the next 10 years, helping to secure the future of the North American automobile market."
"We are grateful for the commitment of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier of Manitoba, Heather Stefanson and Invest Canada to support the development of a sustainable mining industry in Canada which has helped to facilitate our partnership with LG Energy Solution."
Youngsoo Kwon, CEO of LG Energy Solution said, "As we have recently announced our mid- to long-term strategy to focus on North America, the fastest growing EV market, these partnerships serve as a crucial step towards securing a stable key raw material supply chain in the region."
"By constantly investing in upstream suppliers and establishing strategic partnerships with major suppliers of critical minerals, LGES will continue to ensure the steady delivery of our top-quality products, thereby further advancing the global transition to EVs and ultimately to a sustainable future."
Based in Manitoba, Canada, Snow Lake Lithium is developing the world's first all-electric lithium mine to enable domestic supply of this critical resource to the North American electric vehicle industry.
Snow Lake Lithium is ideally located to serve the North American automotive industry with access to the US rail network via the Artic Gateway railway, which reduces transportation from thousands of miles by road and boat to just several hundred by train.
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.
"At a time of global energy insecurity, Manitoba is uniquely positioned to supply the critical minerals and materials the world needs to pursue decarbonisation," said Heather Stefanson, Premier of Manitoba.
"We are thrilled to see this partnership move forward between Snow Lake Lithium and LG Energy Solution to advance Manitoba's leadership position in the North American electric vehicle supply chain. This collaboration is a testament to the execution of our government's strategy to attract investment, and the new technologies that will help create a stronger, growing economy for Manitoba and Canada."
Snow Lake Lithium's 55,000-acre site is expected to produce 160,000 tonnes of 6% lithium spodumene a year over a 10-year period, enough to power 5 million electric vehicles.
Currently, Snow Lake Lithium has explored approximately 1% of its site and is confident that further exploration will increase estimates over the course of the next year. Snow Lake Lithium's planned mine will be operated by almost 100% renewable hydroelectric power to ensure the most sustainable lithium manufacturing approach.
Over the coming months, Snow Lake Lithium will continue its engineering evaluation and drilling programme across its site, with the expectation that mining operations, will transition to commercial production targeted for 2025.
Canada is a natural location for investment in critical minerals which are essential to renewable energy, clean technology and advanced manufacturing supply chains. Canada is the only country in the Western Hemisphere that has all the critical minerals required for EV batteries, including lithium.
By 2025, Canada is expected to rank third in the global production of the raw materials needed for electric vehicle batteries.
