Ontario’s Lithium Supply Chain Hinges on GT1’s Conversion Facility Progress

Building Ontario’s Lithium Supply Chain

Green Technology Metals (ASX: GT1) is making decisive strides toward establishing Ontario's first lithium concentrates and chemicals business, a critical step in developing a fully integrated lithium supply chain within Canada’s premier mining jurisdiction. The company’s latest update reveals significant progress on its proposed lithium conversion facility in Thunder Bay, Ontario, underpinned by a strategic partnership with South Korean battery materials leader EcoPro Innovation.

GT1’s vision is clear: to bridge the current gap in Ontario’s lithium supply chain by constructing a conversion plant that transforms spodumene concentrate into battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM). This facility will not only secure local supply for the burgeoning electric vehicle and battery markets but also generate substantial economic and employment benefits for the region.

Pilot Testing and Technological Validation

Central to GT1’s advancement is the ongoing pilot test work at EcoPro’s Pohang facility in South Korea. A one-tonne spodumene concentrate sample from GT1’s Seymour Project has been shipped and is currently undergoing rigorous testing to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide. Results are expected by February 2025, marking a pivotal milestone in validating the conversion process.

Further pilot testing is planned using concentrate from the Root Lithium Project, which is anticipated to be the primary feedstock for the future conversion plant. This phased approach to testing underscores GT1’s commitment to de-risking the project through proven technology and thorough process validation.

Strategic Site Selection and Pre-Feasibility Progress

GT1 has secured exclusive access via a Letter of Intent to the Mid Continental Terminal Site in Thunder Bay, a brownfields location offering excellent infrastructure including rail connectivity, municipal utilities, and power supply. This site is currently undergoing detailed due diligence encompassing geotechnical, environmental, and legal assessments, with the option to lease and potentially purchase part of the property.

The Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) for the conversion facility remains on schedule for completion in April 2025. The study benefits from EcoPro’s proven hydrometallurgical LHM module design, which will be incorporated into two 13 ktpa processing trains. This approach is expected to enhance cost accuracy, reduce commissioning risks, and ensure design precision.

Partnership with EcoPro and Funding Outlook

GT1’s collaboration with EcoPro is a cornerstone of the project’s technical and commercial strategy. EcoPro brings 18 years of operational expertise, including a 26 ktpa lithium hydroxide production facility in South Korea and an expanding footprint in Europe. As process licensor and design lead, EcoPro’s involvement significantly mitigates technology risk.

On the funding front, GT1 is actively engaging with Invest Ontario and the Canadian Strategic Innovation Fund to explore financial support options. Additionally, discussions with South Korea’s Export-Import Bank (KEXIM) highlight potential avenues for export credit-backed financing, leveraging EcoPro’s existing relationships and co-financing experience.

Economic and Community Impact

The conversion facility is poised to deliver substantial socio-economic benefits to Ontario, particularly through job creation during construction and steady-state operations. GT1 is prioritizing local vendor involvement to maximize regional economic impact. The company also plans a third-party socio-economic review to quantify these benefits, reinforcing its commitment to community engagement and Indigenous partnerships.

With a robust resource base of 24.9 million tonnes at 1.13% Li2O across its Seymour and Root projects, GT1 is well positioned to supply feedstock for the conversion plant, further strengthening Ontario’s role in the global lithium market.

As GT1 advances toward definitive feasibility, permitting, and eventual construction, the project represents a transformative opportunity to anchor a sustainable lithium supply chain in Canada’s heartland.