Frontier cheers start of Berens bridge construction

Executive Summary

• Frontier Lithium welcomes the commencement of construction on the Berens Bridge and Road Project, a critical infrastructure initiative in Northern Ontario.
• The project involves a two-lane bridge across the Berens River and over 30 kilometers of new/upgraded all-season road, aimed at improving access for Treaty No. 5 First Nation communities and supporting the regional critical minerals sector.
• Construction activities, including rock drilling and blasting, have already begun, with a temporary bridge expected by spring 2026 and the permanent bridge completion targeted for 2028.

Key Details

• Project Scope: Construction of a two-lane bridge across the Berens River in Northern Ontario and more than 30 kilometers of new and upgraded all-season road links.
• Parties Involved: Agreement between Pikangikum First Nation, Whitefeather Forest Community Resource Management Authority (WFCRMA), and a general contractor. WFCRMA holds all construction permitting.
• Timeline:
  • Rock drilling and blasting began last week to produce materials for the bridge site.
  • Additional on-site work, including construction of a temporary bridge, continues through spring 2026.
  • Final, permanent bridge expected to be completed in 2028.
• Strategic Impact:
  • Enhances safety and reduces the cost of goods for thousands of residents.
  • Improves year-round access for several Treaty No. 5 First Nation communities.
  • Supports Ontario’s critical minerals sector by providing essential all-season access for projects like Frontier’s Pak lithium project.
• Regulatory Context: The announcement aligns with Ontario’s 2026 initiatives, including the "One Project, One Process" (1P1P) permitting model, aimed at modernizing permitting and supporting economic reconciliation.
• Company Context (Pak Lithium Project):
  • Frontier Lithium (92.5%) and Mitsubishi Corp. (7.5%) operate the Pak lithium project.
  • A 2025 feasibility study (filed July 9, 2025) outlines a 31-year project life with an after-tax NPV of $932 million (8% discount rate) and an after-tax IRR of 17.9%.

Notable Quotes

• "Ontario's commitment to building and upgrading northern infrastructure is creating real momentum in the region... The start of construction on the Berens bridge and road project is a milestone for Pikangikum First Nation and neighbouring communities, and we applaud Minister Pirie and community leaders for advancing this transformative work." — Trevor Walker, President and CEO, Frontier Lithium Inc.
• "This progress aligns with the pathway Ontario is building for critical minerals... Improved all-season access is essential for community well-being and for responsibly advancing projects like Frontier's Pak lithium project." — Trevor Walker, President and CEO, Frontier Lithium Inc.