Frontier Lithium signs process agreements

Executive Summary

• Frontier Lithium Inc. has signed process agreements with Deer Lake First Nation and Sandy Lake First Nation to advance permitting for its PAK lithium project under Ontario’s "One Project, One Process" (1P1P) framework.
• The agreements establish a structured framework for engagement, information sharing, and respect for Anishinninew laws and protocols, aiming to streamline provincial regulatory reviews while maintaining environmental protections.
• The company anticipates a 24-month timeline for the completion of provincial permitting under this coordinated approach.

Key Details

• Agreement Parties: Frontier Lithium Inc., Deer Lake First Nation, and Sandy Lake First Nation.
• Framework: Ontario’s "One Project, One Process" (1P1P) framework.
• Purpose: To provide structure, transparency, and predictability for technical studies and permitting activities; to respect Anishinninew laws and protocols; and to build relationships supporting all-season road access and potential mine/mill construction.
• Timeline: Anticipated 24-month timeline for the completion of provincial permitting.
• Government Support: Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce endorsed the partnership, noting the 1P1P designation is driving the project forward with speed and meaningful partnership.
• Project Context (PAK Lithium Project):
  • Located north of Red Lake, Ontario.
  • Operated as a joint venture: Frontier (92.5%) and Mitsubishi Corp. (7.5%).
  • Includes a mine and mill in Red Lake and a downstream lithium conversion facility in Thunder Bay.
  • Feasibility Study Results (May 28, 2025):
    • Project Life: 31 years.
    • After-tax Net Present Value (NPV): $932 million (at 8% discount rate).
    • After-tax Internal Rate of Return (IRR): 17.9%.
    • Prepared by DRA Global Ltd.
    • Technical Report filed on SEDAR+ on July 9, 2025.

Notable Quotes

• Trevor Walker, President and CEO, Frontier Lithium: "These process agreements represent what Frontier considers a best practice for how exploration and mining companies approach indigenous engagement... We are committed to learning from and working with Deer Lake First Nation and Sandy Lake First Nation, guided by Anishinninew law, in a way that is respectful and grounded in their responsibilities to the land."
• Chief Lenard Mamakeesick, Deer Lake First Nation: "Our process agreement is an important step in setting out how we will be engaged as Frontier's project moves through Ontario's one project, one process framework, and reflect how our concerns about the land, water and future generations will be heard and considered."
• Stephen Lecce, Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines: "Ontario is proving that you can move major critical mineral projects forward through real partnership... so that we build the mines Ontario needs to power the clean economy of the future."