Frontier Lithium Inc., a preproduction mining company, is deepening ties with two of Japan’s largest industrial players as it advances plans to become a domestic supplier of battery-grade lithium for North America’s electric vehicle market.
Based in Ontario, the company is developing the Pak Lithium Project in the province’s northern region, one of several North America-based projects positioned to supply lithium chemicals for electric vehicle batteries and mineral concentrates for industrial use. Frontier has signed related agreements with Mitsubishi Corp. and Panasonic Energy Co. — moves it described as reflecting a shift toward localized, allied supply chains for critical minerals.
“They reflect a shared commitment by Canada and Japan to build long-term, resilient battery supply chains,” Trevor Walker, Frontier Lithium’s president and CEO, said of the agreements. “Canada offers world-class critical mineral resources, while Japan brings decades of expertise in advanced manufacturing, technology and supply chain development.”
The Pak project, a joint venture between Frontier and Mitsubishi, is being developed in stages alongside a planned lithium conversion facility in Thunder Bay, Ontario. It targets output of 20,000 tons of battery-grade lithium salts annually starting in 2030. Panasonic Energy has separately expressed interest in procuring lithium hydroxide from the project, and the parties are working toward a definitive offtake agreement.
Walker described the company’s trajectory as a shift “from a resource developer into a company advancing an integrated mine-to-battery materials strategy.” He said the Thunder Bay facility “lays the foundation for a secure, North American supply chain from mining through battery-grade lithium production.”
“Canada offers world-class critical mineral resources, while Japan brings decades of expertise in advanced manufacturing, technology and supply chain development.”
Trevor Walker, President and CEO of Frontier Lithium
Ottawa has backed the project as well — the Pak project was named a strategic priority under the G7 Critical Minerals Production Alliance launched during Canada’s 2025-2026 presidency of the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations.
Walker said responsible development remains central to the company’s approach, citing its commitments to partnerships with Indigenous peoples and environmental stewardship. He sees opportunities extending “across the full battery value chain,” with Frontier Lithium aiming to “establish a reliable supply of battery-grade lithium products from Canada” to support North American and Japanese industrial competitiveness.
