Government of Canada Announces Funding to Support Domestic Critical Minerals Value Chains and Create Good Jobs in the Northwest Territories

Government of Canada Announces Funding to Support Domestic Critical Minerals Value Chains and Create Good Jobs in the Northwest Territories

Canada is committed to supporting strong domestic value chains for critical minerals and the clean technologies and energy sources they enable. The Government of Canada is focused on increasing mineral and energy security, creating good jobs and supporting economic opportunities across critical mineral value chains, from upstream exploration and extraction to downstream processing, manufacturing and recycling.

Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced a $714,500 investment in Fortune Minerals Limited (Fortune Minerals) to enhance the production of cobalt sulphate and bismuth ingot products from the company's planned mine in the Northwest Territories and refinery in Alberta to increase the supply of critical battery metals that are essential to the development of a domestic electric vehicle value chain. This will be achieved through a pilot-scale hydrometallurgical program designed to optimize processing conditions while ensuring that residues from the process are stable for safe disposal.

When completed, the project will also develop new expertise create job opportunities for skilled trades and professional occupations, including Indigenous communities, and introduce a new sustainable technology to other Canadian companies. This investment will help Canada participate directly in the growing market of battery-grade cobalt and other concentrates instead of shipping concentrates overseas for value-added processing.

Funding for this project comes from the Critical Minerals Research, Development and Demonstration (CMRDD) program. The CMRDD aims to advance the commercial readiness of emerging mineral processing unit operations and technologies that will support the development of zero-emission vehicle value chains in Canada by providing raw material inputs for use in batteries and permanent magnets.

Creating domestic processing streams and developing expertise within Canada will support significant opportunities for Canadian workers and help us move toward a more sustainable and prosperous low-carbon future. By making smart investments like this, Canada is ensuring our responsibly sourced resources remain competitive in the global marketplace, while also strengthening domestic value chains.

Quotes

"Today's investment of $714,500 for Fortune Minerals will help to advance the development of dynamic and competitive critical minerals value chains through an innovative new processing technology. This means good jobs for workers, more investment in Canadian innovation and lower emissions across the country — all part of our plan to build a cleaner Canada and a prosperous, sustainable economy that works for everyone."

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
  Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

"Critical minerals development like Fortune Minerals' NICO project is a key component of the future of mining in the Northwest Territories . Through this investment, our government is demonstrating its commitment to supporting the growth of this industry in the North."

Michael V. McLeod
  Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories

"Fortune Minerals is grateful for the financial support it is receiving from the federal government for its vertically integrated NICO cobalt-gold-bismuth-copper project through the Critical Minerals Research Development and Demonstration program. These funds will support additional piloting needed for detailed engineering and preparation of the company's updated feasibility study to help advance the asset closer to a construction decision. Development of the NICO project would provide a Canadian solution for the supply of cobalt sulphate, bismuth and copper needed in the energy transition, new technologies and the growing green economy."

Robin Goad
  President and CEO, Fortune Minerals Limited

Quick Facts
  • Budget 2021 provided $47.7 million to NRCan for the Critical Minerals Research Development and Demonstration (CMRDD) program to support the development of Canadian critical minerals value chains.
  • On September 29, 2023 , the CMRDD program concluded its second call for proposals. Projects selected for this program will contribute to developing vital mineral resources and value chains that will facilitate the shift to a low-carbon economy and support advanced manufacturing and technology in an environmentally conscious manner.
  • Canada's Critical Minerals Strategy is part of Canada's strengthened climate plan, 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Clean Air, Strong Economy , which advances Canada's goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
Related Information

The Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy

Government of Canada Launches Second Call for Proposals for Critical Minerals Research Development and Demonstration Program

Fortune Minerals Limited

Follow us on   LinkedIn

SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

Cision View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2024/26/c3964.html

News Provided by Canada Newswire via QuoteMedia

FT:CA
Fortune Minerals

Fortune Minerals Investor Kit

  • Corporate info
  • Insights
  • Growth strategies
  • Upcoming projects

GET YOUR FREE INVESTOR KIT

The Conversation (0)
Fortune Minerals (TSX:FT)

Fortune Minerals


Keep reading...Show less

Battery-grade cobalt for the electric transition with gold co-production

Fortune Minerals Provides NICO Project Commodity Update

Fortune Minerals Provides NICO Project Commodity Update

Bismuth prices have tripled in recent weeks, gold prices are at an all-time high, and the Congo has placed a moratorium on the export of cobalt to support higher prices

News Provided by Business Wire via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less
Fortune Minerals Provides an Update of NICO Project Test Work, Rio Tinto Process Collaboration & Feasibility Study

Fortune Minerals Provides an Update of NICO Project Test Work, Rio Tinto Process Collaboration & Feasibility Study

The Company is advancing the NICO Project toward a construction decision with U.S. & Canadian Government financial support from critical minerals supply chain security programs

News Provided by Business Wire via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less
Fortune Minerals Announces Second Draw From Convertible Securities Agreement With The Lind Partners

Fortune Minerals Announces Second Draw From Convertible Securities Agreement With The Lind Partners

Proceeds to provide working capital & pre-fund government supported work programs

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

News Provided by Business Wire via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less
Fortune Minerals Retains Worley to Update the NICO Project Feasibility Study and Alberta Site Permitting

Fortune Minerals Retains Worley to Update the NICO Project Feasibility Study and Alberta Site Permitting

NICO Project development advancing with U.S. and Canadian Government financial support

News Provided by Business Wire via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less
Fortune Minerals Completes New Option Agreement to Acquire the JFSL Alberta Refinery Site for the NICO Project

Fortune Minerals Completes New Option Agreement to Acquire the JFSL Alberta Refinery Site for the NICO Project

Alex Mezei retained as Chief Metallurgist to supervise test work and process engineering

News Provided by Business Wire via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less
Altech Batteries Ltd  Comprehensive Review of Operations and Half Year Report

Altech Batteries Ltd Comprehensive Review of Operations and Half Year Report

Perth, Australia (ABN Newswire) - Altech Batteries Ltd (ASX:ATC) (FRA:A3Y) (OTCMKTS:ALTHF) is pleased to present a comprehensive review of its operations for the six months ending 31 December 2024. This period has been marked by significant achievements and strategic advancements across various facets of the Company.

CERENERGY(R) Salt Battery Project:

Altech announced that its first CERENERGY(R) ABS60 battery prototype is online and operating successfully. The completed battery unit has passed all physical tests with flying colours. The prototype was installed at Altech's joint venture partner Fraunhofer IKTS' test laboratory in Dresden, Germany, and integrated into a specially designed battery test station. This setup enables continuous daily charging and discharging cycles to assess the battery's efficiency, stability, and overall performance under real-world conditions.

Altech, through its Germany subsidiary Altech Batteries GmbH ("ABG"), announced the appointment of global big four professional services firm ("funding adviser") to assist in securing finance for the construction of Altech's 120MWh CERENERGY(R) battery manufacturing plant in Germany. The project's financing strategy is structured across three key areas: debt, equity, and grants.

These sources will cover not only the capital expenditures but also financing costs, working capital, debt service coverage, and an additional contingency for potential business interruptions.

Altech announced the execution of the first Offtake Letter of Intent between Zweckverband Industriepark Schwarze Pumpe (ZISP) and Altech Batteries GmbH. Under this Offtake Letter of Intent (LOI), ZISP will purchase 30MWh of energy storage capacity annually, consisting of 1MWh GridPacks, for the first five years of production. The price of these batteries has been agreed and aligned to Altech's Definitive Feasibility Study assumptions. The purchase of these batteries is subject to performance tests, battery specifications and the batteries meeting customer requirements. This offtake LOI constitutes an important aspect of the financing process.

Altech announced the execution of a second Offtake Letter of Intent between Referenzkraftwerk Lausitz GmbH (RefLau) and Altech Batteries GmbH. Reflau is a joint venture between utility companies Enertrag SE (Enerttag) and Energiequelle GmbH.

Under this Offtake Letter of Intent (LOI), RefLau will purchase 30 MWh of CERENERGY(R) energy storage capacity in the first year, then 32 MWh per year thereafter for the next four years of production. As part of the LOI, it was further agreed that Altech will purchase green electricity at competitive prices directly from the partners in the region for the planned production plant.

Altech announced the execution of a third offtake Heads of Agreement (HOA) between Axsol GmbH (Axsol) and Altech Batteries GmbH. Axsol is a leading, award-winning provider of integrated renewable energy solutions and is based in Germany. Axsol leverages its expertise in diverse battery technologies and systems, alongside specialised equipment, to seamlessly integrate solar, wind, hydrogen energy and fuel cell solutions. These advanced energy systems ensure safe and reliable energy supply across multiple industries. Altech has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Axsol to supply the western defence industry with CERENERGY(R) battery technology. As a certified supplier to NATO and select western allied forces, Axsol's involvement will streamline qualification procedures, enabling early market entry and sales of CERENERGY(R) batteries. These highly robust, durable and non-flammable batteries are ideally suited for defence applications and government agencies.

Silumina AnodesTM Battery Materials Project:

Altech achieved a remarkable milestone in its Silumina AnodesTM battery material technology. The Company announced an average 55% surge in lithium battery anode energy capacity, marking a significant breakthrough. By utilising its innovative proprietary technology, Altech has now improved on the previous 30% energy increase, by blending alumina-coated silicon particles (10%) with battery-grade graphite, to create a composite graphite/silicon anode for the lithium-ion battery electrode.

Upon activation, this composite material has now exhibited a remarkable 55% increase in capacity compared to the traditional graphite-only anode material.

Update of High Purity Alumina Project

Stage 1 and Stage 2 construction of the Johor HPA plant is completed. The project is currently on care and maintenance.

*To view the full report, please visit:
https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/54726BT2



About Altech Batteries Ltd:  

Altech Batteries Limited (ASX:ATC) (FRA:A3Y) is a specialty battery technology company that has a joint venture agreement with world leading German battery institute Fraunhofer IKTS ("Fraunhofer") to commercialise the revolutionary CERENERGY(R) Sodium Alumina Solid State (SAS) Battery. CERENERGY(R) batteries are the game-changing alternative to lithium-ion batteries. CERENERGY(R) batteries are fire and explosion-proof; have a life span of more than 15 years and operate in extreme cold and desert climates. The battery technology uses table salt and is lithium-free; cobalt-free; graphite-free; and copper-free, eliminating exposure to critical metal price rises and supply chain concerns.

The joint venture is commercialising its CERENERGY(R) battery, with plans to construct a 100MWh production facility on Altech's land in Saxony, Germany. The facility intends to produce CERENERGY(R) battery modules to provide grid storage solutions to the market.

News Provided by ABN Newswire via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less
New Lithium Targets in Eastern Greenland Identified by Brunswick Exploration

New Lithium Targets in Eastern Greenland Identified by Brunswick Exploration

Brunswick Exploration Inc. (TSX-V: BRW, OTCQB: BRWXF; FRANKFURT:1XQ; " BRW " or the " Company ") is pleased to announce that, as compilation work by the BRW team continues, it has identified new high potential areas in Greenland and has proceeded to immediately apply for a mineral license covering these targets. BRW is the only company delineating the lithium potential of the country.

Mr. Killian Charles, President and CEO of BRW, commented: "I am particularly pleased to continue expanding our portfolio in a country which has significant untapped exploration potential. Our Greenland lithium portfolio benefits from cost-effective exploration programs with little to no overburden, allowing for rapid testing similar to our first Greenlandic lithium discovery in late 2024.

News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less
Vanadiumcorp Approved to Settle Debt for Shares

Vanadiumcorp Approved to Settle Debt for Shares

(TheNewswire)

VanadiumCorp Resource Inc.

Vancouver, British Columbia TheNewswire 1 2 March 2025 VanadiumCorp Resource Inc. (TSX-V: VRB) (FSE: NWNA) (OTC: VRBFF) ("VanadiumCorp" or the "Company"), further to its February 19, 2025 news release the Company is pleased to announced that it has received approval from the TSX Venture Exchange to settle $74,174.59 of debt by issuing 593,397 $0.125 common shares of the Company.  The Company has now issued 595,397 $0.125 common shares to various creditors.

News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less
AMERICAN SALARS LITHIUM PORTFOLIO HEDGED AMID TRUMP TARIFF CONCERNS

AMERICAN SALARS LITHIUM PORTFOLIO HEDGED AMID TRUMP TARIFF CONCERNS

(TheNewswire)

American Salars Lithium Inc

VANCOUVER, BC TheNewswire - MARCH 12 th 2025 American Salars Lithium Inc. ("AMERICAN SALARS" OR THE "COMPANY") (CSE: USLI, OTC: USLIF, FWB: Z3P, WKN: A3E2NY ) states its commitment to strengthening the United States lithium supply, a critical mineral essential for electric vehicles, energy storage, and advanced manufacturing. As demand for domestic lithium sources grows, securing reliable resources is vital for the nation's clean energy and technology future. With the potential for new tariffs on lithium imports under the Trump administration, American Salars has positioned itself to secure a stable, tariff-free lithium supply through its Black Rock South Lithium Project in Nevada.

News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less
Coniagas Exploration Plan: Defining New Drill Targets and Optimizing Infill Holes

Coniagas Exploration Plan: Defining New Drill Targets and Optimizing Infill Holes

(TheNewswire)

Coniagas Battery Metals Inc.

Vancouver, BC TheNewswire - March 11, 2025 Coniagas Battery Metals Inc. (TSXV: COS) ("Coniagas" or the "Company"), is working with Laurentia Exploration to fine tune the next drill program with both infill drilling and step-out holes on the Graal property, the Company's strategically located asset near Saguenay-Lac St. Jean, Quebec.

News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less
Saga Metals Expands Drilling at Radar Project, Unveiling a Large Mineralized Layered Mafic Intrusion

Saga Metals Expands Drilling at Radar Project, Unveiling a Large Mineralized Layered Mafic Intrusion

Saga Metals Corp. ("SAGA" or the "Company") (TSXV: SAGA) (OTCQB: SAGMF) (FSE: 20H) a North American exploration company focused on critical mineral discovery, is pleased to announce the successful execution of its 2025 maiden drill program at the Radar Project, located near the town of Cartwright in Labrador, Canada. This program confirmed a large mineralized layered mafic intrusion with early indications suggesting it is completely undeformed and contains its original primary magmatic textures from over 1 billion years ago. The Dykes River intrusion (Gower 2017), which hosts the entirety of the Radar Ti-V project, has been historically mapped over an area of 160km 2 which is similar in size to Greenland's Skargaard intrusion. This size underscores the immense untapped potential of the region for hosting critical metals, including vanadium and titanium, essential to the global green energy transition.

News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

Keep reading...Show less
Fortune Minerals

Fortune Minerals Investor Kit

  • Corporate info
  • Insights
  • Growth strategies
  • Upcoming projects

GET YOUR FREE INVESTOR KIT

Latest Press Releases

Related News

×