The Lithium Boom in Manitoba

Building a better lithium supply chain

Currently, roughly 80 percent of the world's batteries are produced in Southeast Asia. Canada's closest trading partner, the US, is currently grappling with a severely underdeveloped lithium supply chain. The global market for lithium-ion batteries, meanwhile, is expected to top US$100 billion by 2030.

Much has already been written about Canada's significant potential where lithium is concerned. Policymakers at both the provincial and federal level have taken strides to create a climate favorable to exploration, development and production. The country is also home to extensive pre-developed infrastructure and considerable mining expertise.

Most importantly, however, is the fact that Canada houses extensive, incredibly rich deposits of lithium, many of which are currently untapped.

Given the above, the current market for lithium represents an enormous opportunity for Canada, both in North America and on the global stage. By further developing its own domestic production and supply, the country could establish itself as a global leader in lithium. Moreover, by pairing this with its capacity for innovation, Canada could position itself at the helm of both the electronic vehicle and clean energy sectors.

Manitoba's role in a clean, green Canadian future

When discussing Canada's lithium supply, the conversation usually resolves around the Albertan oil sands or the Northwest Territories. However, there's another major player that's often overlooked, one with just as much potential as its peers. Bordering Saskatchewan to the West and Ontario to the East, Manitoba is mining-friendly, houses extensive mining infrastructure, and may host extensive lithium deposits just below ground near the Winnipeg River.

Manitoba was once the second-ranked mining jurisdiction in the world. It has since fallen out of favor — though it is exceedingly likely that this will change. Last November, the province announced multi-year permits for mineral exploration, with leadership expressing its commitment to working in collaboration with mining companies.

Unsurprisingly, these factors together have led multiple battery metal focused exploration companies to the province in recent years, with each one claiming stakes in multiple major projects.

Foremost Lithium Resources & Technology (CSE:FAT,OTCQB:FRRSF), for instance, has acquired three major projects near the historic mining town of Snow Lake. Together, these projects comprise 48 claims over a total area of 26,276 acres. This notably makes Foremost Lithium the second largest lithium exploration company in Snow Lake.

Vancouver-based exploration company New Age Metals (TSXV:NAM,OTCQB:NMTLF) also maintains a significant presence in the region, with 100 percent ownership of seven pegmatite-hosted lithium and rare earth element projects. These projects are funded by the fifth-largest lithium producer in the world, Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN,OTC Pink:MALRF).

Snow Lake Lithium (NASDAQ:LITM), which last year completed a US$27.6 million initial public offering, is another major presence in Manitoba's lithium exploration. Its flagship property, known as the Thompson Brothers lithium project, has the reported potential to produce 160,000 tonnes of 6 percent lithium ore concentrate annually for up to 10 years.

The Makwa Mayville project, situated 145 kilometers from Winnipeg, represents another highly promising potential source of battery metals. Owned and operated by Grid Metals (TSXV:GRDM,OTCQB:MSMGF), the project is estimated to contain nickel, copper, platinum group metals and cobalt mineralization.

Manitoba shows a great deal of promise where lithium production is concerned, with favorable regulations and significant exploration activity augmenting its already well-developed mining sector.

Takeaway

Canada has an opportunity to become a global leader in lithium production. With its rich deposits of the battery metal and friendly mining regulations, Manitoba is poised to play a pivotal role in that leadership. Even now, countless exploration companies are staking their claim to the region, driven by increased demand for battery metals and emboldened by the provincial government's renewed commitment to helping the province's mining sector grow and thrive.

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