RED ROCK — The developers of a lithium deposit near Beardmore have chosen Red Rock as the site for what would be Ontario's first lithium refinery.
Rock Tech Lithium also announced Monday that it has secured a $5.5 million investment in the project by BMI Group.
Rock Tech is the sole owner of the Georgia Lake property, 17 km south of Beardmore.
Last year it embarked on a site selection process that evaluated several green and brown-field sites in Ontario and the northern United States, including Thunder Bay.
The German-Canadian company has now chosen the former Norampac Paper Mill site in Red Rock, citing its proximity to the future mine site and the availability of road, rail and water transportation.
"For over a decade now, we have been committed to developing relationships with our Indigenous partners in the area. With our decision to build our first Ontario lithium converter in Red Rock we are proud to honour their request to 'refine where we mine,' " said Rock Tech CEO Dirk Harbecke.
"The Red Rock community is eager to see a large industrial project return."
Paul Veldman, CEO of the BMI Group, said "From developing the northernmost port on the Great Lakes in partnership with the Red Rock Indian Band to working with the town of Red Rock, Iron and Oak Railroad Services, and Hydro One, we've been working to make Red Rock industry-ready."
It's projected that the mine will have an initial life expectancy of nine years, with potential for an extension if more lithium is discovered.
Last fall, the developer said construction could begin sometime this year.
According to a spokesperson for Rock Tech, the mine at Georgia Lake would would employ about 200 people full-time, while the refinery at Red Rock would require about 220 full-time workers.