The momentum around the global energy transition has underscored the critical importance of establishing secure, ethical and efficient critical mineral supply chains, leading to renewed interest in jurisdictions with the right resources but without the geopolitical baggage. And Ontario, Canada is rapidly emerging as a front runner.
Guided by its Critical Minerals Strategy, Ontario is working to establish a fully domestic supply chain that spans from exploration to processing and advanced manufacturing. The province is leveraging its world-class geology, transparent permitting and strong Indigenous partnerships while investing in infrastructure, tax incentives and clean energy to support downstream processing. With battery gigafactories under construction across Ontario, the province is emerging as a credible North American alternative to China’s supply dominance.
An increasing number of global resource companies, like Australian firm Green Technology Metals (ASX:GT1), are investing in Ontario to pursue integrated strategies that link critical mineral resources with processing facilities to supply directly to OEMs and battery manufacturers.
Government backing for critical minerals
Canada has identified critical minerals as essential to its economic future, energy transition and geopolitical resilience. Federal and provincial governments are prioritizing these resources to secure domestic supply chains, reduce dependence on foreign producers and capture more value from downstream processing.
This strategy is reflected in a broad suite of incentives, from exploration grants and streamlined permitting to tax credits and funding for refining facilities. At the same time, governments are investing in enabling infrastructure, including all-season roads, expanded grid capacity and port upgrades, to unlock access to mineral-rich northern regions.
Against this backdrop, GT1 is effectively leveraging this supportive policy environment to advance its integrated lithium strategy. At its flagship Seymour lithium project, GT1 has already been awarded C$5.5 million from CMIF Round 1 for a road upgrade and secured a C$100 million letter of intent from Export Development Canada (EDC) for project financing. Additional submissions include C$6.34 million from CMIF Round 2 for transport, power and water upgrades, along with up to C$500,000 from the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund for ore sorting and metallurgical work.
At the Root project, GT1 has applied for C$4.95 million from CMIF Round 2 for road, power and water infrastructure. For its planned Conversion Facility, a key part of GT1’s integrated mine-to-battery strategy, the company has submissions under review with NRCan Strategic Project Support and SIF, with additional support sought from the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund for refining and conversion technology.
These funding awards and applications demonstrate how GT1’s projects are tightly aligned with Canada’s national strategy, highlighting both government confidence in the company and the broader opportunity Ontario offers for building a domestic, vertically integrated lithium supply chain.
Mine-to-battery pathways
Ontario’s EV ecosystem is expanding at an unprecedented pace. A surge in battery plant construction, combined with OEM commitments to localize supply chains, is creating a “mine-to-battery” opportunity for Canadian-sourced minerals processed domestically. For investors, this means Ontario projects are positioned to secure long-term offtake agreements with major automakers and battery producers.
Ontario’s clean, low-cost power grid is another differentiator, supporting sustainable mining and processing operations, giving projects a competitive ESG profile. For automakers and battery manufacturers, Ontario offers a combination of stability, sustainability and scalability that few other jurisdictions can match.
Green Technology Metals: An investment case study
Green Technology Metals exemplifies how companies are leveraging Ontario’s unique advantages. The company’s vision is to establish a vertically integrated “mine-to-chemical” business model, delivering battery-grade lithium hydroxide directly into North America’s fast-expanding EV supply chain.
At the heart of GT1’s growth strategy are its flagship Seymour and Root projects. The Seymour project, located near Armstrong, Ontario, boasts high-grade spodumene resources with strong infrastructure advantages, including proximity to hydroelectric power. A low-cost, low-risk project, Seymour is advancing toward production in the near term with mining leases secured and permitting process nearly complete. Results from the project’s preliminary economic assessment underscore its robust economics: an after-tax net present value of US$251 million, an internal rate of return of 33 percent, average annual EBITDA of US$122 million and a payback period of just 3.5 years.
The Root project, meanwhile, offers significant exploration upside and is expected to follow Seymour in the development sequence, feeding ore into a central processing facility.
GT1’s growth pathway is deliberately phased to maximize value capture while managing risk. Stage one focuses on bringing Seymour into production, becoming the first lithium producer in the province.
Stage two will see the establishment of a lithium hydroxide conversion facility in Ontario, ensuring the company can produce battery-ready material within the province.
Finally, at stage three, GT1 plans to grow its feed source by bringing its Root project into production.
Strategic partnerships are a cornerstone of this strategy. A joint venture with EcoPro Innovation will support the design, construction and operation of the conversion facility. In addition, a binding offtake agreement with LG Energy Solution secures 25 percent of Seymour’s production for the first five years.
Investor takeaway
From an investment perspective, Ontario offers:
- Geological potential: High-grade, accessible lithium deposits
- Jurisdictional stability: Transparent regulation and low political risk
- Infrastructure readiness: Road, rail and clean power already in place
- Proximity to market: Access to OEMs and gigafactories within a day’s drive
- Government alignment: Active policy and funding support for critical minerals
For companies like GT1, these factors create a strong platform for delivering secure, ESG-aligned lithium supply to North America’s rapidly expanding EV and energy storage markets.
GT1 offers a uniquely de-risked and integrated pathway to production, underpinned by strategic partnerships, guaranteed offtake and strong government support, including a C$100 million EDC letter of interest. With proven battery-grade production already achieved, near-term timelines, experienced management and the added value of rubidium by-products, the company is well positioned to deliver sustainable lithium supply to North America.
This INNSpired article is sponsored by Green Technology Metals (ASX:GT1). This INNSpired article provides information which was sourced by the Investing News Network (INN) and approved by Green Technology Metals in order to help investors learn more about the company. Green Technology Metals is a client of INN. The company’s campaign fees pay for INN to create and update this INNSpired article.
This INNSpired article was written according to INN editorial standards to educate investors.
INN does not provide investment advice and the information on this profile should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. INN does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company profiled.
The information contained here is for information purposes only and is not to be construed as an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of securities. Readers should conduct their own research for all information publicly available concerning the company. Prior to making any investment decision, it is recommended that readers consult directly with Green Technology Metals and seek advice from a qualified investment advisor.
