Frontier Lithium has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Panasonic Energy Co. and Mitsubishi Corporation to explore lithium hydroxide supply and broader collaboration aimed at strengthening North America’s EV battery supply chain.
The agreement centers on Frontier’s PAK Lithium Project in Ontario, an integrated development that includes both an upstream lithium mine and mill and a downstream lithium conversion facility.
The project targets initial production of approximately 20,000 metric tonnes per year of battery-grade lithium salts beginning in 2030.
Lithium hydroxide is a critical material for high-nickel cathode chemistries commonly used in electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Securing regional supply has become increasingly important as North American automakers and battery manufacturers seek to reduce reliance on overseas refining and processing capacity.
Panasonic Energy operates major lithium-ion battery production facilities in Nevada and Kansas that supply the North American automotive market. Under the MoU, Panasonic Energy has expressed interest in procuring lithium hydroxide from the PAK Lithium Project. The parties also intend to evaluate potential technical cooperation and long-term supply arrangements.
The MoU is non-binding and establishes a framework for further negotiations, including a potential definitive offtake agreement at a later stage of project development.
If developed as planned, the PAK Lithium Project would represent one of the larger high-grade lithium resources in North America and contribute to localized battery material production supporting EV manufacturing.
Filed Under: Batteries, Technology News