TSX-V-listed Frontier Lithium has provided an update on the progress of critical infrastructure projects supported by Canada’s Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF) at its PAK lithium project in Ontario.

The company noted that it had finalised contribution agreements with Natural Resources Canada in March 2025, securing up to about C$6.1-million in non-repayable funding to advance two key initiatives: an all-season access road and a clean energy connection.

The first project involves engineering, design, permitting and environmental studies for about 56 km of an all-season, two-lane junction road, which is required to link the PAK project to Ontario’s provincial highway network. The second focuses on the engineering and permitting of a substation and transmission line to connect the operation to the Wataynikaneyap power grid.

Frontier said it continues to advance engineering, environmental, permitting and Indigenous engagement activities to support shovel-ready status for both projects and intended applying under stream 2 of the CMIF programme to seek reimbursement of 50% of eligible costs.

The company reported that more than C$3-million was invested in infrastructure development under the CMIF programme in 2024 and 2025, with a further C$8.9-million expected to be allocated by 2028 as work expanded.

During 2026, Frontier plans to complete consultation, finalise the remaining 20% of engineering designs, designate a preferred route and conclude the permitting process for the junction road under Ontario’s One Project One Process framework. This work is expected to cost about C$2.6-million and is aimed at enabling construction to start as early as 2027.

Capital expenditure of about C$2.9-million is forecast for the PAK clean energy project in 2026. This will be directed towards technical assessments, environmental studies, permitting and geotechnical drilling associated with the electricity connection.

The company said these works were being undertaken alongside the Ontario government’s plans to twin power lines to Red Lake, announced in October, to support new mining developments in the region. Frontier noted that the infrastructure projects form part of Ontario’s and Canada’s broader critical minerals strategy by addressing key access and power constraints required to bring deposits such as PAK into production.

“Road and power investments are generational infrastructure, not just for the PAK Lithium project, but also for others within the region, including local and Indigenous communities. As we advance permitting and pre-construction, we are ensuring benefits flow regionally while Canada strengthens a secure, domestic critical minerals supply chain," commented president and CEO Trevor Walker.