Patriot Battery Metals has reported further progress in securing approvals for its Shaakichiuwaanaan lithium project in Quebec, saying the federal permitting process is now aligned with the provincial pathway already under way.
The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) has published Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines and a detailed permitting plan for the project, marking the completion of the planning phase of the federal environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA). The federal process will run in parallel with the provincial process, with the submission of the provincial ESIA targeted for late 2025, followed by the federal submission.
“Within the approvals process to-date, engagement with both the Cree, provincial and federal authorities has been constructive and timely,” said CEO and president Ken Brinsden. “Further, we are pleased to see that the IAAC is aiming to minimise duplication and ensure full use is made of the work contributing to the Cree and provincial level assessment.”
The permitting work builds on more than three years of environmental baseline studies and extensive community consultations. “It can’t be underestimated how much work has already been achieved by Patriot to ensure Shaakichiuwaanaan is well-placed in the global lithium raw material development pipeline,” Brinsden added.
“Moving the project from discovery and the establishment of a globally significant resource, to the upcoming mine authorization process, in less than four years is a remarkable achievement that demonstrates both the quality of the project and team delivering it.”
The CV5 pegmatite deposit, which underpins the mine plan, lies in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region and is located about 14 km from a major hydroelectric corridor. Patriot noted that the provincial ESIA submission remained on track for late 2025, with the federal application to follow shortly thereafter.