Rock Tech and the BMI Group-Red Rock Indian Band partnership are conducting a comprehensive site analysis to transform the former Norampac Paper Mill site in Red Rock into a key component of Ontario's EV supply chain. A Memorandum of Understanding outlining next steps was signed this Friday at the site accompanied by Mayor Darquise Robinson, community members, and business partners.
The Company's Georgia Lake Mining Project is located along Highway 11, an hour north of Red Rock. As the closest site to production with critical infrastructure components, inclusive of rail, industrial power, and the pending development of the northernmost port on the Great Lakes, the location can be well positioned for an intermodal transloading facility and potentially Rock Tech's planned lithium refinery.
"This partnership truly embodies what we believe is vital: diligent assessment, local and Indigenous community engagement, and strong networks. This is not just a refinery, it is about developing a new industry, ensuring chemical supply, green energy, offtake of battery-grade lithium, and zero-waste management. We have invested over 350,000 engineering hours, completed the front-end engineering and design, and established the necessary industrial and procurement network through our existing Guben Converter project. These efforts lay the groundwork for a shovel-ready opportunity for Ontario. To realize the potential of it, we need strong and capable partners."
DIRK HARBECKE
CEO Rock Tech
"By combining our industrial development and infrastructure experience, most notably from our Niagara Ports project, with Rock Tech's technical expertise, we are fully supporting the exploration of a viable pathway for lithium processing and intermodal transport in Red Rock and the Province as a whole. The mill was shuttered in 2006, and with it, about 300 jobs. This collaboration represents a significant step towards not only meeting the demand for critical battery components but also bringing back some of those jobs."
PAUL VELDMAN
Managing Partner at the BMI Group
"We have the capacity, our people have the capability, and we want to make them shine. We want to give people a good life. "Refine where you mine" is not just a motto for us; it's an opportunity to create new jobs that contribute to the future of the mining industry. Coupled with the development of the northernmost port on the Great Lakes and its ability to take transport pressure off our Northern highways, you have a win-win opportunity worth investing in."
MARCUS HARDY
Chief Red Rock Indian Band
Rock Tech previously stated that its Canadian lithium converter will be located in Ontario. Its engineering design of the Guben Converter will be applied to its Canadian counterpart, positioning the Company to begin construction as early as 2025, pending permits and further partnership arrangements. The Company has completed a series of testworks to ensure that the refinery can process spodumene from various sources and is adaptable to the region's rapidly growing lithium industry.
The former pulp and paper mill area on the Township of Red Rock's waterfront, and the strategic collaboration have the potential to significantly contribute to the development of a competitive Provincial EV supply chain, creating upwards direct new jobs and fostering positive social impact and economic growth.