The province has announced that southeast Saskatchewan will be host to a new lithium operation, as a part of its Critical Minerals Innovation Incentive. The development is a part of EMP Metals Corp.'s Project Aurora, a lithium refining demonstration plant set to be built in the area.
Project Aurora will see a small-scale lithium refining demonstration facility built as a proof-of-concept for larger, commercial-scale lithium production in the future.
"This is an important and exciting step forward for Saskatchewan," said Energy and Resources Minister Colleen Young. "By approving this project under the SCMII, we are opening the door to new technology that will lead to new investment, good jobs, and a more sustainable energy future. Project Aurora will help strengthen Saskatchewan's position as a reliable supplier of the critical minerals the world needs and underscores our province's status as one of the best places in the world to invest in responsible resource development."
Project Aurora is a joint initiative between EMP Metals Corp. and Saltworks Technologies Inc., building on a successful lithium conversion pilot program. Saltworks will design and construct the demonstration plant, while EMP Metals will provide lithium brine from its Viewfield well and further infrastructure.
"We greatly appreciate the Saskatchewan government's approval of our application for SCMII funding," said EMP Metals CEO Karl Kottmeier. "Once again, Saskatchewan has proven that it is truly a supporter of new investment and technological development. With Project Aurora, EMP and our partner Saltworks Technologies are excited to be building lithium production in the province and bringing longer-term employment opportunities to the community. This support only deepens our commitment to our work in Saskatchewan."
"Saskatchewan is clearly focused on harnessing its critical minerals, entrepreneurship, and innovation capacity," said Saltworks Technologies CEO Benjamin Sparrow. "We are thrilled to be collaborating with EMP Metals and Team Saskatchewan to demonstrate next-generation lithium extraction technologies that will help unlock new opportunities for current and future generations."
The demonstration plant will be located on the same well pad as the company’s horizontal well and vertical test well, located north of Estevan near Viewfield.