Groundwork has officially begun on a new lithium demonstration plant just southwest of Stoughton, a project poised to test the viability of large-scale lithium production in southeast Saskatchewan.
The facility, known as Project Aurora, is being developed by EMP Metals and its partner, Saltworks Technologies. The project is one of the first to receive support from the provincial government's new Saskatchewan Critical Mineral Innovation Incentive.
Paul Shubach, Chief Operating Officer for EMP Metals, said the demonstration plant is a critical proof-of-concept project connected directly to a wellhead. He expects the facility to be up and running by the first quarter of 2026.
“Within the next six months, we should be having that operation producing products and, again, proving out our flow sheet and proof of concept for our lithium production here in the province,” Shubach said to Discover Weyburn.
A key factor driving the project is the unique quality of the lithium brine found in the company's Viewfield well.
"It's the highest concentration of lithium brine discovered to date in Canada," Shubach explained, noting three of their wells have tested over 200 milligrams per litre.
He said the resource is also exceptionally clean, with a complete absence of H2S, or hydrogen sulphide. The lack of contaminants reduces safety risks, and the costs associated with pre-treatment before extraction can begin.
While the initial plant is for demonstration, the long-term vision is significant. Shubach said previous studies show the potential for a commercial facility to scale up to a peak of 18,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate per year, with an average of 12,000 tonnes annually over a 25-year lifespan.
This is part of a much larger resource discovery in the province.
"If you take the collective resource that a number of companies are indicating on their land base, we're upwards of 10 million plus tons," Shubach stated.
The project is already leveraging local oil and gas service companies and contractors for drilling and construction. Shubach anticipates further opportunities for local employment as the project moves toward commercial scale.
Government and company officials see the project as a major step forward for the province's resource sector.
"This is an important and exciting step forward for Saskatchewan," Energy and Resources Minister Colleen Young said in a press release. "Project Aurora will help strengthen Saskatchewan's position as a reliable supplier of the critical minerals the world needs."
The SCMII program is designed to drive investment in the critical minerals sector by providing tax credits for innovation and commercialization projects.
"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," said EMP Metals CEO Karl Kottmeier in a statement. "This support only deepens our commitment to our work in Saskatchewan."