Lithium is recognized by the governments of Quebec and Canada as being of critical and strategic importance to the country and the province. In fact, it is one of the 34 critical and strategic minerals (CSMs) identified by the Government of Canada and one of the 28 CSMs identified by the Government of Quebec.
The Element
Lithium is a chemical element with the symbol Li and atomic number 3. It is a soft, silvery-colored, lightweight, and highly reactive alkali metal (MRNF, 2025). Lithium is the lightest solid metal on the periodic table and is found primarily in igneous rocks (in the form of hard rock, with significant discoveries mainly in the Eeyou Istchee Baie-James (EIBJ) and Abitibi-Témiscamingue regions) or brine deposits (mainly in Latin America).
Like aluminum, which is produced from bauxite and then alumina, lithium is not found in its pure form in nature. It is most commonly found in the form of Lithia (Li2O), contained within a mineral called spodumene (a hard rock), which belongs to the large family of minerals known as pegmatites.
Lithium can also be present in the form of salts, such as Lithium Carbonate (Li2CO3) or Lithium Chloride (LiCl), which are dissolved in water (brines). Currently, lithium in carbonate or chloride form is not found in Quebec.
Its Uses
Since spodumene is one of the major sources of lithium, it is central to the composition of lithium-ion batteries that power a multitude of devices and electric vehicles.
There are many types of lithium batteries, and the technologies continue to evolve rapidly. In summary, there are two main groups of lithium batteries: lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries and lithium-metal (Li-metal) batteries. The most common batteries are lithium-ion, due to the significant technological challenges faced by lithium-metal batteries, which hinder their widespread adoption in the market.
Global Lithium Resources
According to NCR (2025a) and USGS (2024), in 2023, Canada ranked sixth globally in lithium reserves, holding approximately 3% of the world’s reserves, or 681,000 tonnes. It is also estimated that the majority of global lithium resources are located in Chile (41%), Australia (25.4%), and Argentina (9.8%). In terms of production, Australia leads with 52% of the global volume, followed by Chile (25%) and China (13%) (NCR 2025a).
In light of the numerous exploration and discovery initiatives in the EIBJ and Abitibi-Témiscamingue regions, Quebec is rapidly moving towards a leading position among the world’s major lithium producers. This growth is all the more tangible with the implementation of major projects already operational or well advanced, notably North American Lithium (NAL), Nemaska Lithium, and Galaxy, as well as the Quebec government’s efforts to stimulate the development of the battery sector and the energy transition. Several new projects, such as the flagship Adina Lithium proposed project, also aim to reach the construction phase in the coming years.
Lithium has chemical properties similar to sodium and potassium but is lighter. This makes it the perfect candidate formanufacturing lightweight, high-energy-density batteries, such as those used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels, and all kinds of portable devices, including laptops, wireless outdoor lights, flashlights, wireless radios, headlamps, pacemakers, smartphones, drones, and more.
Thus, lithium is a key element in meeting our energy needs while supporting the energy transition, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by transforming our energy production and consumption patterns.
Rising Demand
While lithium-ion battery production accounts for 74% of lithium demand, its derivatives are also essential in the manufacture of industrial lubricants and high-temperature resistant glass, such as the ceramic glass used in home cooktops, and in the development of certain medications.
According to Winsome Resources’ Preliminary Economic Study
Global lithium supply increased at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27% between 2016 and 2023, driven by positive demand prospects from the burgeoning electric vehicle industry. Indeed, a growing number of countries and regional organizations are committing to decarbonizing the transportation sector, particularly in emerging markets. In Canada, all light-duty vehicle sales are expected to be zero-emission vehicles by 2035, with interim targets of at least 20% by 2026 and at least 60% by 2030.
Quebec’s Advantages for Lithium Development
The crucial—and uncontrollable—element of any new mining project is the location of the resource. In recent years, significant discoveries of lithium mineralized zones have been made in Quebec, some of the largest in North America, in addition to major projects already defined and in operation or advanced stages. This concentration of projects in a single region presents a unique opportunity to share the use of certain infrastructure, such as ore processing and transportation facilities, thereby reducing the resources required to start projects and, consequently, the collective environmental footprint.
In addition to being located in a corridor where mineral resources appear to be very high, the various mining properties in Northern Quebec are situated near Hydro-Québec’s La Grande Complex, a strategic location for potential access to hydroelectric infrastructure.
The process of converting spodumene into lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide requires a great deal of energy. If this energy is obtained from fossil fuels, production results in significant CO2 emissions. Fortunately, 97% of the energy produced in the province is hydroelectric. This would mean that lithium produced in Quebec would have a smaller environmental footprint than elsewhere in the world, thus truly contributing to the decarbonization of transportation.
Finally, it is worth noting that Quebec has the advantage of possessing all the necessary expertise to develop innovative projects, adapted to today’s challenges and compliant with regulatory requirements and public expectations.