The W8banaki Nation are the traditional land custodians of Bécancour Waterfront Industrial Park. Pic: via Getty Images.
Lithium Universe teams up with traditional owners of Québec lithium refinery site
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- LU7 forms committee with W8banaki Nation to progress Bécancour lithium refinery
- The 16,000tpa Bécancour lithium carbonate refinery is part of the Québec processing hub
- Committee will collaborate on site impact assessment
Special Report: Lithium Universe has formed a joint committee to collaborate with the Tribal Council representing the Abenaki Council of Odanak and the Abenaki Council of Wôlinak to progress development of its Bécancour lithium refinery in Canada.
The refinery is part of the company’s proposed Québec Lithium Processing Hub and is expected to capture feedstock from the burgeoning James Bay lithium district – an emerging Tier-1 domain endowed with more than 500Mt of economic lithium resources defined to date.
Known as the W8banaki Nation, the partner group are the traditional land custodians of Bécancour Waterfront Industrial Park – the company’s intended site for the proposed refinery – and hold significant understanding of battery supply chains as well as years of experience collaborating with the chemicals industry.
The joint committee will comprise two representatives from each party, and will serve as the primary forum for communication, manage project schedules, ensure culturally safe collaboration, and oversee compliance.
The committee will also seek to identify opportunities for further involvement of the community within the company’s project, coordinate impact analyses and adopt joint emergency and safety plans.
Collaboration is key for impact analysis
Lithium Universe (ASX:LU7) says the initiative aims to foster ongoing information exchange and mutual understanding, maintaining a strong relationship based on dialogue, collaboration, transparency and respect.
The collaboration is also expected to assist with the upcoming site impact assessment for the refinery, a strategic location which seamlessly connects to the extensive North American highway network.
The site also benefits from daily service by the Canadian National Railway, enabling cross-continental transportation from east to west and north to south, linking key ports on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
The company recognises its project will impact the Ndakina and may affect the rights and interests of the W8banakiak, so to address any potential impacts the W8banakiak will actively participate in the environmental assessment process, contributing to the development of an impact analysis which will support a comprehensive impact study.
LU7 is committed to encouraging a collaborative and respectful relationship with W8banakiak, ensuring that all concerns are addressed and that the project proceeds with the highest consideration for environmental and cultural impacts.
“The W8banaki representatives are a very practical group who have a deep understanding of the battery supply chain having extensive experience managing similar committees and impact assessment studies for our battery-focussed neighbours in the Bécancour Industrial Park,” LU7 chairman Iggy Tan said.
“The W8banakiak are a key stakeholder for our Bécancour lithium refinery and we look forward to learning more about the Nation in the coming years while building this critical project alongside the community.”
This article was developed in collaboration with Lithium Universe, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.
This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.
