Quebec Allocates $75 Million to Expand Critical Battery Mineral Processing in Abitibi

VAL-D'OR, QC — Minister of Natural Resources and Forests Maïté Blanchette Vézina announced $75 million in state capital loans and equity participations from the Natural Resources Development Fund to construct two commercial mineral processing mills in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region.

Powering North America's Electric Vehicle Battery Supply Chain

The funding packages provide capital to Sayona Mining and Nouveau Monde Graphite to construct advanced chemical refining plants capable of producing 30,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium hydroxide and purified spherical natural graphite annually. The facilities utilize Quebec’s 99% clean hydroelectric power to process raw ores locally, eliminating the need to ship concentrates overseas for processing and creating 550 high-paying industrial mining jobs in Northern Quebec.

Minister Blanchette Vézina stated that Quebec is building the complete green battery supply chain from mine to assembly line, securing high-value manufacturing jobs in regional communities.

Cree Nation and Mining Association Support

The Grand Council of the Crees praised the formal joint venture training frameworks ensuring Indigenous youth obtain certified mineral extraction and metallurgical credentials.

Quebec Mining Association celebrated the expansion of domestic value-added mineral refining capacity.

Construction Groundbreaking

Commercial processing facility civil foundation work in Val-d'Or will commence in October 2026.