Eskan Secures C$13.5M to Advance Indigenous-Led Trans-Atikh Lithium Corridor
Eskan Company has received conditional approval for C$13.5 million in funding from Canada’s Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund to advance the Trans-Atikh Project, a key infrastructure initiative supporting lithium development in Quebec’s Eeyou Istchee James Bay region.
- Eskan Company awarded conditional C$13.5 million Stage 1 funding from CMIF
- Trans-Atikh Project to extend multi-user road corridor north from Renard Operation
- Project supports regional lithium developments including Winsome’s Adina Lithium Project
- Funding aims to cover design, feasibility, environmental and socioeconomic studies
- Indigenous-led initiative with Cree Nation involvement and focus on sustainable development
Strategic Infrastructure Funding for Critical Minerals
Winsome Resources (ASX:WR1) has announced a significant milestone for regional infrastructure in Quebec’s Eeyou Istchee James Bay region, as the Eskan Company, a 100% Cree-owned holding entity, has secured conditional approval for C$13.5 million in Stage 1 funding from Canada’s Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF). This funding is earmarked for the Trans-Atikh Project, a multi-user public road corridor extending northwards from the Renard Operation, a site that Winsome holds an exclusive option to acquire.
The Trans-Atikh Project is designed to facilitate access to multiple lithium projects in the region, including Winsome’s flagship Adina Lithium Project. By improving transport infrastructure, the project aims to unlock new economic opportunities, support critical mineral discoveries, and enhance land user access to traditional territories.
Indigenous Leadership and Sustainable Development
What sets the Trans-Atikh Project apart is its Indigenous-led approach. Eskan Company, comprising members of the Cree Nation of Mistissini, is spearheading the planning phase with a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship, cultural respect, and socioeconomic benefits for local communities. The project includes comprehensive baseline biophysical and social studies, environmental and social impact assessments, and active community consultations.
Winsome’s Managing Director Chris Evans expressed strong support for Eskan’s leadership, highlighting the project’s role in advancing reconciliation and sustainable development. The initiative aligns with federal and provincial government priorities to foster Indigenous participation in critical minerals infrastructure, a sector vital to the clean energy transition.
Funding Framework and Future Prospects
The CMIF funding is structured in two stages: Stage 1 covers design and feasibility costs, while Stage 2, which requires a separate application, can fund up to 75% of construction costs. The federal government has allocated C$300 million for Stage 1 projects in the 2024-2025 fiscal year, with applications exceeding available funds, underscoring the competitive nature of this support.
Conditional approval for Eskan’s Stage 1 funding is subject to due diligence, but if successful, it will pave the way for advancing the Trans-Atikh Project into construction. This infrastructure will not only benefit Winsome’s lithium ambitions but also enhance safety and access for all territory users, including local Cree communities and industry workers.
Implications for Winsome Resources and Regional Development
For Winsome Resources, the Trans-Atikh Project is a critical enabler for the Adina Lithium Project, which boasts a JORC Mineral Resource of 78 million tonnes at 1.15% Li2O and is positioned as a tier-one asset in a stable jurisdiction. The proximity of the Renard Operation, with its existing processing infrastructure, combined with improved road access, could accelerate Winsome’s pathway to production.
In addition, the project exemplifies a model of Indigenous partnership and sustainable resource development that could set a precedent for future critical minerals projects across Canada. As the global demand for lithium intensifies, infrastructure projects like Trans-Atikh will be pivotal in securing supply chains while respecting Indigenous rights and environmental values.
Bottom Line?
The Trans-Atikh Project’s funding approval marks a crucial step in unlocking Quebec’s lithium potential through Indigenous-led infrastructure development.
Questions in the middle?
- What are the key milestones and timelines for Eskan’s due diligence and Stage 1 project completion?
- How will the Trans-Atikh corridor impact Winsome’s production schedule and capital expenditure plans?
- What are the prospects and criteria for securing Stage 2 funding to finance construction?
