Green Technology Metals (GT1) has taken a significant step forward in its Seymour lithium project in Ontario, Canada, appointing Altris Engineering to optimise and lead the definitive feasibility study (DFS). This move underscores GT1’s commitment to advancing the project while maintaining a disciplined approach to cash conservation and technical robustness.
The Seymour project, located near Armstrong and approximately 230km north of Thunder Bay, benefits from established infrastructure and ongoing Indigenous agreements, which mitigate risks and support rapid development. GT1 plans to accelerate the DFS in the first quarter of 2026, aligning with anticipated market recovery, and aims for a positive final investment decision (FID) by mid-next year.
Altris Engineering, known for its DFS-specific capabilities and extensive industry background in mineral processing, constructability, and operability, will lead technical studies essential for permitting and approvals. This appointment enables GT1 to combine in-house capabilities with external technical input, ensuring the DFS meets stringent technical, permitting, and financing readiness standards.
The immediate focus at the Seymour project remains on advancing activities critical to permitting, including completing the closure plan, ongoing technical reviews, and consultation with First Nations partners. Additionally, GT1 is finalising the site layout, optimising the water and waste management strategy, and reassessing site infrastructure, power supply, services, and supporting facilities under the new design basis.
Several workstreams within the Seymour lithium project DFS will be revisited to align with the updated layout and optimised project configuration. This includes incorporating updated technical and economic inputs to reflect recent studies and stakeholder feedback.
Financial support pathways are being advanced through a conditional letter of interest from Export Development Canada (EDC) for up to C$100m ($71m). GT1 has also engaged financial advisers with specialised experience in critical minerals financing to support funding strategy and execution. Furthermore, C$5.4m in funding from Canada’s Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF) has been received for Seymour road upgrade infrastructure, with a further CMIF application for C$6.34m submitted under the relevant government programme parameters.
GT1 managing director Cameron Henry emphasised the significance of the appointment, stating, “The appointment of Altris Engineering marks a key step in completing the DFS while maintaining the company’s disciplined cash-conservation strategy. I have spent the past few weeks in Canada attending the Ontario Critical Minerals Forum, and it has been incredible to see first hand the government’s strong focus on critical minerals development and supply chain security. There’s real momentum in the market, and it is an exciting time for the sector.”
This development could shape the water, sanitation, and drainage sector by setting a precedent for integrating advanced technical studies and stakeholder consultations into project planning. The focus on optimising water and waste management strategies highlights the growing importance of sustainable practices in mineral extraction projects. Additionally, the financial support and government focus on critical minerals development indicate a broader trend towards securing supply chains and advancing infrastructure, which could drive innovation and investment in the sector.