Rock Tech Lithium Inc. has secured $262,500 from Ontario’s Critical Minerals Innovation Fund to assess crude tall oil — a pulp and paper by-product — as a flotation reagent for lithium processing. Partnering with Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper and Queen’s University, the 18-month project aims to improve processing efficiency, cut emissions, and strengthen Ontario’s localized critical minerals supply chain. CEO Mirco Wojnarowicz emphasized innovation-driven competitiveness, while regional officials highlighted job creation in Northern Ontario. The initiative builds on Rock Tech’s prior $1.4M federal funding and refinery site selection in Red Rock.
According to www.canadianmanufacturing.com, Rock Tech Lithium Inc. has received $262,500 from Ontario’s Critical Minerals Innovation Fund (CMIF) to evaluate crude tall oil — a by-product of the pulp and paper industry — as a flotation reagent in lithium mineral processing.
Project scope and industrial integration
The initiative targets technical validation of crude tall oil for use in froth flotation, a key separation step that isolates lithium-bearing minerals from waste rock. According to Rock Tech Lithium Inc., successful adoption could improve processing efficiency while reducing reliance on imported chemical reagents. The project explicitly links two established Ontario industries: mining and forestry. Crude tall oil is generated during kraft pulping at facilities such as Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper, located in Northwestern Ontario. If validated, the reagent would be sourced locally, supporting supply chain localization goals set by the provincial government in 2024 under its Critical Minerals Strategy.
Partnership structure and regional impact
The CMIF-funded effort involves three core partners: Rock Tech Lithium Inc., Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper, and Queen’s University. At Queen’s, the work is led by Charlotte Gibson, Assistant Professor and Associate Head of the Robert M. Buchan Department of Mining. The collaboration builds on an existing relationship between Rock Tech and Queen’s Critical Minerals Processing Lab. Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay–Atikokan, underscored the regional economic implications, noting the investment supports job creation and long-term growth in Northern Ontario. The project aligns with broader provincial objectives to retain resource-development benefits within the region — a priority highlighted in Ontario’s 2026 budget allocation for critical minerals R&D.
Strategic rationale and sustainability co-benefits
Rock Tech’s CEO, Mirco Wojnarowicz, stated that competitiveness in critical minerals “will be driven not only by what we mine, but by how we process and innovate.” He emphasized emissions reduction, improved project economics, and domestic industry development as primary objectives. The use of crude tall oil — currently underutilized or disposed of — could simultaneously lower processing costs and enhance environmental performance. According to the source, this approach may reduce the carbon footprint of lithium extraction by displacing petroleum-derived reagents. The project timeline spans 18 months, with initial laboratory-scale flotation testing scheduled to begin in Q3 2026.
“We’re proud to have the continued support of the Government of Ontario through this latest intake of the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund. The future of critical minerals competitiveness will be driven not only by what we mine, but by how we process and innovate. This project brings together Ontario’s strengths in critical minerals, forestry, and research to evaluate a practical solution that could reduce emissions, strengthen project economics and create new opportunities for domestic industry.” — Mirco Wojnarowicz, CEO of Rock Tech Lithium Inc.
“Northwestern Ontario has the people, resources, and expertise needed to lead the next generation of critical mineral development. This investment will help strengthen connections between our mining and forestry sectors while supporting innovation right here in our region.” — Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay–Atikokan
“This CMIF investment supports an ongoing collaboration between the Critical Minerals Processing Lab at Queen’s University and Rock Tech, advancing lithium process development in Ontario. We are excited to continue working with Rock Tech on this important initiative, which has the potential to establish local reagent supply chains, improving the sustainability and resilience of lithium production in the province.” — Charlotte Gibson, Assistant Professor and Associate Head, Robert M. Buchan Department of Mining, Queen’s University
The $262,500 grant is part of Ontario’s broader $100 million Critical Minerals Innovation Fund launched in 2023. It follows Rock Tech’s earlier federal award of $1.4 million in 2025 to support electric vehicle supply chain development. The company has also selected Red Rock as the site for its planned lithium refinery and secured investment from BMI Group. These coordinated efforts reflect a multi-tiered public-private strategy to scale domestic lithium processing capacity ahead of anticipated demand from North American battery manufacturers.
Source: canadianmanufacturing.com
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
