The potential of lithium in Quebec for the electric vehicle market: state of the art, opportunities and challenges

The demand for lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EV) has triggered an unprecedented interest in this metal. Although there is asignificant history in the scientific literature regarding lithium mining in Quebec between 1950-1980, very few studies document the current state of the art and address the possibility of the province integrating alocal production chain oriented towards the EV battery market. This paper presents Quebec's position and analyses its needs and potential market through aliterature review focusing on the main opportunities to produce domestic spodumene concentrates, as well as the major challenges the province will have to face to make the most of its competitive advantages. Furthermore, it provides an updated list of lithium mineral resources and reserves in Quebec, in compliance with NI 43-101. The results show that Quebec holds 94.1% and 85.8% of all Canadian mineral reserves and resources, respectively. The paper also provides an overview of the lithium industry in the province and compares its status with other Canadian jurisdictions. Quebec lithium mines would benefit if their production could be directly integrated with other local or nearby partners, generating ajoint benefit throughout the manufacturing chain of lithium-ion batteries for the EV market.