Critical Elements Lithium Corporation ’S Rose Lithium -T Antalum Project : Project Update
PRESS RELEASE
CRITICAL ELEMENTS LITHIUM CORPORATION ’S ROSE LITHIUM -T ANTALUM PROJECT :
PROJECT UPDATE
MARCH 4, 2020 – MONTRÉAL , QUÉBEC – Critical Elements Lithium Corporation (the “ Corporation ”
or “ Critical Elements ”) (TSX-V: CRE) (US OTCQX: CRECF) (FSE: F12) wishes to provide an
update on the Rose Lithium-Tantalum Project (“ Rose Lithium-Tantalum Project ” or the “ Project ”).
The Rose property (where the Rose Lithium-Tantalum Project is proposed) is located in northern
Québec’s administrative region, on the territory of Eeyou Istchee James Bay. It is located on
Category III land, on the Traditional Lands of the Cree Nation of Eastmain.
The Project consists in the operation of an open pi t in order to extract lithium and tantalum found
in the Rose deposit. Lithium and tantalum are world renowned in manufacturing and automotive
industrial sectors, including for, among others, th e market of hybrid and electric cars in this era of
increasing interest for energy transition. The Rose Lithium-Tantalum Project could play a significant
role in greening our future’s economy.
Critical Elements has always considered developing the Project through a sustainable development
approach, respecting Cree traditional activities and ensuring the promotion of Cree economic and
social development. As early as 2012, Critical Elements entered into a pre-development agreement
(“ PDA ”) with the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istch ee), the Cree Nation Government (then
the Cree Regional Authority) and the Cree Nation of Eastmain, which laid out the basis for the
building of a cooperative and mutually respectful relationship between the parties.
Pursuant to the PDA, the Crees agreed to cooperate with Critical Elements in the preparation of all
necessary environmental and social impact assessmen t studies for all components of the project
and to use their best efforts to ensure that the pr oject proceeds through the environmental and
social assessment process provided for in the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, and,
if the environmental and social concerns are met, t o assist Critical Elements Corporation in
obtaining the required governmental approvals in re lation to the Project. Since the signing of the
PDA, Critical Elements has participated in multiple meetings with the leadership of the Cree Nation
of Eastmain, and in various community meetings and information sessions in Eastmain.
The PDA also confirmed the parties’ commitment to pursuing their discussions to develop and sign
an impact and benefit agreement (“ IBA ”) in respect of the development and operation of the Rose
Lithium-Tantalum Project. The negotiations leading to the IBA allowed the Parties to gain an
understanding of each other’s values and to share p referred approach for the development of the
Rose Lithium-Tantalum Project. The Cree Nation of E astmain, the Grand Council of the Crees
(Eeyou Istchee), the Cree Nation Government and Critical Elements announced the signing of the
IBA, referred to as the Pikhuutaau Agreement (the "Pikhuutaau Agreement "), in July 2019.
The Pikhuutaau Agreement marked a significant miles tone in the fostering of a long-term working
relationship between the parties while respecting C ree traditional activities and ensuring the
promotion of Cree economic and social development based on mutual trust and respect during all
phases of the Project through a sustainable develop ment approach. It provides for training,
employment and business opportunities for the Crees and particularly the Crees of Eastmain at the
Project, as well as for the cooperation and involve ment of the Cree parties with Critical Elements
in the environmental monitoring during all phases o f the Project. The Pikhuutaau Agreement also
ensures financial benefits for the Cree parties on a long term basis, consistent with the Cree Nation
Mining Policy and with Critical Elements’ approach to develop the Project while ensuring the
promotion of Cree economic and social development in a mutually beneficial manner.
Collaboration between Critical Elements and local c ommunities is also effected in the Eastmain
River Lake Sturgeon Spawning Ground Enhancement Pro ject, which was proposed in the
environmental impact study filed by Critical Elemen ts with the COMEX and the Canadian
Environmental Assessment Agency (now the Impact Ass essment Agency of Canada) to
compensate the potential impacts of the Rose Lithiu m-Tantalum Project on fish habitat (the “ Fish
Habitat Project ”). The Fish Habitat Project aims at bringing back the lake sturgeon in the Eastmain
River. In February 2018, Critical Elements announced the execution of an agreement with the Cree
Nation of Eastmain and the Niskamoon Corporation wh ich provides for the implementation of the
Fish Habitat Project by the Niskamoon Corporation a nd contemplates consultation with and
participation of the Cree Nation of Eastmain, inclu ding potentially employment and business
opportunities for the Cree Nation of Eastmain with a view to promote maximum participation of local
manpower and other resources.
Critical Elements is currently engaged in the impac t assessment process regarding the Rose
Lithium-Tantalum Project. The environmental impact statement for the Project was deemed
complete by the Canadian Environmental Assessment A gency (now the Impact Assessment
Agency of Canada) in March 2019. Consultation and a ssessment by governmental authorities
including the COMEX are under way.
Jean-Sébastien Lavallée, Critical Elements’ Chief E xecutive Officer declared, “Since the early
stages of the development of the Project, it has always been a high priority of Critical Elements to
collaborate with local communities and particularly the Cree Nation of Eastmain. We strive to
develop the Project through a sustainable developme nt approach so as to make a significant
contribution for the future’s economy which we hope will be greener and more sustainable.”
“The signature of the Pikhuutaau Agreement marked a tangible step forward in the active
participation of the Cree Nation of Eastmain, as pa rtner, in the economic and social development
of Eeyou Istchee. This conclusion of this Agreement demonstrates, yet again, that the Crees
welcome development in Eeyou Istchee, provided that it respects the rights of the Crees, is
environmentally and socially sustainable, procures real benefits for the Crees and provides for their
active involvement. The Cree Nation of Eastmain wel comes the approach taken by Critical
Elements Lithium Corporation and acknowledges the c ooperative approach shown by its team,
which sets Critical Elements as a leader and visionary in the mining industry”, stated Chief Kenneth
Cheezo of the Cree Nation of Eastmain.
ABOUT CRITICAL ELEMENTS LITHIUM CORPORATION
Critical Elements Lithium Corporation is a mining e xploration company owning several mining
properties in Quebec. The Company is focused on lit hium. It has achieved its objective with the
Rose Lithium-Tantalum project, which is currently at the advanced exploration stage. Based on the
work programs developed and positive results, Criti cal Elements Lithium Corporation is aiming to
put the Rose lithium-tantalum project into production rapidly. The Company flagship project is well
located in Quebec with on-site access to infrastruc tures like: powerline, roads, airport, railway
access and camp.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Jacques Martineau
Annexe Communications
514-601-2502
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