Green Technology Metals (ASX: GT1) has progressed several key development milestones across its Ontario lithium portfolio—completing a re-optimised site layout for the Seymour project, advancing major permitting workstreams, and positioning its timeline to align with a forecast lithium market rebound from 2026.
The update follows the recent completion of a $4.5 million capital raise, with the second tranche – which is due to settle after the company’s upcoming annual general meeting – to provide funding to maintain momentum across its vertically integrated development strategy.
Managing director Cameron Henry said the revised Seymour layout, which reduces the environmental footprint by 45%, reflects constructive engagement with Indigenous partners and strengthens the project’s readiness heading into an anticipated market recovery.
Re-Optimised Seymour Layout
Green Technology has completed about 70% of its Definitive Feasibility Study for Seymour, incorporating a redesigned site plan focused on hybrid underground mining and improved water management.
The changes remove the planned South Dam, reduce the size of the Aubry pits, and streamline waste-handling requirements, resulting in lower environmental impact and potentially lower development costs.
The company said these refinements came directly from detailed Closure Plan consultation, ensuring the design aligns with community expectations and simplifies the remaining permitting pathway.
Mr Henry said the updated layout “reflects the collaborative approach maintained with our Indigenous partners” and confirms the project’s position as Ontario’s most advanced lithium development.
He added that GT1’s early investment in technical studies and major capital items placed the company in a strong position ahead of the widely forecast lithium market rebound from 2026.
Permitting and Approvals Enter Final Stages
Three major regulatory milestones now sit at the forefront of the company’s development schedule.
The Closure Plan is in its final stages, with Green Technology working through remaining technical comments following several years of engagement with Indigenous groups.
The Environmental Assessment is complete and awaiting formal award of completion, clearing another major step before construction permitting.
Green Technology is also preparing to commence formal negotiations for an Impact Benefit Agreement, building on the broad consultation already undertaken and placing it in a strong position to reach a final investment decision for Seymour in 2026.
Government Funding and Policy Support
Federal and provincial governments in Canada have announced a wave of new initiatives aimed at accelerating domestic critical minerals development.
New federal funding commitments include a C$2 billion Critical Minerals Sovereign Fund and C$550 million in new programs supporting exploration, project development, and infrastructure, along with the First and Last Mile Fund offering up to C$1.5b through 2029–30.
At the provincial level, Ontario’s C$500 million Critical Minerals Processing Fund and the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund provide further opportunities, and Green Technology has already applied for up to C$500,000 to support studies linked to its proposed Thunder Bay lithium conversion facility.
Mr Henry said the new framework has “the potential to materially shorten timelines and reduce regulatory duplication,” particularly for the company’s Root project, where preparations for the unified permitting process are underway.
Positioning for a Lithium Rebound
Multiple analyst forecasts — including Barrenjoey, S&P Global, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan — now point to a clear pricing recovery beginning in 2026 as the global market transitions from oversupply toward deficit conditions.
Green Technology said its development timeline is well aligned with these projections, and that early investment in technical work allows it to enter the next phase of development at a favourable point in the cycle.
With a global resource of 30.4 million tonnes at 1.17% Li₂O, advanced permitting, and established partnerships with LG Energy Solution and EcoPro Innovation, the company remains positioned to deliver one of North America’s most strategically located spodumene supply hubs.
Green Technology considers its current market valuation significantly undervalues its progress, given the advanced stage of technical work and the supportive policy environment in Canada.
“The convergence of our timeline with the anticipated market recovery creates substantial value opportunity for shareholders,” Mr Henry added.
