Canada’s E3 Lithium Secures $4.7M from CMIF to Advance Clearwater Project

E3 Lithium

Federal Funding Supports DLE-Based Lithium Development in Alberta

E3 Lithium, a Canadian lithium exploration and development company, has secured up to $4.7 million in federal support from the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF) to accelerate its flagship Clearwater Project.

This investment will fund critical infrastructure development aimed at extracting battery-grade lithium hydroxide using Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology.

The Clearwater project, located in Alberta’s Leduc reservoir, is expected to produce 32,250 metric tonnes per year of lithium hydroxide once commercialized. The funding from CMIF will reimburse 50% of eligible costs incurred by E3, with the total capped at $4.7 million.

This milestone marks a strong endorsement of E3’s DLE approach, which offers a cleaner, faster, and more scalable alternative to traditional lithium mining methods.

CMIF Supports Canada’s Critical Mineral Supply Chain Strategy

The CMIF is a cornerstone of Canada’s federal strategy to strengthen domestic supply chains for critical minerals, including lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements.

The fund plans to distribute up to $1.5 billion by 2030, backing projects that align with clean energy goals and national electrification efforts.

E3’s project is among the first to receive this support and reflects the growing focus on low-carbon extraction technologies in the North American lithium market.

By tapping into Alberta’s brine reservoirs, the Clearwater Project reduces land disruption while contributing to the secure and sustainable sourcing of EV battery materials.

As global competition for critical minerals intensifies, Canada’s domestic production of high-purity lithium will play a vital role in supplying future battery value chains.