North American Lithium

North American Lithium, an Abitibi, Quebec-based minerals mining company, obtained protection under the CCAA on May 28, owing its creditors approximately $210.0MM, including $99.0MM to Investissement Québec (IQ). Until recently, the company operated a mine producing spodumene, the mineral from which lithium, a chemical widely used to produce batteries, is extracted. The lithium battery market is principally located in China. In recent months, the global price of both lithium carbonate and spodumene have plummeted by 60% as a result of increased supply, primarily from Australia, where producers have lower extraction costs and are in closer proximity to the Chinese markets. Unable to operate profitably under the new market conditions, the company halted production in February 2019. Shortly thereafter, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources advised that it would commence enforcement proceedings against the company unless it put up a financial guarantee of approximately $23.0MM to cover the costs of a potential rehabilitation and restoration plan. While under creditor protection, the company intends to explore a recapitalization of the business. Raymond Chabot was appointed monitor. Counsel is Fasken for the company, McCarthy Tétrault for IQ, Norton Rose Fulbright for shareholder Contemporary Amperex Technology Canada and Woods for shareholder Jien International Investment.