2 First Nations collaborate with B.C. company on possible battery project in Belledune [Video]

Two First Nations in northern New Brunswick are working with a British Columbia company on a project that could see a material for lithium-ion batteries produced in Belledune.

Pabineau First Nation, also known as Oinpegitjoig, and Ugpi’Ganjig First Nation, formerly known as Eel River Bar, jointly own a 10 per cent participating interest in the project, according to the Vancouver company. 

The material would contain chemical elements, including nickel, cobalt and manganese — all of which can be produced in Canada, Pabineau Chief Terry Richardson said in an interview.

It’s known as precursor cathode active material, or pCAM. 

Richardson said the communities have been working with Positive Materials Inc. of B.C. for a couple of years, and he estimates a plant could lead to the creation of 220 to 240 jobs in Belledune.

He thinks the timing is right to move forward.

“It’s …