Mitsubishi Corp. to invest in Canadian lithium project

TOKYO -- Japanese trading house Mitsubishi Corp. is teaming with a Canadian miner to develop a lithium mine in Ontario, looking to create a supply chain that does not rely on Chinese refining amid geopolitical tensions.

Mitsubishi will invest 25 million Canadian dollars ($18.4 million) as early as spring to buy a 7.5% stake in a new company established by Canada's Frontier Lithium, which has interests in North American lithium mines. Mitsubishi plans to later boost its stake as high as 25%.