Critical Minerals Report – February 2025
Canada Invests in Quebec’s Critical Minerals Sector to Create Jobs and a Strong Economy
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced up to $43.5 million in investments under two critical mineral funding programs that will help to advance critical minerals research and infrastructure developments in Quebec.
The announcement includes up to $39.8 million in conditionally approved investments, pending final due diligence, under the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF) for six energy and transportation infrastructure projects to support critical minerals development:
- Up to $20 million for Critical Elements Lithium Corporation to construct a new main electrical station and relocate 4.2 kilometres of transmission line to service its Rose Lithium-Tantalum Mining Project in Eeyou Istchee James Bay, Quebec.
- Up to $1.1 million for Dumont Nickel to conduct a feasibility study to connect its nickel and cobalt project to the Hydro-Québec grid via an eight-kilometre transmission line.
- Up to $1.3 million for Sayona Nord Inc. to advance an approximately 55-kilometre transmission line that will provide electricity grid connection for their Moblan lithium project located in Eeyou Istchee James Bay, Quebec.
- Up to $13.5 million for Eskan Company, an Indigenous-owned company, to undertake a feasibility study to extend the Renard Mine access road by 87 kilometres toward lithium-based minerals projects located in Eeyou Istchee James Bay, Quebec.
- Up to $1.3 million for Cbay Minerals Inc to complete a feasibility study and environmental and social impact assessment to support the development of two-lane gravel roads and 25-kV electrical powerlines connecting the Corner Bay and Devlin deposits close to the town of Chibougamau in Eeyou Istchee James Bay, Quebec,
- Up to $2.6 million for Commerce Resources to study the feasibility of an approximately 1,7560- kilometre road that would connect the Ashram rare earths and fluorspar project. This infrastructure will support the increase of the production of rare earth elements and fluorspar from the Ashram Deposit in the Nunavik region of northern Quebec.
Under the Critical Minerals Research, Development and Demonstration (CMRDD) program, the federal government is also investing $3.7 million to COALIA to pilot the extraction and purification of lithium from spodumene ore using nitric acid, enabling the recovery of lithium and byproducts to be recycled as nitrogen fertilizers, minimizing waste material production. This will demonstrate and validate the economics and efficiency of a novel lithium process.
This new funding is a direct result of enhanced collaboration between the Government of Canada and the Province of Quebec through the new Quebec-Canada Collaboration Table on Energy and Resources, announced earlier today.
Together, the Governments of Canada and Quebec, within their respective jurisdictions, are creating the good jobs and enduring prosperity that will come with the unprecedented economic opportunities of building a strong 21st-century economy. The initiatives announced will help support a variety of opportunities for clean growth while creating a greener, healthier, more resilient Canada.
Northern Ontario Mining Showcase expands to include MinExpo, PDAC and CIM International
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced a Government of Canada investment of $1,668,500 to help pave the way for the City of Temiskaming Shores to showcase Northern Ontario mining businesses and organizations on the world stage at three separate events in 2024 and 2025.
Of the total, FedNor funding of $1,324,500 will enable the City of Temiskaming Shores to establish the 11th annual Northern Ontario Mining Showcase (NOMS) pavilion at the 2025 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) International Convention in Toronto (March 2-5). This targeted investment will also allow the NOMS pavilion to return to the 2025 Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy & Petroleum (CIM) annual convention that will take place in Montreal (May 4-7). The two showcase events will help close to 150 businesses and organizations to increase sales and exports, access new markets and explore partnership opportunities. Since its inception in 2015, the FedNor-funded pavilion has helped participating businesses increase sales and exports by more than $100 million, while helping to create and maintain 900 jobs across Northern Ontario.
Building on the overwhelming success of NOMS, FedNor funding of $344,000 allowed the City of Temiskaming Shores to expand the NOMS to include a 1,800 square-foot Northern Ontario pavilion at MinExpo International 2024, which took place in Las Vegas last year (Sept. 24-26). NOMS at MinExpo assisted 30 exhibitors, helping them reach a broader global audience, connect with potential buyers and investors, increase sales and exports and support high-quality jobs in Northern Ontario.
Mining and related industries are a cornerstone of the national economy, employing more than 630,000 people and contributing approximately $100 billion annually to Canada’s GDP. In Ontario alone, the mining supply and service sectors generate an estimated $10 billion annually and support 23,000 high-quality jobs.
Minister Anandasangaree Announces Pilot Projects Supporting Yukon First Nations Studies Towards a Greener Economy
The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency announced a $2.5 million pilot program supporting five Yukon First Nation-led studies in areas with the potential for critical mineral and infrastructure development.
Indigenous participation and Indigenous Knowledge will help to shape decisions on major resource and infrastructure development and strengthen the Yukon and Canadian economies.
Each study will be designed to meet the needs and interests of First Nations across the Yukon, including environmental, social and economic impacts. Gathering this information early will inform regulatory processes, so decisions can be better informed and made faster.
Investing in Indigenous-led research aligns with the Government of Canada’s commitment to reconciliation, self-determination, and building a sustainable, secure supply of critical minerals for the future.
Minister Duguid Announces Federal Investments to Secure Affordable Transportation in The North, and Strengthen Trade Opportunities for Canada
The Prairies produce what the world needs — energy, food, critical minerals, manufactured products, and advanced technologies. As the global clean energy transition accelerates, the demand for raw materials essential for energy storage and a net-zero economy is rising, and Indigenous Peoples across Manitoba will play key roles in this opportunity.
Manitoba’s location, in the centre of North America, provides a powerful competitive trade advantage. Good trade infrastructure, capable of moving heavy loads to new markets, is essential to building momentum. It is why the Government of Canada is a proud supporter of Manitoba’s economic vision as a clean energy global trade hub.
The Honourable Terry Duguid, Minister for PrairiesCan, on behalf of the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, announced an investment of over $43 million for Arctic Gateway Group (AGG), to continue reliable, affordable and safe rail service to 33,000 northern Manitobans. AGG is a partnership of 29 First Nations, and 12 isolated communities served by the AGG-owned Hudson Bay Railway. This investment completes the revitalization of the rail line. The result will increase economic and business development opportunities, facilitate the export of Prairie products to more global markets, drive job creation, strengthen workforce resilience, and empower Indigenous economic leadership.
Minister Duguid also announced more than $2.3 million for partnerships with Indigenous governments and University College of the North (UCN), which will accelerate the development of Manitoba’s ability to produce critical minerals the world needs. These investments support training and skill development for Indigenous people in their home communities, leading to good jobs in a strategic industry.
These projects include:
- Sagkeeng First Nation is receiving $218,500 to help key initiatives aimed at building workforce capacity and training for members to participate across the sector in support of the Tanco Mine and several early to advanced mineral exploration project partnerships.
- Marcel Colomb First Nation is receiving $390,000 to deliver a workforce readiness training program to their community members to bolster the Alamos Gold mining development.
- Norway House Cree Nation is receiving $353,395 to extend delivery training programs that assist ongoing employment opportunities in the sector for their community members in aid of Minago Mine project— the first First Nations owned mine in Manitoba.
- University College of the North is receiving $1,154,129 to expand Indigenous Training at University College of the North.
Funding for these investments is provided through Transport Canada’s Remote Passenger Rail Program (RPRP), PrairiesCan’s Community Economic Development and Diversification program (CEDD) and Indigenous Services Canda through the Strategic Partnerships Initiative (SPI).
Creating Mining Jobs on Newfoundland and Labrador’s West Coast
The Government of Canada is supporting Newfoundland and Labrador’s mining industry, investing in a salt company on the province’s west coast.
The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced a repayable contribution of $1 million for Atlas Salt Inc. to support the company’s Mine Design & Optimization Initiative, a key component of the Great Atlantic Salt Project. This initiative will explore the use of low-emission battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), optimize mine design for efficiency, and conduct geotechnical and hydrological studies to support future construction and help create new economic opportunities for the region.
The project, located within the Town of St. George’s, is scheduled to begin construction this year, with production expected to start in 2029. The project includes the adoption of advanced automation and digitalization technologies, advanced electrical mining solutions, and establishing sustainable salt production for domestic and export markets.
The project is expected to create up to 300 full-time construction jobs and 170 permanent positions during operations.
The announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to creating new opportunities for sustainable economic growth and job creation in rural Newfoundland and Labrador.
Manitoba Government Invests $36.4 Million in Rail Line and Port of Churchill to Increase International Trade
The Manitoba government is investing $36.4 million over two years to the Arctic Gateway Group (AGG) for capital infrastructure projects at the Port of Churchill that will expand international trade and create good jobs for northern Manitobans, Premier Wab Kinew and Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor announced.
“Churchill presents huge opportunities when it comes to mining, agriculture and energy.” said Kinew. “Our government’s investments are fueling northern Manitoba’s economy, increasing international trade and unlocking new economic opportunities for all Manitobans. These new investments will build up Manitoba’s economic strength and open our province to new trading opportunities.”
The $36.4-million investment will support the AGG’s port and rail development vision and plan to expand traffic diversification and growth opportunities and attract private investment partners from the agriculture, mining, fertilizer and resupply sectors. Planned works include wharf repairs and freight warehouse upgrades, noted the premier.
“This is about keeping northern communities connected, strengthening Indigenous economic leadership and positioning Manitoba as a key player in the global critical minerals market,” said Sport Minister Terry Duguid, minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada. “Reliable affordable rail service is essential for the North and these investments will ensure it remains a lifeline for communities and businesses. At the same time, we’re creating new opportunities in mining and mineral development – helping Indigenous communities build skills, secure good jobs and drive economic growth. This is a long-term investment in Manitoba’s future and in Canada’s clean energy transition.”
“As a maritime province located in the heart of North America, Manitoba is strategically positioned to ship commodities, critical minerals and natural resources,” said Naylor. “Developing the Port of Churchill will advance northern Manitoba’s economy, support trade expansion with Europe and strengthen our Arctic sovereignty as we position Manitoba as a gateway to the Arctic and to the world.”
“The Arctic Gateway Group values its ongoing partnership with the Province of Manitoba and HudBay Minerals to export Western Canada’s vast resources to international markets,” said Chris Avery, CEO, Arctic Gateway Group. “We’re very pleased that the upcoming shipping season will see us double the volume of critical minerals that will be shipped to internationally markets from the Port of Churchill. As a locally owned and operated Canadian organization, backed by 41 Indigenous and Bayline communities, Arctic Gateway Group will continue to step up and support working people, creating regional opportunities and diversifying the supply chain networks of this province and country.”
The AGG is a subsidiary company of OneNorth, a partnership of 41 First Nation and Bayline communities in Manitoba. The OneNorth community ownership model of the AGG demonstrates economic reconciliation in action, noted the minister.
In August 2024, AGG and Hudbay Minerals Inc. piloted a successful 10,000-tonne zinc concentrate export shipment through the port, establishing Churchill as a northern trade critical minerals supply route.
The investment announced builds on the Manitoba government’s previous commitments to restore critical rail service to Churchill and surrounding communities, noted the minister.
B.C. Fast-Tracking 18 Resource Projects to Reduce Reliance on United States
B.C. Premier David Eby’s office has shared a list of 18 resource projects that he says the province will be fast-tracking in order to reduce its reliance on trade with the United States.
They are a blend of energy, mining and critical mineral projects that are already on the books, but which the government says it will be working to expedite through the approval process.
In an email, Eby’s office said that combined, the projects are worth approximately $20 billion and will employ 8,000 people across the province. Eby previously said the focus is on resource-based communities where the threat of U.S.-imposed tariffs on Canadian exports is likely to hurt the most.
The list includes:
- The Eskay Creek Gold/Silver project seeking to revive a historic mine site in the far northwest of B.C., as well as the expansion of the Red Chris gold and copper mine in the same region.
- An extension of the Highland Valley Copper mine in Logan Lake, in southwest B.C.
- The Mount Milligan gold and copper mine in Fort St. James, west of Prince George.
- The Cedar LNG natural gas export facility in Kitimat, near B.C.’s North Coast.
- The NEBC Connector, which seeks to build two 213-kilometre pipelines from the Montney region of northeast B.C. to transport natural gas liquids and condensate to Alberta.
- An expansion of Enbridge’s infrastructure, including pipeline and power lines in the Chetwynd and Hudson’s Hope regions of northeast B.C., known as the Aspen Point program.
- The creation of a new B.C. Hydro-led transmission line to supply energy to northwest B.C..
- The previously-announced fast-tracking of several wind power projects throughout B.C.
The province says it is working to identify other projects.
In an interview, Energy Minister Adrian Dix said the projects would be prioritized for faster environmental assessment and permitting.