Critical Minerals Review – June 2026 Kickoff
Canada Invests in Arctic Infrastructure to Bring Critical Minerals to Market and Strengthen Northern Communities
The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced more than $55 million in federal funding for two projects that will strengthen Arctic infrastructure, support export diversification and help build resilient Canadian minerals supply chains.
Through the First and Last Mile Fund, planning and preconstruction work for the West Kitikmeot Resources Corporation’s Grays Bay Road and Port project has been conditionally approved for up to $50 million. This funding will advance the proposed deepwater Arctic port at Grays Bay and a 230‑kilometre all‑season road, following the project’s referral to the Major Projects Office by Prime Minister Carney this March. The road would link the proposed deepwater Arctic port at Grays Bay and unlock future project development in zinc and copper.
Minister Hodgson also announced a $5-million investment in Glacies Technologies Inc. This investment will support a low‑emissions alternative to diesel for mine heating and ventilation, which could reduce emissions and cut costs at Northern mines. The project will pilot at B2Gold, a gold mine in the western Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut.
Government of Canada Marks Groundbreaking at Hope Bay Mine
In a major milestone for Canada’s North, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the redevelopment of the Hope Bay Project in Nunavut. The Minister welcomed the announcement by Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (Agnico Eagle) of its more than $2-billion investment approval for the construction of the mine, which is one of strategic importance for Canada.
The Hope Bay Mine is projected to increase Canada’s exports by $2.6 billion annually and support close to 2,000 jobs, along with providing significant economic benefits to Indigenous organizations and partners, including the Kitikmeot Inuit Association.
In order to unlock the full scale of the Arctic’s potential, and to ensure Canada remains at the forefront of sustainable mining, the federal government is also investing in new energy infrastructure in the North, where many communities are still reliant on diesel for electricity, which is more polluting and expensive than other energy sources. Building new clean energy will enable responsible resource development, enhance energy security and improve affordability for Northerners while supporting local jobs and economic development.
To that end, Minister Hodgson announced $25 million in federal funding for the Hope Bay Wind Project, located at the Hope Bay mining site. Led by Inuit-owned and -operated Kitikmeot Tugliq Limited Partnership (KTLP), this project will add 4.2 megawatts of wind power and 4 megawatts of battery storage to the mine’s existing power system, providing cleaner electricity and reducing fuel use as Hope Bay embarks on construction and operations. The Hope Bay Wind Project is expected to reduce diesel consumption by three million litres per year and greenhouse gas emissions by over 8,000 tonnes per year, equivalent to taking 1,800 cars off the road annually.
On behalf of the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, Minister Hodgson also announced a new co-operation agreement between the Department of National Defence (DND) and Agnico Eagle to facilitate knowledge transfer opportunities.
Minister Anand Speaks with Oman’s Minister Energy and Minerals
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with His Excellency Salim bin Nasser bin Said Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals of the Sultanate of Oman (Oman). Minister Anand highlighted Canada’s position as a reliable investment partner and global leader in energy and critical mineral production. She underscored Canada and Oman’s shared priority of building resilient and diversified supply chains.
Government Welcomes Canada Growth Fund Investment to Support the Expansion of Canada’s Largest Operating Lithium Mine
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue, welcomed an investment of up to C$145 million by the Canada Growth Fund to support the expansion of North American Lithium (Project or NAL), Canada’s largest operating lithium mine, located in Quebec’s Abitibi region, owned by Elevra Lithium Limited (Elevra).
This investment will support a staged brownfield expansion of the mine to increase production capacity, improve cost competitiveness, and strengthen the North American lithium supply chain. The Project is expected to support approximately 252 existing jobs in the area.
Strengthening Clean Power and Infrastructure for British Columbia’s Critical Minerals Advantage
The Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State for International Development, on behalf of the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, visited Nano One Materials’ Innovation Hub facility to highlight over $100 million for five projects based in British Columbia that will accelerate critical mineral development in the province’s planning, development and processing capacity across the country.
Through the First and Last Mile Fund, Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships Program and the Energy Innovation Program, Canada is supporting projects that will unlock economic opportunities and strengthen critical minerals development across British Columbia. These investments include:
- Up to $50 million in approved funding to the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority to upgrade BC Hydro’s regional transmission system in support of Teck Resources’ Highland Valley Copper Mine Life Extension Project near Kamloops, British Columbia.
- Up to $44.2 million in conditionally approved funding to the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority to support expanded electricity transmission capacity for major mining developments in northwest British Columbia, including Newmont’s Red Chris copper mine expansion project and Seabridge’s KSM gold mining project.
- Up to $3 million to Nano One Materials for research, development and optimization of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) production, a critical input for electric vehicles, defence, aerospace and electronics.
- Up to $1.87 million in conditionally approved funding to Defense Metals Corp. to advance the development of a new 60-kilometre transmission line to the Wicheeda Rare Earth Elements Project mine site, along with upgrades to the service road connecting the mine to the highway.
- $900,000 to the Salish Sea Indigenous Guardians Association (SSIGA) to establish a critical minerals department within the Osoyoos Indian Band to support mineral expertise, Indigenous-led assessment and economic participation.
- $736,778 to Boney Creek Development Ltd. to advance pre-construction requirements for the Anyox Hydroelectric facility, enabling the generation of clean, renewable energy to support critical mineral development in northwest British Columbia.
Government of Canada Announces Major Investment with Electra Battery Materials to Expand its Refinery in Temiskaming Shores, Ontario
On behalf of the Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Pauline Rochefort, Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Rural Development), announced a significant investment of $20 million in Electra Battery Materials Corporation.
Through the Strategic Response Fund, this investment will support the advancement of the company’s $99.4 million project to repurpose and expand the production capacity of its existing refinery in Temiskaming Shores, Ontario to produce battery grade cobalt sulfate.
This facility will be North America’s first cobalt sulfate refinery and deliver results under the Government of Canada’s Auto Strategy, Defence Industrial Strategy and Critical Minerals Strategy. As global markets and capital turn to electrification, our government is investing strategically in our critical mineral industry as part of our plan to build a strong, resilient economy.
Our government’s investment in Electra will create and maintain more than 160 jobs, including 60 full time direct employment opportunities for Canadians in Northern Ontario. Construction on the facility will employ a further 100 skilled trades workers, generating significant economic benefits for Temiskaming Shores and nearby communities, including North Bay and Sudbury. At full capacity, the facility will supply the cobalt sulfate required for the equivalent of up to one million electric vehicles annually. As the only cobalt sulfate refinery in North America, Electra’s facility will ensure Canada remains a global leader in the critical minerals and the electric vehicle battery industry. Domestic cobalt sulfate production will give the automotive sector access to essential battery materials, reduce reliance on imports, and support growth across sectors including EVs, defence manufacturing, semiconductors, and emerging medical technologies.
Taking Action on Oilsands Mine Water
To ensure Alberta manages these waters and volumes safely, transparently, and in a way that protects downstream ecosystems and communities, the province is launching a series of engagements throughout 2026 to implement the recommendations the Oil Sands Mine Water Steering Committee brought forward in 2025. The recommendations included reuse and disposal options, consistent measurement and treatment standards, strengthened monitoring and transparency and pathways for pit lake development.
The engagement process will include Indigenous communities and organizations in Alberta, industry operators, federal partners, technology providers, environmental non-profits and northern governments to create policies grounded in science, community input and practical implementation. Feedback gathered during the engagements will help shape provincial approaches for managing oilsands mine water and fluid tailings.
Saskatchewan Supports Critical Energy and Mineral Research with New Funding
New provincial funding is strengthening Saskatchewan’s position as a global leader in clean energy. In 2026-27, the province is investing $225,000 in the Global Institute for Energy, Minerals and Society (GIEMS) to support ongoing operations and new initiatives.
Nuclear energy is core component of GIEMS strategic plan. This investment will support the coordination of nuclear research chairs across institutions, delivery of nuclear literacy programs and the establishment of national and international partnerships. GIEMS will also continue exploring new training and research opportunities in the mineral sector.
Government of Saskatchewan Attends Northern Mining Conference in La Ronge
The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to be participating in Core Days 2026, northern Saskatchewan’s largest mining and geoscience conference, held May 11-13, 2026, in La Ronge.
This annual event brings together industry leaders, geologists, educators, community representatives and governments to showcase mineral exploration and mining opportunities in the North.
Government representatives will join participants for technical presentations, demonstrations and networking sessions focused on mineral development, workforce readiness and community partnerships. Core Days highlights Saskatchewan’s rich resource potential, including uranium, gold, base metals, cobalt and rare earth elements, all of which play a key role in growing the provincial economy and strengthening Saskatchewan’s position as Canada’s largest primary producer of critical minerals.
Saskatchewan Mining Sector Delivering Strong Results and a Bright Future
Saskatchewan’s world class mining sector continues to drive economic growth, generating over $12.8 billion in mineral sales in 2025, a 19 per cent increase compared to 2024. This growth was primarily due to substantial gains in the value of potash and uranium sales. Potash sales rose by over 18 per cent to a total of $9.3 billion, while uranium sales increased by 24 per cent to $3.2 billion, setting a new industry record. Notably, 2025 marked the second consecutive year that uranium sales exceeded the Saskatchewan Growth Plan’s 2030 target, surpassing it by more than 50 per cent.
Ontario Invests in Next Generation of Canadian Mines
As part of its plan to protect Ontario and build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy, the Ontario government is supporting the mines of the future by investing $10 million through the newly overhauled Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP), including the launch of an Advanced Exploration Stream starting next year.
This investment will help junior exploration companies and licensed prospectors find future mines by covering eligible costs for mineral exploration and development. Premier Ford made the announcement at the Ontario Mining Association Annual General Meeting.
Companies face significant challenges attracting investment, particularly when operating in remote areas with difficult terrain and high upfront costs. By helping offset these early-stage expenses, Ontario is supporting prospectors and mining companies as they advance projects that can drive long-term economic growth and strengthen the province’s mining sector. Ontario currently leads Canada in exploration spending and to date, OJEP has committed nearly $45 million in funding to 280 companies – 201 of them exploring for critical minerals; leveraging over an additional approximate $80 million in investment from industry.
OJEP helps cover up to 50 per cent of eligible costs for exploration and development projects. With enhanced funding streams introduced last year, licensed Ontario prospectors can access up to $65,000 per project (including enhanced Indigenous Participation Support) and junior mining companies will be eligible to receive up to $215,000 per project (including enhanced Indigenous Participation Support). Funding will be provided to approved projects on a first-come, first-served basis.
Ontario’s Plan to Build Mines Faster Attracts Billions in Additional Mining Investment
Supported by aggressive permit reforms and accelerated approvals to build mines faster, the Ontario government and Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (“Agnico Eagle”) are pleased to announce $14 billion of planned spending and investment in the province by the end of 2030. This historic private-sector investment in the province’s mining sector signals strong global confidence in Ontario’s new and accelerated permitting regime, as it emerged for the first time as Canada’s number one and the world’s number two top jurisdiction for mining investment. As part of its plan to protect Ontario’s economy and accelerate growth, the Ontario government is cementing the province’s role as a secure, reliable global supplier of responsibly sourced minerals to create good-paying jobs and build a stronger, more resilient and self-reliant made-in-Ontario supply chain.
Through this investment, Agnico Eagle, Canada’s largest mining company and the world’s second-largest gold producer, is planning to spend and invest approximately $12 billion in total by the end 2030 across its operating, development and exploration assets in the province, supporting its workforce of more than 4,100. The company is also planning to invest an additional $2 billion in the Detour Lake Underground project and the Upper Beaver gold-copper project, creating up to 1,600 good-paying jobs, adding nearly $5 billion to Ontario’s GDP.