Critical Minerals
A secure
mining future
We are at an inflection point when it comes to the global supply of critical minerals. They are essential to the technologies driving the green and digital economy, from wind turbines to smartphones.
At the same time, critical mineral supply chains are too heavily concentrated and controlled in too few dominant players.
Canada is poised to power the critical minerals future. With vast reserves and a commitment to responsible development, Canada is a reliable and strategic critical minerals supplier.
Global giants such as Rio Tinto, Vale and BHP already operate and expand in Canada.
They’re drawn by the stable mining operating climate that Canada offers – top mining talent a regulatory framework that provides stability and transparency, and a commitment to streamline approval lengths. The Canadian industry’s Strong ESG principles reduce project risk and ensure careful environmental stewardship.
Discover why Canada is a top choice for investments in critical minerals.
Canadian leadership in critical minerals
Nickel and cobalt
With Class 1 nickel shortages projected by 2030 and a refined cobalt deficit projected before the end of the decade, investors are looking for a reliable supply source. Canada ranks as the world’s fourth largest cobalt and sixth largest nickel producer. Combined with a robust pipeline of advanced nickel, copper, cobalt and PGM projects, Canada offers countless opportunities for investors.
Lithium
Canada is the destination for high-quality battery mineral and metal deposits – ranking 2nd globally in the lithium-ion battery supply chain. You’ll find world-class expertise in extraction, processing and manufacturing components for advanced lithium-ion cells, controls, batteries and intermediate products.
Global companies with bold ambitions can take advantage of some of the highest-purity hard rock deposits, with close to 1 million tonnes of lithium resources, the sixth largest share in the world.
Potash
Canada is the world’s largest producer and exporter of potash, an essential ingredient for sustainable agriculture. The potash industry is anchored in Saskatchewan. With 1.1 billion tonnes in proven deposits, it’s home to the world’s largest potash reserves.
The province’s 11 active mines attract major global producers, including K+S Potash Canada, which is ramping up operations with a $3 billion investment that will double production to four million tonnes annually.
Investors enjoy the benefits of a stable economy, a reliable regulatory system and strong government support for clean growth to reduce environmental impacts. Together, these strengths offer access to scalable production that can grow in line with global demand.
Canada leads the world with 32% of global potash production and 41% of global exports.
Faster approvals and access to financing
Canada’s new One Canadian Economy Act removes federal barriers to interprovincial trade and labour mobility. For mining companies, this means streamlined operations across provinces, reduced regulatory duplication and easier deployment of skilled labour nationwide.
Canada’s Major Projects Office (MPO) serves a single‑window service for project proponents that fast‑tracks approvals and facilitates financing for nationally significant infrastructure, energy and resource projects. It gives global investors one point of contact to navigate regulatory requirements, financing options and Indigenous partnerships. This streamlined approach makes it easier to structure deals and access capital, while ensuring transparency and inclusive development.
Support for critical minerals investment in Canada
Through the Critical Minerals Strategy, Canada has positioned itself as a preferred global supplier – and that means opportunities for investors. Investors can benefit from the following:
Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund: Provides up to $1.5 billion in federal funding until 2030 for clean energy and transportation infrastructure projects necessary to enable the sustainable development and expansion of critical minerals in Canada.
Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit: Reduce your project costs with this 30% tax credit for qualifying mineral exploration expenses incurred in Canada.
Clean Technology Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit: Maximize your investment with a 30% refundable tax credit for clean tech manufacturing and critical mineral extraction and processing.
Why choose Canada
Low-emission electricity grid that enables sustainable mineral processing and manufacturing
Comprehensive and transparent regulatory framework
Focus on environmental stewardship and Indigenous partnerships
Explore Canada's mining sector
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