Critical minerals are vital to growing Canada’s clean, modern economy

Canada is primed to capitalize on the rising global demand for critical minerals, driven in large part by their role in the transition to a low-carbon and digitized economy. Essential for renewable energy and clean technology applications (batteries, permanent magnets, solar panels and wind turbines), they are also required inputs for advanced manufacturing supply chains, including defence and security technologies, consumer electronics, agriculture, medical applications and critical infrastructure. Economies that quickly secure a position in shifting supply chains will be well situated for long-term economic growth and prosperity.

Canada’s list of critical minerals

The Government of Canada has developed the following list of 31 minerals considered critical for the sustainable economic success of Canada and our allies and to position Canada as the mining nation, as set out in the Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan (CMMP).

Canada has a long history of producing many of these minerals, and has the potential to produce more.

The list was developed by Natural Resources Canada using a criteria-based approach and in consultation with provinces, territories as well as exploration, mining and manufacturing industries and associations.

Federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) collaboration is essential to advance the critical mineral file and seize opportunities. The federal government engaged provinces and territories through a FPT task team to help refine and support Canada’s list of critical minerals.

Canada’s critical minerals are:

The list provides greater certainty and predictability to industry, investors, provinces and territories and Canada’s international partners on Canada’s mineral priorities. It also enables policy makers to target and address key points in supply chains.

Positioning Canada as a global supplier of choice

Canada is leveraging its resources, mining and innovation ecosystems, and global leadership to position Canada as the supplier of choice for global markets. Federal, provincial and territorial governments are working together to translate these advantages into greater results for Canadians. The list is part of Canada’s commitment to implement the Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan, develop a critical minerals strategy, and lead a whole-of-government approach to strengthen domestic critical mineral value chains.

This includes identifying ways to help

These efforts will help advance the competitiveness of our minerals and metals sector and create new economic opportunities for Canadians.