Western Canada’s provinces and territories are moving toward a shared strategy to develop critical minerals, betting the sector can address regional challenges while strengthening Canada’s economy.
Leaders from Yukon, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories signed the new agreement on Sunday. Together, they committed to coordinate policy, infrastructure planning and Indigenous participation across the western region.
Provincial and territorial leaders said the approach aims to turn mining into a solution for multiple pressures. These include energy shortages in the north and Canada’s shifting economic relationship with the United States. They also see critical minerals as a way to attract investment and create long-term jobs.
British Columbia Premier David Eby said mining will anchor the country’s next economic phase. He argued the sector can support clean technology while boosting domestic supply chains. Consequently, western governments want to position the region as a reliable global supplier.
The agreement sets out a plan to develop the Canadian west into a hub for critical minerals innovation and sustainable development. Additionally, it calls for identifying infrastructure needed to expand production, processing and exports. Governments said that includes transportation, energy systems and shared regulatory approaches.
The pact also commits to involving Indigenous governments throughout mineral development. Furthermore, it opens the door to Indigenous ownership stakes in projects, rather than limiting participation to consultation alone.
A finalized version of the strategy is expected ahead of a June meeting of the seven western mining ministers. Meanwhile, officials plan to align priorities and assess gaps in existing infrastructure.
Read more: NevGold expands high grade antimony discovery at Nevada’s Limousine Butte Project
Read more: NevGold targets U.S. critical mineral supply chain with new antimony gold find
Critical minerals are essential for modern technologies
The government is now examining every option to expand electrical capacity. Additionally, officials are seeking partners to develop firm energy that works during peak winter demand. Laking said leaders want to avoid future scenarios where communities face the risk of rolling outages, especially in Whitehorse.
That urgency has sharpened the focus on why critical minerals matter, and why governments now view them as strategic inputs rather than niche mining products.
Critical minerals include metals essential for modern technologies, from electric vehicles to power grids and defence systems. They support batteries, renewable energy, electronics and advanced manufacturing. Consequently, governments increasingly treat secure supply as a national priority rather than a market afterthought.
Canada hosts several companies operating in the space, ranging from rare earths to battery metals. Defense Metals Corp (CVE: DEFN) (OTCMKTS: DFMTF) is advancing rare earth projects aimed at supporting North American supply chains. Additionally, firms traditionally focused on precious metals are adapting to shifting policy signals.
The United States recently broadened its critical minerals list to include lithium and antimony. That change has encouraged companies to reassess overlooked resources. NevGold Corp (CVE: NAU) (OTCMKTS: NAUFF) (FRA: 5E50), historically known for gold exploration, has moved to evaluate antimony alongside its existing assets. The strategy reflects a belief that dual-commodity projects could attract government interest. Furthermore, companies see antimony as a way to align exploration plans with defence and energy security priorities.
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NevGold Corp is a sponsor of Mugglehead news coverage
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