Media Contacts

B.C. Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals

Media Relations
250-356-0727

Backgrounders

What people are saying about the strategy

Brian Jean, Alberta Minister of Energy and Minerals –

“This meeting builds upon the collaborative nation-building work we started earlier this year with the signing of a memorandum of understanding to work toward developing an end-to-end critical-minerals supply chain in Western Canada. Alberta is home to potentially the third-largest lithium reserves in the world and many other critical minerals, including titanium and vanadium. We are also well-positioned to become a leading critical-mineral-refining jurisdiction in the Alberta industrial heartland near Fort Saskatchewan.”

Chris Beaudry, Saskatchewan Minister of Energy and Resources –

“Saskatchewan consistently ranks among the world’s leading jurisdictions for investment attraction, and ensuring reliable access to markets for our commodities is essential. Strengthening collaboration on interprovincial transportation and trade will deliver meaningful benefits, not only for Saskatchewan, but for Western Canada as a whole.”

Ted Laking, Yukon Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources –

“The Yukon is essential to Canada’s continued growth and security. This strategy reflects our commitment to continue working closely with our western and northern neighbours to support sustainable communities and a stronger economy. This work includes investing in and developing dependable energy so that the North can grow and Canada can step up and strengthen the security and sovereignty of our nation.”

Caitlin Cleveland, Northwest Territories Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment –

“This strategy reflects what we can achieve when we work together across Western and Northern Canada. The Northwest Territories has tremendous critical-mineral potential, and by aligning our efforts with our partners, we are strengthening our ability to attract investment, build infrastructure and create long-term opportunities for our communities. This work is about ensuring that development happens responsibly, in partnership with Indigenous governments, while delivering lasting economic benefits to residents of the North and all Canadians.”

Craig Simailak, Nunavut Minister Responsible for Mines –

“Nunavut is one of Canada’s most promising critical-mineral frontiers. Unlocking the immense copper, nickel and high-grade iron potential across the Kitikmeot, Kivalliq and Qikiqtani zones requires dedicated, nation-building corridors. Strategic gateways like the Gray’s Bay Port and Road project are not merely assets to the territory — they are essential Canadian corridors to global markets, built on a foundation of true economic reconciliation and durable, Indigenous-led partnerships.”

What to know about critical minerals in Western, Northern Canada
  • From 2020 until 2025, western and northern jurisdictions accounted for more than $80 billion in reported critical-mineral shipments.
  • B.C. is Canada’s largest producer of copper and only producer of molybdenum, and hosts one of the world’s largest fully integrated zinc refining complexes.
  • Alberta is home to leading refineries for critical minerals, including nickel, cobalt and magnesium.
  • Manitoba is home to one of only three active lithium mines in North America.
  • Saskatchewan is the world’s largest producer of potash, second largest producer of uranium and Canada’s largest producer of helium.
  • Northwest Territories is home to 25 of the 34 critical minerals on Canada’s critical minerals list.
  • Yukon hosts deposits of 12 of Canada’s 34 critical-minerals endowment, including copper, nickel, zinc, molybdenum, cobalt, antimony, tin, manganese and tungsten.
  • Nunavut has zinc and high-grade copper and uranium deposits.
  • Together, Western and Northern Canada have access to five deepwater ports accessing the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, via Hudson’s Bay.