Manitoba releases critical mineral strategy

Manitoba has released its Securing Our Critical Mineral Future strategy to speed up critical minerals projects while forming strong Indigenous partnerships and focusing on sustainable economic success.

The Canadian province has 30 of 34 minerals identified by the federal government as critical for promoting green energy and is positioned to supply the materials needed to power the North American low-carbon economy, says Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Minister Jamie Moses.

The province is already in the midst of an exploration boom for lithium and other minerals. Almost 50 companies are seeking critical minerals in the province, comprising over 70% of all exploration companies in the region.

“Manitoba needs to get new mines brought online faster,” John Morris, co-director, Mining Association of Manitoba (MAMI) said in a statement. “MAMI agrees that by streamlining policy and regulation, permitting will improve with the new single-desk Critical Minerals Office. MAMI looks forward to working with the Province of Manitoba as we develop many of the action items contained in this strategy.”

The strategy, meanwhile, aims to attract investment, create good jobs and will include the creation of a dedicated, single-window Critical Mineral Office, investments in high-priority regional infrastructure projects, and the development of a provincial revenue-sharing model for mining in partnership with Indigenous nations.

“This Critical Minerals Strategy will solidify Manitoba as a world leader in responsible mineral development – which in turn brings good jobs to Manitoba,” Moses said. “No matter the result of [the] US election, our strategy will ensure Manitoba is a secure and responsible trade partner for years to come.”

The Manitoba government said it will continue to engage with rights holders, communities and business as work on the action items from the strategy begins to be implemented.

“Indigenous and northern communities can be the backbone to a successful mining sector, setting those communities and the Manitoba economy on the best path forward,” Municipal and Northern Relations and Indigenous Economic Development Minister Ian Bushie added.

“By taking a nation-to-nation approach, this strategy will unlock the benefits of critical minerals for Indigenous nations through healthy resource development. This strategy will ensure Indigenous Peoples’ voices are heard and that they receive fairer financial value within the resource sector in order to advance economic reconciliation.”

For details of the Manitoba Critical Minerals Strategy, click here.