Canada Announces Over $15 million to Support Canadian Mining Sector at the 2024 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Convention

TORONTO, March 6, 2024 /CNW/ - Canada's minerals and metals are essential contributors to our economy, infrastructure, innovation and environmental stewardship. And as the world moves toward net zero by 2050, demand for Canada's mineral resources, especially critical minerals, will only increase. By making the right investments in the exploration and mining sector, we can enable sustainable resource development, create good jobs, drive economic growth and advance Indigenous participation and leadership in our economy. 

That is why, yesterday at the 2024 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced federal investments of over $15 million in projects to increase Indigenous participation and support the development of Canada's critical minerals sector.

Minister Wilkinson also announced the launch of the first call for proposals for Indigenous grants under the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF). The first call for proposals will provide up to $3.5 million in federal funding available to support Indigenous engagement, knowledge sharing and capacity building related to clean energy and transportation projects to enable critical minerals development. Overall, the CMIF Indigenous grant stream will provide $13.5 million in funding and run until March 31, 2030.

And to support Indigenous communities today in seizing the economic opportunities presented by sustainably sourced mineral resources, Canada will be funding seven mining projects representing over $10.4 million under the Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships (INRP) program. Activities funded through these projects include capacity building initiatives, support for the development of partnership programs, conducting key feasibility studies, expanding skills training and advancing important infrastructure projects.

These projects will expand the participation of Indigenous communities and organizations in the development of critical mineral projects that support the transition to a clean energy future. Recipients of the INRP funding include:

• Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation (LKFN) — $1,974,675
• Global Indigenous Development Trust — $2,408,543
• Saskatchewan First Nations Natural Resources Centre of Excellence — $4,500,000
• Accurate Industries (Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation) — $234,467
• Fond Du Lac Denesuline First Nation (FDLDFN) — $688,998
• Keewatin Tribal Council (KTC) — $324,432
• Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation — $352,500

On Monday, the Government of Canada also provided $4.49 million to Magneto Investments Limited Partnership through the Critical Minerals Research Development and Demonstration Program. This funding will go toward new and innovative technologies and processes that will help increase the supply of battery-grade cobalt and nickel sulphate, which are essential to the development of a secure and sustainable domestic electric vehicle value chain.

Canada is one of only two countries with the minerals and metals required for lithium-ion battery production. Magneto's project will support Canada in participating directly in the growing market of battery-grade cobalt and nickel sulphate domestically, instead of shipping concentrate overseas to feed the stainless-steel industry.

These announcements made at PDAC 2024 are part of a series of significant steps the Government of Canada is taking to support innovation in the mining sector, strengthen Indigenous partnerships and create jobs. Canada will continue to work with partners to establish our country as the world's green supplier of choice for critical minerals — ensuring a prosperous and clean future for Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

Quotes

"Critical minerals are a generational economic opportunity for Canada — from mineral exploration and extraction to advanced manufacturing to processing and recycling, we are making investments across the value chain. Canada will continue to make these strategic investments in important projects and Indigenous communities to help enable and grow the sustainable development of these minerals, reinforcing Canada's position as a global supplier of choice for clean technology, clean energy and the resources the world needs to build a prosperous net-zero economy".

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

"The demand for critical minerals, and the products made with them, presents an occasion for industrial diversification, high-quality employment and sustainable development. Because of the abundance of critical minerals in our country, Canada can become the green supplier of choice by contributing to responsible development, competitiveness, and supply chain stability."

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne
Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

"Canada recognizes the pivotal role of Indigenous participation in our critical minerals sector. These investments align with our vision of a sustainable, responsible and inclusive approach to mineral development, essential for driving Canada's transition to a net-zero future." 

The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez
Minister of Transport

"Strategic investments in clean energy and transportation infrastructure that support the expansion of this critical industry are essential to advancing innovation in the mining sector while creating good Canadian jobs and growing the economy." 

The Honourable Sean Fraser
Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

Quick Facts

• Budget 2022 allocated $80 million over five years, starting in 2022–2023, to renew and expand the INRP to all natural resource sectors and all regions of Canada. At least $25 million of this funding is dedicated to Indigenous communities' capacity building to support their participation in critical minerals development.
• Information on funding opportunities and the applicant materials for CMIF are available online. Applications for this CFP must be submitted online by December 31, 2024.

Related Information

• INRP Projects
• Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy
• Critical Minerals Centre of Excellence
• Canada's List of Critical Minerals
• Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan
• Government of Canada Launches Second Call for Proposals for Critical Minerals Research Development and Demonstration Program
• Magneto Investments Limited Partnership
• Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund
• Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund Indigenous Grant Expression of Interest Form
• Programs and funding for critical minerals projects
• Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

Natural Resources Canada, Media Relations, 343-292-6100, [email protected]; Carolyn Svonkin, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Canada, 343-597-1725, [email protected]