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| Canada Critical Minerals |
Canada Faces Urgent Need to Accelerate Critical Minerals Development
Canada holds world-class deposits of lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper, and rare earths. However, geological wealth alone does not guarantee strategic advantage. Meanwhile, the United States is rapidly building domestic supply chains and stockpiles, highlighting Canada’s slower permitting and industrial infrastructure. As a result, Canada must act decisively to transform reserves into globally competitive, value-added outputs. The Canada Critical Minerals Strategy aims to close this gap by linking mining, processing, and manufacturing efficiently.
Policy, Infrastructure, and Investment Must Align for Global Competitiveness
The Canada Critical Minerals Strategy is backed by nearly C$4 billion, targeting resilient supply chains and industrial capacity. Simultaneously, G7 Critical Minerals Production Alliance investments are mobilizing capital in graphite, scandium, and rare earth projects. However, regulatory delays and fragmented interdepartmental coordination slow execution. Therefore, streamlining permitting and expanding Arctic logistics infrastructure is essential. Only coordinated action across federal departments, capital markets, and industry can transform Canada’s potential into tangible economic power.
Strategic Implications for Geopolitics and the Circular Economy
Canada’s mineral sovereignty extends beyond economic benefits to geopolitical leverage. Rapid development of critical minerals supports defence, EV battery, and renewable energy sectors. Moreover, investing in domestic processing reduces dependence on China’s dominant supply chains, reinforcing industrial resilience. In contrast, slow execution risks ceding strategic advantage to competitors. As a result, the Canada Critical Minerals Strategy must prioritize velocity alongside vision, ensuring that raw materials generate high-value products domestically.
ScrapInsight Commentary
Canada’s geological advantage is clear, yet industrial lag threatens global competitiveness. Rapid permitting reform and Arctic infrastructure investment are essential. The Canada Critical Minerals Strategy could accelerate domestic processing, strengthen supply chain resilience, and advance circular economy objectives.
