Canada to Buy Stakes in Critical Minerals Projects

Canada will take equity stakes in projects that produce and process key minerals, the country’s Natural Resources Minister said, moving to secure supplies that are largely controlled by China.

Minister Tim Hodgson said Ottawa has already begun studying specific mining operations and downstream processing facilities for potential government investment. Those projects would be deemed in the national interest when they are unable to attract sufficient private equity.

The initiative targets both upstream extraction and downstream processing to strengthen domestic supply chains for strategic materials used in clean energy, electronics and advanced manufacturing. Officials are evaluating project-level economics, scaling potential, supply security and national-security implications before committing capital.

The strategy aims to reduce reliance on foreign-controlled processing, catalyze private-sector investment, and ensure reliable access to minerals critical for electric vehicles, batteries and renewable-energy infrastructure.