New Critical Minerals Office, faster permitting stages, and tax credits. The province seeks to position itself as a raw materials supplier.
The Canadian province of Manitoba has published a strategy to attract companies and advance its critical minerals sector. According to the document (PDF), the provincial government seeks to combine an acceleration of mining and processing projects while conserving the environment. Manitoba Economic Development Minister Jamie Moses said in une déclaration that the strategy “will solidify Manitoba as a world leader in responsible mineral development.” Under the initiative, the province will launch a new Critical Minerals Office and Permit Office, which are set to work together with other government branches and streamline permitting steps, facilitate investments in the province, and provide companies with needed information. The government highlighted that Manitoba is home to 30 of the 34 minerals on Canada’s 2024 critical minerals list, including all six that have been prioritized for economic prosperity and growth, as well as their importance for supply chains – cobalt, copper, graphite, lithium, nickel, and rare earth elements. The government also highlighted that there are various tax credits and incentives for mineral production in the province already and hinted at more to come. “Manitoba is ready to provide the critical minerals the world needs,” Minister Moses said.
New Push Aligns With Canada’s Federal Strategy – Manitoba Has a Sizeable Mineral Industry Already
There is already a substantial mineral industry in Manitoba. In 2022, the province accounted for 30.7 percent of Canada’s zinc production, 8.1 percent of Canada’s nickel production, and 100 percent of Canada’s cesium and lithium production. In 2024, Manitoba remains home to one of only two lithium mines in North America. In addition, there are currently 45 active exploration and development companies exploring critical mineral deposits in Manitoba.
Manitoba’s mineral push aligns with Canada’s federal plans to ramp up its mining and processing capacities. In September 2023, the federal government published a strategy to position the country as an alternative raw materials supplier to industry leader China. Key aspects of this are faster-permitting stages as well as the build-up of the necessary infrastructure such as roads, railways, and electricity.
Photo : Carlosbezz via Canva
