The federal government says a new round of international partnerships aimed at strengthening critical mineral supply chains will help unlock more than $12 billion in mining project investment across Canada.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson announced the second round of agreements Monday at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada convention in Toronto.
The government said the 30 new partnerships and investments under the Critical Minerals Production Alliance are expected to unlock $12.1 billion in capital tied to Canadian critical minerals projects involving 12 allied partner countries.
Combined with partnerships announced in October 2025, the alliance is now helping mobilize about $18.5 billion in investment tied to Canada’s critical minerals sector.
The alliance was launched during Canada’s 2025 G7 presidency with the goal of strengthening global supply chains for minerals considered essential for defence technologies, clean energy systems and advanced manufacturing.
“Canada and our allies abroad are putting real capital behind the secure, sustainable supply chains that our economies and our defence industries depend on,” Hodgson said in a statement.
“With these new initiatives, we are delivering the minerals the world needs and the prosperity and security Canadians deserve.”
The federal government also announced up to $64.8 million for international research and development projects tied to critical minerals, along with $10 million in funding aimed at helping developing countries participate in the global energy and digital transition.
Ottawa said Canada’s role in the alliance reflects growing demand for stable mineral supply chains amid geopolitical tensions and concerns about market concentration.
Critical minerals such as lithium, graphite and uranium are key components in batteries, electronics, renewable energy technology and defence systems.
Canada produces more than 60 minerals and metals and has the potential to produce all 34 minerals on its official critical minerals list, the government said.
Federal officials say Canada’s environmental regulations, Indigenous partnerships and low-carbon electricity grid have helped position the country as a global leader in responsible mining.
The Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy, launched in 2022, is intended to expand mineral production and support supply chains tied to clean technology and advanced manufacturing.
Government figures show domestic production of several key minerals increased by more than 10 per cent between 2022 and 2024, including lithium, graphite, aluminum and uranium.
The Critical Minerals Production Alliance was endorsed by G7 leaders at their June 2025 summit in Kananaskis, Alta., as part of a broader effort to secure supply chains for strategic materials and reduce reliance on concentrated global sources.