Export Development Canada says it provided more than $8.7 billion in support to Canada’s critical minerals sector in 2025 as the country looks to strengthen trade resilience and expand mining development.
The Crown corporation announced this week it supported more than 300 companies across the critical minerals industry last year, up from $7.9 billion in financing and business support provided in 2024.
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Focus on economic security and trade diversification
Export Development Canada (EDC) says the increased support reflects growing global demand for critical minerals tied to electric vehicles, clean energy, defence technologies and advanced manufacturing.
“Canada is well positioned to meet global demand and be a reliable supplier of critical minerals,” EDC president and CEO Alison Nankivell said in a release.
Nankivell said EDC is expanding its role by taking on more risk and supporting projects earlier in the development process, including pre-construction financing for mining projects considered strategically important to Canada.
Federal officials say the sector is expected to play an increasingly important role as Canada works to diversify trade relationships and reduce reliance on non-allied mineral supply chains.
Government highlights mining growth strategy
International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said critical minerals development is becoming increasingly important to Canada’s export strategy and long-term economic growth.
“Delivering our world-class critical minerals to the global stage is essential to diversifying our trading relationships and doubling our non-U.S. exports,” Sidhu said in the release.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson said the federal government is continuing to work with financial partners such as EDC to help accelerate investment into Canadian mining projects and related infrastructure.
Financing supports projects across Canada and abroad
EDC highlighted several major mining and mineral projects it supported over the past year.
Among them was a financing agreement worth approximately $459 million with Nouveau Monde Graphite and the Canada Infrastructure Bank to support development of the Matawinie graphite mine in Quebec.
EDC also provided a $110-million bridge loan to Torngat Metals for pre-construction work tied to the Strange Lake rare earth project in Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador.
The organization additionally supported Canadian mining technology exports internationally, including financing tied to a geothermal lithium project in Germany involving Canadian engineering and technology services.
EDC says its investments are aligned with the federal government’s Critical Minerals Strategy, which aims to position Canada as a major supplier of minerals needed for clean energy technologies and future industrial growth.