The Canadian federal government has announced up to $43.5 million in funding to support critical minerals research and infrastructure development in Quebec. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to increase the production of critical minerals for emerging technologies, clean energy, and key industries such as electronics, aerospace, and automotive sectors.
The announcement, made by Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, includes funding through two programs designed to enhance Quebec's role in critical minerals production. The Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF) will allocate up to $39.8 million in conditionally approved investments for six energy and transportation infrastructure projects. Final approval is pending due diligence, but these projects are expected to accelerate the development of critical minerals by improving essential infrastructure for mining operations.
Key projects supported under CMIF include:
- Critical Elements Lithium Corporation will receive up to $20 million to build a new electrical station and relocate transmission lines to service the Rose Lithium-Tantalum Mining Project in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region.
- Dumont Nickel has been allocated up to $1.1 million for a feasibility study to connect its project to the Hydro-Québec grid.
- Sayona Nord Inc. will receive up to $1.3 million to advance a 55-kilometre transmission line for its Moblan lithium project in Eeyou Istchee James Bay.
- Eskan Company, an Indigenous-owned business, will receive up to $13.5 million for a feasibility study to extend the Renard Mine access road by 87 kilometres to support lithium-based mineral projects.
- Cbay Minerals Inc. will receive up to $1.3 million to study and assess environmental impacts for infrastructure in the Chibougamau area.
- Commerce Resources will receive up to $2.6 million to study the feasibility of a 1,756-kilometre road connecting its Ashram rare earths and fluorspar project in Nunavik.
Additionally, the Critical Minerals Research, Development and Demonstration (CMRDD) program will invest $3.7 million in COALIA for a pilot project focused on lithium extraction and purification from spodumene ore.
Minister Wilkinson emphasized the importance of these projects in strengthening Quebec's position in the global critical minerals market. “These investments will help expand Quebec’s sustainable critical minerals production and foster economic growth while creating good jobs,” he stated.
These strategic investments aim to improve Canada’s supply chain for critical minerals, essential for the growing global demand in clean energy, electronics, and defense technologies. The funding is expected to accelerate Quebec's contributions to a sustainable and resilient critical minerals supply chain.
