May 11, 2026 Burnaby, British Columbia Natural Resources Canada
The Government of Canada is making smart strategic investments so we can put our mineral wealth to work and ensure all Canadians benefit from the resources beneath our feet. With world-class mineral deposits, clean hydroelectric power and strong partnerships with Indigenous Nations leadership, British Columbia is ready to build the infrastructure and value-chain capacity needed to level-up its mining potential and help secure Canada's place in the global clean energy economy as an energy and mining superpower.
Today, the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State for International Development, on behalf of the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, visited Nano One Materials' Innovation Hub facility to highlight over $100 million for five projects based in British Columbia that will accelerate critical mineral development in the province's planning, development and processing capacity across the country.
Through the First and Last Mile Fund, Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships Program and the Energy Innovation Program, Canada is supporting projects that will unlock economic opportunities and strengthen critical minerals development across British Columbia. These investments include:
- Up to $50 million in approved funding to the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority to upgrade BC Hydro's regional transmission system in support of Teck Resources' Highland Valley Copper Mine Life Extension Project near Kamloops, British Columbia.
- Up to $44.2 million in conditionally approved funding to the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority to support expanded electricity transmission capacity for major mining developments in northwest British Columbia, including Newmont's Red Chris copper mine expansion project and Seabridge's KSM gold mining project.
- Up to $3 million to Nano One Materials for research, development and optimization of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) production, a critical input for electric vehicles, defence, aerospace and electronics.
- Up to $1.87 million in conditionally approved funding to Defense Metals Corp. to advance the development of a new 60-kilometre transmission line to the Wicheeda Rare Earth Elements Project mine site, along with upgrades to the service road connecting the mine to the highway.
- $900,000 to the Salish Sea Indigenous Guardians Association (SSIGA) to establish a critical minerals department within the Osoyoos Indian Band to support mineral expertise, Indigenous-led assessment and economic participation.
- $736,778 to Boney Creek Development Ltd. to advance pre-construction requirements for the Anyox Hydroelectric facility, enabling the generation of clean, renewable energy to support critical mineral development in northwest British Columbia.
These investments position British Columbia to lead the way in unlocking Canada's full potential and in laying the groundwork for good jobs, clean power and long‑term economic security for years to come.
