June 26, 2026 Yellowknife, Northwest Territories Natural Resources Canada
Canada has what the world wants and is acting with urgency to unlock the full potential of its critical minerals by building major projects quickly and responsibly in order to create a prosperous, secure future. In a more competitive and uncertain world, Canada is ready to lead as a stable and reliable supplier of the mineral resources that power clean energy, advanced manufacturing and defence.
Today, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced investments of up to $73 million for 12 projects across Canada that will advance Canadian mining and build the infrastructure needed to connect Canadian critical minerals to global markets. These investments include:
- Up to $51.57 million through the First and Last Mile Fund for
five projects to advance critical minerals production and supply chains.
- $19.6 million under the Energy Innovation Program for five projects to advance clean energy and industrial decarbonization technologies that strengthen Canada's economic and climate competitiveness.
- Nearly $2 million under the Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships program for the Tahltan Central Government's project to co-develop, assess and participate in decision‑making on major critical minerals resource projects.
Together, these projects demonstrate how Canada is unlocking its full potential through clean innovation, Indigenous partnership and strategic infrastructure that connects resources to global markets and supports trade diversification. In the North, these investments are helping to strengthen economic opportunity, security and long-term prosperity while advancing Canadian sovereignty in a region of growing strategic importance. By acting now, Canada is building the strongest, most sustainable mining sector in the world.
