Canada’s Critical Minerals Push for Clean Energy

Canada is moving to secure our place in the global clean energy transition. But electric vehicles, solar panels, and wind turbines technologies all depend on one thing: critical minerals. Canada is building a secure and responsible supply chain, from mining to processing, to meet that demand.

For more technical detail, explore the full in-depth article Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy: Building a Green Supply Chain for the Energy Transition by Denis Koshelev.

Why Critical Minerals Matter

The global push for clean energy needs a steady supply of certain key materials. These minerals are essential for:

• Electric vehicle batteries

• Solar panel systems

• Wind turbine components

• Advanced manufacturing technologies

  
  

Canada’s Game Plan

Launched in 2022, Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy aims to make the country a world leader in responsible mineral production. The plan includes five core goals:

• Grow the economy and create jobs

• Support climate action and environmental protection

• Strengthen Indigenous partnerships

• Promote diverse and inclusive workplaces

• Improve global partnerships and security

  
  

Instead of just exporting raw materials, Canada is focused on processing minerals at home to create more skilled jobs and value-added products.

Spotlight on the “Fab Five”

Out of 31 critical minerals identified by the government, five stand out due to their importance and Canada’s potential to lead globally:

1. Lithium – for EV batteries

2. Nickel – increases EV battery range

3. Cobalt – improves battery lifespan

4. Graphite – essential for battery anodes

5. Copper – needed in all types of clean energy systems

Here are a few major Canadian projects tied to these minerals:

Mineral	Importance	Key Projects/Companies
Lithium	Batteries for EVs and grid storage	North American Lithium in Quebec
Nickel	Increases battery range	Vale Canada
Cobalt	Enhances battery stability and life	Electra Battery Materials refinery
Graphite	Largest component of battery anodes	Bissett Creek Project by Northern Graphite
Copper	Vital for electrification	Various projects across Canada

Federal Investments Backing the Plan

Canada’s vision comes with over $3 billion in federal funding available to accelerate:

• Large-scale mining and processing projects

• Infrastructure like roads and clean energy access

• Research into greener processing methods

• Indigenous-led projects and partnerships

  
  

Examples include funding for lithium recycling, rare earth element processing, and road construction in Northern regions. Indigenous communities are actively involved, with agreements that support local job creation and shared benefits.

In Summary

Canada is stepping up as a global leader in the clean energy transition by developing a secure, responsible critical minerals supply chain. Canada’s national strategy to process key minerals like lithium, nickel, and graphite domestically supports electric vehicles, solar panels, and wind turbines. With billions in federal funding, Indigenous partnerships, and a focus on adding value through processing, this foundation is becoming a sustainable, high-tech mineral economy.