VANCOUVER, CANADA (MiningIR) — The Canadian government has announced significant investments to bolster critical minerals development in Northern British Columbia and the Yukon. The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, unveiled up to $60 million in funding through the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF), aimed at unlocking key infrastructure for mining operations. This investment underscores Canada’s commitment to leveraging its mineral wealth in the global transition to a low-carbon economy.
A major component of this initiative involves the construction of a 43-kilometer access road for the Galore Creek copper mine in northwest British Columbia. This project, a partnership between Teck Resources and Newmont Corporation, is poised to enhance Canada’s copper production, a critical metal for clean technologies such as electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. “This investment by the Government of Canada will support the development of infrastructure needed to advance critical mineral projects and strengthen the nation’s mining sector,” said Jonathon Price, President and CEO of Teck Resources Limited.
Premier of the Yukon, The Honourable Ranj Pillai, emphasized the transformative potential of the project, stating, “The Grid Connect Project is more than an energy initiative: it presents a transformative opportunity for all Yukoners. By delivering clean, affordable and reliable clean energy, this project will not only power our homes but also drive economic and social growth. I thank our partners in British Columbia and the federal government for their collaboration on this important project, which will positively impact our northern communities. This is a proud milestone for our government on the path toward a more sustainable energy future.”
Additionally, the Yukon government will receive support for pre-feasibility studies on a 765-kilometer high-voltage transmission line. This project, which would connect the Yukon’s electrical grid to British Columbia’s North American grid, is expected to enhance access to critical mineral deposits, including cobalt, molybdenum, and nickel.
The federal government views these projects as pivotal in securing Canada’s position as a leader in critical minerals, which are essential for the clean energy transition. “These two projects, under the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy’s flagship program, will develop the necessary infrastructure to access and transport our rich critical mineral resources in northern B.C. and the Yukon. Developments like these help mines get built faster, and they are a key element in seizing the generational opportunity before us. These investments are needed to support critical minerals development in the region, improve community access and safety, and create good mining jobs across British Columbia and the Yukon.” Minister Wilkinson highlighted during the announcement. The infrastructure upgrades will not only expedite mining operations but also create job opportunities and foster economic growth in remote regions of the Yukon and British Columbia.
This initiative reflects the broader Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy, which aims to develop sustainable mineral supply chains and strengthen partnerships with Indigenous communities. These investments will significantly contribute to Canada’s climate goals, reinforcing its role in the global push for a net-zero future.
