Canada and Germany signed a joint declaration on Tuesday to deepen cooperation on critical minerals and energy, part of Ottawa’s efforts to strengthen ties with European allies and diversify supply chains as demand grows for materials needed in electric vehicles and advanced technologies.

The agreement, announced in Berlin during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Germany, commits both countries to securing supply chains, expanding research and development collaboration, and co-funding projects across industries including defence, aerospace and clean energy.

“Canada has immense potential to be a leading and reliable global supplier of critical minerals, and Canada and Germany are natural strategic partners in this mission,” Carney said in a statement.

Carney, who took office earlier this year, introduced the Canada-led Critical Minerals Production Alliance at the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, aimed at building trusted international partnerships in mineral supply chains.

As part of the Berlin agreement, Isabella Chan, a senior official at Natural Resources Canada, was appointed as Canada’s special envoy to advance the partnership. Matthias Koehler, Germany’s deputy director-general of raw materials policy, was named as his country’s envoy.

“Canada and Germany share a deep commitment to democracy, security, and sustainability – and German industry needs resources Canada can offer amidst global uncertainty,” said Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson. “We are seizing this moment to build, secure, and compete together.”

Carney also discussed energy security with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, including potential Canadian exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydrogen under the Canada-Germany Energy Partnership. Both governments plan to explore a transatlantic hydrogen trade corridor to support Europe’s transition away from fossil fuels.

The talks also covered Russia’s war in Ukraine. Carney reiterated support for Kyiv following meetings over the weekend with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlighting Canada’s $2-billion in military assistance. “No decisions about Ukraine should be taken without Ukraine, and no decisions about Europe should be taken without Europe,” Carney said.

Industry deals accompanied the government-to-government announcement. Canada's Troilus Gold struck a supply agreement with Hamburg-based Aurubis for future copper concentrate. Québec-based Torngat Metals signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Germany’s Vacuumschmelze for rare earth supply, while Rock Tech Lithium agreed an MoU with Enertrag to connect its German lithium conversion plant to renewable-energy sources.

“Canada is an ideal strategic partner – we have the critical minerals and natural resources, as well as the workers, businesses, and know-how to get them to market,” Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said.

The partnership builds on commitments made at the G7 summit earlier this year, where leaders endorsed a Critical Minerals Action Plan.