Canada used the global stage at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention to sharpen its pitch as a critical minerals superpower, unveiling new funding vehicles, project investments and international partnerships aimed at accelerating mine development and strengthening domestic value chains.

At the yearly convention – the world’s largest mining gathering – Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson and Parliamentary Secretary Claude Guay led the federal delegation, outlining how mining underpins Canada’s broader economic and security ambitions.

Canada’s announcements included the launch of the C$1.5-billion First and Last Mile Fund and confirmation of the forthcoming C2-billion Critical Minerals Sovereign Fund.

In addition, Ottawa committed up to C$165.2-million in federal investments across 22 mining projects, including up to C$114.9-million for the first five projects backed by the new First and Last Mile Fund. The funding spans infrastructure, innovation, sustainability initiatives, geoscience and Indigenous partnerships, and is expected to unlock more than C$434-million in project capital.

Further boosting geoscience capacity, Hodgson announced up to C$40-million for the Canadian Digital Core Library (CDCL), aimed at making geological drill core data widely accessible. A non-binding declaration of intent was also signed between the government of Canada, the Creative Destruction Lab, Laurentian University and major miners – Agnico Eagle, Anglo American, BHP, Hudbay Minerals, Teck Resources and Vale – to explore the creation of a public digital core library drawing on federal, provincial, territorial and private sector resources.

GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS
Canada also advanced its international critical minerals diplomacy at PDAC.

At Invest in Canada’s Canadian Critical Minerals Forum, Hodgson announced a second round of 30 partnerships and investments under the Critical Minerals Production Alliance, aimed at diversifying supply and reducing vulnerabilities in allied supply chains. The new round is expected to accelerate and unlock more than C$12.1-billion in projects with 12 allied partners, lifting total capital supported by the Alliance to C$18.5-billion.

Bilateral engagements during the week included discussions with Greenland, the European Commission, Norway, Argentina, Mongolia, France, Italy, the Dominican Republic and Bolivia. Canada formalised partnerships with India and Greenland, issued a joint statement on critical minerals with the EU and signed a memorandum of understanding on supply with Leonardo.

SECURITY AND DEFENCE
Hodgson stressed that accelerating domestic critical minerals production is now viewed as a security imperative, aligned with Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy.

Targeted funding through Natural Resources Canada includes C$59.4-million to accelerate domestic projects, C$96.7-million for research and development across the value chain and C$8.27-million to support the establishment of a stockpiling regime for critical and dual-use minerals.

To improve regulatory clarity, Canada also launched a new Mine Permit Navigator – an interactive tool designed to guide proponents through applicable federal legislation and approval requirements, supporting the government’s “One Project, One Review” objective and two-year assessment timelines.

RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT
Environmental performance and decarbonisation featured prominently in the announcements. Initiatives highlighted included plans to recommission the Anyox hydro facility to supply clean power for critical mineral development, hybrid energy systems in Nunavut to cut diesel use at remote sites and rock-breaking technologies capable of using up to 65% less energy.

“Canada has been a mining nation for generations -- and we are back in a big way. At PDAC 2026, we demonstrated we are committed to delivering real results. By advancing new trade and investment partnerships, launching strategic investments like the First and Last Mile Fund and working closely with provinces, territories, Indigenous partners and industry, we are moving from planning to production. Our new government is building a strong economy, a secure and sovereign nation and a sustainable future -- and Canadian mining will pave the way for all three," said Hodgson.

Guay echoed that positioning, stating Canada's leadership in critical minerals was premised on building "big things, the right way".

"At PDAC 2026, we highlighted Canada's smart financing, technological innovation, Indigenous partnership, stable governance and political environment, and strong environmental and social standards -- all of which give us a competitive advantage in global markets. By supporting critical mineral mining and sustainable value chain development, Canada is delivering the minerals the world needs while protecting the environment and creating good career opportunities for Canadians," said Guy.

The minerals and metals sector remains a cornerstone of Canada’s economy. In 2024, it directly employed 438 000 people and indirectly supported a further 286 000 jobs, for a total of 724 000. With average annual total compensation of C$146 213 per job – nearly double the all-industry average – the sector is positioned as both a strategic and socioeconomic pillar.

The 2026 PDAC Convention hosted more than 27 000 attendees from over 135 countries, underscoring the scale of global interest in Canada’s mineral endowment and policy direction.