Strategic Summary
Canada is pushing aggressively to scale up its critical minerals industry via a mix of federal investments, faster permitting, and targeted provincial incentives. Key projects include the Sisson Project in New Brunswick for tungsten and molybdenum, the McIlvenna Bay mine (copper/zinc) in Saskatchewan, and several “major projects” that have been fast‑tracked under the new major projects office. This package of moves aims to build domestic supply chains, leverage value added processing, and reduce dependency amid global supply disruptions.
Key Points
Federal Funding for Sisson Project in New Brunswick
The Government of Canada has committed C$8.214 million through NRCan’s Global Partnerships Initiative to Northcliff Resources for updating the Feasibility Study and basic engineering for its Sisson tungsten‑molybdenum project. This supports Canada & U.S. goals to shore up supply chains for critical metals used in defense, aerospace, and clean technologies.
https://www.canada.ca/en/natural-resources-canada/news/2025/08/government-of-canada-invests-in-new-brunswick-to-strengthen-critical-mineral-supply-chains.html Government of Canada
Also: Northcliff project details: https://www.northcliffresources.com/post/northcliff-announces-government-of-canada-funding-for-the-sisson-project NCF
Saskatchewan Incentive Boosts McIlvenna Bay Mine
Saskatchewan’s Critical Minerals Processing Investment Incentive (CMPII) has committed support to the McIlvenna Bay mine (copper, zinc) project, expected to begin commercial production in mid‑2026. The incentive encourages onsite processing and value added production of several emerging critical minerals.
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2025/september/11/saskatchewan-investment-program-supports-new-critical-minerals-mine Government of Saskatchewan
Federal Fast‑Track Projects Under New Major Projects Office
Prime Minister Mark Carney has unveiled several major projects to be expedited under a newly established major projects office. Among these are expansions of the Red Chris mine (gold & copper), a new copper mine by Foran Mining in Saskatchewan, LNG Canada’s production ramp‑up, and infrastructure upgrades including container port expansion and a small modular reactor in Ontario. These fast‑tracked approvals are part of efforts to reduce delays and ease permitting bottlenecks.
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/canada-names-gas-plant-port-mines-major-projects-be-sped-up-2025-09-11/ Reuters
Why It Matters
Supply Chain Sovereignty — These developments reduce Canada’s vulnerability to foreign supply risks, especially for tungsten, molybdenum, copper, and zinc.
Value‑Added Processing Gains — Provincial incentives like Saskatchewan’s CMPII push not just extraction but processing & refining locally, which retains more value domestically.
Permitting & Regulatory Reform — The fast‑track major projects office signals recognition that regulatory delays are a major drag on competing globally for critical mineral investments.
Strategic Alignment with Allies — Funding that complements U.S. defense or supply chain goals (as with Sisson) strengthens North American cooperation in critical minerals.
Watchlist Companies & Entities
Northcliff Resources — Developer of the Sisson Project in New Brunswick, focused on tungsten and molybdenum. Received federal funding to advance feasibility and engineering stages.
Homepage: https://www.northcliffresources.comForan Mining Corp. — Advancing the McIlvenna Bay copper-zinc project in Saskatchewan; supported by Saskatchewan’s Critical Minerals Processing Investment Incentive.
Homepage: https://www.foranmining.comNatural Resources Canada (NRCan) — Federal agency overseeing Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy, project funding, and permitting acceleration via its Global Partnerships Office.
Homepage: https://www.nrcan.gc.caGovernment of Saskatchewan – Energy & Resources — Administering incentive programs like CMPII to support domestic processing and high-value downstream mineral activity.
Homepage: https://www.saskatchewan.caPrime Minister’s Office – Major Projects Office — Fast-tracking priority infrastructure and mining initiatives nationwide, including Red Chris expansion and copper developments.
Homepage: https://www.pm.gc.caCritical Minerals Spotlight
Tungsten & Molybdenum — Sisson Project; defense, aerospace, and industrial strength metals.
Copper & Zinc — McIlvenna Bay; central to electrification, renewable infrastructure, and base metals demand.
Gold & Mixed Metals — Major projects like Red Chris expansion; many of these fast‑track projects blend base & precious metal output.
Action Points
Watch for major project office announcements — specifically regulatory waivers, timeline targets, and environmental/community impact processes.
Track financing & capital markets activity for Northcliff and Foran: who’s investing, any debt or equity rounds, export/defense agreements.
Monitor provincial regulatory reforms — permitting, Indigenous consultation process, environmental assessment timelines.
Assess downstream infrastructure investments (ports, smelters, roads) that are complementary and essential for mining output to reach markets.
This briefing is for informational purposes only and is not legal, investment, or policy advice. All information is believed accurate at time of publication. Sources are publicly available.