Strategic Summary
Canada is doubling down on its critical minerals ambitions. New national projects unveiled by the government include mines, processing plants, ports, and clean‑energy infrastructure. At the same time, Canada has formalized cooperation with Germany around critical minerals, emphasizing processing, refining, and recycling. However, reports warn that unless investment, permitting reform, and Indigenous engagement accelerate sharply, Canada risks missing out on large economic opportunities in the coming decade.
Key Points
Carney Announces National Projects to “Turbocharge” the Economy
Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled a first wave of major projects: expansion of LNG Canada, two new critical mineral mines, a modular nuclear reactor in Ontario, and port expansion in Quebec. The aim is to accelerate permitting, job creation, and infrastructure development.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/11/canada-mark-carney-national-projects-economy
Canada & Germany Deepen Critical Minerals Partnership
Minister Tim Hodgson and Germany’s Economy Ministry signed a declaration of intent to enhance cooperation in critical minerals supply chains—particularly in mid‑stream areas (processing, refining, recycling). Joint projects, trade agreements, and shared R&D are under consideration.
https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/germany-canada-deepen-critical-minerals-cooperation-supply-chain-push-2025-08-26
https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/security/canada-partners-with-germany-on-critical-minerals
Signs of Investment Risk: Canada May Miss Billions Without Policy Action
A report from the Canadian Climate Institute warns that Canada needs an additional $30‑65 billion in investment over the next 15 years to meet domestic and global critical minerals demand. Without swifter reforms in policy, permitting, and Indigenous partnerships, the report estimates foregone production could amount to over C$12 billion annually by 2040.
https://climateinstitute.ca/news/canada-risks-missing-out-on-billions-in-critical-mineral-investment/
Appia & Ultra Rare Earth Accelerate Brazil Project via Canadian Explorer
Toronto‑based Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. has entered into a binding term sheet with Ultra Rare Earth Inc. to acquire equity in the PCH Project (Brazil) with a view to fast‑track prefeasibility. Ultra will contribute US$6 million plus additional funding. Though the project is Brazil‑based, Appia is Canadian, and the deal reinforces how Canadian exploration firms are seeking global supply avenues.
https://www.investornews.com/critical‑minerals‑rare‑earths/canadian‑explorer‑appia‑strikes‑delaware‑backed‑pact‑to‑fast‑track‑brazilian‑rare‑earths‑project/
Why It Matters
National Projects as Anchors for Value Chains
Government‑led project announcements create certainty for capital, infrastructure, and supply chain development. This helps downstream industries such as EV battery, clean energy, and defense manufacturing.International Collaboration Bolsters Risk Mitigation
Cooperation with Germany helps spread risk, provides access to technology and capital, and may help Canada scale processing/refining faster by leveraging partner capabilities.Missing Investment is a Strategic Weakness
Without faster reforms—permit streamlining, risk sharing, stronger Indigenous consultation—Canada might lose ground to countries moving faster, reducing both project throughput and global competitiveness.Exploration Firms Expanding Geographically
Firms like Appia using partnerships outside Canada show that Canadian capability is mobilizing but is often forced to look abroad for projects, which may limit domestic value capture.
Watchlist Companies & Entities
Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. — Canadian explorer advancing the PCH Project in Brazil toward prefeasibility via capital from Ultra Rare Earth.
Homepage: https://www.appiarareearth.comTorngat Metals — Advancing Strange Lake rare earth project; heavy rare earths, with government support for infrastructure, separation, and output scaling.
Homepage: https://www.torngatmetals.comUcore Rare Metals — Mid‑stream processing and separation in Canada; active in Canadian‑German cooperation on critical minerals.
Homepage: https://ucore.comNatural Resources Canada (NRCan) — Leading Canada’s strategy & funding for critical minerals, international partnerships, permitting reform.
Homepage: https://www.nrcan.gc.caCanadian Climate Institute — Provides data and warnings on investment gaps; influential in policy discussion.
Homepage: https://climateinstitute.ca
Critical Minerals Spotlight
Heavy Rare Earth Oxides (Dysprosium, Terbium) — Central to Strange Lake / Torngat Metals; key magnets for EVs, defenses.
Lithium, Gallium, Germanium, Nickel — Highlighted in Canada‑Germany cooperation declaration; “critical minerals” list additions, and in downstream processing and R&D.
Copper, Nickel, Lithium, Graphite, REEs — The six priority minerals in the Climate Institute’s report; foundational for battery supply chain and energy transition.
Action Points
Track implementation plans for the national projects announced by PM Carney: specific funding allocations, timelines, Indigenous engagement, and permitting status.
Monitor progress in Canadian‑German projects: what mid‑stream partner entities are being selected, what technologies will be used, what processing or recycling commitments.
Follow policy reform efforts: provincial and federal permitting, impact assessment timelines, alignment with Indigenous consultation, and any new risk‑sharing schemes (e.g., government equity or offtake promises).
Keep an eye on explorers like Appia, funding flows into pre‑feasibility and prefeasibility studies, and whether those outside Canada get built domestically or abroad.
This briefing is for informational purposes only and is not legal, investment, or policy advice. Information is believed accurate at time of publication. Sources are publicly available.