Mining

QSA's Week in Mining (#14, 2025)

Conservatives propose 'One and Done' rule; Critical mineral strategies in Manitoba; MP tweets on resource streamlining; New datasets on mining permits.

Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning metals and non-metals miners, explorers and prospectors.

Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Conservatives Announce 'One and Done' Rule for Resource Projects

Brad Vis, a Member of Parliament, tweeted on April 7 about the 'One and Done' rule proposed by the Conservatives. This initiative aims to simplify the regulatory approval process for resource projects by creating a 'One Stop Shop' known as the Rapid Resource Project Office. The rule promises one application and one environmental review per project, targeting a maximum approval wait time of one year, with six months as the goal. This approach is intended to expedite the development of various projects, including mines, roads, LNG terminals, and nuclear power stations.

Critical Mineral Office Opens in Manitoba

The Manitoba government has opened its Critical Mineral Office to advance the province's mining sector. This initiative, announced by Ministers Jamie Moses and Ian Bushie, includes establishing a mining advisory council and forming partnerships to support workforce development and training in Indigenous communities. The office aims to attract global investment by streamlining processes while maintaining environmental and labor standards. Manitoba's critical minerals, including lithium, copper, nickel, cobalt, graphite, and rare earth elements, are set to bolster the province's economic growth.

Manitoba's Mineral Development Fund Supports 12 New Projects

Manitoba's government is investing over $2.5 million in 12 projects through the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (MMDF), as announced by Minister Jamie Moses on April 8. These projects are expected to create 66 short-term and 132 long-term jobs, leveraging approximately $11.9 million in investment. The MMDF aims to enhance Manitoba's competitive advantage in mineral development. Since its launch in 2020, the fund has supported 108 projects, creating significant employment and partnerships.

Environmental Assessment Office Project Updates in BC

The Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) of British Columbia released updated data on April 9 regarding projects currently or previously subject to environmental assessment. This dataset includes attributes such as project description, phase, decision, and proponent name. Projects are themed by phase—pre-EA, application review, post-decision, and withdrawn or terminated—and by type. This information is sourced from the EAO Project Information Centre and updated daily.

Elk Valley Water Quality Plan Released

On April 9, the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan was updated to address water quality effects from past coal mining activities and guide future development. Developed by Teck, the plan involves public, First Nations, government, and expert input to tackle issues like selenium and nitrate concentrations, cadmium and sulphate levels, and calcite formation. The plan aims at sustainable mining while remediating water quality.

Permitted Mine Areas Dataset Updated in BC

On April 9, the BC government updated the dataset for Permitted Mine Areas, which includes applications for regional mining permits under Section 10 of the Mines Act.

Blake Richards Supports 'One and Done'

MP Blake Richards tweeted about fast-tracking 10 major projects, including LNG Canada Phase II.

Cathay Wagantall Promotes Resource Project Rule

Cathay Wagantall MP announced the 'One and Done' rule for efficient resource project approvals.

Parm Bains Highlights Richmond Investments

MP Parm Bains tweeted about $640M investments in Richmond since 2021, covering multiple sectors.

Conservatives to Repeal Bill C-69 for Resource Projects

MP Greg McLean tweeted about the Conservative plan to repeal Bill C-69, which is seen as a barrier to construction projects, including LNG, oil & gas, mines, and other major developments.

Rapid Resource Project Office Proposed by Conservatives

Chris Warkentin MP discussed the 'One Stop Shop' Rapid Resource Project Office, which aims to streamline approvals for large projects by reducing bureaucratic delays across government levels.

Conservatives Announce Plans for Resource Infrastructure

Blaine Calkins MP announced Conservative plans to fast-track resource infrastructure projects, including LNG facilities, with a streamlined application process and environmental review.

Senator Hosts Session on Critical Minerals

Senator Mary Coyle tweeted about a session hosted by @ClimateSenators on April 9 regarding critical minerals in Canada's transition to net-zero, focusing on secure and sustainable supply chains.