Good morning! This is 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.

Looking to elevate and streamline your approach to government relations with more data-driven solutions? Queen Street Analytics is here to help you achieve your goals faster, smarter, and more effectively. Let's start the conversation. Reach out at contact@queenstreetanalytics.com to learn how we can support your success.

Start Date: 2025-05-19
End Date: 2025-05-24

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Minister Hodgson Sets Out Major Permitting Overhaul and Commitment to Energy and Mining Sector

Speaking in Calgary on May 23, 2025, Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson laid out plans for a ‘Major Federal Projects Office’ intended to reduce permitting time for Projects of National Interest to two years. The proposed “One Project, One Review” scheme integrates multi-departmental permitting under a single federal process for energy and resource projects, affecting mining and energy infrastructure across the country. Hodgson stated the government is prioritizing market diversification and vertical integration of critical mineral supply chains, with a focus on lithium, copper, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and uranium. He confirmed that remote resource projects will be linked to first- and last-mile infrastructure through a dedicated fund and highlighted a shift toward expediting environmental assessments while maintaining regulatory certainty. The new office also aims to improve coordination with provinces, Indigenous communities, and industry on permitting, processing, and export market access.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

CNSC Releases Final Decommissioned Beaverlodge Properties, Ends Cameco’s Operating Licence

On May 21, 2025, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission announced the revocation of Cameco Corporation’s waste facility operating licence for the decommissioned Beaverlodge mine and mill near Uranium City, Saskatchewan. This action follows the release of 27 properties from federal licensing; the sites will transfer to Saskatchewan’s Institutional Control Program. The Commission confirmed it had fulfilled consultation obligations with Indigenous rights-holders and referenced a January 2025 public hearing record. The regulator classified the properties as having satisfied post-decommissioning objectives and will no longer provide direct federal oversight for these lands.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister Sidhu Engages Canadian Mining Interests in Ecuador During Trade Mission

Global Affairs Minister Maninder Sidhu represented Canada in Quito at the inauguration of Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa on May 23. While in Ecuador, Sidhu met with Canadian mining company representatives to discuss opportunities in critical minerals and project infrastructure. He promoted the advancement of the Canada-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement, stating that ratification remains on schedule. In meetings with regional and local stakeholders, Sidhu addressed expansion of Canadian participation in Ecuador’s mining and infrastructure sectors.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Mineral Production and Petroleum Transport Data for March 2025 Released

Statistics Canada has released data sets from the Monthly Mineral Production Survey and the Monthly Energy Transportation and Storage Survey for March 2025. The mineral production data cover mine output and smelter activities, while transport datasets report on crude oil and other liquid petroleum product flows. These data offer industry stakeholders updated metrics on mined volumes, refined output, and pipeline or rail shipments at the end of Q1 2025.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca, Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Industrial Product and Raw Materials Prices Decline in April; Refined Petroleum Inventories Updated

Statistics Canada reported a 0.8% decrease month over month and a 2.0% increase year over year in the Industrial Product Price Index for April 2025. The Raw Materials Price Index declined 3.0% in April, and was down 3.6% annually. Refined petroleum production and inventory statistics are now available for April, offering additional industry benchmarks for price and supply chain monitoring.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca, Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Canadian Critical Minerals Generates USD$140,000 Revenue from Bull River Operation

Canadian Critical Minerals reported revenue of USD$140,000 from production at the Bull River Mine.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: www.theglobeandmail.com

Northern First Nations, FPX Nickel Sign Collaboration Agreement

FPX Nickel and several northern First Nations entered a memorandum of understanding in support of the company's 2025 critical minerals program.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: www.theglobeandmail.com

Indigenous Companies Mark 25 Years in NWT Diamond Mining Industry

Indigenous companies reflected on their 25-year participation and ownership roles in the Northwest Territories’ diamond mining sector.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: www.theglobeandmail.com

Ontario Plans Major Indigenous Investments in Mining and Critical Minerals

Ontario will dedicate $3.1 billion to support Indigenous partnerships and equity participation in mining, as outlined in its 2025 budget.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: financialpost.com

Electra Praises Ontario’s $500 Million Critical Minerals Fund

Electra welcomed Ontario's new $500 million fund aimed at expanding critical minerals processing capacity and strengthening supply chains.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: www.theglobeandmail.com

Tectonic Metals Launches Oversubscribed $12.7 Million Financing for Yukon Gold Project

Tectonic Metals closed more than $12.7 million in financing to start multi-rig drilling at the Flat Gold Project.

Sources: Canadian News Outlet: www.theglobeandmail.com

Provincial Announcements

Ontario Government’s $3.1B Commitment to Indigenous Mineral Partnerships

Ontario allocated nearly $3.1 billion in loans, grants, and scholarships, tripling loan guarantees for Indigenous economic participation in mining, energy, and other resource sectors.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Nova Scotia Grants Crown Land Lease for Goldboro Open-Pit Mine Development

Nova Scotia issued a 779-hectare Crown land lease for Goldboro Gold Mining Inc., advancing an open-pit gold mine project with 700 jobs projected and local community agreements signed.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Nova Scotia Approves Quarry Expansions in Digby and Colchester

Environmental approvals were granted for aggregate quarry expansions in Kemptown and Seabrook, subject to 33 conditions each including community liaison committees.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Alberta Creates Task Force to Accelerate Sand and Gravel Approvals

Alberta launched a Sand and Gravel Task Force to expedite regulatory processes for aggregate operations on private land, aiming for more timely access to construction materials.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Well Drilling Companies Fined for Water Resources Act Violations

Two well drilling firms and a director were fined a total of $23,000 for violating the Ontario Water Resources Act in connection with well construction and water sample handling.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Minister LePage Recuses from New Brunswick EIA on Spruce Lake Project

New Brunswick's Minister of Environment and Climate Change recused himself from the environmental assessment for Spruce Lake Industrial Park, with reviews to proceed under the deputy minister.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, remarked on industry resolve and his Prairie visit, stating, “I’ll be back.”

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Maninder Sidhu, MP, reported meeting with leaders from the steel and mining sectors, emphasizing the scale of mining exports and associated employment.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Maninder Sidhu, MP, addressed francophone mining and steel leaders on Canada’s commitment to economic diversification and the sector’s export profile.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Shannon Stubbs, MP, outlined policy areas she says require change, referencing federal bills, emissions caps, and regulatory timelines following Hodgson’s Calgary speech.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Shannon Stubbs, MP, acknowledged her re-appointment as Conservative Shadow Minister for Energy and Natural Resources and cited priorities in project approvals and export policy.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Blake Richards, MP, referenced recent research supporting LNG exports as a route to job creation and emissions reduction.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Senator David Wells stated Innu leaders and companies are emerging as central actors in mining development at a Gander conference.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

• Ontario to spend $3.1 bilion to encourage Indigenous participation in mining: Ontario’s plan to boost Indigenous partnership in key mineral projects
• Electra Welcomes Ontario’s $500 Fund to Boost Critical Minerals: Ontario’s new fund aims to advnce processing and supply chain integration
• Tectonic Metals Closes $12.7 Million Finacig - More Than 80% Oversubscribed - To Launch Multi-Rig Drill Program at Flat Gold Project: Tectonic Metals secures financing for gold roject expansion.