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.

Dates: 2025-06-08 to 2025-06-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 📱 Public Officials' Social Media
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

Federal Roundtable on Labour Mobility Provisions for Resource Sector Workforce

On June 12, 2025, the Government of Canada hosted a roundtable with senior ministers—including Patty Hajdu, Steven MacKinnon, Chrystia Freeland, and Melanie Joly—and labour partners such as Canada’s Building Trades Unions to discuss Bill C-5, the 'One Canadian Economy' legislation. The bill introduces a federal framework to recognize provincial and territorial certifications, with the aim of reducing interprovincial barriers to labour mobility. Natural Resources Canada participated in the discussion, reflecting interest from resource and mining sectors.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

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StatsCan Infrastructure Economic Account Updated for 2024

Statistics Canada released updated 2024 infrastructure economic accounts on June 13, revising estimates for investment, capital stock, and remaining useful service life. The update incorporates changes from the capital stock program and aligns with Q1 2025 income and expenditure accounts. The revised data include updated assessments of the economic and environmental impacts of infrastructure, which may inform capital planning and asset management strategies for resource extraction and processing facilities. The updated statistics provide industry stakeholders with revised baseline figures for infrastructure assets across Canada.

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

Manufacturing Sales Drop in April, Primary Metals Among Decliners

Statistics Canada reported a 2.8% decrease in manufacturing sales for April 2025, the third consecutive monthly decline. The contraction was driven largely by lower sales in petroleum and coal products, motor vehicles, and primary metals. Excluding petroleum and coal products, total manufacturing sales were down 1.8%. The ongoing downward trend in primary metals sales may affect demand forecasts for iron ore, nickel, and other base metals producers.

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

US GR News

Trump Administration Amends Ban on U.S. Steel–Nippon Deal, Sets National Security Conditions

On June 13, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order regarding Nippon Steel’s proposed acquisition of United States Steel Corporation. While President Biden previously prohibited the transaction over national security concerns under the Defense Production Act, Trump directed a de novo review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). The Trump administration will now allow the acquisition to proceed, conditional on the parties executing and complying with a National Security Agreement (NSA). CFIUS is granted authority to monitor and enforce the NSA, with further executive intervention reserved. This development introduces new compliance implications for cross-border transactions involving the North American steel and mining sector.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

Final EIS and Record of Decision Issued for Bull Mountains Mine No. 1, Montana

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement released its Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision for the Bull Mountains Mine No. 1 federal mining plan modification (Amendment 3) on June 9, 2025. The decision follows a Ninth Circuit Court ruling that vacated a prior approval due to insufficient greenhouse gas analysis. The new FEIS allows for recovery of approximately 22.8 million tons of federal coal and 34.5 million tons of adjacent non-federal coal over up to nine years. The decision applies alternative NEPA compliance arrangements under the current national energy emergency declared by President Trump. Nearly all coal is expected to be exported to allies such as Japan and South Korea. The FEIS addresses impacts on transportation, air quality, water, and other resources.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Spring Valley Mine Project, Nevada: Final Environmental Impact Statement Released

On June 13, 2025, the Bureau of Land Management issued the Final Environmental Impact Statement for Solidus Resources, LLC’s proposed Spring Valley Mine gold project in Pershing County, Nevada. The Proposed Action covers construction, operation, reclamation, and closure, including one open pit, three waste rock disposal sites, a heap leach pad, process pond, and supporting infrastructure. The project would disturb 4,123 acres of BLM land and 2,109 acres of private land over a 29-year lifespan. The EIS includes mitigation measures for cultural resources, water, and wildlife, and identifies the Proposed Action as the preferred alternative. A 30-day waiting period is now in effect before a final decision is issued.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Approves Uranium Shipment License Amendment for Urenco USA

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued an environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact on June 10, 2025, concerning Urenco USA’s request to amend its Special Nuclear Materials license in Eunice, New Mexico. The amendment removes a license condition, permitting Urenco USA to ship depleted uranium hexafluoride (DUF6) to deconversion facilities that produce anhydrous hydrogen fluoride—a facility type not currently operational in the US. NRC reviewed potential environmental and health impacts and determined the amendment would not lead to significant changes, as no new construction or operational changes at Urenco are involved. The change provides Urenco USA with additional disposition options for DUF6.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Commerce Department Seeks Input on Critical Minerals and Technology Assessments

The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security is soliciting public comments through August 12, 2025, on its information collection for National Security and Critical Technology Assessments of the U.S. Industrial Base. The survey supports federal benchmarking of critical sectors, including mining and mineral supply chains, and is authorized under the Defense Production Act and related executive orders.

Sources: U.S. Federal Announcements: www.federalregister.gov

Canadian Provincial GR News

Nova Scotia Introduces Phased Metal Mining Approvals to Accelerate Project Timelines

Nova Scotia announced changes to its industrial approval process for metal mining on June 13, introducing a phased approach and creating a specialized review team to reduce delays and clarify requirements for project proponents.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

Alberta Invests $20 Million in Drilling Technology Development

The Alberta government is allocating over $20 million for the Alberta Drilling Accelerator program, targeting advancements in drilling technology for geothermal, helium, critical minerals, and carbon capture projects.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Alberta Accepts Committee Recommendations for Oil Sands Mine Water and Tailings Management

Alberta received initial recommendations from the Oil Sands Mine Water Steering Committee, focusing on water efficiency, new measurement standards, and site-specific water management for tailings reclamation.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

New Brunswick Renews Air Quality Approval for Irving Oil Refinery

The New Brunswick government renewed the Class 1 air quality approval for the Irving Oil refinery in Saint John, effective July 16, following a public consultation process.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

Manitoba Lifts Some Wildfire Evacuations but Maintains State of Emergency

On June 13, Manitoba lifted evacuation orders for several northern communities affected by wildfires, while keeping the province under a state of emergency with ongoing travel restrictions and fire bans.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.mb.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

On June 10, MP Bob Zimmer posted about the Yukon mining sector, citing uncertainty over project timelines and reassessment processes as a barrier to the development of the territory’s critical minerals.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Shannon Stubbs stated on June 13 that the mining, quarrying, and energy sectors have experienced significant job losses over the past year, attributing this trend to Liberal government policies.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Laila Goodridge remarked on June 10 that the new federal Environment Minister has not visited the Alberta oil sands while making decisions affecting the sector.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

On June 11, MP John-Paul Danko referenced ongoing discussions with the US and mentioned Canadian measures to limit imports of cheap steel and boost domestic infrastructure and defense investment.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Jaime Battiste stated on June 13 that new legislation prioritizes Indigenous equity participation in major resource projects, with reference to Section 35 rights and UNDRIP compliance.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Nova Scotia streamlines metal mining industrial approval process: Nova Scotia updates its approval requirements to reduce delays for mining companies.
• Canada risks missing out on billions in critical mineral investment without swift policy changes: report: Report warns that delayed policy action could impact Canada's share of global investment in critical minerals.
• Canada Nickel Announces the Government of Ontario Recognition of Crawford as a Critical Minerals Priority and Nation-Building Project: The Ontario government designates the Crawford project as a critical minerals priority.
• N.S. shakes up requirements for metal mines in bid to speed up approvals: Nova Scotia introduces new phased requirements for metal mine approvals.