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.

Want to track the upstream and downstream forces affecting Mining? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Manufacturing and Oil & Gas.

Dates: 2025-08-24 to 2025-08-30

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🇺🇸 US Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Canadian Federal GR News

Canada and Germany Sign Critical Minerals Cooperation Declaration

On August 26, Natural Resources Canada announced the Joint Declaration of Intent between Canada and Germany, formalizing bilateral cooperation on critical minerals supply chains. The agreement targets midstream technologies and supply chain resilience for minerals such as lithium, rare earth elements, copper, tungsten, gallium, germanium, and nickel. It establishes a new Task Force on Critical Minerals Cooperation and calls for blended project financing mechanisms using Canadian and German public investment tools, including export finance instruments and the German Raw Materials Fund. Joint initiatives will focus on processing, refining, recycling, risk mitigation, and policy alignment, referencing standards under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act. The declaration encourages commercial and research collaboration, with Indigenous representation, and cements Canada’s role as both a secure supplier and global market participant. The document makes clear that it is not legally binding nor a financial commitment but sets the stage for intensified exchange and project development.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Investment Extends Life of Quebec Graphite Mine

On August 26, Natural Resources Canada and Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions announced $6,225,000 in financial assistance to Northern Graphite Corporation’s Quebec subsidiary, Graphite Nordique Inc., supporting the Lac-des-Îles mine expansion. This funding is interest- and collateral-free under CED’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program. The mine will maintain an annual domestic production of approximately 20,000 tonnes of graphite, securing a strategic asset for Canada's supply chains in batteries, defence, and electronics, and extending the mine’s operations by 7-10 years. The project will retain 55 existing jobs and modernize extraction operations, supporting Canada’s critical minerals strategy and supply chain autonomy.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Supports Abitibi-Témiscamingue Mining Sector

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions announced over $2.4 million in funding for five businesses in La Vallée-de-l'Or, Quebec, on August 25. Recipients—Techni-Lab S.G.B. Abitibi, Arkys Web Software, ASDR Canada, Usinage Marcotte, HydroTech Mining—will use the funds to acquire new equipment, increase production, and enhance services. The investments, under the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program, are structured to support technological performance and competitiveness, expanding regional and market reach within the sector.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister Hodgson Details Canada–Germany Energy Security Cooperation

On August 27, Minister Tim Hodgson addressed stakeholders in Berlin, outlining Canada’s strengthened approach to energy and critical minerals collaboration with Germany. Citing agreements reached at recent G7 and bilateral meetings—including supply deals for copper (Troilus Gold and Aurubis AG), rare earths (Torngat Metals and VAC), and lithium processing (Rock Tech Lithium and Enertrag)—the Minister highlighted a new phase of transatlantic resource security supported by the Building Canada Act. The Act introduces designated project status and timeline reforms, including the launch of a Major Projects Office, granting accelerated approvals for energy, mining, and infrastructure ventures. Hodgson underscored Canada’s readiness for LNG exports and commitment to supplying hydrogen and critical minerals to European allies, and described the Act’s impact on project certainty, market access, and industrial development.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Government Invests in Indigenous-Owned Solar Project Linked to Mining

Natural Resources Canada announced over $33 million in funding on August 26 for the Indigenous-owned Wicehtowak Solar Project near Regina, Saskatchewan. The 32MW solar farm, backed by the George Gordon First Nation and Wicehtowak Solar Ltd., is financed through the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program. Notably, the initiative features a 30-year power purchase agreement to supply electricity to K+S Potash Canada via the SaskPower grid, marking a new commercialization model for privately developed energy to industrial customers in the province. The project integrates Indigenous partnership frameworks with mining sector energy needs.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Industrial Research and Development Data Available

Statistics Canada released new data from the Annual Survey of Research and Development in Canadian Industry (RDCI) for the mining sector covering 2023 actual figures, preliminary 2024 results, and 2025 investment intentions. The dataset provides insight for companies monitoring research, energy, and intellectual property expenditures, enabling mining firms to assess trends against sectoral benchmarks.

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

Machinery and Equipment Price Index and Freight Rail Services Price Index Published

The Machinery and Equipment Price Index for June 2025 and the Freight Rail Services Price Index for August 2025 are now available from Statistics Canada. These indices offer up-to-date pricing data relevant to mining operators and contractors involved in equipment procurement or rail logistics, providing a reference for capital expenditure planning and supply chain negotiations.

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

Polar Knowledge Canada Announces 2025 Northern Scientific Training Program Awards

Polar Knowledge Canada announced four recipients of the Northern Scientific Training Program Special Awards for research covering water security, metal contamination, Arctic biodiversity using DNA barcoding, and community-led governance. Each award is valued at $2,500 and supports graduate fieldwork in north and Arctic regions, which may intersect with mining exploration and assessment activity.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

PacifiCan Provides $6.8 Million for Clean Tech and Battery Supply Chain Expansion in B.C.

On August 25, PacifiCan allocated more than $6.8 million to Coquitlam-based businesses Moment Energy and Novo Textile Company. Moment Energy receives $4.9 million for modular battery storage systems using repurposed EV batteries, while Novo Textile’s funding expands textile recycling capacity using B.C. wood pulp. The projects position B.C. as a recycler of battery-related minerals and strengthen domestic supply chains.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

US Federal GR News

USGS Issues 2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals for Comment

The U.S. Geological Survey, under Section 7002 of the Energy Act of 2020, published a draft list of 54 critical mineral commodities on August 26 and invited public comment through September 25. The list includes cobalt, copper, nickel, lithium, graphite, rare earth elements, and other key minerals predominantly sourced as byproducts or host commodities.

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

NRC Reviews License Renewal Application for Nebraska Uranium Recovery Facility

On August 29, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced that Crow Butte Resources, Inc. has submitted a license renewal application for its Crow Butte Project and Marsland Expansion Area, both in Dawes County, Nebraska. The NRC has accepted the application for technical review and opened a 60-day window for petitions to intervene, closing October 28.

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

Labor Department Opens Public Comment on Underground Coal Mine Fire Protection Rules

On August 28, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) requested public comment on its information collection requirements relating to underground coal mine fire protection.

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

MSHA Seeks Input on Respirable Coal Mine Dust Sampling Requirements

The Labor Department’s MSHA issued a notice on August 28 for public comment on information collection obligations for respirable coal mine dust sampling. Coal mine operators must perform bimonthly sampling and submit results to MSHA, impacting 401 respondents, 989,403 responses, and 69,765 burden hours per year.

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

Department of Commerce Surveys Industrial Base for Critical Technology Assessments

On August 28, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) requested comments on extending the information collection for "National Security and Critical Technology Assessments of the U.S. Industrial Base."

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Nova Scotia Approves Goldboro Gold Mine Project

On August 27, NexGold Mining Corp. received industrial approval for its Goldboro gold mine in Guysborough County, Nova Scotia, expected to create 735 jobs and generate $2.1 billion in GDP over fifteen years.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

BC Issues Permit for Mount Polley Mine Expansion

On August 28, British Columbia’s Ministry of Mining approved Imperial Metal's permit for the Springer Pit expansion at Mount Polley, extending the mine’s operating life to 2033 with ongoing regulatory and environmental oversight.

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

Ministers Consent to Springer Pit Expansion at Mount Polley Mine

On August 28, BC ministers issued consent for the expansion of the Springer Pit at Mount Polley Mine following a comprehensive technical assessment, with operations remaining within the existing footprint and subject to updated safety and environmental codes.

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

Alberta Launches Nuclear Energy Engagement

Alberta started a public engagement process on August 25 to gather input from industry, Indigenous communities, and the public regarding the future role of nuclear energy in the province’s electric grid and industrial growth.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Northern Alberta Development Council Releases Growth Strategy Report

The Government of Alberta announced on August 29 that the Northern Alberta Development Council submitted a report identifying economic opportunities and infrastructure priorities for resource extraction and industrial growth in the province’s north.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Government Consultations

Canada Energy Regulator Seeks Input on Efficiency Project for Negligible-Risk and Low-Risk Applications

The Canada Energy Regulator is accepting comments until August 31 on process criteria for negligible- and low-risk activities, including Section 58 Streamlining Order applications and decommissioning, with a discussion paper open for public input.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: www.cerdialogue.ca

Consultation on Canada-Alberta Methane Regulations Equivalency Agreement

Environment and Climate Change Canada is consulting until September 3 on a draft equivalency agreement verifying Alberta’s methane regulation meets federal criteria; once finalized, federal methane regulations will stand down in Alberta.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• NexGold Achieves Critical Permitting Milestone, Receiving Industrial Approval for the Goldboro Gold Project: NexGold secures critical permit for Goldboro, intensifying investment activity in Nova Scotia’s gold sector.
• MOD Feasibility Study Confirms Robust Capital Intensity and 31%+ IRR; Maiden Ore Reserve: MOD releases results confirming strong economics for new ore reserve.
• Trident Resources Announces Closing of the Acquisition of Claims from Eagle Plains Resources Within the La Ronge Gold Belt in Saskatchewan, Canada: Trident expands holdings in Saskatchewan’s gold belt.
• NetworkNewsAudio Announces Audio Press Release (APR) on Rare, Near-Term Path to Mining Success in Colombia: NetworkNewsAudio covers rapid path to mining success in Colombia.
• B.C. magnesium mine won't need environmental assessment, critics disappointed: Critics respond as Record Ridge magnesium mine in B.C. is deemed exempt from environmental assessment.
• 'Without precedent’: Alberta Energy Regulator CEO cancels hearing for coal mine: Alberta Energy Regulator CEO cancels coal mine hearing, raising questions for sector governance.
• Canada can, and should, be the world’s elder statesman in critical minerals: Commentary explores Canada’s strategic advantage in critical minerals leadership.
• Canada needs a critical minerals strategy that actually works: Opinion discusses gaps in Canada’s critical minerals strategy amid trade shifts.
• NexGold Achieves Critical Permitting Milestone, Receiving Industrial Approval for the Goldboro Gold Project: Financial Post covers NexGold’s industrial approval for new Nova Scotia gold mine.
• Canada, other G7 nations launch sustainable mining alliance at COP15 nature meeting: G7 nations advance sustainable mining partnership at COP15.

.