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: 2025-09-21 to 2025-09-27

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Canadian Federal GR News

Federal Government Announces $8M for Low-Carbon Mining Workforce Training in Northwest Territories

The Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced on behalf of Employment and Social Development Canada a federal investment exceeding $8 million through the Sustainable Jobs Training Fund. The allocation will support the Mine Training Society’s Sustainable North: Our Workforce project, providing in-person skills development to nearly 1,850 workers, including those entering the mining sector and Indigenous participants across remote Northwest Territories communities. The project includes the establishment of an advisory committee with participation from employers, industry, and community agencies to align training programs with sector needs. The commitment is tied to Canada's interim Sustainable Jobs Plan and targets upskilling for the anticipated workforce demand tied to the growth of low-carbon and critical minerals employment. Officials have stated that the funding responds to workforce transitions and evolving global trade requirements relating to mining and extractive industries. The announcement, made in Yellowknife, aligns with Ottawa’s strategy to foster economic transition within resource-based regional economies.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Supports Expansion of Industry–Higher Education Work-Integrated Learning Nationwide

Minister Mélanie Joly announced additional support for the Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) to create thousands of new work-integrated learning (WIL) placements across Canada, with a focus on private sector employers and engagement with francophone institutions. From 2022 to 2025, BHER established 22,300 WIL opportunities; the new investment aims to add 8,000 placements and connect 2,500 private sector employers by March 2028. The initiative is designed to bridge talent gaps in sectors experiencing rapid change, including mining and minerals, giving employers access to new entrants equipped with up-to-date training. Efforts will include user-informed tools for both businesses and students, in addition to outreach targeted at supporting francophone talent pipelines.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

StatsCan: Natural Resources Sector GDP Dips 2.4% in Q2, Largest Drop Since Mid-2020

Statistics Canada reported a 2.4% decline in real gross domestic product for Canada’s natural resources sector in Q2 2025, following a 1.8% increase in the previous quarter. This marks the steepest quarterly contraction since the onset of the pandemic in Q2 2020. The data provide a quarterly indication of the mining sector’s contribution to national output, with implications for commodity-linked revenues and workforce planning in the coming quarters.

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

Industrial Product and Raw Materials Price Indices: August Sees Divergent Trends

In August 2025, the Industrial Product Price Index (IPPI) rose 0.5% month-over-month and 4.0% year-over-year, while the Raw Materials Price Index (RMPI) posted a 0.6% monthly decline and a 3.2% annual rise. These indicators offer a gauge of upstream price pressures facing smelting, refining, and extraction activities, relevant for negotiating new supply agreements and forecasting input costs.

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

Federal Announcements Pending: Sudbury Technology and AI Grants for Mining and Indigenous Communities

Member of Parliament Viviane Lapointe will announce FedNor support for the development of new technologies and AI-based solutions targeting key sectors, including mining, and Indigenous communities in Northern Ontario. The event, which will take place at NORCAT in Sudbury, is positioned to affect technology adoption in mineral exploration and upstream mining services. Details on the scale and recipients will be released during the scheduled press conference.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Government of Canada Investment: Training Initiatives in Resource Workforce Development

The Honourable Rebecca Alty conducted a media event in Yellowknife to promote the new federal allocation aimed at the Sustainable North: Our Workforce (SNOW) project under the Sustainable Jobs Training Fund. The initiative is directed at supporting career transitions in the mining workforce in Northern territories and signals Ottawa’s ongoing resource workforce adaptation agenda.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

StatsCan: August Refined Petroleum Products Data Available

Monthly production and inventory data for refined petroleum products covering August 2025 have been released by Statistics Canada. This data set provides benchmarks for downstream market operators, including those supplying fuel to drilling and mineral transportation operations.

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

US Federal GR News

MSHA Proposes Extension of Mine Ventilation Plan and Fan Maintenance Record-Keeping Requirements

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) issued a Federal Register notice requesting comments on the proposed extension of information collection related to ventilation plans and main fan maintenance records at underground metal and nonmetal mines. The proposal continues requirements for annual updates and record-keeping of mine ventilation systems as mandated by 30 CFR 57.8520 and associated regulations. Operators must document direction and quantity of airflows, seal locations, main fan technical data, and periodic fan maintenance schedules. The notice states that these records are necessary for ensuring adequate ventilation and reducing health and safety risks, with 186 annual respondents and a projected 4,496 hours of record-keeping. Comments are due by November 24, 2025.

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

MSHA Requests Comments on Extension of Hazardous Conditions Complaint Procedures

A separate MSHA proposal seeks public input on renewing information collection for hazardous condition complaints in mining operations. Under 30 CFR part 43 and Section 103(g) of the Mine Act, miners or their representatives may submit written complaints of safety violations or imminent danger, triggering special inspections. The notice outlines procedures for complaint submission, inspections, and subsequent informal reviews. The collection supports approximately 2,249 annual responses and 450 hours of time burden for mining industry stakeholders. Written comments are due by November 24, 2025.

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

BLM Final Rule Rescinds Obsolete Mining Claim Regulations

The Bureau of Land Management announced a direct final rule rescinding portions of 43 CFR 3809.300(b)-(d) pertaining to operations conducted under notices for mining claims under the General Mining Laws. Effective November 24, 2025—barring significant comments—the rescission will eliminate outdated provisions, retaining only paragraph (a) with minor modifications. The rule, deemed noncontroversial, does not introduce new economic or regulatory burdens and affects operators engaged in notice-level mining on federal lands. Stakeholders have until October 27, 2025, to submit comments.

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

BLM Announces Competitive Coal Lease Sale in Campbell County, Wyoming

A federal coal lease sale for the West Antelope III Mine Lease-by-Application (WYW 184599) will proceed on October 8, 2025, with sealed bids due the same morning. The lease, covering 3,508 acres in Campbell County, includes two seams with an estimated 445 million tons of coal—365 million tons deemed mineable. The coal's heat content is listed at 8,973 Btu/lb with a sulfur content of 0.24%. Minimum bids are set at $100 per acre. The high bidder will be responsible for an annual rental of $3 per acre and a federal royalty. Companies must review bidding instructions and cost recovery requirements provided by the BLM.

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

EPA, Interior, and NRC Release Regulatory Agendas Covering Mining and Environmental Policies

Multiple U.S. federal agencies published semiannual regulatory agendas for 2025–2026. The EPA highlighted rules under development affecting hazardous emissions from brick, clay, and mineral operations, along with pending TSCA actions on chemicals used in mining and processing. The Department of the Interior outlined rulemakings on decommissioning requirements for OCS operations, proposed changes to renewable energy rights-of-way, and efforts to reduce supplemental financial assurance requirements. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission addressed acquisition regulation revisions, future fee schedules, and ongoing reviews for rules affecting uranium mining and fuel cycle facilities. These agendas inform industry of anticipated rulemaking and compliance timelines with opportunities for public comment.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

Nova Scotia Tables Legislation to Streamline Mining Permitting

The Nova Scotia government introduced the Making Business Easier Act, intended to reduce regulatory burden and accelerate permitting for natural resources projects, particularly mining, while maintaining existing environmental protections.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

BC Premier Promotes Clean Energy and Critical Minerals to Global Investors in New York

Premier David Eby travelled to New York to attract international investment in critical minerals and clean energy, spotlighting reduced permitting timelines and B.C.'s role in Canada's Critical Minerals Strategy.

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

Ontario Invests Over $8.7M in Skills Training, Including Mining Sector Initiatives

Ontario announced over $8.7 million in workforce development funding for critical sectors, with the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) receiving $1.53 million for industry-specific training.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Releases Economic Development Strategy Targeting Productivity Gains and Investment

The Manitoba government unveiled a new strategy aimed at supporting higher-wage jobs and private sector investment, including modernized investment tax credits and loan programs relevant to mineral extraction and related industries.

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

New Brunswick Concludes Ottawa Mission Advancing Sisson Mine and Infrastructure Priorities

Premier Susan Holt met with federal ministers and business leaders in Ottawa to promote nation-building resource projects, including the Sisson mine and port expansions, and to reinforce New Brunswick’s role in the clean energy transition.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Yukon gov't reviewing quartz licences, guidelines for mine waste management: Yukon authorities are re-evaluating their approach to quartz mining licences and mine waste oversight.
• Saga Metals Mobilizes for Major Drill Program at Radar Project in Labrador, Targeting Maiden Mineral Resource Estimate: Saga Metals has begun a significant drilling campaign in Labrador focused on securing its first mineral resource estimate.
• Northback to submit new proposal to develop Alberta’s Grassy Mountain coal mine: Northback prepares to advance a new application for development at the Grassy Mountain coal mine site in Alberta.
• Accelerating philanthropic impact and mineral exploration with flow-through share financing: A look at how flow-through share structures are influencing investment in Canadian mineral exploration.
• NetworkNewsAudio Announces Audio Press Release (APR) on Junior Mining Standout Designed to Thrive: A featured press release spotlights a junior mining company's development trajectory.
• Nevada Lithium Resources and Hydro Lithium sign Letter of Intent for Development of Bonnie Claire Critical Minerals: Nevada Lithium Resources has partnered with Hydro Lithium to pursue critical minerals development at Bonnie Claire.
• First Atlantic Nickel Doubles RPM Zone Strike Length to 800 Meters at Pipestone XL Nickel Alloy Project with 491 Meter Awaruite (Ni3Fe) Intercept in Phase 2X Drilling: Recent drilling at the Pipestone XL project has significantly expanded known nickel resources.
• N.S. looks to reduce red tape, streamline process for natural resource projects: Nova Scotia considers reforms to speed up natural resources permitting, with a focus on mining.
• NetworkNewsAudio Announces Audio Press Release (APR) on Junior Mining Standout Designed to Thrive: Details on a junior mining company presented as a case study in growth amid sectoral volatility.
• Nevada Lithium Resources and Hydro Lithium sign Letter of Intent for Development of Bonnie Claire Critical Minerals: Industry tie-up signals continued interest in North American critical minerals projects.

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