QSA's Week in Mining (#40, 2025)

Canadian tribunal investigates dumping of oil country tubular goods; FERC removes construction delay regulation for US natural gas projects; Ambler Road Project receives US presidential approval; Canadian call for proposals on Indigenous engagement in critical minerals; Senate reviews critical mi...

QSA's Week in Mining (#40, 2025)

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: 2025-10-05 to 2025-10-11

📋 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

Canadian International Trade Tribunal Proceeds with Dumping Investigation into Oil Country Tubular Goods

On October 9, 2025, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal determined there is reasonable indication that dumped oil country tubular goods from Mexico, the Philippines, Türkiye, South Korea, and the United States have caused or threaten to cause injury to Canadian industry. The inquiry follows the Canada Border Services Agency's initiation of a dumping investigation under the Special Import Measures Act. The Tribunal's finding enables CBSA to continue its investigation, with a preliminary determination expected by November 7, 2025. The Tribunal operates as a quasi-judicial body, hearing cases on dumped and subsidized imports, and provides advice to the federal government on trade and tariff matters. This development could affect Canadian manufacturers and suppliers of tubular goods used in oil and gas drilling.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
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Canadian International Trade Tribunal Initiates Expiry Review on Anti-Dumping Order for Chinese Oil Country Tubular Goods

On October 10, 2025, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal commenced an expiry review of its anti-dumping order from December 2020 regarding oil country tubular goods from China. The review will assess whether the expiry of the order may result in resumed or continued dumping or subsidizing, and if this could injure the domestic market. The Canada Border Services Agency will make a determination by March 9, 2026, with the Tribunal issuing its decision by August 14, 2026, if warranted. Interested stakeholders are invited to participate in the review by filing a Notice of Participation. This process will inform future tariff protections for Canadian producers of tubular goods.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Natural Resources Canada Announces Indigenous Grants Stream for Critical Minerals Infrastructure

On October 6, 2025, Minister Tim Hodgson launched a call for proposals for the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF) Indigenous Grants stream, allocating up to $3 million for Indigenous organizations and partners in critical minerals development. Grants will provide up to $150,000 per organization, rising to $200,000 for northern or remote initiatives. Funding priorities include the potential for significant benefits to Indigenous communities, project status, development impacts, and regional distribution. Applications must be submitted by December 17, 2025. Information sessions are scheduled for October 21, 2025. This federal initiative targets increased Indigenous engagement in critical minerals projects and infrastructure.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister Hodgson and Parliamentary Secretary Guay to Attend Critical Minerals Forum in United Kingdom

Minister Tim Hodgson and Parliamentary Secretary Claude Guay will travel to London from October 14–16, 2025, for official meetings, including participation in the British Argentine Chamber of Commerce & Canada–UK Chamber of Commerce forum focused on critical minerals in the Americas. The event at The Geological Society in London will convene stakeholders discussing the Americas’ strategic mineral sector. Virtual media availability is scheduled for October 16, 2025. These engagements may influence future Canadian-UK cooperation in the mining and critical minerals sectors.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency Opens Expression of Interest Intake for 2026-2027 Projects

On October 6, 2025, Minister Rebecca Chartrand announced that organizations and businesses across Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and Yukon can submit Expressions of Interest for CanNor funding for projects commencing in April 2026 or later. The process is designed to identify projects eligible for support under CanNor’s programs, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in northern communities. The deadline for submissions is November 17, 2025. This intake may present new opportunities for resource development and infrastructure projects in northern Canada.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Minister Joly Outlines Federal Industrial Strategy at Canadian Club Toronto

On October 9, 2025, Minister Mélanie Joly addressed the Canadian Club Toronto on Canada’s plan to drive industrial growth, enhance global competitiveness, and unlock new economic opportunities. The event invited media participation and showcased the government's approach to supporting business, innovation, and economic development, which may have downstream effects for the mining and resource extraction sectors.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases Data on Critical Mineral Production’s Economic Contribution

Statistics Canada published new data on October 6, 2025, highlighting the economic impact of Canada’s critical mineral production in 2023. With 34 minerals designated as critical by Natural Resources Canada, these resources are now central to the green and digital economy, supporting products from solar panels to electric vehicle batteries. The government’s investment strategy includes the Major Projects Offices, with two of the first five projects focused on critical minerals mining.

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

StatsCan Reports Moderate Growth in Surveying and Mapping Services for 2024

Operating revenue for surveying and mapping services in Canada rose 2.3% to $3.0 billion in 2024, with operating expenses matching the increase. The profit margin remained at 12.0%. The sector’s growth slowed for a third year, following high interest rates and reduced new construction investment. This trend may affect resource exploration activities requiring geospatial data and mapping.

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

Senate Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee Reviews Auditor General's Report on Critical Minerals Strategy

On October 9, 2025, the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources, chaired by Joan Kingston, met with Commissioner Jerry V. DeMarco from the Office of the Auditor General. The session reviewed the federal critical minerals strategy, the clean energy strategy, and sustainable development progress. The audit noted a $3.8 billion federal allocation for responsibly sourced minerals but identified gaps in environmental and Indigenous impact analysis. Slow progress compared to other G7 countries and operational deficiencies in federal strategy implementation were discussed, as was the importance of comprehensive databases and federal-provincial coordination. The committee also examined concerns over raw material exports and the feasibility of meeting energy efficiency targets by 2030.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Sitting Addresses Energy Policy and Indigenous Involvement in Resource Projects

During the Senate sitting on October 9, 2025, Minister Tim Hodgson responded to questions about investment impacts, foreign competition, clean energy projects, and the Ring of Fire infrastructure. Hodgson discussed private sector alignment with climate objectives, icebreaker procurement for the Port of Churchill, Indigenous participation in energy projects, and government support for the EV sector. Strategic negotiations on oil export markets and collaboration with First Nations on trade corridors were also raised.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade Examines CUSMA and Critical Mineral Supply Chain

On October 9, 2025, the Senate's Foreign Affairs and International Trade Committee hosted Brian Kingston (Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association) and Flavio Volpe (Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association) to discuss CUSMA and US-Canada trade relations. Kingston advocated for removal of US Section 232 tariffs and highlighted the need for a robust EV battery supply chain, while Volpe warned against tariffs and stressed the importance of a trilateral rules-based agreement. Senators inquired about supporting policy measures and infrastructure improvements. The session concluded with discussion of the sector’s integration within North American manufacturing.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

US Federal GR News

FERC Removes Regulation Limiting Construction Authorizations for Natural Gas Facilities

On October 10, 2025, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) finalized the removal of Section 157.23, ending the blanket prohibition on issuing construction authorizations for natural gas facilities while rehearing requests are pending. The rule revision also updates Section 153.4 to eliminate cross-references to Section 157.23. The Commission cited the need to reduce delays in developing natural gas infrastructure and to further its statutory mission under the Natural Gas Act. The rule, effective November 10, 2025, follows stakeholder petitions and public comments, with FERC maintaining case-by-case consideration for stay requests. The change is procedural and not expected to alter substantive project reviews or environmental assessments.

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

US Presidential Decision Approves Ambler Road Project in Alaska

On October 6, 2025, the President approved the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority's appeal under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), authorizing the 2016 revised consolidated application for the Ambler Road Project. Federal agencies are directed to promptly issue all necessary authorizations for the project's establishment. The Ambler Road Project aims to create a transportation corridor in Alaska's mining district, potentially unlocking significant mineral resources and facilitating future development.

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

President Trump Approves Ambler Road Project and US Investment in Trilogy Metals

The White House announced on October 6, 2025, approval of the Ambler Road Project, a 211-mile industrial road connecting Alaska’s Dalton Highway to the Ambler Mining District. The decision directs the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and Army Corps of Engineers to reissue permits. The US government will invest $35.6 million in mining exploration and take a 10% stake in Trilogy Metals, with options for an additional 7.5%. The project is expected to support 2,730 jobs, generate over $1.1 billion in state revenues, and provide access to more than 1,700 mining claims. Mitigation plans include caribou and fish passage measures.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

Presidential Statement on Approval of AIDEA Ambler Road Appeal

On October 6, 2025, the President issued a formal statement approving the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority’s June 2025 appeal and 2016 revised application for the Ambler Road Project. The decision, made in accordance with ANILCA section 1106(a), directs federal agencies to issue necessary authorizations for the project’s establishment. Details of the rationale are outlined in the accompanying Statement of Reasons.

Sources: White House Announcements: www.whitehouse.gov

Canadian Provincial GR News

Manitoba Government Invests $1.2 Million in Mineral Exploration Projects

Manitoba is allocating $1.2 million to six mineral exploration projects via the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund, targeting job creation and Indigenous partnerships, with an anticipated $3.8 million in leveraged private sector investment.

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

Alberta Premier Advances Resource Partnerships During Eastern Canada Mission

Premier Danielle Smith met with financial sector leaders in Montreal, federal officials in Ottawa, and addressed the Eurasia Group’s US-Canada Summit in Toronto, focusing on strategic partnerships and resource infrastructure.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

Government Consultations

Impact Assessment Agency Opens Funding for Riverside Generating Station Project Participation

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada is accepting applications until October 17, 2025, for funding to help Indigenous Peoples and the public participate in the Riverside Generating Station Project’s impact assessment process.

Sources: Canadian Government Consultations: iaac-aeic.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

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