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: 2025-10-19 to 2025-10-25

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Parliamentary Committee Calendar
• 🇨🇦 Canadian Federal GR News
• 🗺️ Canadian Provincial GR News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Parliamentary Committee Calendar

• House Natural Resources Committee to Hold Session on Development of Critical Minerals in Canada: On October 27, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., the House Standing Committee on Natural Resources will hear from the Helium Developers Association, the Mining Association of Canada (Pierre Gratton, Photinie Koutsavlis), Vale Base Metals Canada, the Business Council of Canada, and Manitoba Métis Federation, focusing on critical minerals development. The meeting is scheduled for parliamentary webcast.
• House Science and Research Committee Studies Private Sector Investment in Canadian R&D: The House Science and Research Committee meets October 27, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., to discuss private sector investment in domestic R&D. Witnesses will include academics, MaRS Discovery District, Martinrea International, and U15 Canada.
• House Environment Committee to Review Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: On October 27, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., the Environment and Sustainable Development Committee will examine the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, with input from Clean Prosperity, Pembina Institute, agricultural and industry leaders.
• Senate Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee Reviews Newfoundland and Labrador’s Offshore Petroleum Industry: On October 28, the Senate Committee will examine Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore petroleum industry, with testimony from the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Energy Regulator and the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada.

Canadian Federal GR News

Canada’s Plan for Industrial Leadership Outlines Resource and Project Acceleration Measures

On October 21, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada released remarks by Minister Mélanie Joly describing a three-pillar plan: Protect, Create, and Attract. The plan details short- and medium-term steps to support key industrial sectors affected by tariffs—specifically steel, aluminum, auto, lumber, and copper—using measures such as a $5 billion Strategic Response Fund and targeted loan support (e.g., $400 million for Algoma Steel). Trade diversification was cited, with the example of Alouette aluminum raising exports to Europe from 4% to 57% within a quarter. Within 'Create', the government highlighted new investments in defense, the launch of a Defence Investment Agency, and referencing Bill C-5, which supports faster project approvals.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Early Decision Issued on Josephburg Condensate Fractionation Project, Alberta

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada concluded its initial section 16 review of the Josephburg Condensate Fractionation Project, a new refinery near Edmonton. The Agency found that adverse effects within federal jurisdiction would be limited or mitigable under existing federal and provincial frameworks, referencing laws such as the Fisheries Act and Alberta’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. Engagement included input from jurisdictions, experts, and Indigenous peoples. As a result, no comprehensive federal Impact Assessment is required for the project.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Standing Senate Committees Debate Net-Zero Industrial Policy and Offshore Energy Regulation

On October 21, the Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources, chaired by Senator Kingston, heard the Net-Zero Advisory Body's Robert Hornung present a report calling for more strategic and coordinated net-zero industrial policy, sector prioritization, and improved stakeholder collaboration. Senators raised issues regarding Canada's technology approach, regulatory flexibility, and the impact of US tariffs on Canada's EV sector. On October 23, the Committee addressed regulatory updates for Newfoundland and Labrador's offshore petroleum industry, with Natural Resources Canada official Jean-Philippe Prost detailing the Atlantic Accord governance and a legislative framework for offshore wind. The Bay du Nord oil project, with 1 billion barrels of reserves, is slated to commence production in 2031. Discussions covered emissions, the 'polluter pays' principle, and Indigenous and ecological concerns.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca, Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

National Finance Committee Highlights Economic and Climate Policy Tensions

In testimony before the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance, academics and representatives from York University, Export Development Canada, and Carleton University marked Canada's limited emissions reduction progress in oil and gas, the risks of international carbon regulations, and the continuing role of resources in export competitiveness. Strategies discussed included aligning fiscal policies with climate targets, foreign investment scrutiny, and the potential introduction of new transport-related taxes. The effectiveness of LNG investment in reducing global emissions, and the fiscal impacts of foreign takeovers in the Canadian resource sector, were discussed.

Sources: Transcripts: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca

G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting Announced for Toronto

Natural Resources Canada announced that Ministers Tim Hodgson and Julie Dabrusin will host the G7 Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Toronto on October 30-31. Media accreditation opened as of October 20, and the meeting is expected to address cross-border environmental and resource topics.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases Data on Mineral Production, Rail Freight, Refined Petroleum, and Industrial Prices

Statistics Canada published multiple data sets: August 2025 figures for Mineral Production Survey and Energy Transportation and Storage Survey are now out, as is September 2025 data on refined petroleum products inventories and production. September's Industrial Product Price Index rose 0.8% from the previous month and 5.5% year over year; raw materials prices climbed 1.7% month to month and 8.4% year over year. For August, Canadian rail freight volume reached 30.2 million tonnes, a 4.5% increase over August 2024.

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

US Federal GR News

Castle Mountain Mine Phase II Expansion Undergoes NEPA Review and Public Consultation

On October 20, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced its intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Castle Mountain Mine Phase II Expansion, covering an additional 1,800 acres in San Bernardino County, California, and Clark County, Nevada. The BLM’s scoping period for public comments extends through November 19, 2025. The project would expand mine pits, overburden sites, heap leach pads, and associated utilities, quadrupling the annual mining rate and extending mine life by roughly 30 years. The site’s proximity to Castle Mountains National Monument and the Mojave National Preserve means potential impacts on local ecosystems, cultural resources, and traditional uses are a focus of the review. Permits under the Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act will also be required. The Draft EIS is targeted for release in spring 2026.

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

BLM Issues Call for Nominations in Alaska Oil and Gas Lease Sale

The BLM Alaska State Office, acting under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and Executive Order 14153, issued a call for nominations and public comments for available tracts in the National Petroleum Reserve—Alaska (NPR-A) Lease Sale. This marks the first lease sale since 2019 and carries a nomination and comment deadline of November 21, 2025. Interested entities are asked to follow instructions on BLM's website. The lease sale aligns with the direction of the new Federal legislation and executive orders that prioritize expanded oil and gas development.

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

NRC Releases Draft Environmental Impact Statement for TRISO-X Uranium Fuel Facility

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) released the draft EIS on October 23 for the proposed TRISO-X Fuel Fabrication Facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The facility, intended for production of high-assay low enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel, would operate under a 40-year license on a 110-acre site. Public comments are accepted through November 17. The NRC's review incorporates agency, state, local, and tribal input, and the staff’s preliminary recommendation is issuance of the license barring unforeseen safety issues.

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

EPA Proposes Approval of Nevada Regional Haze State Implementation Plan

The EPA published a proposed rule on October 23 to approve portions of Nevada's updated Regional Haze SIP, submitted in August 2022 and supplemented in May 2025. The SIP covers progress on visibility at Class I areas, emissions inventories, required controls, and compliance with the Clean Air Act (CAA) and EPA’s Regional Haze Rule. The public may comment until November 24. The plan's focus includes emissions controls at utilities and industrial sources affecting visibility at protected sites such as Jarbidge Wilderness Area and incorporates permit revisions and interregional air quality modeling.

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

FERC Direct Final Rule Implements Sunset Dates for Legacy Energy Regulations

On October 21, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a direct final rule adding sunset provisions to 53 regulations in response to Executive Order 14270 on zero-based regulatory budgeting. Unless otherwise extended, many seldom-used or obsolete rules across natural gas, electricity, and powerplant regulations will sunset one year after the rule’s December 5, 2025, effective date. The rule provides for public comment on potential costs or benefits of maintaining these legacy rules and forms part of broader deregulatory measures implemented across the sector.

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

Canadian Provincial GR News

British Columbia Approves Mining Permit for Record Ridge Magnesium Project

The B.C. Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals has granted Western High Yield Resources a three-year Mines Act permit for the Record Ridge magnesium mine near Rossland, following technical review and community consultation.

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

British Columbia Introduces Legislation for North Coast Transmission Line and Clean Energy Deployment

The provincial government tabled the Energy Statutes Amendment Act to expedite the North Coast Transmission Line, prioritize grid access for sectors such as mining and LNG, and set policy for emerging energy demands, effective October 20.

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

Ontario and Nova Scotia Sign Agreement on Small Modular Reactor Collaboration

Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce and Nova Scotia’s Premier Tim Houston agreed to collaborate on small modular reactor (SMR) development in Canada, committing to shared regulatory, technological, and supply chain efforts.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Introduces Legislation Targeting Provincial Competitiveness, Red Tape Reduction, and Labour Mobility

Ontario introduced the Building a More Competitive Economy Act with proposed reforms on regulatory processes, permit digitization, labour mobility for licensed professionals, and supply chain support for the manufacturing and auto sectors.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Engages US Lawmakers on North American Energy Security

Alberta MLA Chantelle de Jonge represented the province at the Legislative Energy Horizon Institute in Washington, D.C., from October 22-25, participating in sessions with US state legislators on energy policy and North American supply.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Mining company plans to advance one of the world's biggest lithium mines on Cree territory: New lithium development activity unfolds on Cree land in northern Quebec.
• Sudbury forum hears mining industry still dealing with labour shortage: Sector stakeholders discuss ongoing workforce challenges.
• First Atlantic Nickel Announces Expanded 4-Kilometer Strike Length at RPM Zone from DTR Surface Sampling at Pipestone XL Nickel Alloy Project: Exploration efforts extend the prospective nickel strike zone.
• Fury Commences 10,000-Metre Drill Program at Eau Claire and Provides an Update on the Kipawa Rare Earths Project: Ongoing rare earths and gold exploration in Quebec.
• Are there more mining opportunities as the price of gold hits a record high?: Media examines implications of surging gold prices for exploration and development.
• Azimut Defines Antimony-Gold Zone over 1.8 km Strike and 250 m Depth, Open in All Directions, on the Wabamisk Property, James Bay, Québec: Further definition of mineralized zones in James Bay.
• Mirarco’s new northern Ont. facility aims to eliminate mine waste: Industry-academic partnership addresses mine tailings and environmental management.
• EnviroGold Closes Oversubscribed $7.5 Million Placement on Strong Investor Demand: Capital raised for gold sector innovation.
• First Atlantic Nickel Announces Expanded 4-Kilometer Strike Length at RPM Zone from DTR Surface Sampling at Pipestone XL Nickel Alloy Project: Further media coverage of nickel exploration.

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