This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning metals and non-metals miners, explorers and prospectors. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Dates: 2026-05-03 to 2026-05-09

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Provincial Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Ottawa Invests $20 Million to Expand Cobalt Refinery in Ontario

On May 4, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada confirmed a $20 million contribution to Electra Battery Materials Corporation for repurposing and expanding its refinery in Temiskaming Shores, Ontario. The investment leverages the Strategic Response Fund to advance a $99.4 million project supporting North America’s first battery grade cobalt sulfate facility. The new capacity is projected to supply enough cobalt for up to one million electric vehicles per year, and the government expects the initiative will create more than 160 jobs, including 60 full time positions in Northern Ontario. Another 100 skilled trades jobs will be supported during construction. The project is positioned to reduce industrial reliance on imported battery materials and strengthen domestic supply chains critical to the automotive, defence, and technology sectors. Industrial stakeholders in North Bay, Sudbury, and surrounding regions are included in the projected economic impact.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Government Announces Reforms for Major Project Approvals and Supply Chain Policy

On May 8, the President of the Privy Council, Dominic LeBlanc, and Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon jointly announced steps to reduce timelines for federal reviews and decisions on major industrial projects to a maximum of one year, pending complete information from proponents. This plan will introduce a single comprehensive federal decision for permits and approvals, designate lead regulatory agencies on select files, and coordinate Indigenous consultation per community, per project by establishing a Crown Consultation Hub. The government also released two 30-day discussion papers regarding 'Get Major Projects Built in Canada' and 'Strengthen One Canadian Economy through Trade and Transportation.' Additional measures are outlined for modernizing National Trade Corridors and port governance, as well as adopting a single-window reporting system for regulatory information. These actions follow the August 2025 launch of the Major Projects Office, which currently oversees 21 projects valued at over $126 billion.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau Seeks to Block Keyera’s Acquisition in Alberta Energy Hub

The Competition Bureau announced on May 5 that it filed an application with the Competition Tribunal opposing Keyera Corp.’s proposed acquisition of Plains All American Pipeline L.P.’s Canadian natural gas liquids (NGL) business centered at Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. The Bureau's investigation found that the transaction would significantly increase market concentration by leaving only two major competitors in NGL processing at the country’s largest hub. The Bureau raised concerns that this would facilitate higher prices, unfavorable contracting terms, reduced incentive for infrastructure expansion, and entrenchment of control over critical energy processing infrastructure. A technical briefing was scheduled on May 5 to detail the review. The Tribunal holds authority over the final outcome.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian International Trade Tribunal Launches Final Injury Inquiry on Austrian Oil and Gas Well Casings

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal initiated a final injury inquiry (NQ-2026-001) on May 5 to assess whether dumped imports of certain oil and gas well casing from Austria have caused or threaten to cause injury to the Canadian industry. This inquiry follows a preliminary determination by the Canada Border Services Agency that such dumping has occurred. The Tribunal, an independent body reporting through the Finance Minister, will issue a final determination by September 1, 2026. All interested parties are eligible to file notices of participation in the inquiry.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Natural Resources Minister Schedules Fireside Chat with IEA Executive Director

On May 4, Natural Resources Canada announced that Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson will participate in a public discussion with Dr. Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency. The online event, hosted by Candace Laing of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, is set for May 5 at 6:30 p.m. ET. The session is expected to address themes of energy security with registration available to accredited media.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Critical Minerals Funding Announcement Slated for May 11 in British Columbia

Natural Resources Canada scheduled a funding announcement on critical minerals for May 11 in Burnaby, British Columbia. The Secretary of State for International Development, Randeep Sarai, will represent Minister Tim Hodgson at the event, joined by MP Wade Chang. The announcement targets projects and initiatives within the critical minerals value chain, with further media details provided upon registration.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau to Hold Technical Briefing on Keyera Acquisition Review

The Competition Bureau scheduled a technical briefing for May 5, offering additional insight into its challenge against Keyera Corp.’s acquisition of Plains All American Pipeline’s Canadian NGL business. Bureau representatives will explain merger review procedures and address concerns related to diminished competition in Fort Saskatchewan. Media access is coordinated through the Competition Bureau's media relations office.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Nova Scotia Announces Modern Geophysical Project to Spur Mineral Exploration

Nova Scotia issued a request for proposals on May 4 to launch a modern geophysical survey, administered by Dalhousie University, to support mineral exploration and attract investment; the project will update geological understanding and make data publicly available.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Approval Granted for Antrim Gypsum Mine in Halifax County

The Antrim Gypsum Project, operated by CertainTeed Canada Inc., received industrial approval on May 5 for a 270-hectare open pit mine expected to yield 1.5 million tonnes of gypsum and anhydrite per year and is projected to begin operations in 2027.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Nova Scotia Premier Advances Offshore Energy Investment at Texas Conference

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston is attending the Offshore Technology Conference in Texas from May 4–7 to promote provincial offshore energy opportunities following recent exploration licence bids and ongoing initiatives related to oil, gas, and wind energy.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• New data reveals tragic costs of Ontario’s mining boom: An in-depth look at health outcomes linked to mining sector growth in Ontario.
• Fortune Minerals positions company as key in future defence supply chains: Updates on critical minerals strategies tied to defence industries.
• Stillwater Critical Minerals to Present at the Precious Metals & Critical Minerals Virtual Investor Conference May 7th: Company to present projects and strategy at industry event.
• Owner of Ekati diamond mine in N.W.T. files for creditor protection: Notable insolvency development for a major Canadian diamond producer.
• Sask. to extend mining discovery incentive after strong 2025: Saskatchewan will prolong its mineral exploration incentive following increased sector interest.
• Precious Metals & Critical Minerals Virtual Investor Conference Agenda Announced for May 5th – 7th: Overview of the upcoming conference focused on precious and strategic minerals.
• Why Funded Gold Builders Are Suddenly Looking Cheap, And the One Permitted Junior Drilling Next Week That Few Have Priced In: Analysis of development-stage gold explorers and upcoming drilling projects.
• Cumberland looks to attract new geothermal energy use from Springhill mines: Municipality seeks geothermal initiatives in former mining areas in Nova Scotia.
• Canadian operator of Ekati diamond mine files for insolvency protection: Comprehensive coverage of restructuring in the diamond mining segment.
• Gold Explorers Gain Ground as Brazil’s Mining Boom Picks Up Speed: International trends as Canadian gold companies participate in Brazilian exploration.

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