June 14, 2026 to June 20, 2026

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.

Want to track the upstream and downstream forces affecting Mining? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Manufacturing and Oil & Gas. Also consider subscribing to our Mining - Washington edition covering critical GR news south of the border.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Monthly Mineral Production Survey and Smelters/Refineries Data Released for April 2026

Statistics Canada has published the April 2026 results from the Monthly Mineral Production Survey and the Monthly Survey of Smelters and Metal Refineries. Detailed production volumes and refinery output provide current data for the sector, supporting planning, market analysis, and trend assessments across iron ore, gold, nickel, and critical mineral outputs. The data set informs supply chain operators, producers, and downstream buyers on monthly activity and ongoing changes. Industry professionals may reference the updated tables for both tonnage and value at https://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/260619/dq260619d-eng.htm.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Industrial Product and Raw Materials Price Indices, May 2026

StatsCan released May 2026 indices showing the Industrial Product Price Index climbing 1.2% month-over-month and 13.6% year-over-year. The Raw Materials Price Index increased 0.7% month-over-month and 33.4% year-over-year. These movements point to ongoing pricing pressure on input costs for mineral and metal producers, influencing contract negotiations and downstream profitability. The indices inform project forecasting, supplier discussions, and risk assessments across the mining and smelting segments.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Monthly Survey of Manufacturing, April 2026: Declines in Primary Metal Sales

New Statistics Canada figures for April 2026 reflect a 4.2% rise in overall manufacturing sales, mainly attributed to petroleum and coal, yet primary metal subsector sales experienced the sharpest contraction. Mineral processors and smelter operators encountered softness in demand or pricing, creating new pressures for inventory and production planning. Manufacturing supply chain participants are likely to assess associated throughput impacts as well as regional trends within Canadian base and precious metals output.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

British Columbia Approves Red Chris Mine Expansion and Block-Cave Transition

The Government of British Columbia approved the expansion of the Red Chris mine, enabling a transition from open pit to underground block-caving. The project is expected to create 1,800 construction jobs and secure 1,500 ongoing roles, with increased capacity extending operations to 2038.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Ontario Finalizes Critical Mineral Supply Chain Agreement with United Kingdom

Ontario signed a Statement of Intent with the UK government to facilitate investment, shared geoscience research, and the development of secure, diversified supply chains for critical minerals including lithium, nickel, and rare earth elements.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Update to British Columbia's Environmental Management Act Fees Announced

British Columbia will implement new flat fees for site remediation under the Environmental Management Act starting July 1, 2026. Fees now range from $5,000 to $30,000, replacing the former hourly credit system.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Québec Invests Nearly $3 Million in Battery Research and Value Chain Development

The Québec government, through INRS and UQTR, will fund battery materials and lithium extraction R&D projects with $2.88 million, advancing new cell technologies and grid integration strategies.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

Ontario Provides More Than $2.8 Million to Upgrade Port Facilities on Lake Superior

The Ontario government will provide $2.8 million for the expansion of the Port of Thunder Bay and redevelopment of Peninsula Harbour Port, aiming to enhance the regional trade capacity for critical minerals and resource exports.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Anfield Energy Files Its Updated Preliminary Economic Assessment Which Reflects its Robust Hub-And-Spoke Uranium and Vanadium Production Strategy: Coverage of Anfield Energy's revised PEA for uranium and vanadium assets in the US southwest.
• QGold Launches Summer 2026 Exploration Campaign at Mine Centre: QGold begins its seasonal exploration activities targeting gold mineralization.
• Falco Resources Announces Updated Feasibility Study for Horne 5 Project, Delivering After-Tax NPV5% C$3.35 Billion, IRR of 28.2% and Cash Flow of C$6.4 Billion at Base Case Gold Price of US$3,600/Oz: Details of Falco Resources' latest financial metrics for its Québec gold project.
• 2 First Nations say Ontario's 1st Anishinaabe-led impact assessment is done, possibly allowing mining project: Cat Lake and Lac Seul First Nations conclude an Indigenous-led impact review, a milestone for Ontario gold project approvals.
• NexGold Mining Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Eagle Lake First Nation and Lac Seul First Nation on Goliath Gold Complex: MOU signed to advance Indigenous partnerships at NexGold's Goliath Gold Complex.
• B.C. mining exploration company NovaRed recruits Kristi Noem as strategic adviser: NovaRed adds former US governor to its leadership roster.
• Integrity commissioner asked to probe ex-Ford staffer’s move to mining giant: Concerns raised over a government staffer joining a company with past regulatory links.
• NVRO Metals Announces Independent NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate of 77.6 Million-Tonne Polymetallic Resource at the NVRO Metals Hub: NI 43-101 resource estimate published for NVRO Metals' flagship asset.
• Environment must remain priority, Kinew says of Sio Silica mining MOU: Premier Wab Kinew comments on a memorandum of understanding related to Manitoba silica mining.

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