June 28, 2026 to July 04, 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
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Springpole Gold Project Approved: Environmental Assessment Decision

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada determined the Springpole Gold Project in Ontario is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012. The open-pit gold and silver mine, located northeast of Red Lake, Ontario, represents a capital investment of $957.7 million and is expected to create thousands of jobs. Six Indigenous communities participated in the assessment via Indigenous-led studies; their input shaped the decision and the conditions imposed. The legally binding conditions include measures to reduce effects on health, socio-economic conditions, lands used for traditional purposes, and local water and fish habitats. The proponent must manage effluent and surface water, reclaim land, and minimize dust emissions. Additional permits and authorizations remain required before operations commence.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Minister Hodgson to Make Critical Minerals Announcement

Natural Resources Canada announced an upcoming critical minerals announcement by Minister Tim Hodgson, scheduled for July 7, 2026, in Trail. Accredited media must pre-register by July 6 at 6 pm ET for access. The event is expected to address Canadian strategic minerals, with further details pending after official disclosure.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada-Alberta Joint Action: West Coast Oil Pipeline Proposal

Canada and Alberta advanced plans for a pipeline transporting one million barrels of oil daily to global markets, primarily Asia, following an agreement to strengthen economic and environmental outcomes. The Alberta pipeline proposal was referred to the Major Projects Office for consideration as a national interest project under the Building Canada Act. Consultations with Indigenous groups, provinces, and territories will begin immediately. Ownership involves Trans Mountain Corporation, Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission, and Pembina Pipeline Corporation, with provisions for Indigenous equity participation. The project may create up to 140,000 jobs during peak construction and average 50,000 jobs annually during operation, with economic impacts across Alberta, B.C., and other provinces. Regulatory and permitting processes will proceed in line with the national interest designation.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada-Italy Joint Statement: Critical Minerals and Nuclear Cooperation

During the International Energy Agency’s Global Conference on Energy Efficiency, Canada’s Minister for Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson and Italy's Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin agreed to deepen cooperation on critical minerals value chains, nuclear energy collaboration, and liquefied natural gas. Joint approaches to stockpiling critical minerals will be developed by the end of 2026. Technical discussions between Natural Resources Canada and Italy’s Ministry of Environment and Energy Security commenced to facilitate regulatory, scientific, and industrial partnerships in key sectors.

Sources: www.canada.ca

FedNor Investments in Timmins Region Support Mining Supply Chain

FedNor announced a total investment of $4,185,028 in nine projects across Timmins and surrounding areas, aimed at job creation, business modernization, innovation, and expansion into new markets. Projects include upgrades to manufacturing facilities, equipment acquisition, and industrial park development. Strategic priorities target economic diversification and enhanced competitiveness, with support for mining among other sectors. The investments supplement regional economic growth initiatives and supply chain resilience efforts.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases Q1 Natural Resource Indicators

Statistics Canada published updated Natural Resource Indicators data for Q1 2026, along with revisions for all quarters of 2025. The dataset offers industry-level insights for resource extraction, including minerals, oil, and gas, providing benchmarks for performance and trend comparison across quarters.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Machinery and Equipment Price Index, April 2026 Released

Statistics Canada released the Machinery and Equipment Price Index for April 2026 (2016=100), providing updated price levels for industrial machinery and equipment. The data is relevant for procurement and cost modeling in mining operations and infrastructure development.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Energy Statistics Show 4.1% Increase in Primary Production

Statistics Canada reported primary energy production at 2.1 million gigajoules for April, marking a 4.1% year-over-year increase. Gains were observed in five of six subsectors, indicating broad strength in upstream resource extraction and processing.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Freight Rail Services Price Index, June 2026 Available

The Freight Rail Services Price Index for June 2026 (2018=100) was released, offering updated benchmark rates for rail services. Changes in the index can impact logistics costs for mineral transport and supply chain delivery.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Launch of Second Round Labour Relations Consultation

Employment and Social Development Canada initiated the second phase of federal labour relations consultation, seeking targeted industry feedback on issues including section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, expedited grievance arbitration, bad faith bargaining, strike mandate validity, and medical leave with pay. Written feedback is invited until August 2, 2026. The process aims to inform targeted legislative adjustments affecting federally regulated sectors such as mining, transport, and pipelines.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Announces $4 Million to Accelerate Critical Minerals Supply Chain

Ontario is investing over $4 million through the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund (CMIF) to support homegrown mining technologies and build an integrated critical minerals supply chain, with applications open until August 25, 2026.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Submits West Coast Oil Pipeline Proposal

Alberta submitted a proposal for the West Coast Oil Pipeline to the federal Major Projects Office, targeting transportation of one million barrels per day to the southwest coast of British Columbia via an existing corridor.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

B.C. and Federal Government Secure Multi-Billion-Dollar Prosperity Agreement

Premier David Eby and Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed to new federal investment supporting the Red Chris mine expansion, North Coast Transmission Line, and protection of the northern tanker ban, with compensation to B.C. for environmental risk.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

B.C. Annual Report on Regulatory Modernization Released

The Better Regulations for BC Annual Report details updated approvals processes, environmental reviews, and improved business services, reducing barriers and administrative requirements across sectors, including mining.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Northwestern B.C. Land-Use Plans Enter Public Engagement Stage

Draft land-use plans in northwest B.C.—including mineral exploration and development areas—are open for public input until August 4, 2026, covering conservation and development priorities in the Meziadin, Kaska, and Klappan regions.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation: Proposed Amendments to Uranium Mines and Mills Regulations

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission is consulting until July 16, 2026, on proposed amendments to the Uranium Mines and Mills Regulations, outlining regulatory changes and inviting feedback from industry stakeholders.

Sources: www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Agnico Eagle suspends mining operations at Barnat pit after rock movement: Operations at the Barnat pit are suspended following detection of rock movement.
• Operations at Cigar Lake uranium mine, McClean Lake mill, suspended because of issue with sulfuric acid plant: Temporary suspension at Cigar Lake and McClean Lake due to sulfuric acid plant issue.
• Consolidated Lithium Metals Completes Updated Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Kwyjibo Underground Mining Project: The company reports strong IRR and offsite processing for the Kwyjibo project.
• Thousands of jobs, billions in tax dollars: Iron Bear Project readies its pitch for N.L.: The Iron Bear Project is prepared to present economic impact in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Hudbay Receives Regulatory Approval to Further Increase Mill Throughput at its Constancia Mine in Peru: Approval enables Hudbay to advance production rates at Constancia.
• Critical Minerals Tool | Shift - NB | On Demand | CBC Listen: CBC covers critical minerals analysis and industry tools.
• GoldHaven Engages Northtech Drilling for Inaugural Drill Program at the Magno Project: GoldHaven launches its initial drill program at Magno.
• Ottawa’s investments in N.W.T. mine ‘will put cards in our hands,’ energy minister says: The N.W.T. minister points to greater leverage from federal mining investments.
• Utah Legislators to Tour Anfield Energy’s Velvet-Wood Critical Minerals Project: Utah legislative tour explores Anfield's critical minerals project.
• Yukon gov't says it's inviting First Nations to help rewrite mining laws: Yukon invites First Nations to participate in revision of mining legislation.

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