July 26, 2026 to August 01, 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

Federal Government Approves Crawford Nickel Project in Ontario

On July 31, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada announced the Minister of the Environment's approval for the Crawford Nickel Project, an open-pit nickel-cobalt mine with an on-site metal mill 42 kilometers north of Timmins, Ontario. The federal decision statement concludes federal effects are justified, referencing the project's impact assessment report based on scientific evidence, Indigenous consultation, and public input. The project is positioned to anchor Canada's role in clean industrial materials, with an anticipated $5 billion investment and potential to create 4,000 jobs. Legally binding conditions include measures to reduce adverse impacts on Indigenous Peoples’ health and use of lands, fish habitat, and migratory birds, with progressive rehabilitation of disturbed areas. The proponent must continue to comply with federal and provincial permitting, and ongoing Indigenous consultation will be maintained throughout the project’s development.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Signs Binding LNG Export Agreement With Germany's Uniper

Natural Resources Canada announced a binding agreement on July 29 between Ksi Lisims LNG and Germany’s Uniper SE for the purchase of two million tonnes per annum of LNG from Canada for up to 20 years, with first deliveries anticipated in 2032. This marks Canada’s second European LNG deal, expanding export markets beyond North America. The Nisga’a Nation-led Ksi Lisims LNG project, valued at $30 billion, will become Canada's second-largest LNG facility and is expected to represent 13% of national natural gas exports by the early-to-mid 2030s. The operation is targeting emissions 94% below the global average and is projected to drive substantial economic activity and job creation in British Columbia, contributing $15 billion to Canada's GDP.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Investment in Quebec EV Battery Supply Chain

On July 30, the Honourable Mélanie Joly announced up to $70 million from the Strategic Response Fund for Volta Energy Solutions Canada Inc. to establish a copper foil facility in Granby, Quebec. The $761 million upgrade and expansion will ramp up production to 25,000 tonnes per year starting in 2027, scaling to 63,000 tonnes. The facility supports EV and energy storage system battery production and is expected to create 260 jobs. The government frames the initiative as part of a broader strategy to reinforce Canada’s auto sector and strengthen generational supply chain resilience.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Critical Minerals Infrastructure Announcement Scheduled

Natural Resources Canada scheduled a media event for August 5, with Parliamentary Secretary Claude Guay set to announce new funding for critical minerals infrastructure. Accredited media must pre-register for participation. Full details will be provided to registered outlets ahead of the event.

Sources: www.canada.ca

FedDev Ontario Grants Support Niagara Region Manufacturing Sector

On July 28, Chris Bittle, MP for St. Catharines, announced over $11.3 million in funding for 13 businesses in Niagara Region through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative. High Strength Plates & Profiles Inc., a steel processor for mining and construction, will receive up to $750,000 toward a $1.5 million project expanding steel processing capabilities. The broader initiative aims to boost productivity and adoption of advanced technologies, strengthening supply chain resilience in the region.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases May Energy Statistics

Statistics Canada published primary energy production figures for May 2026, noting a year-over-year increase of 2.7% to 2.0 million gigajoules. Gains were recorded across five of six subsectors, offering updated data points for energy producers and processors.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

StatsCan Railway Carloadings Report for May 2026

Canadian railways transported 33.3 million tonnes of freight in May 2026, reflecting a 1.0% rise compared to May 2025. Elevated shipments of grains and certain energy products partially offset reductions in coal and iron ore movements.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Machinery and Equipment Price Index Updated for May

The May 2026 data release of the Machinery and Equipment Price Index (2016=100) is now available from Statistics Canada. The dataset informs capital expenditure decision-making for mining, extraction, and processing firms.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Freight Rail Services Price Index, July 2026

Statistics Canada has released the July 2026 Freight Rail Services Price Index (2018=100), providing updated cost metrics relevant to logistics and mineral industry stakeholders.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Alberta Approves Amendments to Natural Gas Royalty Regulations

On July 30, Alberta's government issued new Orders in Council affecting natural gas royalty-in-kind, resource credit, and royalty regulations under the Mines and Minerals Act and Petroleum Marketing Act.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Ontario Advances Energy Generation With Support for Nanticoke Site

Ontario Power Generation will provide $500,000 in growth readiness funding to Haldimand County to study new energy generation—including small modular reactors—at the Nanticoke site.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Ranked Top Province for Removing Trade Barriers

Manitoba received an A rating in the CFIB 2026 Internal Trade Report Card, citing its leadership in reducing internal trade barriers for goods and services across provincial jurisdictions.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

British Columbia Expands Skilled-Trades Training in Surrey

Kwantlen Polytechnic University receives 462 new skilled-trades training seats, part of the province's plan to add 5,000 trades-training seats in 2026-27 and strengthen workforce capacity.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Ontario Minister Lecce to Hold a Press Conference on Energy and Mines

Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce, scheduled a press conference on July 29 with remarks focusing on local energy initiatives in Haldimand County.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Government Consultations

Public Consultation on Due Diligence Measures for Labour Exploitation in Supply Chains

Employment and Social Development Canada has commenced consultations, as of July 27, on proposals for businesses operating abroad to address risks to fundamental labour rights, including potential civil liability provisions.

Sources: Share your views: Measures to address forced labour and labour exploitation in global supply chains

Regional Assessment of Oil and Gas Exploratory Drilling in Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Area

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada announced participant funding for Indigenous Peoples and the public to take part in the regional assessment of exploratory drilling in the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore area.

Sources: iaac-aeic.gc.ca

Impact Assessment Consultation for Upper Beaver Gold Project

Participant funding is available for the impact assessment of the Upper Beaver Gold Project, located 19 kilometers east of Kirkland Lake, Ontario.

Sources: iaac-aeic.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Ottawa formally approves Canada Nickel’s Crawford mine in major projects push: Approval sets stage for construction of significant nickel mine project in Ontario.
• Ottawa approves Ontario nickel mine that could be western world's largest: Newly approved Ontario mine could become the largest in the Western world by nickel output.
• News of the day: GDP gains, Ontario nickel mine approval, oilpatch growth, ignoring rate hike risk, Cameco's Westinghouse IPO and more: Key business headlines include approval of Ontario nickel mine and new oilpatch activity.
• Carney government approves nickel mine in Northern Ontario: Government's approval of Northern Ontario nickel mine attracts attention from industry stakeholders.
• Carney rules out energy as trade leverage, Ottawa approves new nickel mine and Allied Gold’s $5.5-billion sale collapses: Must-read business and investing stories: Business roundup notes nickel mine approval and energy policy statements.
• Vancouver proclamation recognizes mining and mineral exploration as pillars of the city's economy: Vancouver recognizes mining and exploration as economic pillars via formal proclamation.
• Acid rock: A Quebec startup is on the verge of transforming the mining industry: Quebec startup proposes new technology for mining industry transformation.
• Troilus Selected by the Government of Quebec to Receive Specialized Support Through the New Filon Initiative for Strategic Mining Projects: Troilus receives support from Quebec's new Filon Initiative targeting strategic mining projects.
• LEADING EDGE MATERIALS WELCOMES SWEDISH MINERAL STRATEGY AND POTENTIAL MEASURES TO ACCELERATE STRATEGIC PROJECTS: Leading Edge Materials responds to Sweden's new mineral strategy aiming to accelerate key projects.
• Ottawa approves construction of Canada Nickel’s Crawford mine, sources say: Sources report federal approval for construction of Canada Nickel's Crawford Project.

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