August 23, 2026 to August 29, 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

Canada and Chile advance critical minerals partnership and commercial collaboration

Natural Resources Canada confirmed on August 28 that Canada and Chile are advancing their critical minerals partnership, as Parliamentary Secretary Claude Guay attended the Conference of Mining Ministries of the Americas in Santiago. The Canadian delegation engaged with Chile's Minister of Economy and Mining and other Latin American counterparts to discuss investment and mining sector innovation. Initiatives included a new agreement between Codelco and MacLean Engineering, focused on underground mining technology at El Teniente, and Canada's support for the G7 Minerals Skills Network's capacity-building programs in Latin America. A $450,000 NRC IRAP Eureka project with Cheetah Networks aims to boost mining connectivity and efficiency. Furthermore, a Canadian Cleantech in Mining Mission will take 12 companies to Chile in October for market entry activities. Progress under the Canada–Chile MoU on Critical Minerals continues to improve bilateral R&D and skills development.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Glencore’s $2 Billion Onaping Depth Project brings first nickel ore at Craig Mine

The Government of Canada welcomed a major development at Sudbury’s Craig Mine, as Glencore completed the Onaping Depth shaft, giving first access to nickel ore on August 27. With nearly $2 billion in private investment since 2019, the project is Sudbury Basin’s first new mine in over ten years, ensuring nickel production will extend beyond 2040. Federal support included up to $11 million from the Decarbonization Incentive Program, enabling the mine to utilize a battery-electric fleet, eliminating diesel emissions from production. The project has generated about 7,000 jobs since construction and will support over 1,000 ongoing positions in Ontario’s mining sector.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Mackenzie Valley Highway and Roberts Bank Terminal 2 projects advance under Building Canada Act review

On August 28, the Privy Council Office announced publication of notices in the Canada Gazette for the Mackenzie Valley Highway and Roberts Bank Terminal 2 projects, initiating a step toward their potential listing under Schedule 1 of the Building Canada Act. These listings would designate the projects as being of national interest. Public comment is open until October 1, and inputs will be considered alongside Indigenous consultation and inter-jurisdictional engagement before any formal listing decision. Both projects are intended to strengthen transportation corridors, expand export options, and enhance northern and Indigenous community connectivity, subject to the Act’s regulatory process and existing land claim regimes.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada’s annual UN Declaration Act progress report tables mining-relevant reconciliation measures

The Minister of Justice tabled the fifth annual progress report on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act on August 28. Among the measures tracked, the government discussed the establishment of the Indigenous-led Action Plan Advisory Committee and collaborative development of culturally grounded health and recovery services in several communities. Recent legislative actions cited include the introduction of the Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty Act (C-21) and the Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation Act (C-10). The report comprises activities from over 45 federal agencies and reflects ongoing federal efforts to align processes with UNDRIP provisions, relevant for projects involving resource sector permitting, Indigenous consultation, and impact assessment.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal investment in Cold Lake’s energy and aviation sectors prioritizes Indigenous oil development

$6.6 million in federal funds was announced for Cold Lake, Alberta, on August 26, with $6 million allocated as a repayable investment to Etthen Energy Corporation, wholly owned by Cold Lake First Nations, to expand heavy oil resource development. The project targets well site and facility construction. An additional $600,000 will support upgrades at Cold Lake Regional Airport, establishing a training facility for aircraft maintenance engineers. These measures are designed to expand Indigenous ownership of energy assets and develop workforce training in aviation and energy sector-related infrastructure.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Teck Resources and federal government partner for 1,600-hectare land conservation in Newfoundland and Labrador

On August 27, Teck Resources and the Nature Conservancy of Canada, with Environment and Climate Change Canada, announced the creation of the Beothuk Lake Nature Reserve, protecting key sections of the Exploits River watershed. The partnership, supported by Teck's sustainability strategy and the federal Natural Heritage Conservation Program, identifies the area as valuable salmon habitat and home to several species at risk. The initiative is part of broader federal programs to expand conservation areas, in which resource industry participation figures prominently as one of the mechanisms.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Lower Mainland B.C. businesses receive $10 million for supply chain adaptation and modernization

On August 28, Pacific Economic Development Canada announced over $10 million in funding to 12 Lower Mainland B.C. businesses and organizations. Recipients include CEC Mining Systems, which will leverage investment to design and fabricate advanced mining equipment, supporting expansion into new markets and development of new rental and service models. Other projects focus on adoption of automation, advanced manufacturing, domestic supply chain strengthening, and export readiness. The industrial supply chain and manufacturing sectors—including mining-adjacent and mineral processing manufacturers—are principal beneficiaries.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Railway carloadings rebound in June; iron ore and coal shipments decline

Statistics Canada reported that Canadian railways moved 30.9 million tonnes of freight in June, up 3.2% over the previous year, continuing a trend of rising volumes. However, the growth stemmed from increased grain and other commodity shipments, with iron ore and coal loadings showing significant declines. U.S. rail connections brought higher freight volumes, partly offsetting these decreases for overall totals.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Wholesale trade advance indicator signals lower July sales for minerals, ores, and precious metals

Preliminary Statistics Canada data released for July indicate a 0.6% drop in wholesale trade sales (excluding hydrocarbons and oilseed and grain). The primary drivers of this decrease were lower sales in agricultural supplies and the mineral, ore, and precious metal groups within the miscellaneous subsector, showing a near-term softening in these industry categories.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario achieves first access to nickel ore at Craig Mine Onaping Depth Project

On August 27, Premier Doug Ford attended Sudbury to celebrate Glencore’s first nickel ore extraction from the Onaping Depth Project. The undertaking, supported by $2 billion in investment, is expected to yield 1 million tonnes of ore annually and support 400 jobs at full production.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario breaks ground on Anaconda and Painter Lake road upgrades for Ring of Fire access

Ontario announced commencement of upgrades to Anaconda and Painter Lake roads on August 24, marking progress in infrastructure work tied to the Ring of Fire mineral region. The project, in partnership with Aroland First Nation, is scheduled to open by November 2030.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Nova Scotia approves Sturk Quarry expansion in Kings County

The Sturk Quarry in Morristown received provincial environmental approval for expansion from four to 53 hectares over four decades. The expanded site will increase aggregate supply for local infrastructure projects.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Alberta invests over $15 million for Calgary energy, mining, and environmental innovation projects

On August 24, the Alberta government committed more than $15 million from the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction fund to support seven Calgary-based projects in energy, manufacturing, critical minerals, and supply chain technologies.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

B.C. and Tahltan Nation move forward on foundation agreement talks for mine region land use

The B.C. government and Tahltan Central Government are advancing discussions on a foundation agreement regarding land use, mining interests, and reconciliation, including potential impacts for Eskay Creek and Red Chris mines in northwestern B.C.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• NVRO Metals Advances Commercial Deployment of the NVRO Process™: NVRO Metals moves forward with the NVRO Process™ for Hecla Greens Creek material.
• Electra and Ontario Advance North America’s Critical Minerals Future: Electra and Ontario agree to $17.5 million funding for critical minerals development.
• Greenland Mines Delivers Landmark S-K 1300 Mineral Resource Estimate for Sarfartoq: Greenland Mines presents first-ever indicated resource for Sarfartoq rare earths project.
• MAX Power Mining Corp. to Present at the Clean Energy & Metals Virtual Investor Conference: MAX Power Mining to present at investor conference on August 27.
• Clean Energy Metals Virtual Investor Conference Agenda Announced: The Clean Energy Metals Virtual Investor Conference agenda released.
• Greenland Mines Sarfartoq Nd-Pr Rare Earth Project Valued Up to US$2.05 Billion: New economic study pegs Sarfartoq rare earth project pre-tax IRR at 118.6%.
• Aldebaran Resources and Centauri Minerals Announce Final Approval of Centauri’s Listing on the TSX Venture Exchange: Centauri Minerals completes TSX Venture Exchange listing.
• Australia’s FireFly Metals seeks $136 million for copper project: FireFly Metals looks to raise funds for copper expansion in Australia.
• Economic study demonstrates scale, grade, long life, growth potential and robust financial returns: Study illustrates strong fundamentals for new mining venture.

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