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.

Dates: 2026-02-08 to 2026-02-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Parliamentary Calendar
• 🇨🇦 Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Provincial Government News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

There are no scheduled committee meetings this week.

Federal Government News

Minister Hodgson Delivered Keynote Address on Natural Resources in Calgary

The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, spoke at a Calgary event on February 13, presenting a keynote and participating in a fireside chat with Reid Southwick of the Financial Post. The event, hosted jointly with Calgary Economic Development, will give the federal minister a platform to address the resource sector. Accredited media are required to pre-register to attend. Any announcements or policy perspectives delivered may offer insight into federal priorities touching critical minerals, mining regulation, and energy production.

Sources: www.canada.ca

International Trade Minister Discusses Expanding Mining Trade with Pakistan

On February 9, Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu spoke with Jam Kamal Khan, Pakistan’s Minister for Commerce. Beyond noting the first shipment of Canadian canola to Pakistan, the ministers reviewed expanded commercial engagement, including mining and clean energy. Canada confirmed ongoing discussions toward a foreign investment promotion and protection agreement, with attention to mining and resource development as trade diversification areas for Canadian business.

Sources: www.canada.ca

2024 Engineering Services Operating Revenue Grows 6.5% to $46.8 Billion

Statistics Canada reported a 6.5% increase in the engineering services industry's operating revenue, reaching $46.8 billion for 2024. The pace of growth moderated compared to the previous two years, with the industry previously achieving 9.8% and 12.4% gains in 2023 and 2022, respectively. These figures provide new data points for those tracking mining’s demand on Canadian technical services.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Architectural, Engineering and Related Services Price Index: Q4 2025 Data Released

Statistics Canada released the Architectural, Engineering and Related Services Price Index for Q4 2025, indexed to 2018=100. The index offers current reference data for service costs relevant to mining project planning and procurement.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Fast-Tracks Barrie to Sudbury Transmission Line with First Nation Partnership

Ontario announced the acceleration of a 500-kilovolt transmission line between Barrie and Sudbury, designating Hydro One as project developer and establishing Indigenous equity partnerships to support future mining demand in Northern Ontario.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Alberta Invests $28 Million in New Energy and Environmental Technologies

Alberta is directing $28 million through its TIER program into six projects involving emissions reduction, pipeline safety, well site remediation, and turning agriculture waste into energy, intending to sustain energy sector competitiveness and double production by 2035.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Nunavut and Manitoba Meet to Advance Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link

Manitoba and Nunavut discussed the Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link, a project designed to connect northern mines and communities to renewable power and broadband, with joint calls for federal capital support and coordination with local Indigenous partners.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

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

Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines will host a press conference on February 17 to discuss matters relevant to the provincial energy and mining portfolio.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Government Consultations

Comments Invited on Scully Mine Tailings Expansion Effluent Regulations

Environment and Climate Change Canada is seeking input by February 15 on proposed amendments to authorize mine waste disposal at the Scully Mine site under the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Impact Assessment Funding Available for Shaakichiuwaanaan Mining Project

Federal funding is available to support participation in the impact assessment for the proposed Shaakichiuwaanaan Mining Project, an open-pit and underground lithium mine east of Radisson, Quebec; applications close February 16.

Sources: iaac-aeic.gc.ca

Fording River Extension Project, Comments on Draft Guidelines Close Soon

Comments are open until February 15 regarding the draft guidelines and plans for the Fording River Extension Project, aiming to extend the life of the metallurgical coal operation near Elkford, B.C.

Sources: iaac-aeic.gc.ca

Participation Funding Available for Great Bear Gold Project Impact Assessment

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada is providing funding to support engagement in the proposed Great Bear Gold Project assessment near Red Lake, Ontario; participation application deadline is February 20.

Sources: iaac-aeic.gc.ca

Upcoming Consultation on REGDOC-2.13.1 for Nuclear Material Accountancy

Consultations open February 15 regarding REGDOC-2.13.1, which sets nuclear safeguards and accountancy requirements for uranium and thorium mine licensees and related activities.

Sources: www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Ontario issues first permit that opens up old mine tailings for exploration: The province grants its inaugural permit allowing extraction from legacy mine tailings sites.
• Pause at N.W.T. diamond mine amid weak market ‘serious news,’ industry minister says: N.W.T.'s diamond mine suspension draws provincial government concern as market conditions impact operations.
• Mali renews Barrick Mining’s Loulo license for additional 10 years: Barrick secures a decade-long renewal for its Loulo gold mining license in Mali.
• Titan Mining Welcomes U.S. AD/CVD Determination Imposing At Least 160% Duties on Chinese Graphite Imports: U.S. decision enacts significant duties on Chinese graphite, affecting North American mineral supply chains.
• Volatile raw diamond prices, mine pause has N.W.T. mulling need to diversify economy: Industry participants examine diamond price swings and consider diversification.
• Ascot Resources Announces Key Elements of 2026 Vision, Proposes Name Change to Cambria Gold Mines Inc. and Updates Restructuring: Ascot Resources details its forward plan, including a proposed corporate name change.
• How Canadian technology can help stabilize the rocky market for rare earth elements: A look at how Canadian innovation could bring predictability to rare earth element markets.
• Liberty Gold Announces Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Black Pine Oxide Gold Project, Idaho: Liberty Gold issues an updated resource estimate for its Black Pine project in Idaho.
• Opinion: Mining companies should be looking for singles, not home runs: Analysis on corporate strategy for mining asset development in changing market conditions.
• Opinion | It’s a pivotal moment for one of Canada’s critical industries. Mark Carney is meeting it: Editorial examines leadership approaches within Canada's critical resources sector.

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