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: 2026-02-15 to 2026-02-21

📋 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

• House of Commons National Defence Committee—Critical Minerals Sector Hearing: The National Defence committee meets February 23, discussing the nexus between national security and Canada's critical minerals sector. Witnesses include Michael Gullo (Business Council of Canada), Photinie Koutsavlis (Mining Association of Canada), Hudson Lester (NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines), and Jeff Gaulin (Vale Base Metals).
• House of Commons Natural Resources Committee—Draft Report on Critical Minerals Development: On February 24, the Natural Resources committee holds an in-camera session to consider its draft report on the development of critical minerals in Canada.
• House of Commons Environment Committee—2030 Emissions Reduction Plan Review: The Environment committee convenes February 24 to review Canada's 2030 emissions reduction plan, focusing on improvements and future committee business.
• Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee—Bill C-10 Modern Treaty Implementation: Indigenous and Northern Affairs meets February 24, reviewing Bill C-10 with witnesses including Eva Clayton (Nisga'a Lisims Government), Chief Sheldon Sunshine (Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation), and Chief Pauline Frost (Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation).
• Senate Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee—Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada: The Senate committee reviews issues relating to energy, natural resources, and climate change on February 26, with witness testimony from David S. Lee, Chair of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.
• Senate Transport and Communications Committee—Update on Canada's Critical Transportation Infrastructure: On February 24, the Senate committee hears updates on critical transportation infrastructure with witnesses from Transport Canada, Public Safety Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Federal Government News

StatsCan Releases December Mineral Production and Price Index Data

Statistics Canada released data from the Monthly Mineral Production Survey for December, offering updated figures for mineral extraction and processing across the country. Concurrently, the Industrial Product Price Index rose 2.7% in January, with an annual increase of 5.4%. The Raw Materials Price Index registered a monthly jump of 7.7% and is up 8.0% year-over-year, reflecting higher costs for mineral inputs. These indices provide guidance on price movements for base metals and industrial minerals, tracking inputs relevant to mining operators and refineries. The data is accessible via StatCan's Daily for further breakdowns by commodity.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca, www.statcan.gc.ca

$12 Billion Allocated for Critical Minerals Stockpiling—Industry Responds

A Canadian news report details a $12 billion commitment to stockpile critical minerals, naming five companies as primary focal points. The story presents the industry's reaction to targeted government supply chain initiatives, highlighting new investment flows toward tungsten, copper, lithium, and rare earth elements. Market positioning appears to be influenced by federal policies prioritizing strategic minerals, impacting corporate planning and development timelines.

Sources: www.thestar.com

Confusion Over Musselwhite Gold Mine Following Government Publication

A federal publication pertaining to the Musselwhite gold mine triggered confusion within industry circles regarding the site's operational outlook. The article details divergent interpretations among stakeholders and industry participants, creating uncertainty regarding regulatory intentions and future development plans at the mine. This incident underscores the communications challenges faced by government agencies when disseminating information directly affecting mining operations.

Sources: www.theglobeandmail.com

Oilsands Negotiations Intensify Ahead of April 1 Deadline

Negotiations between major oilsands producers, the federal government, and the province of Alberta are advancing as an April 1 deadline approaches. Dialogue remains ongoing to address operational challenges and regulatory issues; parties are working to reconcile production targets with emerging requirements.

Sources: financialpost.com

Critical Minerals Surge—What Company Activity Reveals About Market Trends

A report identifies five companies mining tungsten, copper, and silver in response to government focus on critical minerals. The development trajectory for these companies reflects shifts in public policy intended to expand domestic supply chains for battery metals and rare earths.

Sources: www.thestar.com

Teck Addresses Engineering Issues at Chilean Mine

Teck Resources' CEO provided updates on the progress resolving engineering challenges at its Chilean mining asset. Though the site is international, the company's Canadian profile and operational approach have been affected as technical solutions are implemented.

Sources: www.theglobeandmail.com

EXP Secures $8.3M Contract for Critical Minerals Refinery in Ontario

EXP secured an $8.3 million contract aimed at advancing Electra's North American Critical Minerals Strategy, specifically at its Ontario refinery project. The contract supports processing and refining infrastructure for nickel, cobalt, and battery metal feedstocks.

Sources: www.thestar.com

NexGen Explores Data-Centre Financing for New Mine

NexGen Energy is in discussions with data-centre providers to secure financing for a new mining operation. The financing structure may link advanced computing services with uranium mine development, blending energy resource extraction and technology sector investment.

Sources: www.theglobeandmail.com

Latin Metals Commences Drilling at Cerro Bayo Gold-Silver Project

Latin Metals announced that its option partner has started drilling at the Cerro Bayo gold-silver project in Argentina. This activity has implications for Canadian mining operators with interests in Latin American exploration.

Sources: www.thestar.com

Monthly Mining Employment and Investment Review—Northern Manitoba Consortium

A new mining consortium is planning additional investment and job creation at a complex in northern Manitoba. The news signals developments in workforce demand and regional mining activity.

Sources: www.thestar.com

Provincial Government News

Ontario Fast-Tracks Great Bear Gold Project Under 'One Project, One Process'

Ontario designated Kinross Gold's Great Bear Project under its accelerated permitting regime, marking a $5 billion investment and projected workforce growth exceeding 1,000 jobs.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

B.C. Critical Minerals Office Supports Three Advanced Mining Projects

Northisle Copper and Gold, Surge Copper, and Defense Metals will receive support from B.C.'s Critical Minerals Office to expedite environmental assessment coordination.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Alberta Signs MOUs for Caribou Habitat Restoration With Industry Partners

Alberta signed MOUs with Syncrude Canada and TC Energy for caribou habitat restoration, committing nearly $12 million toward treating legacy seismic lines.

Sources: www.alberta.ca

Marten Falls First Nation Submits Environmental Assessment on Ring of Fire Access Roads

Ontario acknowledged Marten Falls First Nation's submission of an EA for a community access road, which is expected to facilitate infrastructure and unlock mineral development opportunities in the Ring of Fire.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Government Consultations

Consultation Opens on REGDOC-2.13.1 for Nuclear Material Safeguards

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission initiated a consultation on REGDOC-2.13.1, outlining safeguard programs for uranium and thorium mines, as well as nuclear manufacturing and fuel-cycle facilities.

Sources: www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• New consortium plans investment in northern Manitoba: Consortium to add jobs and investment at Manitoba mining site.
• Critical Minerals Surge—Five Companies in Focus: Market developments for tungsten, copper, silver, and battery metals.
• $12 Billion for Critical Minerals Stockpiling: Government action drives critical minerals supply chain focus.
• Teck's Progress in Chile: CEO discusses engineering solutions at Chilean site.
• NexGen's Mine Financing Approach: CEO explores data-centre partnership for uranium mine funding.
• Latin Metals Launches Cerro Bayo Drilling: New drilling activity at Argentina gold-silver site.
• EXP Wins Ontario Refinery Contract: $8.3M contract advances critical minerals processing.
• Musselwhite Mine Publication Confusion: Federal communication creates uncertainty for gold mine.
• 'Big challenges' persist for oilsands talks: Industry, Ottawa, and Alberta engage ahead of deadline.
• Critical Minerals Project Coordination in B.C.: B.C. moves three advanced projects into assessment with provincial support.

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