Ontario signs critical minerals agreement with the UK

Ontario & the UK sign critical minerals deal to cut reliance on China and boost supply chains. The agreement could aid Canada Nickel's Timmins Crawford project.

The Ford government has an agreement with the United Kingdom aimed at opening international markets for critical minerals. The deal could create opportunities for projects like Canada Nickel’s Crawford development near Timmins.

In London this week, the Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce, signed a Statement of Intent with the UK.

The province said it hopes to attract investment and strengthen supply chains for critical minerals including nickel, lithium, and cobalt.

Lecce said it’s part of an effort to reduce reliance on China and diversify global mineral supply chains.

“We’ve been working over the last six months to really open up new markets for Ontario’s critical minerals, rare earths, gold and so many other important commodities that allied democracies need,” said Lecce.

The announcement could be significant for major mining projects in Northeastern Ontario, including Canada Nickel’s Crawford project near Timmins.

The company said the deal builds on its historical ties between Canada and the United Kingdom.

“The UK has been a historical home of nickel processing, and there are key strategic nickel users there. The nickel we hope to produce in the Timmins region could go to consumers in the UK,” said Mark Selby, CEO for Canada Nickel.

While the agreement does not include investment commitments, officials said it creates a framework for future business partnerships and economic growth.

“I think I think we’ll start to see, medium term. I mean, there’s going to be a lot of commercial due diligence and partnerships that are going to be done at the business level,” said Lecce.

Canada Nickel says the Crawford project continues to move through the federal approval process, with the company hoping to secure financing by the end of the year and break ground in 2027.