Canada’s minerals moment: Five projects reshaping the nation’s mining landscape

Canada’s mining sector is experiencing a period of unprecedented momentum. Over the past year, mining companies have made substantial commitments to expand operations across the country, driven by the recognition that Canadian minerals are essential to clean energy, modern infrastructure and global food security. A selection of projects now advancing through feasibility, construction, commissioning and regulatory review, many of which have been referred to Canada’s Major Projects Office, represent some of the most significant recent developments in the sector. What distinguishes these undertakings is not merely their scale but their shared emphasis on low-emission operations, Indigenous partnerships and the strategic positioning of Canada as a reliable supplier of the minerals upon which the modern economy depends. 

BHP’s Jansen potash project, currently under construction in Saskatchewan, is expected to begin Stage 1 production by mid-2027. Once operational, it is anticipated to become one of the world’s largest potash mines — a mineral essential to global food security through its use in fertilizer production. Notably, the Jansen project aims to consume 60% less fresh water than the average potash mine in the province, setting a new benchmark for resource efficiency in the sector. Stage 2 of the project, scheduled to start production a few years after Stage 1, is expected to double production.  

Saskatchewan is also home to the McIlvenna Bay Foran copper mine project, which completed wet commissioning of its processing plant in June 2026. Production from this mine will position Canada as a leading global supplier of copper and zinc, minerals critical to clean energy infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. The mine is also poised to be one of the lowest-emission operations of its kind, as it is powered by two hydroelectric dams. This demonstrates that domestic mineral development can simultaneously advance economic competitiveness and environmental responsibility.  

Moving east, in Quebec, Nouveau Monde Graphite’s Matawinie mine reached a significant milestone on May 19, 2026, when Prime Minister Mark Carney announced construction commencement alongside a seven-year offtake agreement with the Government of Canada for 30,000 tonnes of graphite concentrate per year. Graphite is indispensable to energy storage systems essential to electrification initiatives and to various defence applications — both initiatives that the Canadian government has signalled an intention to pursue at pace. Also powered by hydroelectricity, the Matawinie project aims to eventually deploy a zero-emission fleet at the mine site, a further indication of the sector’s commitment to decarbonization. 

Another project advancing through the regulatory process is Canada Nickel’s Crawford project in Ontario. Representing the world’s second-largest nickel reserve, the Crawford project is expected to operate for more than 40 years and to produce carbon emissions approximately 90% lower than the industry average, with potential for an ultimate net-negative carbon footprint. The project is expected to attract approximately $5 billion in investment. Impact assessment began in March 2026, construction is expected to begin by the end of 2026, and the project has been designated to advance under Ontario’s one project one process (1P1P) framework.  

Rounding out these developments, in New Brunswick is Northcliff Resources’ Sisson mine. This project targets tungsten and molybdenum production for use locally and globally. Production of tungsten is needed within Canada. Domestic production ceased in October 2015 when the Cantung mine stopped operations. Tungsten is used in a variety of items in the defence industry, and molybdenum increases the quality of steel and super-alloys. This project, which is in a pre-construction phase, is seeing an interest by the government because of the critical nature of these resources. 

Together, these projects represent thousands of jobs and the conclusion of numerous impact benefit agreements. These partnerships encompass collaboration on culture, environmental stewardship, training, employment, business opportunities, including participation in mineral development — and financial benefits. The emphasis on sustainable development across all five projects is equally noteworthy. Hydroelectric power, low-emission operations, and conservation initiatives demonstrate that critical mineral extraction can align with responsible environmental stewardship, challenging the outdated assumption that resource development and sustainability are mutually exclusive. 

The pace and scope of construction, the need for reliable power supply, the complexity of regulatory coordination and the volume of contracts and agreements associated with these projects also give rise to a need for a considered approach to dispute prevention and resolution. As these developments advance from planning and construction into full operation, proactive strategies for managing commercial and regulatory risk will be essential to maintaining momentum and protecting the significant investments at stake. 

Rachel Howie is the co-leader of Dentons Canada’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution group and the national Alternative Dispute Resolution and Arbitration groups. The author thanks Ella Brown, Dentons summer student, for her contributions to this article.