By Abdul Basit Karokhel
Wesal TV(Whitby): Ontario has signed a new agreement with the United Kingdom aimed at strengthening critical mineral supply chains and attracting investment into the province’s mining sector.
The Statement of Intent was signed Monday in London by Ontario Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce and U.K. Industry Minister Chris McDonald.
The agreement commits Ontario and the United Kingdom to work together on critical mineral development, investment, research and supply chain security as countries seek alternatives to Chinese-controlled mineral processing and refining.
The province says the partnership will focus on creating new investment opportunities, advancing research and innovation and developing more resilient and sustainable supply chains for critical minerals.
Critical minerals such as nickel, lithium, cobalt, graphite, copper and rare earth elements are used in batteries, electric vehicles, energy infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and defence technologies.
“In a world where economic security is national security, trusted allies must work together to secure the minerals that power our economies, strengthen defence capabilities and support the jobs of the future,” Lecce said in a statement. “Ontario is home to the resources, talent and world-class mining expertise global allies are looking for.”
Lecce said economic security and national security are increasingly linked and that trusted allies need to work together to secure the minerals required for future industries.
The province says China’s dominance in critical minerals production and processing highlights the need for Ontario to work with trusted allies to build more secure and resilient supply chains.
Closer cooperation with the U.K. will help strengthen transatlantic supply chains while supporting investment and job creation in Ontario’s mining sector, Lecce added.
Under the agreement, both jurisdictions will encourage collaboration between governments, industry, financial institutions and academic organizations. They will also share research, geoscience data and innovation expertise to support technological development throughout the critical minerals value chain.
The Ford government continues to fast track mining development in Northern Ontario, including the Ring of Fire, while facing opposition from some First Nations, environmental groups and community advocates over environmental impacts, treaty rights and consultation concerns.
The province has introduced initiatives such as the Critical Minerals Processing Fund and the “One Project, One Process” framework, which is designed to speed up approvals for mining projects and attract investment.
Ontario says it is home to significant deposits of critical minerals and remains one of the world’s most attractive destinations for mining investment.
The province’s mining and mineral products sector contributed approximately $23.8 billion to Ontario’s economy in 2023 and supports about 74,000 jobs, according to government figures.
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