Ontario, U.K. sign agreement to boost critical minerals cooperation

Ontario and the United Kingdom have signed a statement of intent aimed at strengthening cooperation on critical mineral supply chains, as governments move to secure access to resources seen as essential to economic and national security.

The agreement, signed by Ontario Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce and U.K. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Industry Chris McDonald, commits the two jurisdictions to working together on investment, research and supply chain development in the critical minerals sector.

Critical minerals such as nickel, lithium, cobalt, graphite, copper and rare earth elements are key inputs for batteries, electric vehicles, advanced manufacturing, defence technologies and energy systems.

The province said the agreement comes as global demand for critical minerals rises and geopolitical competition intensifies, with governments seeking to reduce reliance on dominant suppliers and strengthen domestic and allied supply chains.

“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,” said Lecce. “Ontario is home to the resources, talent and world-class mining expertise global allies are looking for. This agreement solidifies Ontario’s commitment to building secure supply chains that create jobs, attract investment and reduce reliance on unstable and adversarial foreign regimes. Together with the United Kingdom, we are laying the foundation for a new era of allied economic cooperation that will deliver prosperity and security on both sides of the Atlantic.”

Under the statement of intent, Ontario and the U.K. will collaborate in three main areas: creating investment opportunities through coordinated engagement with public, private and academic partners; advancing research and innovation in geoscience data and technology; and developing diversified and sustainable transatlantic supply chains for critical minerals.

Ontario also highlighted ongoing initiatives to support its critical minerals strategy, including efforts to streamline approvals, the Critical Minerals Processing Fund and the “One Project, One Process” framework. The province said it is also advancing partnerships with Indigenous communities as part of its development approach.

“We need critical minerals for the phones we use to the cars we drive, and this new partnership with Ontario shows our commitment to building resilient supply chains with allies as demand for these vital minerals continues to rise,” said McDonald. “Through our Critical Minerals Strategy, we’re leveraging Britain’s mineral wealth, attracting new investment and forming dynamic relationships with partners across the world to boost our economic security.”

Ontario said it is currently ranked the second-most attractive mining investment jurisdiction globally and the top-ranked in Canada, citing recent policy changes and investment initiatives aimed at expanding mineral development and processing capacity.

The province said the agreement is intended to support long-term economic growth and strengthen its position in global critical mineral supply chains.