Canada deepens critical minerals strategy with German partnership, Quebec graphite investment

Canada is moving to strengthen its position as a global supplier of critical minerals with new international and domestic initiatives.

Prime Minister Mark Carney signed a Joint Declaration of Intent in Berlin with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to deepen co-operation on critical mineral supply chains, research and development and co-funded projects. The deal follows the launch of the Canada-led Critical Minerals Production Alliance earlier this year at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis.

“Canada has immense potential to be a leading and reliable global supplier of critical minerals, and Canada and Germany are natural strategic partners in this mission,” Carney said.

The government also named Isabella Chan, a senior assistant deputy minister at Natural Resources Canada, as Canada’s special envoy for the initiative. Matthias Koehler, Germany’s deputy director general of raw materials policy, was appointed as his country’s envoy.

At the same time, Ottawa announced a $6.2-million investment to extend the life of Graphite Nordique’s Lac-des-Îles mine in Quebec by up to a decade, supporting the production of 20,000 tonnes of graphite annually.

“Our government is committed to investing in our industries, which will build a strong and secure economy. This investment in Northern Graphite’s operations in Lac-des-Îles will strengthen Canada’s domestic critical mineral supply chains, while positioning us as a global leader in the sector,” said Industry Minister Mélanie Joly.

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson called the project “a win-win for Quebec and Canada,” while Northern Graphite CEO Hugues Jacquemin said it shows Ottawa is “serious about turning its critical mineral potential into global leadership.”

The government says the twin moves will create jobs, boost domestic capacity and strengthen Canada’s role in global supply chains needed for electric vehicles, defence, aerospace and clean technologies.