Alongside mining companies at the recent Canada Investment Summit, the Manitoba government announced plans to ship more minerals out of Churchill by tripling its critical mineral production.
“Manitoba has the critical minerals the world needs and it’s time to pick up the pace,” said Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses. “After establishing a single window service to get new projects moving fast, we’ve heard from industry what the challenges are and we’re eliminating them to make mining move faster in Manitoba. As we build up the Port of Churchill, we’re going to ship more minerals every year out of our Arctic port, creating secure and reliable trading partnerships and good jobs that grow Manitoba’s economy.”
Over the last six years, Manitoba’s critical Mineral production averaged 78,742 tonnes. In the next five years, Manitoba’s mining sector is set for significant expansion, the premier noted. In consultation with industry, the Manitoba government is implementing a plan to develop a fast-track pathway through environmental licensing for advanced projects, support streamlined early mineral exploration, develop a risk-based licensing framework and hire more staff to process approvals. The Manitoba government will also make changes to accelerate hydro connectivity for mining projects by establishing clear delivery standards and supporting priority designation for mining projects, working with proponents to find interim power solutions and integrating mining demands into the next Integrated Resource Plan.
“Mining takes years of planning, and Premier Kinew’s focus on streamlining approvals, expanding hydro power and supporting northern infrastructure sends a clear signal that Manitoba wants to move projects forward. Clearing these practical hurdles is good for the industry and builds real momentum as we keep investing in northern Manitoba,” said John O’Shaughnessy, vice-president and head of the Manitoba business unit, Hudbay Minerals Inc. “For years, Hudbay has relied on the Port of Churchill to ship zinc concentrate. This sustained usage highlights the port’s strategic potential amid expanding mining activity in the region and rising international demand for Canadian resources.”
“Investments in mining and the Port of Churchill go hand in hand,” said Daymon Guillas, president, Potash Agri Development Corporation of Manitoba (PADCOM). “With 20 tonnes of potash already en route from the Port of Churchill to Europe, we look forward to increasing shipments out of the Port of Churchill as we work with the Manitoba government to boost production.”
In addition to Hudbay, Silex and PADCOM, the premier and ministers were joined at the announcement by mining companies with projects in Manitoba:
- Canadian Premium Sands,
- 1911 Gold,
- Exiro Nickel,
- Minago Development, and
- McEwen Inc.
“We know global markets need the high-purity silica Manitoba has to offer,” said Brian Gibbs, CEO, Silex. “With strong environmental standards and a pathway through the Port of Churchill, we are excited to work with the Manitoba government on getting our product to market faster.”
Throughout the summit, the premier is holding bilateral meetings with multiple global investment firms, pitching the Port of Churchill, as well as mining, infrastructure and agriculture projects totalling more than $85 billion.
“The Port of Churchill is this year shipping the most diverse mix of commodities in our history, including Manitoba potash, 100,000 tonnes of grain, multiple Arctic supply shipments to Nunavut and our third year of exporting Hudbay’s zinc concentrate from Snow Lake to Europe,” said Chris Avery, president and CEO, Arctic Gateway Group. “We’re proud to stand with the Manitoba government as we work to grow Manitoba’s mining sector and exports from Churchill including more critical mineral exports, efforts underway to ship energy products, more agricultural goods and northern supply. We’re together showing the world that Canada has a new northern trade option.”
The Manitoba delegation attending the Canada Investment Summit includes Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson, Anisininew Okimawin Grand Chief Alex McDougall, Southern Chiefs’ Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels; representatives from Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak; Manitoba Métis Federation President David Chartrand; Premier’s Business and Jobs Committee representatives Gustavo Zentner, Ash Modha and Stacy Kennedy; and business community representatives Bram Strain, president and CEO of the Business Council of Manitoba, Chuck Davidson, president and CEO of Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism, and Elisabeth Saftiuk, acting president and CEO of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce.
