Canada Launches Strategy to Boost Critical Mineral Production

The Canadian government has unveiled its ambitious Critical Minerals Strategy, aiming to establish the country as a leading force in the extraction and processing of vital minerals. This initiative focuses on expanding mining operations in provinces such as British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and the mineral-rich region known as Ontario’s “Ring of Fire.” The strategy is driven by the increasing demand for essential materials like copper, zinc, cobalt, nickel, lithium, and rare earth minerals, which are crucial for renewable energy technologies and other modern applications.

According to Christopher Pollon, author of *Pitfall: The Race to Mine the World’s Most Vulnerable Places*, the extraction of metals and minerals has surged nearly five-fold from 1970 to 2017. This dramatic increase is largely attributed to the growing needs of renewable energy sectors, data centers, artificial intelligence, and military applications. As Canada moves forward with its strategy, other nations, including the United States, are also seeking access to critical mineral resources. The U.S. administration is exploring opportunities in Greenland and Canada, while geopolitical tensions are rising as Russia intensifies its focus on mineral-rich Ukraine and the Arctic, and China expands its mining operations globally.

Despite the pressing need for these resources, the environmental and social implications of mining remain significant. Pollon emphasizes that mining, by its nature, is unsustainable. The industry is associated with numerous challenges, including toxic tailings ponds, excessive water consumption, landscape degradation, air and water pollution, and severe impacts on local communities, particularly Indigenous Peoples. The profits from mining often benefit foreign corporations, leaving local populations to contend with the negative consequences.

Mining is considered essential for transitioning away from fossil fuels and supporting modern conveniences such as smartphones and electric vehicles. Pollon notes that mobile phones can contain up to two-thirds of all the elements on the periodic table, highlighting the complexity of sourcing materials. For instance, to extract enough copper for a single iPhone, 75 pounds of ore must be mined.

Both Pollon and Vince Beiser, author of *Power Metal: The Race for Resources that Will Shape the Future*, advocate for a reevaluation of our approach to mining and natural resources. Pollon poses a critical question: “How do we secure the metals our civilization needs without destroying the environment and violating the rights of the planet’s most vulnerable people?”

Recycling offers a partial solution; Pollon states that recycling electric vehicle batteries can reduce the demand for newly mined lithium, cobalt, and nickel by significant percentages—25%, 35%, and 55% respectively. However, Beiser cautions that while recycling saves energy and reduces raw material use, it is not without its own challenges, including pollution and hazardous working conditions.

The concept of “urban mining” has emerged, which involves extracting valuable metals from discarded products. This industry was valued at approximately $230 billion in 2021. The authors argue that in addition to improving mining practices and increasing recycling, there must be a shift in consumption patterns, particularly in developed nations.

Pollon stresses the importance of reconsidering the reliance on personal automobiles, which he describes as wasteful and inefficient. Beiser echoes this sentiment, stating that reducing the demand for cars will have a more substantial impact on decreasing the need for critical metals than simply replacing gasoline-powered vehicles with electric ones. Expanding public transit options and enhancing urban environments to encourage walking and cycling could alleviate pressure on these resources.

While Canada aims to bolster its mining capabilities as part of a broader strategy for a sustainable future, it is crucial to ensure that this does not lead to the exacerbation of existing environmental and social issues. The conversation surrounding critical minerals must encompass a holistic approach to resource management, where both economic and ethical considerations are prioritized.

Both Pollon and Beiser contribute to the dialogue on how society can balance the necessity for minerals with the responsibility to protect the environment and support vulnerable communities. The insights provided by these authors call for a comprehensive reevaluation of our relationship with natural resources and the way we consume them.