Canada has the critical minerals Donald Trump wants. So what should we do with them? – National

An ongoing trade war and U.S. President Donald Trump’s interest in critical minerals have brought Canada’s rich mineral deposits into the spotlight, with federal and provincial politicians pledging to expedite natural resource projects.

The focus on Canada’s critical minerals intensified after Trump’s mention of annexing Canada, leading to a surge in interest as the trade war escalated.

“This has sparked a domestic discourse on how we approach natural resources and development projects in Canada,” explained Elizabeth Steyn, a mining and finance law expert at the University of Calgary.

One significant aspect of this conversation is the mineral-rich Ring of Fire in northern Ontario, believed to hold vast reserves of nickel, chromite, zinc, platinum, copper, and other critical minerals.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has committed to approving federal permits for mining in the Ring of Fire region within six months and allocating $1 billion to construct a road network to support this initiative.

As part of his plan to invest in critical minerals, Liberal Leader Mark Carney has expressed his intent to collaborate closely with the Ontario government to accelerate development in the Ring of Fire.

Ontario introduced legislation aimed at expediting mine development by designating some projects as “special economic zones,” with the Ring of Fire being one of them.

Premier Doug Ford highlighted the necessity to fast-track mining projects in response to Trump’s threats.

However, Indigenous groups have raised concerns, emphasizing the importance of consultations and respect for their rights in any Ring of Fire developments.

“We urge the provincial government to engage in genuine, nation-to-nation dialogue respecting First Nations’ jurisdiction, consent, and mutual prosperity,” stated the Chiefs of Ontario in a press release.

Sol Mamakwa, representing the riding of Kiiwetinoong where the Ring of Fire is situated, criticized the province for potentially overlooking First Nations’ rights.

“Our lands are not for sale,” he emphasized. “Proper acknowledgment of existing treaties is essential for shared benefits from the region’s resources, which this government has failed to uphold.”

Mamakwa warned that the province’s rush to exploit the north will be met with opposition.

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“You cannot use a tariff war with the United States to infringe on the rights of First Nations in these lands,” Mamakwa asserted.

The urgency surrounding natural resource development is also linked to Trump’s suggestions of annexing Canada and incorporating it as the 51st state, both before and after his inauguration in January.

Although initially perceived as a joke, Trump’s comments were later acknowledged by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as genuine concerns driven by a desire to access Canadian resources.

Carney echoed Trudeau’s sentiments, emphasizing American interest in Canadian resources.

While Trump’s rhetoric appeared to ease after initial discussions with the newly appointed Canadian Prime Minister, the notion of Canada becoming the 51st state resurfaced.

Steyn, the University of Calgary professor, concurred that Trump’s statements are partly motivated by the U.S.’s need to revamp its energy and digital sectors, enhance national security, and secure critical minerals.

“Economic pressure is being exerted on us to pave the way for a reciprocal mineral agreement,” Steyn remarked, suggesting that Trump’s advisors are likely aware of the Ring of Fire’s mineral deposits.

Trump signed an executive order to investigate U.S. critical minerals imports, potentially leading to new tariffs and pressuring countries like China, which limited rare earth mineral exports in response to American tariffs.

Prior orders signed by Trump aimed to boost domestic critical mineral production, with ongoing negotiations for critical minerals deals with Ukraine and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The U.S. heavily relies on imports of key minerals essential for its economic growth and industries such as renewable energy, electronics, and military technology.

Canada boasts a wealth of mineral resources, particularly in the ground, although the Ring of Fire area is still in the developmental stages with few active mines and lengthy timelines for new projects. Canadian companies also operate mines globally.

The imposition of lower tariffs on energy materials from Canada by Trump indicates an understanding of the significance of Canadian minerals, according to Steyn.