The Green Industrial Revolution: Critical Mineral Mining Will Spur Canadian Economic Growth and Reach Our Climate Goals

The Canadian government has announced the approval of Galaxy Lithium Canada’s James Bay Lithium Project in Quebec, a milestone in the development of domestic North American lithium production. The James Bay project is expected to produce approximately 5,480 tons of ore per day and employ 160 people on average once it’s in operation.

The approval is a significant win for the critical mineral mining industry in Canada and North America, and while clearly affirming the commitment of Canada to its climate change goals, it more importantly signals the critical nature of the energy transition in the fiscal and economic policies of Western governments.

In the current recessionary climate, driven by high inflation and rising interest rates, few industries are seeing increased investment from both private and public sectors, let alone accretive development and growth. The energy transition supply chain presents one of the only sectors of growth as the global economy continues to experience increased volatility and contraction. It has the potential to foster an industrial resurgence in the West, rebuilding the North American high-tech manufacturing apparatus, alongside ensuring we can meet our climate change goals.

It is common for many to look at climate change and the energy transition as an impediment to economic growth. However, this perspective fails to realize the opportunity that exists for Canada to diversify its production of natural resources and become a leader in the production of battery metals, ultimately driving economic growth and development. The World Bank predicts that demand for critical minerals will soar 500% by 2050, particularly with the rising popularity of electric vehicles, meaning we must begin moving towards fulfilling these demands now.

With its vast and diverse natural resources, Canada is well-positioned to play a key role in meeting this global demand for critical minerals. The country is home to significant reserves of lithium, cobalt, and nickel, as well as several other critical minerals, including rare earth elements. The James Bay Project marks the first of many hard rock lithium mining projects to be developed, and the Canadian government has made it clear that it intends to be aggressive in its support of future projects. Late last year, the government announced in its critical minerals strategy that it planned to take steps to speed up the approval of new mines in Canada and eliminate the duplication often involved with getting provincial and federal approvals.

Canada has the potential to play a key role in the green industrial revolution through the mining of critical minerals. By investing in the development of a sustainable mining industry, supporting the growth of clean energy technologies, and investing in the supply chain, Canada can drive economic growth, create jobs, and contribute to the global effort to combat climate change. Ultimately, the energy transition will enable Canada to not only achieve its economic and climate goals, but also to establish itself as a mining powerhouse and leader in the green industrial revolution.