The Canadian government has highlighted strategic investments totalling more than $100 million in five projects based in British Columbia that aim to enhance the infrastructure and clean power supporting critical mineral development in the province.
On behalf of Tim Hodgson, Canada’s energy and natural resources minister, Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai visited Nano One Materials’ Innovation Hub facility to discuss the financial support via the First and Last Mile Fund, the Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships Program, and the Energy Innovation Program.
“By investing in clean power, transmission upgrades, Indigenous leadership and early-stage development, we are unlocking British Columbia’s full potential and creating the conditions for long-term economic security,” Hodgson said in a news release.
“This is about creating good jobs and opportunity for British Columbians while securing Canada’s place as a leader in the global clean-energy economy,” Sarai added.
Funding recipients
According to the news release from Natural Resources Canada, the investments included:
- approved funding of up to $50 million to the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority to update BC Hydro’s regional transmission system, which supports Teck Resources’ Highland Valley Copper Mine Life Extension Project, close to Kamloops, BC
- conditionally approved funding of up to $44.2 million to BC Hydro to expand electricity transmission capacity for mining developments in northwest BC, including Newmont’s Red Chris copper mine expansion project and Seabridge’s Kerr-Sulphurets-Mitchell (KSM) gold mining project
- an investment of up to $3 million for Nano One Materials to research, develop, and optimize lithium iron phosphate production for electric vehicles, defence, aerospace, and electronics
- conditionally approved funding of up to $1.87 million to Defense Metals Corp. to help develop a new 60-kilometre transmission line to the Wicheeda Rare Earth Elements Project mine site, plus changes in the service road linking the mine and the highway
- a $900,000 investment for the Salish Sea Indigenous Guardians Association to create a critical minerals department within the Osoyoos Indian Band in support of mineral proficiency, Indigenous-led assessment, and economic participation
- a $736,778 investment for Boney Creek Development Ltd. to comply with pre-construction requirements for the Anyox Hydroelectric facility, which will generate clean, renewable energy to advance critical mineral development in northwest BC
“This funding supports our ongoing work to expand our grid and deliver clean power to the critical minerals sector while keeping costs affordable for our customers,” said Charlotte Mitha, BC Hydro’s president and chief executive officer, in the news release.
“Securing access to clean, low-carbon hydroelectric power and optimizing transportation networks are key components in positioning Wicheeda as a strategically important domestic source of rare earth elements essential for clean energy technologies and modern transportation systems,” said Mark Tory, president and CEO of Defense Metals Corp.
“On the anniversary of the Nisga’a Treaty, Boney Creek is pleased to advance sustainable electricity generation with our partner Anyox Hydroelectric, supporting responsible natural resource development of national importance,” added Tristan Walker, president of Massif Energy (Boney Creek Development Ltd).