en.Wedoany.com Reported - Ontario has reached a critical minerals supply chain partnership with the United Kingdom, with both sides jointly signing a statement of intent. Governments are actively securing access to critical mineral resources, which are deemed vital to economic and national security.
The statement of intent was signed by Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce, and the UK’s Minister for Industry, Chris McDonald. Both parties have committed to collaboration in areas such as investment, research and development, and supply chain construction for critical minerals.
Critical minerals include nickel, lithium, cobalt, graphite, copper, and rare earth elements, which are core inputs for batteries, electric vehicles, advanced manufacturing, defense technologies, and energy systems.
Ontario stated that the signing of the agreement comes at a time of growing global demand for critical minerals and heightened geopolitical competition, as governments seek to reduce reliance on major suppliers and strengthen domestic and allied supply chains.
In a world where economic security is national security, trusted allies must work together to secure the minerals that power our economies, strengthen our defense capabilities, and support future jobs, said Stephen Lecce. Ontario has the resources, talent, and world-class mining expertise that global allies need. This agreement solidifies Ontario’s commitment to building secure supply chains that will create jobs, attract investment, and reduce dependence on unstable and hostile foreign regimes. Together with the UK, a new era of transatlantic allied economic cooperation is beginning, bringing prosperity and security.
Under the statement, the two sides will cooperate in three main areas: creating investment opportunities through coordinated public, private, and academic partnerships; advancing research and development innovation in geoscience data and technology; and building diversified, sustainable transatlantic critical mineral supply chains.
Ontario also outlined supporting measures for its critical minerals strategy, including streamlining approval processes, establishing the Critical Minerals Processing Fund, and implementing the "One Project, One Process" framework. The province noted that it is advancing cooperation with Indigenous communities during development.
From phones to cars, critical minerals are everywhere. This new partnership shows the UK’s commitment to building resilient supply chains with allies to meet the growing demand for these minerals, said Chris McDonald. Through its critical minerals strategy, the UK is leveraging domestic mineral resources, attracting new investment, and building dynamic relationships with global partners to enhance economic security.
Ontario stated that, thanks to recent policy adjustments and investment initiatives to expand mineral development and processing capacity, the province now ranks second globally and first in Canada among the most attractive mining investment destinations.
Ontario said the agreement aims to support long-term economic growth and strengthen its position in the global critical minerals supply chain.
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