Quebec accelerates mineral processing and recycling to global scale
By focusing on the circular economy, the province is poised to reduce its carbon footprint and reclaim mine waste
In a global economy struggly to fulfull supply chains, the Gouvernement du Quebec is taking a giant step to address the shortcomings. It launched the 2025-2031 Quebec Strategy for the Development of Critical and Strategic Minerals and its action plan, clearly stating its intention to advance critical and strategic mineral mining and recycling in the province.
The announcement was made by Jean-François Simard, Minister of Natural Resources and Forests and Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region, accompanied by Kateri Champagne Jourdain, Minister of Families, Minister responsible for the Côte-Nord region and member for Duplessis, and Yves Montigny, member for René-Lévesque.
The importance of critical minerals
Critical and strategic minerals (CSMs) are at the heart of clean technology, electrification, as well as, more broadly, the energy and digital transition. With this strategy, the government is asserting a clear ambition to make Québec an indispensable hub for critical and strategic minerals in North America and on the international stage.
This direction is directly aligned with the 2025 economic vision which puts value creation, local transformation, and economic diversification at the centre of government priorities.
Building on the strong foundation of the 2020-2025 Plan, recognized as a North American model, the 2025-2031 Strategy signals a shift in scale. It aims to accelerate projects, strengthen mineral processing and recycling in Québec and consolidate the province's reputation as a reliable, responsible and strategic partner for its economic allies.
The government is supporting this ambition with a budget of $88.1M and an action plan structured around four priorities:
- Improve the business environment and accelerate projects;
- Develop the entire CSM value chain;
- Deploy strategic infrastructure and logistics corridors;
- Engage partners.
The objective is clear: to enable Québec to further process its resources in its territory, attract structuring investments and maximize economic benefits in the regions.
The Strategy aims to create high-quality, well-paying, and sustainable jobs, particularly in resource regions. It also focuses on increasing the participation of Indigenous communities, dialogue with host communities, and environmentally responsible development.
By integrating the circular economy, reducing the carbon footprint and reclaiming mine tailings, Québec is demonstrating that it is possible to reconcile economic development, environmental responsibility and social acceptability.
Quebec leadership celebrates the expansion
"I am extremely proud that Quebec is giving itself the means to become a world leader in critical and strategic minerals. This strategy will enable us, in the current geopolitical context, to seize the many development opportunities that are before us. In addition to contributing to our economic sovereignty, the strategy also aims to make Québec an essential player in the development and processing of CSMs, while ensuring strong benefits for Quebec and its regions," shared Jean-François Simard.
"With this strategy, Quebec is taking position as an important economic partner in the global supply chains of critical and strategic minerals. By focusing on transformation, innovation and value creation here in Quebec, we are strengthening our competitiveness, attracting quality investments particularly in strategic sectors such as defence, aerospace, and artificial intelligence. In the current context, it is also an important lever for making a concrete contribution to our economic sovereignty," said Christine Fréchette.
