The Ontario government will sign an agreement with the United Kingdom on Monday focused on critical minerals, a move intended to counter Chinese dominance in the sector, the National Post has learned.
Details of the Agreement
Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s minister of energy and mines, is in London to sign the statement of intent with Chris McDonald, the UK’s minister of industry. The agreement will see both governments collaborate to build secure, resilient, and integrated supply chains for critical minerals such as lithium and cobalt, which are essential for modern technology manufacturing.
The draft statement, obtained by the Post, emphasizes that China currently produces about 60 percent of raw ore and controls up to 90 percent of refining capacity for rare earths, lithium, and cobalt. It states that countries must work together to reduce dependence on unstable foreign sources and create resilient supply chains to counter this geopolitical dominance.
Broader Strategy
This deal is part of a broader push by Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservative government to forge ties with US states and foreign governments amid uncertainty over the North American free-trade agreement, which US President Donald Trump has threatened not to renew. Last week, Prime Minister Mark Carney encouraged premiers to seek business opportunities independently while federal negotiators engage with the White House.
Ford recently signed a similar cooperation pledge with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, focusing on increased trade in industries like automobiles and aviation. Neither agreement includes specific financial commitments.
Ontario’s Critical Minerals Potential
Ontario holds significant deposits of nickel, lithium, cobalt, graphite, copper, and rare earth elements, which are vital for batteries, electric vehicles, advanced manufacturing, defense technologies, and modern energy systems. The Ring of Fire, a massive critical minerals deposit in the province’s far north, has been a key resource since its discovery two decades ago. Ford announced at a March mining conference that construction on access roads should begin this summer, marking significant progress.
Both the provincial and federal governments have enacted laws to fast-track projects deemed crucial amid Trump’s trade wars, though Ontario has not yet used these powers for the Ring of Fire.
Quotes from Officials
Chris McDonald stated: “We need critical minerals for the phones we use to the cars we drive, and this new partnership with Ontario shows our commitment to building resilient supply chains with allies as demand for these vital minerals continues to rise.”
Stephen Lecce added: “In a world where economic security is national security, trusted allies must work together to secure the minerals that power our economies, strengthen defence capabilities, and support the jobs of the future.”
