Friday, March 21, 2025
The Government of Canada is spending $41 million on a critical minerals mine in Saskatchewan to make it the first “carbon-neutral” copper and zinc mine in Canada.
The funding, announced by Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson on behalf of Innovation, Science and Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, will support the development of Foran Mining Corporation’s McIlvenna Bay mine.
The $41 million is delivered through the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), as part of Foran’s $263.7 million project to adopt clean, innovative technologies.
The initiative includes the acquisition of a battery-electric vehicle fleet, the integration of a ventilation-on-demand and heat recovery system, the development of a water recycling system, and the implementation of a pyrite removal system.
Detailed engineering for the McIlvenna Bay Project is approximately 90 per cent complete, with full completion expected by the end of Q1 2025, in line with the Integrated Project Management Team’s schedule. Credit: Foran Mining Corporation
Minister Phillipe-Champagne commented: “Our government is committed to a net-zero future for Canada, and this project is precisely the investment we need to secure Canada’s position as a global leader in clean technologies and responsibly sourced mineral products. This investment will help Foran leverage technological innovation to make critical minerals development more sustainable, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the economic development of rural, remote and Indigenous communities. It is a win for the planet, communities across the country and all Canadians.”
These advancements will position the McIlvenna Bay mine as a model for sustainable mining practices in Canada and beyond.
“Developing our abundant critical minerals resources in Saskatchewan will drive economic opportunity and create jobs. Foran’s McIlvenna Bay mining project alone will support over 400 jobs and reinforce Saskatchewan’s position as a global mining leader by producing more Canadian copper and zinc to supply our own needs and those of our allies,” said Minister Wilkinson. “Canada will continue to be a partner in the development of our critical minerals supply chains, from end to end, in order to drive economic benefits and contribute to a secure future.”
For further information on this project, click here.
Featured image credit: Foran Mining Corporation
