Ontario Secures Critical Mineral Agreement with United Kingdom to Strengthen Allied Supply Chains

Press Release

June 15, 2026

New agreement strengthens transatlantic cooperation and unlocks new investment opportunities

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – Today Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce and the United Kingdom’s (UK) Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and Minister of Industry, Chris McDonald signed a Statement of Intent (SOI) that will see both jurisdictions working together to build secure, resilient and integrated critical mineral supply chains.

With the global race for critical minerals reshaping economies and redefining geopolitical partnerships, from defence systems to advanced manufacturing to energy infrastructure, access to critical minerals has become essential to economic and national security. With China’s monopoly over global critical minerals producing about 60 per cent of raw ore and controlling up to 90 per cent of refining capacity for rare earths, lithium and cobalt, it is critical for Ontario to work with trusted partners to reduce dependence on unreliable foreign sources and build resilient supply chains. Through this agreement, Ontario and the United Kingdom are strengthening cooperation to secure the resources that will power the industries, jobs and economic growth of the future.

“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,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “Ontario is home to the resources, talent, and world-class mining expertise global allies are looking for. This agreement solidifies Ontario’s commitment to building secure supply chains that create jobs, attract investment, and reduce reliance on unstable and adversarial foreign regimes. Together with the United Kingdom, we are laying the foundation for a new era of allied economic cooperation that will deliver prosperity and security on both sides of the Atlantic.”

Through this new agreement, Ontario and the United Kingdom will work collaboratively to:

Create Investment Opportunities: Coordinating engagement between the public, private financial and academic spheres to support new strategic investments in Ontario’s critical minerals sector.
Advance Research and Innovation: Enhance collaboration on research, development, geoscience data and innovation to support technological progress across the critical minerals value chain.
Develop Resilient Supply Chains: Work together to develop diversified, responsible and sustainable transatlantic supply chains for critical minerals.

Building on actions to streamline approvals, Ontario will continue to improve investment certainty through initiatives such as the Critical Minerals Processing Fund (CMPF) and launching the ‘One Project, One Process’ (1P1P) framework. Ontario is also advancing economic reconciliation and shared prosperity with Indigenous communities by supporting strong partnerships.

Ontario is now ranked the second-most attractive mining investment jurisdiction in the world and the top-ranked jurisdiction in Canada. These reforms are helping position Ontario as a global leader in the responsible production and processing of critical minerals.

“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,” said Chris McDonald, Minister of Industry. “Through our Critical Minerals Strategy, we’re leveraging Britain’s mineral wealth, attracting new investment and forming dynamic relationships with partners across the world to boost our economic security.”

Ontario is home to significant deposits of nickel, lithium, cobalt, graphite, copper and rare earth elements, which are essential inputs for batteries, electric vehicles, advanced manufacturing, defence technologies and modern energy systems. This international collaboration demonstrates tangible progress on Ontario’s Critical Minerals Strategy and the government’s plan to unleash the province’s economic potential. Ontario has streamlined permitting times, invested in mineral processing and fostered innovation in such a way that has made the province an attractive partner within the critical mineral industry.

Quick Facts

Ontario has taken significant steps to become a more competitive jurisdiction, including investing in the Critical Minerals Processing Fund (CMPF) and launching the ‘One Project, One Process’ (1P1P) framework to improve the permitting process for designated advanced exploration and mine development projects in the province.
Ontario’s mining and mineral products sector is a significant economic driver, contributing approximately $23.8 billion to Ontario’s GDP in 2023. Currently, mining, mineral processing and mining supply and services supports around 74,000 jobs in Ontario.

Quotes

“As the global demand for critical minerals continues to rise, it has never been more important to secure a reliable critical minerals supply chain that drives industrial growth and strengthens long-term economic competitiveness. This agreement will build on the longstanding trading relationship between Ontario and the United Kingdom, while reinforcing our shared commitment to economic security and supply chain resilience.”
– Vic Fedeli
Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

“The relationship between the United Kingdom and Canada is like no other, rooted in deep historic ties and a shared vision for the future. This agreement strengthens the UK’s partnership with Ontario on critical minerals — vital to resilient supply chains, economic security, and the industries of tomorrow. With Ontario’s natural strengths and the UK’s global expertise, we are well placed to work together to reduce vulnerabilities and build more secure, sustainable supply networks. We look forward to turning this collaboration into growth for both of our economies.”

– Ms. Fouzia Younis
MBE, British Consul General Toronto

“The Ontario Mining Association welcomes this agreement between Ontario and the United Kingdom to strengthen strategic mineral supply chains. By advancing investment, innovation, and international collaboration, this partnership will reinforce Ontario’s position as a global leader in responsibly produced minerals, while deepening ties with a trusted and reliable ally that shares our commitment to secure and resilient supply chains.”

– Priya Tandon
President, Ontario Mining Association

“Glencore applauds Minister Lecce and U.K. counterparts for advancing cooperation on critical minerals. By aligning priorities, this agreement will help secure resilient supply chains, create skilled local jobs, and accelerate the shift to low carbon technologies while maintaining strong environmental and social safeguards. We remain focused on the future of mining in Ontario, including investments such as the Onaping Depth Project at Craig Mine in Sudbury, contributing to a strong and sustainable mining sector in Ontario for years to come.”

– Sheila Risbud
Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs Canada, Glencore

“As a UK-listed company with significant interests in Ontario, FCM welcomes the signing of this Statement of Intent by Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, the Hon. Stephen Lecce. While FCM is primarily a gold explorer, we recognise the importance of critical minerals to future technology. FCM holds three designated exploration properties in Ontario dedicated solely to critical minerals exploration. We wish both governments every success in this collaboration.”

– Marc J Sale
CEO & Executive Director, First Class Metals Plc.

“Fulcrum Metals welcomes the Statement of Intent between Ontario and the United Kingdom as an important step toward strengthening critical mineral supply chains. Collaboration between trusted jurisdictions will be essential to accelerating the innovation and investment needed to build a more secure and sustainable critical minerals sector. As a UK-listed company advancing cyanide-free metal recovery technology toward pilot plant deployment in Ontario, Fulcrum is encouraged by the opportunities this partnership creates to advance innovative solutions that strengthen resource security and support environmental remediation.”

– Ryan Mee
CEO, Fulcrum Metals Plc.

“Working in partnership is a critical part of delivering the essential metals and minerals the world needs to meet diverse demand streams, from the energy transition and AI to infrastructure development and food security. With strong mining heritages, capital markets and talent to draw on, the partnership between the UK and the province of Ontario presents a welcome opportunity to work together to grow supply to meet that ever-burgeoning demand.”

– Richard Price
Chief Legal & Corporate Affairs Officer, Anglo American

“Stronger ties between the UK and Ontario on critical minerals are good news for investors, industry and supply chain security. Ontario has the geology, infrastructure and mining expertise to play a pivotal role in meeting growing global demand.”

– Darren Hazelwood
Chief Executive Officer, Panther Metals Plc.

“Building reliable, sustainable critical minerals supply chains requires trusted partnerships across jurisdictions. This statement of intent between Ontario and the UK is a meaningful step in that direction, and Vale Base Metals, whose roots in Ontario and the UK date back more than a century, is fully supportive of efforts to strengthen ties with trusted partners.”

– Shaun Usmar
CEO, Vale Base Metals

Additional Resources

Media Contacts

Noah Mawji
Minister Lecce’s Office
Noah.Mawji@ontario.ca

Robert Quartarone
Communications Branch
Robert.Quartarone@ontario.ca

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