Tag: North America

University of Waterloo is strengthening EU connections for global impact

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The University of Waterloo, Canada’s number one comprehensive research university, is excited to tap into €53bn in new funding opportunities offered by Pillar II of Horizon Europe.

Researchers at the University of Waterloo (Waterloo), Canada’s number one comprehensive research university for the last 16 years, eagerly anticipate the official launch of Canada’s participation in Horizon Europe’s Pillar II programme to further support the university’s globally important and impactful research.

As the latest developed economy to join Horizon Europe under Pillar II, Canada has the opportunity to access €53bn in funding available through the European Commission. Waterloo’s proven track record of research excellence and successful international collaborations ensures that the university is well-positioned to leverage the myriad opportunities offered by this game-changing agreement.

Waterloo’s international reach

Waterloo is committed to advancing learning and knowledge worldwide through teaching, research and scholarship. Through Waterloo International, the university collaborates with other leading institutions around the globe to enhance its expertise further in the areas of research, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Waterloo recognises the world is changing and that humanity must evolve with it. International collaborations are vital to achieving success in the future.

Global futures

To create maximum global impact, Waterloo is focusing on the following five key areas for humanity where it can leverage its academic and research strengths:

Societal futures

Demographic transformations, increased migration, digitisation, and automation, and shifting geopolitical relations are among the forces transforming society.

Waterloo’s dedication to producing ground-breaking research aims to improve communities worldwide.

Health futures

Waterloo is poised to take a unique leadership position by focusing on its strengths at the intersections of health, society, technology, entrepreneurship, and engaging partners to co-create solutions that advance population health and support the development of more sustainable community-based health systems.

Sustainable futures

While the global climate emergency is the greatest threat to our collective future, Waterloo is also addressing challenges in preserving biodiversity, ensuring clean water for all, and producing enough food for a growing planet.

As a leader in sustainability research and education, Waterloo will build on its strength to help guide society towards a sustainable future.

Technological futures

Waterloo has seen that big data can be harnessed to help governments and organisations make informed decisions and address equity and equality concerns. The world demands that innovators develop technology with greater responsibility and accountability.

As Waterloo continues to lead in technology and innovation in critical areas, it can shape technology to serve society rather than letting technology shape it.

Economic futures

Labour shortages, disruptions to supply chains, and geopolitical and digital threats have demonstrated vulnerabilities and risks inherent in several economies. Waterloo has the foundation to shape innovative ecosystems and develop talent to help create more equitable, resilient, and future-proofed economies.

Already a leader in work-integrated learning, Waterloo will support learning-integrated work to help organisations and individuals keep pace with technology and the changing world of work.

Waterloo excels in research, entrepreneurship, innovation, and work-integrated learning

Waterloo’s Global Futures initiative provides a framework to address the world’s most pressing challenges. Access to Horizon Europe’s funding will be instrumental in facilitating the university’s objectives to create a worldwide impact.

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Dr Trevor Charles, professor in the Department of Biology and director of Waterloo Centre for Microbial Research at the University of Waterloo, said: “The full inclusion of Canadian scientists in international activities will have a transformative impact on research and innovation.”

One of Dr Charles’ current research areas intersects with Waterloo’s Health and Sustainable Futures. It addresses the challenges of food waste and plastics pollution by applying bacterial genome engineering and microbiome analysis within a circular bioeconomy concept to develop innovative methods for converting food waste into biodegradable plastics.

Through the startup company MetaCycler BioInnovations, members of Dr Charles’ research group are driving commercialisation by working with dairy companies to produce the bottles they package milk in, using the waste from the process. Opening pathways from research to commercialisation is another key differentiator at the University of Waterloo. The upcycling of waste lactose from the dairy industry to biodegradable plastics suitable for food packaging materials maximises resources and vastly reduces waste.

International collaboration is crucial for addressing complex global challenges and Dr Charles agrees that Horizon Europe’s expansion into North America enhances such collaboration. He said: “Science is international by nature. Our experience with the Horizon2020 project MicrobiomeSupport was enlightening. Rather than taking a human health-first approach to Microbiome, the concept was centered around food. By doing this, it touched on the impact of microbiome in all corners of society, without neglecting human health.”

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The MicrobiomeSupport project, with Canada represented by the Waterloo Centre for Microbial Research, led to the establishment of the MicrobiomeSupport Association, of which Waterloo is a founding member.

The official inauguration of the MicrobiomeSupport Association will be at the first Food System Microbiomes 2024 International Conference, which will take place in Torino, Italy, from 14-17 May 2024. These strides would not have been possible without financial contributions from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. Horizon’s Pillar II programme is especially noteworthy as it provides increased funding across multiple disciplines, including energy, technology and culture.

From left to right: Dr Charmaine Dean, Dr Myra Fernandes, Dr Trevor Charles

Dr Myra Fernandes, professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Waterloo, has also experienced the tremendous advantages of working with researchers in Europe. She is collaborating with Dr Hélène Sauzéon and Maxime Adolphe, PhD student at INRIA (National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology) and the University of Bordeaux. Dr Sauzéon and Adolphe use augmented reality to study ways to improve cognitive behaviour and spatial navigation.

Dr Fernandes said: “France is using augmented reality to enhance basic research. The French company that PhD student Maxime is partnering with is interested in developing augmented reality glasses. One idea we had was to extend our project to look at the effect of different ways of implementing guided navigation.”

Seniors experiencing spatial memory decline could show signs of improvement if they were provided with some guidance through the use of aids.

On a global scale, this sort of discovery aligns with Waterloo’s Technology and Health Futures. It is significant as route memory problems are often the first sign of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia — diseases that are becoming more common as the world’s population continues to skew older.

Dr Fernandes continued: “France is advancing the way that my lab is thinking in terms of using the basic science findings and applying them. Translation of ideas is facilitated when the graduate students themselves here at the University of Waterloo and in France are involved in thinking of novel, cutting-edge solutions.”

In the current climate of global uncertainty, Waterloo is looking to strengthen relationships with our trusted EU partners. Charmaine Dean, Vice-President, Research and International at Waterloo, said: “The University of Waterloo welcomes the opportunity to forge new European partnerships to advance innovative research that will leave a lasting footprint around the world.”

“Waterloo facilitates large numbers of outbound and inbound student exchanges annually. The goal is to remain at the forefront of innovation by cultivating new collaborations with international partners. We welcome the opportunity to deepen our ties with the EU countries.”

Developing relationships and leveraging diverse perspectives through internationalisation is a top priority for the university.

Please note, this article will also appear in the seventeenth edition of our quarterly publication.

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February 28, 2024
The future of mining in the region
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The Québec Mining Association, an association with 88 years of experience in Québec’s mining landscape, explores the future production of Québec rare earths and plans to promote sustainable mining practices.

As the world takes stock of the required materials for reducing carbon production, critical materials become increasingly important. It is expected that by 2040, the world will need four times as many critical materials to sustain clean technologies.

Rare earth elements (REE) are one group of these critical materials, and various countries are stepping up their production of these. The province of Québec is well-known for its quantity of rare earths, meaning they are well positioned to ramp up exploration and production.

The Québec Mining Association (QMA), the association acting as the voice and representative of the mining industry in Québec, attending governmental policy discussions and promoting the interests of their communities and mining companies, tells us more about the future of the region.

Can you provide an overview of the recent projects undertaken by the Québec Mining Association (QMA)? How are these projects aligned with the Québec Mining Association’s long-term objectives?

The QMA is beginning a new strategic cycle with a plan that will run until 2026. The Board of Directors has adopted a new vision to further propel the QMA and the industry. Its new vision is:

‘In 2030, the QMA is recognised by its stakeholders as the catalyser for the mining industry, inspiring its members to follow an ethical approach and enabling them to respect the highest environmental, social and governance standards.’

The new strategic plan has five orientations:
- To reposition the industry’s communication strategy to focus on its tangible ESG achievements (leadership through action, lead by example);
- To improve the social acceptability and environmental and social performance of mining companies;
- To ensure the competitiveness and sustainability of the industry;
- To become a key player in the decarbonisation of the economy (positioning the industry as a real solution to certain climate issues); and
- To maintain its organisational strength of influence and increase its legitimacy.
Communication, the protection of the environment, and social acceptability will be at the heart of the following Action Plan. The QMA will put forward the know-how and innovations of the mining companies to reduce the environmental footprint and inform the population and stakeholders of the good practices of the mining industry in Québec.

In 2023, the QMA participated in many public consultations and concluded that the population generally does not know the mining industry well. The public is unaware of our industry’s legal and regulatory obligations and of how the mining industry works to reduce its environmental footprint. The QMA hopes that its new strategic plan will help improve that knowledge.

© shutterstock/Awana JF

What role does the Québec Mining Association see for rare earths in the global push towards electric vehicles and renewable energy?

Rare earth elements are part of the critical minerals necessary for the transition to a low-carbon economy. It is well known that the global demand for critical minerals, including REE, will rise significantly as the adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies continues to grow.

Currently, no REE mines are in operation in Québec, but many deposits were identified. The QMA keeps an eye on the two projects that are the most advanced and under development in Northern Québec: Kwyjibo (SOQUEM) and Strange Lake (Torngat Metals).

Québec is rich in critical minerals, which enables us to become a leading player in the global energy transition. In October 2020, the Québec Government adopted a plan to valorise the development and production of critical minerals: Plan Québécois pour la valorisation des minéraux critiques et stratégiques’ (PQVMCS) and later a strategy to develop the battery value chain in Québec.

In doing so, Québec has decided to position its mining sector. It is stimulating the demand for Québec’s critical minerals. Many budget measures were put in place to help the development of mines and processing plants in Québec in that sector.

The province has substantial deposits of rare earths, and the mining industry in Québec has been exploring ways to extract and process these elements. Some key points regarding Québec’s role in the context of rare earths and the push towards electric vehicles and renewable energy include resource potential, supply chain security, economic opportunity, environmental considerations/research, and innovation.

Québec Mining Association greatly advocates for sustainability in the mining sector. Can you discuss how you promote sustainable practices?

The QMA and its members are committed to the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) standard. Developed by the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) in 2004, the TSM standard is a globally recognised sustainability programme that supports mining companies in managing key environmental and social risks. Since 2014, the TSM has been a condition of membership for QMA members.

The QMA supports its members in the implementation and monitoring of the protocols. The TSM management team is committed to remaining at the forefront of sustainable management of mining operations.

The initiative applies to all types of mining, including those mining for rare earths and battery metals. It includes nine protocols based on 30 indicators that support transparent and efficient communications with communities of interest and ensure that the main risks associated with mining are managed responsibly. Each year, mining companies must publish performance results for their facilities and state the improvement solutions to be put in place. These protocols are:
- Climate Change;
- Crisis Management and Communications Planning;
- Biodiversity Conservation Management;
- Indigenous and Community Relationships;
- Prevention of Child and Forced Labour;
- Safe, Healthy, and Respectful Workplaces;
- Tailings Management;
- Water Stewardship; and
- Equitable, Diverse, and Inclusive Workplaces.
The TSM is, therefore, a powerful tool to encourage and continuously improve sustainable practices in extracting all types of minerals, including rare earths and battery metals. Most important is that the TSM goes beyond legal and regulatory obligations and that all the results are public.

Are there any new technologies or methods being adopted in Québec to improve mining efficiency for rare earths and battery metals?

Several government aid and funding programmes are available to the mining industry, and even more are available for critical minerals. The sector may thereby improve its exploration techniques, extraction methods and processing technologies in terms of efficiency, environmental footprint reduction and enhanced overall sustainability. Research and development initiatives, supported by industry and government partnerships, can stimulate innovation in mining practices.

The Plan d’Action 2023-2025 pour la mise en œuvre du PQVMCS is one such method. It contains four orientations for the valorisation of rare earth minerals, increasing knowledge and expertise on strategic and critical minerals (SCMs), setting up or optimising integrated value chains in partnership with SCM-producing regions, contributing to the transition to a sustainable economy, and raising awareness, support and promotion.

Each orientation is described in terms of objectives, actions, managers, indicators, and targets. This makes the plan an excellent tool for improving the efficiency of mining for critical minerals, including rare earths and battery minerals.

How are you collaborating with other provinces or countries to advance mining in Québec?

In Canada, all the provincial associations and the two Canadian associations (MAC and PDAC) are part of the Canadian Mineral Industry Federation (CMIF). We meet a few times a year and have the opportunity to exchange ideas on issues affecting our industry, share experiences and discuss the provincial and federal framework.

The QMA, as a TSM partner association, also participates in discussions with other TSM partner associations across the globe. We share experiences and issues to improve TSM and its worldwide expansion.

What are the future plans of the Québec Mining Association?

With its new vision and strategic plan, the QMA is working on new communication tactics to reach the public better. According to a QMA survey of the Québec population, 78% of respondents have a poor understanding of the mining industry.

Based on these findings, the QMA has committed to providing more information and highlighting best practices in the industry, as well as the positive impacts of mining activities on Québec as a whole and on host communities in particular.

With our social and environmental practices as well as our legislative and regulatory framework, Québec can produce minerals and metals with the lowest environmental footprint in the world, and the QMA wants to share that with the public.

The QMA wants to gain the population’s confidence and raise awareness that it is better to mine here in Québec than in other, less responsible jurisdictions.

History shows that mining projects can develop with respect for local populations and the environment. Mining companies wish to remain partners of the communities in which they operate, which is why they favour the reconciliation of land uses and actions are taken daily to adhere to it.

The mining companies active in Québec have committed to the population to do things right and be respectful and responsible. Combined with access to the territory, in compliance with the rules and regulations, Québec is on the right track to remain among the best mining jurisdictions in the world.

Please note, this article will also appear in the seventeenth edition of our quarterly publication.
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February 28, 2024
US energy sector bolstered against cybersecurity threats

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The US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced $45m for 16 projects to protect the nation’s energy sector from cybersecurity threats.

In support of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, DOE’s investment will help develop new cybersecurity tools and technologies to reduce risks to the US’s energy sector.

The selected projects will bolster the resilience of America’s energy systems, including the power grid, electric utilities, pipelines, and renewable energy generation sources like wind and solar.

The announcement underscores President Biden’s commitment to securing the US’s energy and national security, ensuring that power flows safely and reliably to communities across the country.

US Secretary of Energy Jennifer M Granholm said: “DOE is committed to strengthening the nation’s energy sector, including protecting it against current or emerging cyber threats that would threaten Americans’ access to secure, reliable energy.

“With today’s announcement, the Biden-Harris Administration is helping help teams across the country develop innovative next-generation cybersecurity solutions for tackling modern day challenges.”

Importance of preventing cybersecurity threats

Cybersecurity threats can disrupt the reliable flow of energy to homes, businesses, and communities.

The investment will address a wide range of current and emerging cybersecurity threats facing energy systems in the US.

More investment into cybersecurity is vital to achieving clean energy and climate goals, as well as ensuring a reliable supply of energy for Americans across the country.

Innovative cybersecurity solutions

The projects, selected by DOE’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response, will help to develop innovative solutions to address cybersecurity threats across the energy sector.

The 16 projects are located across six states and aim to support the advancement of a secure, resilient, and reliable energy system.

DOE is partnering with industry stakeholders, vendors, national laboratories, and academic institutions to tackle some of the most pressing issues in energy cybersecurity.

Selected projects include:

Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. (EPRI) (Palo Alto, CA)

EPRI will develop an advanced AI and data processing capability to detect and respond to cybersecurity threats in control system endpoints at the grid edge.

General Electric, GE Research (Niskayuna, NY)

GE research will use quantum communication to securely communicate time-sensitive coordination messages. These are important to power grid resilience.

Georgia Tech Research Corporation (Atlanta, GA)

The group will develop a ‘DerGuard’ framework using AI techniques for automated vulnerability assessment in DER devices.

Iowa State University of Science and Technology (Ames, IA)

Iowa State University will develop technical solutions to be incorporated within the initial stages of the future DER-integrated grid infrastructure development lifecycle.

This will enable a more resilient operation of critical control functions.

Funding negotiation process

Selection for award negotiations is not a commitment by DOE to provide funding.

Before funding is issued, DOE and the applicants will undergo a negotiation process.

DOE may cancel negotiations and rescind the selection for any reason during that period.

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February 27, 2024
Leading the quest for lithium in Canada

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Amid soaring global demand, Brunswick Exploration is spearheading exploration for lithium in Canada, aiming to solidify the nation’s pivotal role in the green economy.

As governments worldwide continue to announce lofty targets for decarbonising our society, global markets for metals and minerals deemed critical for the transition to green energy have shifted significantly. Metals once overlooked now find themselves in high demand, with the lightest among them, lithium (Li), taking centre stage.

Over the past two years, the demand for lithium has skyrocketed and is expected to continue growing rapidly. The surge is fuelled by the demand for electric vehicles (EVs), whose lithium-ion batteries require considerable amounts of this critical metal, and here in North America, we have seen significant investments going into both new and existing EV battery plants, positioning lithium as a key part of the modern green economy.

These developments have been met with well-deserved enthusiasm and support – however, a glaring question needs to be answered: Where is all this lithium going to come from?

As demand escalates and current lithium mines progress through their anticipated operational mine life, it becomes increasingly clear that we do not currently have sufficient known lithium resources to meet this demand. The World Economic Forum expects demand to reach over two million tons a year by 2030, and our deposits currently produce only a fraction of the necessary amount. It is therefore crucial for us to find new deposits and to find them as quickly as possible.

Brunswick Exploration (BRW) is based out of Montreal. It is Canada’s largest lithium grassroots exploration company, with one of the most extensive land packages of staked claims spanning the country.

Our approach is to conduct large-scale grassroots exploration aggressively and systematically for hard rock lithium in Canada to find as many deposits as quickly as possible and solidify Canada’s role in supplying the global markets with the resources needed to decarbonise effectively.

What drives us at Brunswick Exploration is not just our expansive exploration ambitions but our notable efficiency and effectiveness in this field. We can prospect vast swaths of land over a relatively short period using state-of-the-art technologies, including portable XRF and LIBS multi-element geochemistry, for rapid target discrimination. These allow us to assess a potential area of interest in minutes and proceed to the next, covering more terrain in a shorter time frame than any other company in Canada.

The year 2023 was transformative for BRW as we commenced multiple drilling programmes across Canada, continuing to conduct aggressive grassroots lithium prospecting in tandem. We completed our grassroots exploration programme and made three significant lithium discoveries. Our 2024 programme will concentrate on drilling these properties to better define their potential.

With hundreds of areas tested, our three major discoveries of the year, Mirage, Elrond, and Anatacau Main, all located in the James Bay region of Quebec, confirmed that our approach is the best one possible for lithium exploration.

The Mirage project

Now a pillar of Brunswick Exploration’s portfolio, Mirage emerged as a site of major potential when, in the summer of 2023, BRW discovered several high-grade spodumene outcrops over a 2.5km trend, as well as an adjacent three kilometres spodumene boulder train that has different mineralogy than the discovered outcrops.

The property comprises 427 claims with a total surface area of 21,230 hectares (staked and optioned claims), located roughly 40km south of the Trans-Taiga Highway in Quebec’s James Bay region.

In 2023, we completed a 5,090m drilling campaign, and it has yielded significant high-grade lithium results, including bonanza grades of up to 2.57% Li2O over 25.8m (MR-1) and substantial thick intercepts, reaching up to 50.6m at 1.06% (MR-3), all above a 100m vertical depth. As a result of these promising findings, BRW launched an extensive winter drilling campaign in January 2024.

The lithium exploration potential at Mirage extends well beyond the currently known targets. Over 12km of untested strike potential remains, including a new spodumene-bearing outcrop discovered three kilometres northeast of the main lithium bearing-pegmatite dyke swarm. To date, only 60% of the targets have been drill-tested, revealing new blind discoveries of dykes in the drilling process.

The total extent of the known lithium trend at Mirage now spans over nine kilometres and remains open in all directions, highlighting its significant potential for further discoveries and developments.

The Elrond project

The Elrond Project comprises 136 claims with a total surface area of 7,048 hectares, located roughly 12km east of the Billy Diamond Highway in Quebec’s James Bay region. The Elrond Project is part of the Mythril Option agreement with Midland Exploration Inc., whereby BRW can earn a maximum of 85% interest.

In October 2023, another major discovery, the Arwen showing, was made at the Elrond project. This new site, characterised by a spodumene-bearing pegmatite outcrop, spans an area of over 250x100m. The outcrop showcases a particularly higher-grade zone, where the concentration of spodumene reaches up to 30% in an area of 75x15m. It is marked by well-formed spodumene crystals reaching up to 30cm in length.

In 2024, we will launch a smaller drill campaign at Elrond to test the Arwen discovery which remains open in all directions, indicating vast potential for further exploration and development.

The Anatacau Main project

In Autumn 2022, BRW signed an option agreement with Osisko Development Corp. (TSX-V: ODEV) to acquire a 90% interest in the Anatacau property, located in the James Bay-Eeyou Istchee region of Quebec. In the summer of 2023, BRW discovered a significant lithium pegmatite outcrop, measuring at least 100x15m, known as the Anais showing. The outcrop is within a larger cluster of pegmatite dykes, all of which contain high-grade lithium mineralisation.

The Anais showing consists of several parallel pegmatite dykes with visible spodumene mineralisation. The largest dyke found to date is exposed over a 15m wide by 100m long outcrop. The mineralisation varies between 5% and 50% spodumene throughout the pegmatite, with quartz, feldspars, and accessory muscovite. Spodumene crystals are light grey and up to 20cm long. BRW believes the pegmatite dykes are structurally controlled and dip steeply towards the north-west with gentle folding and stacking.

To date, BRW has collected over 19 surface grab samples across the Anais showing, all of which returned high-grade values ranging from 1.2 to 3.8% Li2O. Most of the samples graded above 2% Li2O, among which the highest grades (>3% Li2O) are found within the Main dyke, in massive spodumene-rich bands. BRW is planning a maiden drill programme in 2024 to test the Anais pegmatite as well as a property-wide prospecting and geochemical programme.

Next steps for the exploration of lithium in Canada

As we move into 2024, our focus will intensify on advancing the drilling of these three promising discoveries while continuing our aggressive approach to the exploration of hard rock lithium in Canada at an unparalleled rate.

The success of Western economies in their efforts to meet their decarbonisation goals depends critically on our ability to substantially boost the lithium supply, particularly here in North America. Clearly, the current known lithium resources are insufficient to meet the demand for battery-grade lithium, and Brunswick Exploration is committed to changing that.

With our innovative approach to exploration, it’s no wonder that BRW has been named to the TSX Venture 50 for a second time in 2024 as one of the Exchange’s top-performing companies.

For more information about Brunswick Exploration, follow us on Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and Facebook, and visit our website to sign up for our mailing list and receive all our latest news and developments.

Please note, this article will also appear in the seventeenth edition of our quarterly publication.

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February 26, 2024
US invests $24m to create clean energy jobs nationwide
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The US Department of Energy (DOE) has allocated a significant $24m in funding to create clean energy jobs.

This funding, sourced from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is tailored to enhance training opportunities for clean energy jobs that do not require a four-year degree.

The funding injection will primarily expand the existing Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) network. This expansion will encompass various educational institutions, including union training programmes, community colleges, and trade schools.

The IACs play a vital role in advancing the US’ objectives by assisting small and midsized manufacturers (SMMs) in identifying avenues to reduce costs and enhance productivity.

How will the initiative create clean energy jobs?

The enhanced IAC network will pursue two primary objectives to increase clean energy jobs:
- Career training: Providing training to students and incumbent workers for careers in clean energy, energy efficiency, and advanced manufacturing that do not necessitate a traditional four-year degree; and
- Support for SMMs: Assisting small and midsized manufacturers in saving costs, minimising energy waste, and improving overall productivity.
Under the solicitation, the DOE’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC), in collaboration with the Office of Energy Justice and Equity (EJE), will extend funding to diverse workforce training institutions.

These include community and technical colleges, trade schools, union training programmes, industrial apprenticeships, and related internships.

DOE’s Partnership Intermediary, ENERGYWERX, will manage the solicitation process to assist applicants, particularly those with limited experience in accessing DOE funding.

Awarded funds can be utilised for various purposes, including curriculum development, instructor recruitment, student wages, and equipment procurement.

Tracks for application

Applicants can apply under three distinct tracks:
1. Planning and capacity building: One-year awards of up to $200,000 for institutions to devise strategies for establishing future IACs.
2. Execution and scale: Three-year awards ranging from $500,000 to $2,000,000 for existing career training programmes to transition into IACs.
3. Consortia and cohort: Three-year awards between $4,000,000 and $7,000,000 for collaborative initiatives to establish multiple IACs simultaneously.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to forge partnerships with existing and prospective IACs, community organisations, workforce development boards, and industry stakeholders.

Such collaborations are expected to yield superior workforce development outcomes and enhance technical assistance for SMMs.

Jennifer Granholm, The US Secretary of Energy, commented: “When it comes to building up the nation’s workforce, there is no doubt that a clean energy transition means developing new, exciting opportunities.

“More than half of the jobs created by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda won’t require college degrees—great news for anyone considering a career in the vast clean energy sector.”

The DOE’s latest funding initiative underscores a concerted effort to nurture the green energy workforce to meet the nation’s goal of generating 100% clean electricity by 2035.
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February 26, 2024
Funding the future: Horizon Europe in Canada

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With an extra boost via Horizon Europe, the Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Department discusses Horizon Europe in Canada and the future in scientific research.

Canada’s agreement with the European Commission opens up Horizon Europe to Canada, the latest programme funding science and research initiatives to better the planet. The Canadian Government’s Department of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development (ISED) spoke with The Innovation Platform to detail this huge funding opportunity, the significance of global collaboration, and the promise of exceptional research.

How will advancing Horizon Europe in Canada benefit its innovation and economic development goals?

Canada is committed to working with like-minded countries to address global challenges through science- and evidence-based solutions. International research and innovation collaborations contribute to Canada’s ability to confront these challenges and seize opportunities, as well as boost our reputation as a research leader. Increased research collaboration is also a significant economic driver through commercialisation activities and talent attraction.

To create more international opportunities for Canadian researchers, innovators, and businesses to pursue their discoveries, the Government of Canada is supporting increased collaboration through developing Horizon Europe in Canada, the world’s largest research and innovation funding programme involving countries around the globe.

In November 2023, the Government of Canada closed substantive negotiations with the European Commission to join Horizon Europe as an associate country under Pillar II, which is focused on global challenges such as climate, health, culture and inclusive societies, and digital industries. While Canadians could already participate in all Horizon Europe project calls open to international partners, they can now access a broader range of research opportunities and benefits in Pillar II, as research and innovation community members of an associated country.

Since December 2023, the European Commission has been reviewing applications from Canadian researchers and innovators as full-fledged associate members of consortia in Horizon Europe Pillar II project calls to ensure Canadians do not miss funding opportunities. Awards will only be issued once the association treaty has been provisionally applied, which is expected to occur in mid-to-late 2024. This will also make accessing funds quicker and more streamlined.

For more information, please visit the Government of Canada’s website on Horizon Europe.

What specific opportunities does the Horizon Europe extension offer for Canadian researchers, innovators, and businesses?

By collaborating closely with international partners through Horizon Europe, Canada’s talented research and innovation community can develop solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Developing Horizon Europe in Canada provides opportunities for Canadian researchers and innovators to showcase their expertise on the international stage, potentially leading to the implementation and commercialisation of tangible solutions to global challenges. For example, about 35% of Horizon Europe funding targets efforts to combat climate change. As an associate member, Canadian researchers will have increased access to research opportunities and can play an even more significant part in the global response to international challenges.

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The benefits of associating also include leading projects, receiving direct funding, and collaborating with European and other international partners in various research and innovation areas. This allows the Canadian research and innovation community to propose projects, initiate consortia, and have a greater say in shaping the direction, objectives, and outcomes of Horizon Europe projects. Canadian researchers also benefit from Horizon Europe through increased collaboration and networking, as well as new opportunities to expand their work’s reach and citation impact.

Can you highlight any collaborative initiatives or partnerships Canada plans to pursue through Horizon Europe?

With a budget of €95.5bn over seven years (2021 to 2027), Horizon Europe will give talented Canadian researchers and innovators access to new opportunities to collaborate more closely with international partners and to develop solutions to pressing global challenges, from human health and climate change to social inclusion.

While the Government of Canada encourages Canadians to participate in all Horizon Europe calls that are open to international applicants, efforts will focus on supporting Canadians to apply for opportunities in Pillar II since Canada will be an associated country in this category.

Pillar II funding is centred around six ‘clusters’ that offer collaborative initiatives and partnership opportunities. These six clusters include:
1.   Health;
2.   Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society;
3.   Civil Security for Society;
4.   Digital, Industry and Space;
5.   Climate, Energy and Mobility; and
6.   Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment.

The Horizon Europe Association Agreement will significantly enhance Canadian participation in Pillar II. For context, Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe’s predecessor, funded more than 7,500 collaborative projects with participants from 149 countries. Canada’s participation in Horizon 2020 ranked third among non-associated non-EU countries.

To get a sense of the projects being funded, browse the EU funding and tender opportunities portal under the programme category Horizon Europe.

How does Canada intend to ensure equitable participation of diverse Canadian stakeholders in Horizon Europe projects?

Canada sought to associate with Pillar II of Horizon Europe in light of the opportunities it presents to a wide diversity of members of the Canadian research and innovation community. Academics, industrial researchers, small-to-medium-sized enterprises, non-profit and charity sector entities, and other researchers and innovators in Canada can all apply to Horizon Europe. While the European Commission administers the programme, the Canadian government has a role to promote the opportunities to diverse research communities.

Funding is allocated following a peer-review process similar to the one used in domestic Canadian research funding decisions. Funding amounts vary by project. Consortia members receive a lump sum per project, meaning that the recipients decide how funds will be spent among consortia partners: The European Commission provides guidance on eligible costs, which all consortia members are expected to respect and comply with.

© shutterstock/symbiot

In particular, the programme has strategic orientations to guide funding allocation, including supporting a more resilient, inclusive, and democratic society, being prepared for and responsive to threats and disasters, addressing inequalities and providing high-quality health care, and empowering all citizens to act in the green and digital transitions.

In addition, one of the six clusters in Pillar II is Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Societies. This cluster funds projects that will help promote a model of inclusive and sustainable growth. It helps to enhance trust in, and promote innovation of, democratic governance, as well as combat inequalities, unemployment, marginalisation, discrimination, and radicalisation. The activities funded under this cluster will help guarantee human rights, foster cultural diversity, and empower people through social innovation.

What measures are in place to assess the impact of Horizon Europe in Canada on its innovation ecosystem and economic growth?

Through the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, the Government of Canada will work with the European Commission and Canadian applicants to support Canadian participation in Pillar II projects, track success rates, and the impact of Canada’s participation in Horizon Europe.

The Government of Canada and the European Commission are working towards the prompt signature and implementation of Canada’s association in Pillar II of Horizon Europe and will provide more information once the domestic approvals process is complete.

How does Canada plan to navigate potential challenges or barriers to participation in Horizon Europe, and what strategies are in place to maximise the benefits for Canadian stakeholders?

The Government of Canada will support applicants to ensure they are set up for success when applying to this programme. By establishing national contact points in Canada, applicants will have access to guidance, practical information, and assistance on participation of Canada in Horizon Europe. These subject matter experts will have a strong awareness of domestic and international expertise in each of the six clusters of Pillar II. They will be responsible for informing, advising, assisting, training, raising awareness, and strengthening co-operation among stakeholders, among other roles within the network.

The Government of Canada and the European Commission are working towards the prompt signature and implementation of Canada’s association in Pillar II of Horizon Europe and will provide more information once the domestic approvals process is complete.

Please note, this article will also appear in the seventeenth edition of our quarterly publication.

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February 23, 2024
Solving the battery supply chain puzzle

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With the expected five-to-ten-fold increase in demand for electric vehicles in the US by 2030, the US Government is committed to establishing a domestic battery supply chain that will require a complete overhaul of the industry.

The obvious problem with this initiative is a battery supply chain barely exists in the United States today, and the majority of the focus has been on building end-value chain gigafactories, with 35 major projects currently planned or in construction, with minimal intentionality regarding essential raw materials in situ and early-stage processing.

Into the void comes US Strategic Metals (USSM), which fashions itself as a unique one-stop shop green battery metals platform willing to do the hard yards in the ground as well as take on the significant challenges of processing and recycling.

Stacy Hastie, Co-Founder and CEO, recently said: “The last time the world experienced a global energy revolution – from coal to oil – in the early 20th Century, the US was the global leader in this transition. That leadership position helped fuel the American Century and build a more stable, democratic world. Today, the stakes are just as high. America’s abundance of strategic battery metals cannot be leveraged without building a sustainable, closed-loop battery industry – the clock is ticking.”

And the point is well taken: In the race for a sustainable future, the US is currently chasing its rivals. US production of battery raw materials does not approach present domestic demand. In fact, over 90% of battery raw materials are currently sourced and processed from foreign suppliers. This problem is the result of decades of lagging investment, little domestic urgency, and self-inflicted global battery supply chain vulnerabilities. Today, there is a vital need for a secure, closed-loop battery metals sourcing, processing and recycling solutions in the US.

USSM looks to be that green battery platform that creates an end-to-end domestic producer. With a rare combination of strengths, including in-house IP and particularly flexible processing technology; expansive natural resource endowment; fortuitous location and permitting situation on a remediated site with room to grow; and an internationally experienced and highly focused team, USSM relishes the opportunity to solve the critical battery materials puzzle.

Bringing clean, ethical, low-carbon processing to the United States

As most Innovation Platform readers are well aware, cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni) are two of the most important critical minerals required for the production of lithium-ion batteries. As of 2023, approximately 70% of the global cobalt raw material supply came from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and approximately 40% of the global nickel supply from Indonesia. Mining practices in the DRC have become highly scrutinised globally. Indonesia, a new and growing player on the world stage for battery metals, has its own issues. In December, a tragic explosion at a smelter resulted in 18 fatalities. Neither country has a Free Trade Agreement with the United States, and both are in consideration for the list of Foreign Entities of Concern.

This leads us to the question of China, the single largest player in the industry with controlling stakes in battery metal mines around the world and an outsized role in the processing of these metals. The global supply chain for EV batteries virtually runs through China, with estimations showing that 80% of the DRC’s cobalt output is owned/controlled/processed by Chinese firms. And some 90% of all Co and Ni for Li-ion batteries destined for the US market touch China somewhere along the supply chain.

Mining and refining cobalt and nickel overseas has raised environmental, social and governance (ESG) concerns. High-Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) and legacy Pyrometallurgy in unregulated jurisdictions contribute significantly to air and water pollution, destruction of ecosystems, infringement on indigenous rights, greenhouse gas emissions, high carbon energy use and poor working conditions. Most HPAL operations in Indonesia are coal-fed for energy, yielding up to three times more greenhouse gases, according to S&P Global.

An environmentally friendly alternative in a regulated jurisdiction is imperative, and the US Government has taken notice. The current US Administration authored two key pieces of legislation with the intent to drive the growth of domestic production of critical minerals: the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has earmarked federal dollars for critical minerals in the Defense Production Act. Cobalt, nickel and lithium (Li) are among the list of strategic metals considered in the ‘National Interest’, and the money is starting to flow to new projects.

USSM is currently working with the DOD and the U.S. Department of Energy to further applications for funding from the Defense Production Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and hopes to take advantage of key portions of the Inflation Reduction Act, which will all be important to compete fairly with the many state-sponsored actors across the competitive landscape.

USSM’s unique strengths make it a global market leader in reliable, ethically sourced, and environmentally friendly strategic metals for US and global markets. USSM has a team of experienced professionals and substantial domestic resources, and through a culture of innovation, USSM is building the capacity to meet the growing needs of renewable energy industries while ensuring a reliable, domestic battery supply chain.

From humble beginnings

US Strategic Metals acquired the Madison Mine in 2018. It’s an existing private mine that operated from 1844 to 1961. In 2003, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (EPA) designated the area as a Superfund site due to the erosion of waste piles or tailings from past mining and initiated clean-up efforts. As part of the acquisition, USSM partnered with local government and the EPA to execute a five-year clean-up plan from 2018.

In 2020, the geologic and block models were updated to survey mine reserves, including a pre-feasibility study on a well-drilled resource with management estimates of reserves that include historic core and churn hole data. The mine life is currently projected at 17 plus years, and is growing daily.

USSM’s business model for the site initially was to clean up and reclaim metal-rich historical tailings from the old mine and to make a mixed metal concentrate product. In 2019, USSM constructed an onsite concentrator and started successfully processing material for shipment to Canadian smelters. However, the market for electric vehicles and demand for critical battery metals forced the management team to take another look at the trajectory of the business.

Evolution of the business model: From environmental clean-up to processor/recycler

In 2020, USSM decided to create a flexible, integrated processing facility to upgrade the concentrate further.

As USSM’s background was affiliated with environmental clean-up and their governing ethos is ‘being good stewards of the land’, it made sense to pursue environmentally friendly Hydrometallurgical technology. This resulted in the construction of a pilot plant in 2021 where they tested and developed their wholly owned proprietary technology called ‘Metalox®’.

The Metalox technology produces battery-grade products with high margins and low CO2 emissions. A life cycle assessment of the technology indicates Metalox will create a meaningful improvement over the current industry standard for the targeted stages of battery materials processing and refining. In fact, Metalox is expected to produce 61% and 45% lower CO2 emissions for cobalt and nickel, respectively, versus industry benchmarks established.

But perhaps the most important virtue of the Metalox technology is its flexibility. Through three years of test work on many different feed sources, the technology has proven effective and efficient in converting solids to liquids with high recoveries. This flexibility led to the introduction of recycled battery Black Mass into the feed mix and another improvement to the flow sheet.

Black Mass is the new frontier in urban mining, and USSM partnered with recycling experts on a long-term feed contract, which will allow USSM to expand into the recycling business. The capital expenditure plan is completed, and construction is ongoing for a first-of-its-kind combined concentrate and recycling hydrometallurgical plant that will produce nickel and cobalt sulfate, copper cathode, and lithium carbonate.

First mover advantage is a major positive, with plans to begin commissioning through the end of the year and commercial start-up by the middle of 2025. Phase 1 is set to handle 240 tonnes per day and will yield 3,800 tonnes of Co, 21,000 tonnes of Ni and 6,400 tonnes of Cu contained metal as well as 16,000 tonnes of Lithium Carbonate after a full ramp-up in 2026.

Experienced leadership, significant funding to date and vital local support

US Strategic Metals has a particularly qualified and experienced leadership team with a track record of success in the environmental cleanup, critical minerals, battery metals, mining, and processing industry. CEO Stacy Hastie has an extensive background in environmental cleanup operations. The Board consists of industry leaders like Chairman Randy Waterfield, who was the former Chairman of YPO, and Willy Strothotte, the former Chairman and CEO of Glencore and Mike Patterson, Co-founder of HPS Investment Partners. The leadership of the technical team comes from the Mutanda mine in the DRC, which for many years was the largest cobalt mine in the world. Operations and commercial teams are run by proven operators with industry bona fide statuses from US Silica and Glencore, respectively.

On December 18 2023, USSM announced it had reached nearly $500m in funding and commitments. The most recent financings included a $230m commitment from affiliates of Appian Capital Advisory LLP with initial funding of a $120m secured term loan facility and a $70m secured royalty financing arrangement. Past funding commitments included approximately $120m from HPS Investment Partners and $50m from valuable offtake and sourcing partner Glencore International AG, all of which proved the capability to raise capital in a difficult environment.

Importantly, the state of Missouri strongly supports this project.

Mike Parson, Missouri Governor, said: “We congratulate USSM on securing this investment to expand its critical minerals recycling and processing operations in Fredericktown. Not only will this investment create good-paying job opportunities in the region, but it will also strengthen supply chains and allow Missouri and the nation to be less reliant on nations like China. The demand for domestic battery production and critical mineral exploration is on the rise, and this investment proves Missouri is well-positioned to capitalise on that opportunity and emerge as a national leader.”

Securing a more sustainable future

US Strategic Metals is committed to securing ethically sourced materials that are crucial for the national and global economy of the future. At the flagship facility in Madison County, MO, USSM is completing important environmental remediation while unlocking new economic vitality at a long-dormant site and creating stable and long-term jobs in a rural and economically challenged area for the green economy. As a company, USSM is committed to ESG:

Environmental

Committed to implementing technologies and processes that minimise the impact on the environment, such as pollution prevention measures, resource recovery activities, and other environmental best practices, such as diverting end-of-life batteries from landfills to sustainable resource recovery.

Social

Committed to the highest standards for employee health and safety and building a workplace that promotes diversity, inclusion, and respect. A promise to promote and cultivate a diverse work environment and the fair treatment of all employees by empowering a team of diverse and talented professionals from all over the world.

Governance

Committed to integrating strong governance and risk management oversight across all aspects of the business, as well as to ethical business conduct, integrity, and corporate responsibility. Creating an ethical, secondary source of critical battery materials through resource recovery as well as providing reliable and transparent data that guide mitigation strategies on risk and opportunities through the use of lifecycle and sustainable benefits assessments.

Through a combination of compelling factors: Resource endowment, clean, flexible technology, location at the centre of a robust and burgeoning battery supply chain, having permits already in place, a skilled and experienced team, and capital requirements met, USSM is ready to become the green battery platform the US needs to win the race for a sustainable future.

Please note, this article will also appear in the seventeenth edition of our quarterly publication.

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February 23, 2024
The right time, place and way to boost copper supply

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Highland Copper is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the widely expected copper cycle. The company has structured its business to proactively advance its two scalable, US-based copper projects to boost supply.

Quite simply, demand for copper is far outstripping projected supply.

Traditional sources of demand, like construction and transportation, remain strong, while new sources of demand, like electric vehicle batteries, wind, and solar, have emerged, further driving demand.

The right time for copper production

Copper is at the forefront of metals needed for use in green technologies. As the most efficient and affordable electrical conductor, it is the perfect material for electric car infrastructure and charging stations. While conventional vehicles contain some copper, hybrid electric and battery-powered cars require three times more than internal combustion engine vehicles.

Key economies worldwide are adopting clean energy initiatives, continuing to drive demand. Increased environmental legislation worldwide, combined with ambitious targets set by car producers and consumers alike, is seeing demand for copper soar. The ongoing focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and zero emissions should see the demand continue.

At the same time, copper supply is reducing. Existing deposits are being depleted faster than new mines can come onstream. Lower grades are being mined at increasingly expensive costs. Over the last decade, the industry has suffered from a lack of exploration investment.

A fundamental imbalance between supply and demand leads to a squeeze on global copper inventories. Only by developing the next generation of copper mines can the industry meet today’s demand, let alone the demand in the future.

Copper supply in the US: The right place for production

The US, and particularly Michigan, are critical to Highland’s success. The copper supply deficit is even more pronounced in the US. This triggered the US Department of Energy to designate copper as a Critical Material in 2023. Domestic copper supply in the US will reduce reliance on imports, which have become more challenging as geopolitics change.

Michigan specifically focuses on electrification and mobilisation to support the electric vehicle industry in-state. With its strong industrial history, Michigan is focused on retaining and attracting new businesses, particularly ones that will bring jobs to local economies. Highland Copper recently announced that it is in consideration for a $50m grant from the State of Michigan. This highlights the priority that Michigan is placing on electrification.

Regionally, Highland Copper is welcome in the Western Upper Peninsula with formal support letters received from all key municipalities, townships, and counties. The Upper Peninsula has a rich history of mining, and the Copperwood project has the capacity to revitalise the area significantly.

© shutterstock/Alexander Lukatskiy

Michigan also has a stringent, but fair process for permitting mines. Highland copper has already received its permits for the first of its two projects, Copperwood. Along with their joint venture partner, the permitting process is underway for its second project, the past-producing White Pine project.

Producing copper in the right way

Highland Copper is permitted and welcome in Michigan because it has designed its project in an environmentally friendly manner.

Copperwood is designed as an underground mine, meaning it is expected to have a modest surface footprint compared to open pit mines. The process plant will be an enclosed building, further considering light and noise emissions.

Highland Copper has elected not to draw water from Lake Superior. The process water solution was redesigned as part of the 2023 Feasibility Study to accumulate precipitation and spring run-off for the process plant. As a result, Copperwood will not need to draw water from Lake Superior.

Highland is setting up a wetland preservation area of 717 acres, which will be protected in perpetuity. This preserved area outweighs the wetland impacted during construction many times over, and is larger than the total surface footprint of the project.

Water that comes into contact with the mine will be treated by reverse osmosis through a water treatment plant, ensuring it is clean when returned to the freshwater supply. Monitoring by both Highland and the State will continue throughout operations and for a significant period after closure.

The company has placed financial assurance with the State of Michigan to assist with any needed remediation. Critically, all site work completed in 2023 was done with no environmental incidents or safety accidents.

Importantly, the construction of Highland’s projects will support the green energy transition and US resource independence while also generating a significant economic boost for the local Michigan economy. It is estimated that there will be 300 jobs created during construction and 380 while in operation, in addition to the indirect benefits of having a mine in the region.

Highland Copper takes its environmental and local community commitments seriously.

Structured to succeed

Mining is a capital-intensive business and requires investment from multiple sources. Highland Copper’s key shareholders include major mining investment funds and private equities, who have supported the company through the exploration, resource definition, and technical studies phases of both Copperwood and White Pine projects.

The 100% owned and fully permitted Copperwood project is Highland’s priority. Copperwood has completed a 2023 Feasibility Study reflecting an initial 11-year mine life projected to produce 67 million pounds of copper annually. There is considerable opportunity to increase the mine life by converting the significant inferred resource base.

The project can potentially be a near-term producer and aid in the growing US copper supply deficit. Along with the potential state funding, Highland is well capitalised to progress Copperwood and advance to a construction decision. It has started early-site preparation work and is undergoing trade-off studies to improve the economics further.

© shutterstock/Negro Elkha

During 2023, Highland put a joint venture in place for its second asset, the White Pine project. White Pine also has a current 2023 Preliminary Economic Assessment reflecting a 22-year mine life projected to produce 90 million pounds of copper annually.

A large battery metal private equity firm, Kinterra Copper acquired 66% of the project in July 2023. Given the scale and longer-dated nature of the project, Kinterra is well-placed to advance White Pine. With their considerable technical and financial capacity, they have put a strong team in place and are currently drilling White Pine in anticipation of preparing a Feasibility Study. Simultaneously, they are initiating environmental baselining as they prepare to enter the permitting process.

Highland’s potential to be a key supply source of copper in the US

If built in sequence, Copperwood and White Pine can potentially be a key supply source to the US and Michigan. In a perfect scenario, the copper produced in Michigan would feed directly into the electric vehicles produced by GM and Ford.

Resource independence is critical to the US, and there is a strong case to be made that projects like Copperwood and White Pine simply need to be built.

Please note, this article will also appear in the seventeenth edition of our quarterly publication.

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February 22, 2024
Powering the global clean energy revolution
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Québec contains a large amount of various critical minerals including battery metals – the MRNF lays out how its legislation and future plans will capitalise on this.

As the world seeks to transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy in all industries, the need for materials to support this grows and grows. The Canadian Province of Québec sits atop a large amount of various critical minerals, including many battery metals.

The Québec Department of Natural Resources and Forests (MRNF) details its role in the supply chain and the plans for the future.

What are the key battery metals found in Québec, and what role does Québec play in the global supply chain of battery metals?

Québec has everything it needs to produce the cleanest battery in North America. By combining its available natural resources and state-of-the-art know-how, it has the advantages needed to stand out at every stage of the battery supply chain. In particular, Québec benefits from:
•    A mineral-rich subsoil;
•    Clean, renewable electricity;
•    Highly qualified manpower;
•    A favourable geographic location;
•    A vibrant industrial ecosystem;
•    A research network for critical and strategic minerals (CSM); and
•    Environmental assets.

Québec already stands out as a major North American producer of critical and strategic minerals (CSM) essential for battery manufacturing. It operates nickel, graphite, iron, and lithium mines. Some mines produce copper and cobalt as by-products.

Québec owns more than 50% of spodumene (lithium) mining projects in Canada and several graphite and rare earth projects. Phosphate projects could also be used to manufacture LFP batteries in the territory.

In addition, Québec operates the largest number of CSM metallurgical plants in Canada. Among CSMs for batteries, copper is notably processed in Québec. There are also many processing projects for lithium, graphite, and rare earths.

The government’s battery strategy has led to several announcements of projects to manufacture cathodes and battery cells for electric vehicles that can be powered in whole or in part by Québec minerals.

In the current context of redefining global supply chains, Québec is also seeking to position itself as a reliable, ethical, and sustainable mineral supplier in the battery value chains in North America and elsewhere in the world.

Can you detail how the Ministry is fostering innovation in the battery metals sector? How is the Ministry supporting the development of new technologies?

Innovation in the mining sector has been part of the Department’s vision for a long time. Québec was one of the first jurisdictions to develop a plan to address CSM potential. The Québec Plan for the Development of Critical and Strategic Minerals (QPDCSM) was launched on 29 October 2020.¹

It includes the list of CSMs recognised by the province of Québec and all essential minerals for battery manufacturing. This list is updated every three years, and the new version was made public on 23 January 2024.

The QPDCSM’s objectives include stimulating innovation and research. These aspects are percolating in several principles.

Among the QPDCSM’s achievements to date is the establishment of the CSM-specific research network, which was launched in February 2023. Co-ordination of this network was entrusted to the Consortium de recherche et d’innovation en transformation métallique (CRITM)², one of nine industrial research groupings (RSRI) in Québec.

The CRITM aims to stimulate industrial research, support companies in carrying out their research projects, and provide them with financial support, making them a partner of choice.

Since the CRITM does not carry out any research work, it facilitates this inclusive network of companies, researchers, and other stakeholders in the mining sector while remaining independent about the project choices and the researchers who will carry them out.

In parallel, the government announced funding for two concurrent research and development (R&D) support programmes:³
• The research and development support programme for the extraction, processing, and recycling of CSMs. This programme has been entrusted to the CRITM so that it can be deployed in synergy with the research network.
• The research and development support programme for the circular economy applied to the CSM sectors. This programme will be implemented by another RSRI, PRIMA Québec⁴, the advanced materials research and innovation hub in Québec.

Both programmes have received close to CAD$6m in funding since their launch.

The ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts (MRNF) also announced the deployment of the Support Program for Mineral Scale-up or Primary Processing for Critical and Strategic Minerals (CSM) in April 2023. This programme provides financial support for semi-continuous pilotage projects or demonstration plants involving MCS.

The goal of the programme is to increase the chances of project success and reduce the associated technical and financial risks. In addition to encouraging innovation through the creation of new processes or improvements to existing ones, this initiative will accelerate the realisation of mineral processing in Québec and contribute to the development of the sectors necessary for the energy transition, including renewable energy and
battery manufacturing.

The Department also supports, through the QPDCSM, initiatives of Groupe MISA,⁵ the provincial centre of excellence for mining innovation.

What initiatives has the Ministry undertaken to support the exploration and production of battery metals in Québec?

The acquisition of new geoscientific knowledge throughout the territory is a key element of mining development in Québec and of the QPDCSM. With this in mind, the government invests more than $18m annually in the acquisition, processing, and dissemination of geological data. This knowledge is showcased and freely available through the SIGÉOM (Québec Geomining Information System) database,⁶ which contains geoscientific information collected for more than 150 years by the mining industry, by the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts (MRNF) and its partners.

An internet portal with an interactive map⁷ provides free access to the geoscientific database, considered one of the most comprehensive in the world. Areas suitable for exploration and discoveries from the MNRF’s annual work are published on the Internet and detailed through the Bulletins géologiques.⁸

The Department also supports CSM exploration innovation through applied research conducted by the Consortium de recherche en exploration minérale (CONSOREM)⁹ and the Mineral Exploration Support Program for CSMs.¹⁰

The Department is also working closely with various partners to implement the QPDCSM to support the exploration and production of critical minerals. These partners include public corporations and other government departments that support exploration and mining activities and proponents. These partners include:
•    Investissement Québec;
•    Société du Plan Nord;
•    SOQUEM; and
•    Société de développement de la Baie-James (SDBJ).

Investissement Québec is the government’s financial arm. It has various business units and subsidiaries, including Ressources Québec. The latter is the entry point for businesses wishing to invest in the natural resources and energy sectors. It supports businesses throughout their projects for exploration, mining, or processing of natural resources and offers the full range of financial products to support them.

SOQUEM (Société québécoise d’exploration minière) is another subsidiary of Investissement Québec, whose mission is to promote the exploration, discovery and development of Québec’s mineral resources. It has participated in and contributed to the startup of hundreds of projects that led to major discoveries, including lithium and rare earths projects.

The Société du Plan Nord is a government corporation with the mission to contribute to the integrated and coherent development of northern Québec in concert with the representatives of the regions and the Indigenous Nations concerned, as well as the private sector. It plays a major role in supporting the communities, businesses and organisations that carry out projects in the territory, while also working to facilitate access to the northern territory.

The SDBJ aims to promote, from a sustainable development perspective, economic development, improvement, and exploitation of natural resources of the James Bay region other than the hydroelectric resources within Hydro-Québec’s mandate. It may generate, support, and participate in projects in the pursuit of those objectives.

© shutterstock/Awana JF

Furthermore, Québec offers one of the best business climates for mining investment. Québec’s regime includes various measures to support companies in different phases of the mining cycle.

In addition, the mining regime aims to facilitate the local processing and transformation of extracted mineral commodities.

How does Québec’s battery metals industry contribute to the Province’s green energy transition?

The industry contributes to the electrification of transportation by powering the battery system for transportation, but also a whole related ecosystem that includes companies active in the manufacture of electric buses or in battery recycling.

Minerals for batteries, such as copper, nickel, and graphite, are also used in other applications necessary for the energy transition, such as equipment related to the production of renewable energy (solar, wind) or electrical wires.

The industry’s contribution is also made through efforts to carry out mining operations in a responsible manner by minimising negative impacts and maximising benefits both at the environmental and social levels. This is done by integrating the principles of electrification, optimisation, reduction, and circular economy into the development of mining projects and operations.

What are the Ministry’s plans to mitigate the environmental impact of battery metal mining?

The circular economy remains an important element of the QPDCSM. The MRNF aims to maximise the use of mine tailings and has begun work in collaboration with the Unité de recherche et de service en technologie minérale (URSTM) to develop a methodology for characterising the CSM potential of the unrestored tailings management facilities under the responsibility of the State. Other circular economy initiatives will also be implemented in the coming months.

In addition, the QPDCSM seeks to support energy efficiency and renewable energy supply for CSM development and valorisation projects.

It should also be noted that, in Québec, environmental standards for the mining sector are among the strictest in the world.

The Department also encourages companies to meet the highest ESG standards. The Sustainable Development Support Program for Mining Companies provides financial support to exploration companies seeking ECOLOGO certification and to mining companies wishing to comply with the principles of the TSM (Towards Sustainable Mining).

In order to promote the respect of environmental standards and other ESG criteria by Québec producers to customers and consumers, the Department is also supporting traceability initiatives to track several ESG indicators across the battery metal value chain.

Last April, the MRNF began a participatory process aimed at determining the winning conditions, particularly to ensure that environmental issues are taken into account for a harmonious development of mining activities in Québec. It reflects the government’s will to listen to the population and find solutions by seeking their input.

The general public, regional stakeholders, Indigenous nations and several national groups were invited to participate in various ways between 24 April and 31 May through exchange workshops, a web-based platform including online questionnaires and submission, a virtual consultation workshop with Indigenous communities, a day-long consultation workshop with national stakeholders as well as virtual workshops to exchange information with the public and local stakeholders.

More than 2,500 interventions were identified during this process, which will help guide government actions to be implemented to promote the harmonious development of Québec’s mining activities. The resulting action plan is expected to be released in the first half of 2024.

How is the Ministry addressing the challenges faced by the battery metals industry in Québec?

The Department, in collaboration with its partners, has put in place a number of programmes to accelerate the implementation of projects as much as possible while respecting the highest ESG standards.

In order to reduce transformation risks, the implementation of the Support Program for the Scale-up of Mineral or Primary Processing Processes for Critical and Strategic Minerals (CSM) encourages companies to develop their processes according to the rules, which avoids costly errors that may subsequently occur.

The Department, in collaboration with its government partners, has also implemented initiatives to reduce project approval times without compromising environmental requirements.

Capital attraction also remains an issue. The QPDCSM is, therefore, also intended to promote CSM projects to foreign investors. The government mining promotion team, which includes the MRNF, the Société du Plan Nord, Investissement Québec, SOQUEM and the Ministère des Relations internationales et de la Francophonie, is continuing its international promotion activities.

In recent years, it has made presentations on the QPDCSM and Québec’s mineral potential at a number of provincial, national and international events. The government team’s participation in these events also helped promote Québec’s potential to new international, private and institutional investors.

How is the Ministry planning to balance the economic benefits of battery metal mining with the preservation of Québec’s natural landscapes?

Obligations to restore mining sites are included in the law. The Department’s approach to promoting the harmonious development of the mining sector considers the concerns raised by stakeholders, particularly concerning the preservation of Québec’s natural environments and landscapes.

A legal mechanism exists for the designation by municipalities of territories incompatible with mining activities.

© shutterstock/Marjorie Anctil

The MRNF is also involved with other government departments in thinking about the designation of protected areas and conservation areas in the province.

What is the Ministry’s vision for the future of the battery metals industry in Québec?

The vision resulting from the QPDCSM is that Québec be recognised as a reliable, ethical and sustainable partner that actively contributes to global energy and technological transitions and to the creation of wealth in a greener economy through the production, transformation and recycling of quality CSMs.

The Department is also working with partner departments and government corporations to ensure maximum integration and collaboration between the mining sector and the downstream portion of the battery value chain that is developing in Québec

References
1. Plan québécois pour la valorisation des minéraux critiques et stratégiques 2020-2025 (Quebec.ca)
2. CRITM – Votre partenaire indispensable en transformation métallique
3. Programmes – Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts (gouv.qc.ca)
4. PRIMA Québec | R-D et financement | Les matériaux pour advancer
5. Accueil | Groupe MISA (legroupemisa.com)
6. SIGÉOM | Système d’information géominière | Home (gouv.qc.ca)
7. SIGÉOM | Système d’information géominière | Carte interactive (gouv.qc.ca)
8. Bulletins géologiques – en – Géologie Québec (gouv.qc.ca)
9. CONSOREM | Consortium de recherche en exploration minérale
10. Programmes – Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts (gouv.qc.ca)
Please note, this article will also appear in the seventeenth edition of our quarterly publication.
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February 22, 2024
Transforming ocean-climate action in Canada
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Anya Waite explains how the Ocean Frontier Institute, led by Dalhousie University, is driving the science and innovation needed to solve urgent ocean-climate challenges.

The ocean protects us against the worst impacts of climate change. However, emerging science shows that its ability to absorb carbon and regulate temperatures may be changing in ways we don’t understand. This uncertainty critically undermines global climate targets and puts the well-being of our planet, communities, and economies at risk.

Researchers, policymakers and industry leaders today represent the first generation that is fully aware of the risks of climate change and the last generation that can change the trajectory of the climate crisis. The global challenge of our lifetime is surviving that crisis. For success, we must improve climate forecasts to set smarter climate policies and strategies, and invest in the science and technology of safe, responsible and scalable climate solutions and supporting infrastructure.

Established in 2015, the Ocean Frontier Institute (OFI) is a global leader in ocean research. OFI brings researchers, industry and government together to solve complex ocean problems. Our projects emphasise a transnational and interdisciplinary approach to research, producing enduring social, environmental, and economic benefits.

Transforming climate action

In 2023, Dalhousie University launched a groundbreaking new $397m research programme: Transforming Climate Action (TCA). With funding from the Government of Canada and other international partners, the programme will be one of the most intensive investigations ever undertaken into the ocean’s role in climate change. Led by Dalhousie’s Ocean Frontier Institute, the TCA programme is organised into cross-cutting themes that span natural science, applied science and engineering, and social science. The research focuses on three key objectives:
- Reducing uncertainty about natural ocean carbon sequestration in a changing climate
- Making Canada a global leader in ocean-related carbon reduction and removal
- Promoting a just and equitable adaptation for communities in a changing climate
Researchers from Dalhousie and partner institutions Université du Québec à Rimouski, Université Laval and Memorial University of Newfoundland are uniting as part of this globally relevant and transdisciplinary programme. With over 170 experts across four institutions, TCA will unify complementary research strengths and infrastructure to inform climate action.

Building global partnerships

The TCA programme is supported by more than 40 national and international partners, ensuring global impact and fostering opportunities for meaningful collaboration and engagement. This partnership network includes:
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution;
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel;
- Alfred Wegener Institute;
- Kiel Marine Science; and
- 14+ industry partners.
Our partners are providing a range of contributions to the TCA programme, including funding support, shared resources (e.g., data, equipment and ship time) and research collaborations.

Cutting-edge research

Novel data collection techniques will be developed to model the impact of climate change to reveal how the North Atlantic is changing and how it is impacting climate. Specifically, ocean instrumentation, platforms and communication systems will be integrated using novel and near-real-time technologies to fill critical knowledge gaps and transform ocean observations by merging expertise across ecology, physics, engineering, computer science, genetics and the technology sector.

Advanced biogeochemical sensors for carbon-related parameters will be developed, including dissolved inorganic carbon and total alkalinity. This includes in situ eDNA sensors to characterise the biological content of our oceans. To support the data collection, remote communication networks will be established using autonomous vehicles both below and above the sea surface to acquire the data remotely.

The TCA Artificial Intelligence (AI) research will develop AI models to simulate and optimise ocean sensor/platform deployment decisions. This includes supporting the essential observations and modelling inputs required for measurement, reporting, and verification in the North Atlantic oceanographic and environmental settings, and the environmental monitoring approach necessary to assess the ongoing effects of ocean alkalinity enhancement on ecosystem health, biodiversity and elemental cycling.

OFI researchers recognise the opportunity to increase the impact of their research and innovation by partnering with industry leaders to scale their work into market solutions or to commercialise their solutions into new ventures. These efforts are enabled and supported through numerous opportunities to collaborate with industry on research and development projects, professional development in entrepreneurial thinking and receiving commercialisation mentorship through accelerators and venture studios.

North Atlantic Carbon Observatory

The Transforming Climate Action research programme is driving the science needed to inform climate action. The next critical step will be to fund existing and new ocean carbon observations to improve observation of the ocean baseline, supporting climate forecasting and enabling responsible marine-based carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) solutions.

OFI is building support for an ambitious, multinational, sustained ocean infrastructure initiative, the North Atlantic Carbon Observatory (NACO), to address this global challenge.

Once underway, NACO’s observations and data products will play a critical role in the development of more targeted climate strategy and policy and provide the required baseline observations to enable safe, effective and verified mCDR. Additionally, NACO will provide the data necessary to accelerate ocean and climate innovations.

Please note, this article will also appear in the seventeenth edition of our quarterly publication.
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February 21, 2024