Critical and strategic minerals - A promising strategy to propel Québec among world leaders

SEPT-ÎLES, QC, Jan. 23, 2026 /CNW/ - In a global context marked by the instability of supply chains and the race for strategic resources, the Gouvernement du Québec is taking a giant step today. It launched the 2025-2031 Québec Strategy for the Development of Critical and Strategic Minerals and its action plan, clearly stating its intention to make Québec a world leader in the energy and technological transition.

Through this strategy, Québec is choosing to take control of its economic future, develop its resources here and create sustainable wealth for all Quebeckers.

The announcement was made by Jean-François Simard, Minister of Natural Resources and Forests and Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region, accompanied by Kateri Champagne Jourdain, Minister of Families, Minister responsible for the Côte-Nord region and member for Duplessis, and Yves Montigny, member for René-Lévesque.

Critical and strategic minerals (CSMs) are at the heart of clean technology, electrification, as well as, more broadly, the energy and digital transition. With this strategy, the government is asserting a clear ambition to make Québec an indispensable hub for critical and strategic minerals in North America and on the international stage.

This direction is directly aligned with the 2025 economic vision, Le pouvoir québécois, which puts value creation, local transformation and economic diversification at the centre of government priorities.

Building on the strong foundation of the 2020-2025 Plan, recognized as a North American model, the 2025-2031 Strategy signals a shift in scale. It aims to accelerate projects, strengthen mineral processing and recycling in Québec and consolidate the province's reputation as a reliable, responsible and strategic partner for its economic allies.

The government is supporting this ambition with a budget of $88.1M and an action plan structured around four priorities:

• Improve the business environment and accelerate projects;
• Develop the entire CSM value chain;
• Deploy strategic infrastructure and logistics corridors;
• Engage partners.

The objective is clear: to enable Québec to further process its resources in its territory, attract structuring investments and maximize economic benefits in the regions.

The Strategy aims to create high-quality, well-paying and sustainable jobs, particularly in resource regions. It also focuses on increasing the participation of Indigenous communities, dialogue with host communities and environmentally responsible development.

By integrating the circular economy, reducing the carbon footprint and reclaiming mine tailings, Québec is demonstrating that it is possible to reconcile economic development, environmental responsibility and social acceptability.

Quotes:

"I am extremely proud that Québec is giving itself the means to become a world leader in critical and strategic minerals. This strategy will enable us, in the current geopolitical context, to seize the many development opportunities that are before us. In addition to contributing to our economic sovereignty, the strategy also aims to make Québec an essential player in the development and processing of CSMs, while ensuring strong benefits for Québec and its regions."

Jean-François Simard, Minister of Natural Resources and Forests and Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region

"With this strategy, Québec is taking position as an important economic partner in the global supply chains of critical and strategic minerals. By focusing on transformation, innovation and value creation here in Québec, we are strengthening our competitiveness, attracting quality investments particularly in strategic sectors such as defence, aerospace and artificial intelligence. In the current context, it is also an important lever for making a concrete contribution to our economic sovereignty."

Christine Fréchette, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy 

"The Côte-Nord region is at the heart of the development of critical and strategic minerals in Québec. This strategy will maximize economic and social benefits in our regions, create quality jobs and support the development of essential infrastructure, while fostering respectful dialogue with host communities."

Kateri Champagne Jourdain, Minister of Families, Minister responsible for the Côte-Nord region and Member for Duplessis

"The Nord-du-Québec region plays a strategic role in the development of critical and strategic minerals. This strategy is part of a vision for responsible development in the territory, based on strong partnerships, respect for the environment and tangible benefits for local people."

Denis Lamothe, Member for Ungava and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources and Forests

Highlights:

Québec's mining sector represents:

• 23 metal and non-metallic substances extracted;
• more than 20 active mines, including 8 producing CSMs;
• over 50 mining projects that have reached the development stage, with more than half of them involving a CSM;
• more than 1,100 mining exploration projects, including over 600 related to CSMs;
• private mining investment expenditures of $6.2 billion in 2024 and a value of $12.8 billion in mining product sales for 2023 (including $1.9 billion from CSMs, excluding high-purity iron and aluminum).

Related links:

• To learn more, refer to the 2025-2031 Québec Strategy for the Development of Critical and Strategic Minerals (QSDCSM).
• For information on the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts or to learn more about its activities and achievements, visit Québec.ca/en/government/departments-agencies/ressources-naturelles-forets or its social networks:
  • x.com/mrnfqc
  • facebook.com/RessourcesNaturellesForets
  • linkedin.com/company/ressourcesnaturellesforets
  • youtube.com/RessourcesNaturellesForets
  • instagram.com/mrnfqc

SOURCE Cabinet du ministre des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts