This week, the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (MMDF) was pleased to be the Diamond Sponsor of the Central Canadian Mineral Exploration Convention (CCMEC) at the Victoria Inn. Our Manitoba Chambers of Commerce colleagues joined us on the tradeshow floor, sharing with delegates the value of chamber membership.
The convention was a great opportunity to discuss mining and exploration opportunities in Manitoba. Here are a few key takeaways from the two-day convention:
- Critical minerals are critically important – In 2021, the Government of Canada released a list of 31 minerals that are considered to be essential to Canada’s economic growth and its transition to a low-carbon economy. Manitoba is home to 21 of these 31 critical minerals, including cesium, copper, potash, nickel, and lithium. In total, Canada currently produces 60 minerals and metals at 200 mines and 6,500 sand, gravel and stone quarries across the country, and our country is home to almost half of the world’s publicly listed mining and mineral exploration companies, with a presence in more than 100 countries. Click to read the discussion paper released in 2022 to help inform the Government of Canada’s development of a critical minerals strategy.
- Lithium – This critical mineral deserves a special shout-out. Manitoba is home to the only lithium-producing mine in Canada and has vast, untapped potential to produce more. The mineral is most commonly used in rechargeable batteries and will be essential in Canada’s low-carbon transition.
- Economic Potential – Manitoba has serious potential to be a world leader in mining and exploration. Mining is an economic driver and, with the proper supports and investments, can increase the province’s competitiveness internationally.
CCMEC was a packed two days with lots of great panels, speakers, presentations, and conversations. The place was buzzing with optimism and opportunity for mining in Manitoba.
Finally, very special thanks to our wonderful partners at Calm Air for their support, enabling us to offer a grand prize of a $500 Calm Air gift card! Our Grand Prize winner is Kevin Ramlakhan at EarthEx Geophysical Solutions Inc. from Selkirk, Manitoba! Congratulations also to our second prize winner, Mike Dueck at Bosch, the lucky recipient of an MMDF/MCC swag basket!
To learn more about MMDF, including the type of exploration and economic development projects we fund: mmdf.ca
To learn about what’s happening in the North, register to join the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce on December 14 for an upcoming MBiz Breakfast presented by 6P, Unleashing the Economic Opportunities in Northern Manitoba.
