Canada Arctic Mining Infrastructure
Canada, already a global mining leader and one of the world’s largest producers of minerals and metals, is embarking on further expansion, particularly in its Arctic regions - Northwest Territories (N.W.T.), Nunavut, and Yukon. With 31 of 34 minerals and metals listed on Canada’s Critical Minerals List spread across these northern territories, and with vast areas still underexplored, the region is poised to become a vital source of critical minerals and to present significant export opportunities for U.S. infrastructure, mining equipment, and power generation manufacturers. Companies specializing in heavy equipment, drilling, site logistics, modular buildings, and permafrost technologies are in demand to help develop these mining opportunities.
This mineral potential of Canada’s Arctic regions is being unlocked by recent government and industry investments in critical infrastructure, including projects like the Yukon-BC grid connect, the Mackenzie Valley Highway, and the Grays Bay Port. These initiatives are designed to improve connectivity, provide clean energy, and facilitate resource extraction, positioning northern Canada as a cornerstone for future economic growth and a key contributor to global mineral security.
Following is a brief overview of the three northern territories, each of which has their own distinct critical mineral reserves.
Northwest Territories
The N.W.T. is home to 22 of the 34 listed critical minerals deemed to be of national importance to Canada. The Slave Geological Province, a geological formation in the N.W.T. containing the oldest known igneous and metamorphic rocks, remains one of Canada’s most abundant regions for mineral exploration and development, with broad potential for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, copper, and zinc, alongside well-established potential for gold and diamonds. The Government of N.W.T. continues to invest in early-stage exploration projects through the Prospector Mining Incentive Program, which currently includes 15 total projects.
Nunavut
Mining plays a pivotal role in Nunavut’s economy, and the development of the territory’s mineral resources has steadily progressed over the past few years. Nunavut has documented 23 of the 34 critical minerals on Canada’s list, including high-purity iron (currently being mined at the Mary River mine on northern Baffin Island) and known deposits of nickel, copper, platinum-group element, and uranium.
The Government of Canada and Government of Nunavut announced a $2.45 million joint investment to support the Government of Nunavut’s research in foundational geoscience and critical mineral potential in south and central Baffin Island. The project is expected to generate new geoscientific data on the mineral potential of the Cumberland granite in south-central Baffin Island.
In May 2026, Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd, a major miner in Canada’s North, announced a $2.4-billion investment to redevelop the Hope Bay gold mine project in Nunavut, where it plans to continue its aggressive exploration program.
Yukon
The Yukon hosts a number of deposits containing critical minerals, involving 27 of the 34 critical minerals with primary deposits of copper, zinc, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, nickel and platinum group elements. The Yukon government is investing up to $154.3 million for 2026 into expanding and upgrading its current natural resource initiative, which includes critical minerals.
The U.S. Commercial Service in Canada is closely following the developments in Canada’s Arctic. We stand ready to support advocacy efforts and export promotion efforts. For further information, please contact: Commercial Specialist Philipp Fortin