APEGA Registrants Vital to New Critical Minerals Strategy
Western and Northern Canada have the resources and infrastructure to become a global critical minerals leader—and the expertise of professional geoscientists and engineers will be essential to realizing that potential.
Jointly released by government on June 25, 2026, Stronger Together: A Critical Mineral Strategy for Western and Northern Canada establishes a shared vision across seven provinces and territories for developing a resilient and responsible critical minerals value chain that can be competitive on a world stage. The strategy focuses on three pillars:
- attracting investment and providing regulatory certainty
- building the infrastructure, corridors, and industrial hubs needed to unlock development
- advancing regional strengths and globally significant development opportunities
For Alberta, the opportunity is substantial. The strategy highlights the province’s lithium resources and its growing processing and refining capabilities, including the Alberta Industrial Heartland’s established infrastructure, industrial capacity, and use of carbon capture processes.
Contributing to the critical minerals value chain
Canadian geoscientists and engineers can support a complete critical minerals value chain, from exploration and extraction to processing and reclamation.
For example, before a critical mineral project can move forward, its geological potential must first be understood. Professional geoscientists identify mineral resources, interpret complex subsurface conditions, assess technical and environmental risks, and provide the information needed to promote responsible development.
Alberta is home to the largest concentration of professional geoscientists in Canada. Their expertise will be vital for identifying promising resources and advancing them responsibly from exploration to development.
Critical minerals begin with geoscience. Professional geoscientists provide the knowledge, judgement, and accountability needed to understand these resources and determine how they can be developed responsibly. This strategy is an important opportunity to recognize that expertise and ensure professional geoscientists are at the table as Canada builds a secure and competitive critical minerals future.
Once the resources have been identified, professional engineers design and deliver the processing facilities, energy systems, transportation corridors, utilities, and other infrastructure required to connect resource regions with manufacturers and global markets.
Working together
As governments, Indigenous communities, and industry work together to implement the strategy, APEGA registrants are ready to deliver safe, responsible, and economically significant projects.
Discovering critical minerals is only the beginning. Realizing their full value will require professional engineers to design the processing facilities, power systems, transportation networks, and industrial infrastructure that bring resources to markets. Working alongside professional geoscientists, engineers will help ensure these projects are delivered safely, responsibly, and with the professional accountability the public expects.
The governments in Western and Northern Canada have an ambitious critical minerals vision, and professional geoscientists and engineers have the expertise to help turn it into reality.