Ontario and United Kingdom Sign Critical Minerals Agreement to Strengthen Supply Chains
Ontario UK Critical Minerals Agreement Supports Investment and Innovation
LONDON, U.K. — Ontario and the United Kingdom have signed a new agreement to strengthen cooperation on critical minerals, a move both governments say will help build more secure and resilient supply chains for industries ranging from advanced manufacturing and defence to energy and technology.
Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce and U.K. Minister of Industry Chris McDonald signed a Statement of Intent (SOI) in London on June 15, establishing a framework for collaboration between the two jurisdictions on critical mineral development, investment and innovation.
The agreement comes as countries around the world seek reliable sources of minerals such as nickel, lithium, cobalt, graphite, copper and rare earth elements, which are essential for batteries, electric vehicles, defence technologies, clean energy systems and advanced manufacturing.
Focus on Supply Chain Security
Ontario officials say the agreement reflects growing international efforts to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on concentrated sources of critical minerals.
According to the province, China currently produces approximately 60 per cent of global raw critical mineral ore and controls up to 90 per cent of refining capacity for several key minerals, including rare earth elements, lithium and cobalt.
The new agreement commits Ontario and the United Kingdom to work together in three key areas:
- Supporting strategic investment opportunities in Ontario’s critical minerals sector
- Expanding research, innovation and geoscience collaboration
- Developing secure and sustainable transatlantic critical mineral supply chains
Minister Lecce said the partnership is designed to strengthen economic security while creating opportunities for investment and job creation.
As demand for critical minerals surges and China dominates global refining, we are taking action to repatriate jobs and investment back home.
Proud to secure a new critical minerals agreement with the United Kingdom’s Minister for Industry @ChrisMcDonaldMP to boost mineral… pic.twitter.com/Qe8ZRhHC8X
— Stephen Lecce (@Sflecce) June 15, 2026
Ontario’s Growing Mining Sector
Ontario continues to position itself as a leading jurisdiction for critical minerals development.
The province reports that Ontario is currently ranked as the second-most attractive mining investment jurisdiction globally and the highest-ranked jurisdiction in Canada.
Ontario’s mining and mineral products sector contributed approximately $23.8 billion to provincial GDP in 2023 and supports approximately 74,000 jobs across mining, mineral processing and mining-related services.
The province has introduced several initiatives aimed at accelerating mining development, including the Critical Minerals Processing Fund and the One Project, One Process framework, which is intended to streamline permitting and regulatory approvals for designated mining projects.
Supporting Economic Growth and Energy Transition
The agreement aligns with Ontario’s broader Critical Minerals Strategy, which seeks to develop domestic supply chains while attracting international investment.
Ontario is home to significant deposits of critical minerals required for the global energy transition, including nickel, lithium, cobalt, graphite and copper. These resources are increasingly viewed as strategically important as countries expand electric vehicle production, renewable energy infrastructure and advanced technology manufacturing.
U.K. Industry Minister Chris McDonald said growing demand for critical minerals requires stronger partnerships among trusted allies to build resilient supply chains.
Industry organizations and mining companies on both sides of the Atlantic welcomed the agreement, citing opportunities for investment, innovation and long-term economic growth.
The Ontario Mining Association, Vale Base Metals, Glencore, Anglo American and several U.K.-listed exploration companies issued statements supporting the partnership, describing it as an important step toward strengthening supply chain security and expanding responsible mineral development.
Building International Partnerships
The Statement of Intent builds on Ontario’s efforts to expand international partnerships in critical minerals development and processing.
Provincial officials say collaboration with allied jurisdictions will help secure access to resources needed for future industries while supporting economic growth, job creation and supply chain resilience.
The agreement does not create legally binding obligations but establishes a framework for ongoing cooperation between Ontario and the United Kingdom as both jurisdictions pursue critical minerals development and supply chain security objectives.
Stay with GTA Today for more mining, energy, business and economic development news from across Ontario and around the world.
Follow us on social media @GTATodayNews for more local news.
