Canada is accelerating efforts to position itself as a global leader in clean energy by investing in critical minerals projects that underpin everything from electric vehicles to renewable power systems.
At the centre of this push is a growing network of research and development initiatives led by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), aimed at strengthening the country’s mineral supply chain while supporting long-term climate goals.
Recent updates highlight multiple international collaborations focused on advancing battery materials, recycling technologies and sustainable processing methods.
Building the Backbone of Clean Energy
Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements are essential components in modern clean technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines and battery storage systems. Canada’s strategy recognizes that these materials are not only economic drivers but also foundational to achieving net-zero emissions targets.
The federal government’s Critical Minerals Strategy, first introduced in 2022, outlines a full value-chain approach, from exploration and extraction to manufacturing and recycling. This integrated model is designed to ensure Canada captures more value domestically rather than exporting raw materials for processing abroad.
Recent NRC-supported projects reflect this shift, focusing on improving midstream processing and developing circular solutions that keep materials in use longer. While eight international projects are currently underway, only two are publicly highlighted by name, offering a glimpse into broader efforts still in development.
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Focus on Recycling and Circular Solutions
Among the featured initiatives is a project exploring how artificial intelligence can improve the recovery of valuable materials from used lithium-ion batteries. By optimizing the processing of so-called “black mass,” researchers aim to extract metals more efficiently while reducing environmental impact.
Another project centres on recovering precious metals from electronic waste, including gold, silver and platinum. By expanding existing extraction technologies, the initiative seeks to create scalable systems that reduce reliance on new mining while supporting a circular economy.
These efforts align with Canada’s broader strategy to reduce industrial waste and maintain access to critical resources through recycling and secondary supply streams.
Strengthening Supply Chains and Innovation
Beyond individual projects, the NRC’s work highlights a larger goal: building resilient, domestic supply chains that can support Canada’s clean energy ambitions and reduce dependence on foreign sources.
The strategy also emphasizes international collaboration, with partnerships spanning Germany and the United Kingdom. These collaborations provide access to specialized expertise, new markets and shared research capabilities, helping Canadian companies scale innovations more quickly.
At the same time, advanced testing and verification systems, such as high-precision facilities for measuring mineral purity, are being expanded to ensure materials meet strict performance standards required for clean technologies.
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