Critical Minerals Geoscience and Data Initiative’s federal research and development

Geoscience to unlock Canada’s critical minerals potential

Led by the Geological Survey of Canada, the federal research and development (R&D) component of the Critical Minerals Geoscience and Data (CMGD) Initiative is securing Canada’s future as a trusted, sustainable, and globally competitive producer of critical minerals. By fostering innovation, leveraging modern technologies and aligning with policy and industry needs, we are providing industry with modern tools, models and knowledge to de-risk exploration and shape the next era of responsible mineral resource development in Canada.

The CMGD Initiative’s federal R&D component focuses on 4 research solutions to define Canada’s critical minerals potential:

Solution 1: Critical minerals knowledge base

This is a comprehensive sampling and analysis program to identify and define critical minerals contents and associations within Canada’s mineral deposits and derivative products – including ores, concentrates, minerals, tailings, and waste materials. This free, publicly available knowledge base will be used to:

• explore new critical minerals sources in existing mines, wastes and deposit types
• inform potential value and supply options from new or emerging sources
• provide new geoscience data and refine analytical methods to trace critical minerals through supply chains
• support robust mineral potential mapping under solution 3

Solution 2: Critical minerals system studies

The purpose of this solution is to conduct thematic geoscience research focused on both conventional as well as new, emerging, or unconventional sources of critical minerals. This research aims to deepen our understanding of Canada’s critical minerals potential and optimize value from new and existing resource streams. Specifically, it will:

• generate predictive models for Canada’s mineral deposit types to inform mineral potential mapping under solution 3
• study potential critical minerals co-products or by-products that could enhance feasibility of Canada’s current mines and accelerate production timelines for new sources
• examine new, emerging or unconventional critical minerals sources with the greatest potential for rapid development

Solution 3: Advanced predictive geoscience

This solution aims to use advanced analytics to develop the next generation of mineral potential models and maps to support “green” critical minerals exploration, production, and decision-making. It will evaluate geological potential, coupled with infrastructure and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, early in the exploration cycle to reduce exploration risks or conflicts and accelerate project development. These free and publicly available datasets will:

• develop mineral intelligence by combining geology, geochemistry, and geophysics data, with production metrics, capital and operating costs, infrastructure access (roads, rail, power, shipping) and ESG factors
• leverage datasets and insights gained from solutions 1 and 2 to develop national-scale critical minerals potential maps

One of the projects developed in support of solution 3 is the Geospatial environmental, social and governance (ESG) ratings tool. This tool helps identify regions where ESG factors may be the most favourable for exploration – factors that increasingly impact critical minerals supply chains. Explore our interactive Application Programming Interface and learn more about ESG ratings and uncertainty values that can guide informed decision-making in critical minerals development.

Solution 4: Market assessments

Building on the outcomes of solutions 1 to 3, this research will strengthen Canada’s future potential in the global critical minerals economy by developing mineral criticality assessments from both consumer and supplier perspectives. These assessments will:

• compile data on exploration, production, exports, imports, consumption, and dependency on foreign sources for critical minerals
• be robust, updatable, and reflect the needs of Canadian consumers and suppliers
• integrate market intelligence and commodity forecasts
• guide updates to Canada’s critical minerals list

Under Canada’s CMGD Initiative, there is also a contribution funding stream to support critical minerals research led by provincial and territorial governments and agencies. Visit the CMGD Initiative page for more information.

Objectives

Short term objectives

• Deliver public geoscience data on Canada’s critical minerals potential, focusing on both conventional sources (e.g., established base and precious metal deposits) and unconventional sources (e.g., waste rock, tailings, and oil field brines)
• Develop innovative applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning to support national-scale models and assessments of critical minerals potential

Medium term objectives

• Enhance data assets and modelling of Canada’s critical minerals sources to identify prospective regions that align with positive ESG factors while strengthening value chains
• De-risk exploration activities by providing access to accurate, up-to-date data and models for informed decision-making
• Conduct national-scale geoscientific characterizations of critical minerals potential, inclusive of ESG factors
• Increase awareness among mineral processors about Canada’s critical minerals opportunities
• Improve understanding of the value of critical minerals in mine waste as a potential source of critical minerals

Long term objectives

• Develop robust critical minerals expertise within Canada to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains
• Accelerate access to national and international markets for Canada’s key critical minerals
• Promote responsible critical minerals exploration in Canada by ensuring access to accurate, up-to-date data and models for informed decision-making
• Deliver world-class geoscience for the public good, reducing risks for both public and private sector investments and enhancing Canada’s critical minerals resource competitiveness

Research and data

For a complete list of internal CMGD Initiative research activities, please refer to the list of proposed sub-activities for 2023–2024.

A complete list of 2024–2025 research activities will be published soon.

Contact us

For further information, please send an email to the CMGD Initiative Coordination Office, at cmgd-gdmc@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.