What Are Critical and Strategic Minerals

The current geopolitical context and growing demand have highlighted the fragility of the critical and strategic minerals (CSM) supply chain in several key areas. CSMs are mineral substances considered essential to the functioning of the economy (particularly in modern technologies, clean energy, and industry), but whose supply is considered at risk. This risk may be due to their scarcity, a high geographic concentration of production, or geopolitical factors.

CSMs are basic components of many of the elements that support our privileged way of life here in North America. Some examples include laptops and smartphones, energy storage infrastructure, drones, vehicles and public transit, and the buildings that serve as our homes and workplaces. CSMs are also the cornerstone of green technologies that allow us to sustainably exploit our planet’s resources (source: Mining Association of Canada, Mining Facts – The Mining Association of Canada).

CSMs therefore play a crucial role in:

• Green technologies: rechargeable batteries, energy storage systems for solar panels and wind turbines
• Electronics: smartphones, computers, screens, tablets, flashlights, drones, truck and car keys, pacemakers
• Transportation: electric vehicles, aviation, trains
• National defense: radars, satellites, military equipment, drones
• The energy transition: they are essential to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels

Without these minerals, it would be very difficult to operate our everyday devices or effectively combat climate change.

Based on the recognized importance of these elements for the proper functioning of society, several governments have developed their own lists of CSMs and strategies for exploiting them.

What about Quebec?

Quebec is rich not only in CSMs, but also in local expertise for their exploitation and processing. According to the Quebec government, the development of CSMs will enable it to continue its energy and technological transition and create quality jobs in the regions. In 2020, Quebec unveiled its first Quebec Plan for the Development of Critical and Strategic Minerals (QPDCSM) 2020-2025, which aims to develop its CSMs. A new, expanded plan has been developed to add new actions for the years 2023-2025.

Overall, the QPDCSM is developed around four objectives:

• Objective 1: Increase knowledge and expertise on critical and strategic minerals
• Objective 2: Establish or optimize integrated supply chains in partnership with regions producing critical and strategic minerals
• Objective 3: Contribute to the transition to a sustainable economy
• Objective 4: Raise awareness, support, and promote

In its QPDCSM, Quebec announced its list of 22 critical minerals in 2020, including lithium (the element Winsome focuses on), and six more in 2024.

* The element Winsome is focusing on.

For more information, visit this site: https://www.quebec.ca/en/agriculture-environment-and-natural-resources/mining/critical-and-strategic-minerals

In Canada, 31 CSMs were announced in 2022, and then three additional CSMs were added in 2024.
https://www.canada.ca/en/campaign/critical-minerals-in-canada/critical-minerals-an-opportunity-for-canada.html

* The element Winsome is focusing on.