Introduction
Canada plays a significant role in the global supply of critical minerals that are essential for clean energy technologies, defence, and advanced manufacturing. As of January, 2026, the country ranks among the top producers for several key minerals, including uranium, nickel, cobalt, lithium, and graphite. Recent government initiatives aim to accelerate production and secure supply chains. This report, drawing on data from 2023-2025, highlights mines currently at highest production levels and those slated for future development.
Current Highest Producing Critical Mineral Mines
Canada’s production is concentrated in provinces such as Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador. The following outlines key minerals and their top-producing mines, based on recent output figures.
Uranium
Uranium is a critical mineral for nuclear energy, and Canada accounted for 24 % of global mine production in 2024. Production is dominated by high-grade mines in Saskatchewan.
McArthur River Mine (Cameco, Saskatchewan): As the world’s largest high-grade uranium mine, it produced 20.3 million pounds U308 in 2024 while 2025 guidance is 14-15 million pounds. [1]
Cigar Lake Mine (Cameco / Orano, Saskatchewan): This is the world’s highest-grade uranium mine. It produced 16.9 million pounds U308 in 2024 while 2025 guidance is 18 million pounds. [1]
According to the Financial Post, uranium production is expected to rise, with expansions potentially doubling output by 2035. [2]
Nickel
Nickel is vital for batteries and stainless steel. Canada produced 158,668 tonnes in 2023, ranking 6th globally. Production take place primarily in Ontario and Quebec.
Raglan Mines (Glencore, Quebec): This mine produced 20.51 thousand tonnes in 2023. [3]
Sudbury Area Mine (Glenmore, Quebec): In 2023, it produced 18.59 thousand tonnes. [3]
Voisey’s Bay Mine (Vale, Newfoundland and Labrador): As a major contributor, it has an ongoing transition to underground operations. [4]
Lithium
Lithium’s demand is surging for electric vehicle batteries. Canada has two active mines, with production ramping in Quebec.
North American Lithium (NAL) Mine (Sayona / Piedmont, Quebec): As North America’s largest lithium mine, it produced 155,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate in the 12 months up to June 2024. Guidance for 2025 is 190,000 to 210,000 dry metric tonnes. [5]
Galaxy Project (Rio Tinto, Quebec): In 2024, this mine had forecasted production of 57,621 tonnes of lithium carbonate. [5]
Graphite
Graphite is essential for batteries and refractories. Canada produced 4,261 tonnes in 2023, down form previous years.
Lac des Iles Mine (Northern Graphite, Quebec): As Canada’s only active graphite mine, it is known for high-quality flakes. In 2023, it produced the bulk of Canada’s output. [6]
Cobalt
Cobalt is a by-product of nickel and copper mining. In 2023, Canada produced 5099 tonnes, up 44% from 2022.
Voisey’s Bay Mine (Vale, Newfoundland and Labrador): As the leading producing province, it produced 2,188 tonnes in 2023. [7]
Sudbury and Raglan Operations (Glencore, Ontario and Quebec): These operations were significant contributors as nickel-cobalt mines. [7]
Mines Slated for Future Critical Mineral Production
According to sources, several projects are advancing toward production in the upcoming years. There are 26 projects in the G7 Alliance, including six in Canada. These projects, focused on graphite, rare earth elements (i.e. samarium and gadolinium), and scandium, are being accelerated with mobilized capital. Further, rare earth mining in Canada is projected to increase up to 18 % from 2024 – 2026. [13]
Key Upcoming Projects
Rook I Uranium Project (NexGen Energy Saskatchewan): In the final approval stages, the project will have public hearings in final 2025 and early 2026. According to the Canadian Mining Journal, it is expected to produce 30 million pounds annually, when at full capacity. Construction could start in 2026. [8]
PAK Lithium Project (Frontier Lithium, Ontario): A definitive feasibility study in 2025 confirmed its potential as North America’s highest-quality lithium producer. The mine has projected reserves of 31.1 million tonnes at 1.51 % Li20, with production targeted post-2026. [9]
Matawinie Graphite Mine (Nouveau Monde Graphite, Quebec): The open-pit mine is expected to produce 106,000 tonnes pre annum of graphite concentrate. As part of the G7 Alliance, it is slated to ramp up for 2026. [10]
Nechalacho Rare Earths Project (Vital Metals, Northwest Territories): The feasibility study for this mine is due early 2026. It will focus on rare earths and niobium but will face challenges such as wild fires and consultation issues. [11]
Strange Lake Rare Earths Project (Torngat Metals, Quebec / Labrador): As one of the largest heavy rare earth deposits outside of China, its development includes open-pit mine and processing. It is slated for production in the late 2020s. [12]
Summary
Bases on multiple sources, Canada’s critical minerals sector is poised for growth, with high-production mines in uranium, nickel, and lithium all driving current output. In addition, investments in graphite, rare earths, and other projects promise expanded capacity by 2026 and beyond. Challenges such as market volatility and regulatory approvals persist but strategic alliances position Canada as a reliable global supplier.
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Sources:
[1] Investingnews.com, https://investingnews.com/daily/resource-investing/energy-investing/uranium-investing/uranium-mining-in-canada/
[2] Financial Post, https://financialpost.com/financial-times/canada-biggest-uranium-producer-demand-soars
[3] Mining-technology.com, https://www.mining-technology.com/marketdata/five-largest-nickel-mines-canada/
[4] Farmonaut.com, https://farmonaut.com/canada/best-nickel-stocks-canada-copper-mine-stocks-2025
[5] Canadian Mining Journal, https://www.canadianminingjournal.com/featured-article/canada-makes-mark-on-global-lithium-stage-with-two-top-projects/
[6] Natural Resources Canada, https://natural-resources.canada.ca/minerals-mining/mining-data-statistics-analysis/minerals-metals-facts/graphite-facts
[7] Natural Resources Canada, https://natural-resources.canada.ca/minerals-mining/mining-data-statistics-analysis/minerals-metals-facts/cobalt-facts
[8[ Canadianminingjournal.com https://www.canadianminingjournal.com/news/spotlight-projects-to-watch-in-2026/ and https://financialpost.com/financial-times/canada-biggest-uranium-producer-demand-soars
[9] paklithiumproject.com, https://www.paklithiumproject.com/ and https://www.canada.ca/en/innovation-science-economic-development/news/2025/03/government-of-canada-to-partner-with-frontier-lithium-inc-to-expand-the-production-of-strategic-battery-materials.html
[10] Canada.ca, https://www.canada.ca/en/one-canadian-economy/news/2025/11/nouveau-monde-graphites-matawinie-mine-referred-to-the-major-projects-office.html
[11] Canadian Mining Journal, https://www.canadianminingjournal.com/news/spotlight-projects-to-watch-in-2026-part-2/
[12] edc.ca, https://www.edc.ca/en/article/critical-minerals-strategy.html
[13] farmonaut.com, https://farmonaut.com/mining/canadian-copper-rare-earth-7-vital-mining-trends-2026
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Disclaimer:
This summary is based on publicly available information from various sources. It is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Though it has been taken to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of the reliability of the information. Forward-looking statements, projections and estimates are subject to risks as outlined in the original company disclosures. Readers should consult official texts for full context. Nothing in the articles constitute forecasting, investment or financial advice. Please seek guidance from a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.