The strategic mistake made in allowing Russia to have global dominance in oil and gas cannot be repeated as the world looks to massively ramp up production of critical minerals, Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson asserted this week.
Demand for critical minerals and metals — such as lithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt and copper — is exploding as demand climbs for everything from smartphones and laptops to wind turbines, solar panels and electric cars.
"Where we are going to have an absolute requirement for these minerals, being dependent on countries that do not always share our perspectives on global affairs, and that have shown the ability at times to use their control of some of these resources as a weapon, is not a very good strategy," he said.
Right now China is the biggest global player in critical minerals — it is the world's largest producer of half of the 31 minerals and metals Canada has listed as critical to its economy. Canada's draft critical minerals strategy is focusing on six minerals and metals the federal government has decided have the greatest potential for economic growth and employment opportunities: lithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt, copper and rare-earth elements.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Russia to form 'new G8' with Iran and ChinaThe \u0027new G8\u0027 wants \u0027to develop dialogue and mutually beneficial relations with Russia\u0027
Read more »
Russia to form 'new G8' with Iran and ChinaThe \u0027new G8\u0027 wants \u0027to develop dialogue and mutually beneficial relations with Russia\u0027
Read more »
Russia to form 'new G8' with Iran and ChinaThe \u0027new G8\u0027 wants \u0027to develop dialogue and mutually beneficial relations with Russia\u0027
Read more »
Russia to form 'new G8' with Iran and ChinaThe \u0027new G8\u0027 wants \u0027to develop dialogue and mutually beneficial relations with Russia\u0027
Read more »
Russia to form 'new G8' with Iran and ChinaThe \u0027new G8\u0027 wants \u0027to develop dialogue and mutually beneficial relations with Russia\u0027
Read more »
China's Xi reasserts support for Russia on security issuesChinese President Xi Jinping reasserted his country's support for Russia on issues of sovereignty and security in a phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, state media said.
Read more »