Ontario signs UK critical minerals pact to broaden nickel, lithium and cobalt supply chains

Ontario has signed a statement of intent with the United Kingdom to cooperate on critical minerals, with a focus on diversifying supply chains for nickel, lithium and cobalt and reducing reliance on China. The province said the agreement does not include direct investment commitments, but it sets a policy framework that could help open UK downstream markets for Canadian nickel projects such as Canada Nickel’s Crawford development. The Crawford project remains in the federal approval process, and the company is aiming to secure financing by the end of the year and start construction in 2027. Gold was mentioned only in general terms as an “important commodity” and is not part of specific cooperation mechanisms or a direct price driver linked to this deal.