Critical Minerals in North America: Recap of the Critical Minerals Mission to Washington D.C.

By Bryan Detchou, Senior Director, Natural Resources, Environment & Sustainability Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

As the curtains draw on the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Critical Minerals Mission to Washington D.C., it is evident that the collaborative efforts between Canada and the United States have laid a robust foundation for shared economic prosperity and security. The mission, organized in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, was a testament to the commitment of both nations in addressing the global challenges associated with ensuring access to critical minerals.

At the heart of this mission was the Canada-U.S. Joint Action Plan on Critical Minerals Collaboration, a pivotal blueprint guiding mutual success in securing essential resources. The mission brought together industry leaders, policymakers and experts, creating a platform for recognizing past achievements and discussing future strategies for sustainable economic growth.

One of the key achievements of this mission was fostering recognition for our joint goals. By uniting representatives from both countries, the event highlighted the importance of a collaborative approach to addressing the challenges posed by the critical minerals sector. It underscored the shared commitment to securing these vital resources and ensuring the resilience of our supply chains.

Discussions were not merely focused on the present but aimed at shaping a sustainable and secure future, exchanging insights on best practices and exploring innovative solutions. The mission facilitated a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in the critical minerals sector.

The success of the mission extends beyond the discussions that took place within the conference rooms, to the relationships forged and strengthened outside of them. Connections made between industry leaders, policymakers and experts will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing collaborative efforts between Canada and the United States.

Looking forward, the Critical Minerals Mission has set the stage for a future marked by security and prosperity. The insights gained will serve as a guiding light for both nations as they navigate the complex landscape of critical minerals, ensuring that our economies remain resilient and our shared goals are met.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Critical Minerals Mission to Washington D.C. stands as a shining example of international collaboration for a common cause. It is a reminder that by working together, nations can overcome challenges, secure essential resources, and pave the way for a future characterized by economic prosperity and security.

Luncheon at the Canadian Embassy

We had the opportunity to engage with the Canada-U.S. community in Critical Minerals and network with political staffers, industry professionals, and policy leaders in the field.

Panel 1: Canada-US Collaboration on Critical Minerals

Moderated by John Barnwell, Natural Resources Officer at the Canadian Embassy, the panel explored strategies to improve critical mineral security and ensure the future competitiveness of Canadian and U.S. minerals industries. The panel featured speakers Geoffrey R. Pyatt, Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources at the U.S. Department of State; Christopher Sands, Director, Canada Institute, Wilson Center; Veronika Shime, Vice President of International Policy and Sustainability, National Mining Association; and Robbie Diamond, President & CEO, Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE).

Panel 2: A Net-Zero Outlook for Mobility

This panel focused on the opportunities to meet the growing demand for low or zero-emission vehicles and strategies to align with ambitious domestic GHG emissions reduction goals. Christopher Guith, Senior Vice President, Global Energy Institute, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, moderated the panel with speakers Abigail Seadler Wulf, Head of the American Battery Materials Initiative, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE); David C. Adams, President & CEO, Global Automakers Canada; Flavio Volpe, President & CEO, Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA); and Ben Steinberg, Executive Vice President and Critical Infrastructure Group Co-Chair, Venn Strategies & Spokesperson for the Battery Materials & Technology Coalition (BMTC).

Panel 3: Unearthing Tomorrow: Exploring the Future of Mining in North America

Moderated by Bryan N. Detchou, Senior Director, Natural Resources, Environment and Sustainability at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, this panel delved into the evolving landscape of mining in North America. It explored opportunities, challenges and innovations that will shape its future, highlighting the critical roles of women in mining and indigenous participation. The panel featured speakers Photinie Koutsavlis, Vice President, Economic Affairs and Climate Change, Mining Association of Canada (MAC); Katie Sweeney, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, National Mining Association; and Steve Feldgus, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management.

Rooftop Networking & Cocktail Reception at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Panel 4: Opportunities and Incentives

This panel focused on measures to promote foreign investment and trade, including fiscal incentives, financial incentives, and other incentives. Moderated by Johnna Muinonen, President of Dumont Nickel, Magneto Investments LP, the panel included Zacheriah Boykin, Critical Materials Portfolio Lead, Supporting the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy (OASD(IBP)); Abigail Seadler Wulf, Head of the American Battery Materials Initiative, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE); and Alejandro Jacquez, Special Assistant to the President for Economic Development and Industrial Strategy, The White House.

Panel 5: De-Risking Mining & the Role of Government

This discussion explored the value of de-risking resource exploration and development projects and ensuring governments seize the generational opportunity of Critical minerals. Guided by moderator Julian Ovens, Partner, Crestview Strategy, the panelists included Mark Selby, Chairman and CEO of Canada Nickel Company; David Anonychuk, Global Vice President, Metallurgy and Consulting, SGS; Adam Frost, Senior Vice President, Export-Import Bank of the United States; and Alexander Hergott, President and CEO, The Permitting Institute.

Panel 6: The Role of Provincial Offices in Washington D.C. in Securing a North American Supply Chain of Critical Minerals

Moderated by Daniel Caramori, Vice President, Member Relations and Services, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, this group discussed the role of Provincial Offices in Washington D.C. in securing a North American supply chain of critical minerals. Panelists included Bob Maurice, Commercial Affairs Attaché, Québec Government Office in Washington; Justin Meyers, Senior Policy Advisor, Nelson Mullin Saskatchewan Representative in Washington D.C.; and Robert Capecchi, Policy Officer – State Engagement, Office of Ontario in Washington, DC

In summary, the message from America was clear, we need to get more Canadian critical Minerals out from the ground and into the North American ecosystem to accelerate the energy transition and ensure the continent’s energy security.

The conversations in D.C. were also a strong reminder of the power of the Canada-U.S. partnership, and the dedication of many individuals, companies and organizations present that will drive us towards a future where critical minerals are not just a source of economic growth but a symbol of our unwavering commitment to a more secure and prosperous world.

The Canada-U.S. relationship is like a two-country buddy cop movie. We might have our differences, but we always solve the case together in the end. That’s why I am confident that together, we can solve the critical minerals case and find new and innovative solutions that will provide the energy security that Canada, the United States, or our democratic friends and allies need for our collective clean energy future. 

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce would also like extend our sincere appreciation to our sponsors— E3 Lithium, Frontier Lithium, and Vale Canada Ltd.—for their invaluable support in making this event a success, and our partners at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C.