.jpg)
9 hours ago
1
Article content
TORONTO — Canada is heading up talks in Toronto to establish a G7 critical mineral production alliance in what’s widely seen as a bid to check China’s reign over a supply chain key to everything from wind turbines to fighter jets.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account.
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
- Enjoy additional articles per month.
- Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
- Enjoy additional articles per month
- Get email updates from your favourite authors
Sign In or Create an Account
or
Article content
Federal energy minister Tim Hodgson says the critical minerals pact will look at countering market manipulation and price volatility in the sector.
Article content
Article content
Pressure has been mounting on countries to diversify their supply of critical minerals as China has used its dominant position to tighten exports on rare earth minerals often used in magnets for electric vehicles, cellphones, advanced radar and a range of other products.
Article content
Article content
Just hours before the G7 ministerial talks in Toronto, China announced it had agreed to pause those export restrictions for one year as part of a deal with the United States.
Article content
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Article content
University of Ottawa professor Wolfgang Alschner says that deal helps buy the G7 some time, easing what was “an immediate national security crisis into a high priority policy problem.”
Article content
But he says it changes nothing about the fundamental issues with China’s dominance.
Article content
“In a time where geopolitical tensions are rising and where one country can essentially shut off industrial production and even defence protection to the rest of the world, that’s a huge problem,” said Alschner, who studies Canada’s critical mineral strategy.
Article content
The International Energy Agency says China accounted for about 60 per cent of global rare earth mining last year, and 91 per cent of global refining production.
Article content
The talks on Thursday and Friday in Toronto between G7 environment and energy ministers are also expected to touch on energy security and continued support for Ukraine.
Article content
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 30, 2025.
Article content
English (US)