Share this Story: Mining executives warn Ottawa about dependence on China for strategic minerals amid deteriorating relationsMining executives warn Ottawa about dependence on China for strategic minerals amid deteriorating relations It's estimated that China will control 67 per cent of global capacity to build lithium-ion batteries by 2030 Photo by Peter J. Thompson/National PostArticle content OTTAWA — Mining executives and national security experts are warning the federal government about China’s domination of strategic mineral supplies, saying Ottawa needs to better protect supply chains for modern technology that relies on them like electric vehicles and smart phones. Try refreshing your browser, or Mining executives warn Ottawa about dependence on China for strategic minerals amid deteriorating relations Back to video Canada sits atop an abundance of such minerals, from a large deposit of neodymium in northern Saskatchewan (used in the manufacture of magnets) to the sizeable pockets of lithium found in Quebec. Pierre Gratton, head of the Mining Association of Canada, described an “increasingly uncomfortable reliance” on China for commodities, particularly for rare earths and other critical minerals. He said China declines to “play by our rules” in the development of those minerals, effectively undercutting the free market. Committee witnesses also warned that competition to secure critical minerals will only intensify as demand for electric vehicles and electronics grows.

Source: National Post April 05, 2021 13:29 UTC