Government releases minerals strategy

Press Release

March 02, 2026

TORONTO – New Brunswick’s Comprehensive Minerals Strategy positions the province as a leader in responsible, sustainable mining while unlocking the economic potential of its rich geology.

Premier Susan Holt said the strategy reflects the province’s opportunity to play a meaningful role in the global energy transition while creating economic growth at home.

“New Brunswick has what the world needs, and we have a responsibility to develop those resources the right way – with strong environmental standards, meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities, and good-paying jobs for New Brunswickers,” said Holt. “This strategy is about unlocking opportunity, attracting investment and giving companies the certainty they need to move projects forward, while ensuring communities benefit. We can grow our economy and be leaders in responsible resource development at the same time.”

The strategy was unveiled today in Toronto at a convention of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada.

“The world is at a pivotal moment with the demand for critical minerals skyrocketing,” said Natural Resources Minister John Herron. “Here in New Brunswick, we have what it takes to meet that demand. With our rich geology, the time has come for us to regain our status as a national and global leader in sustainable mineral exploration and development.”

In addition to the new strategy, the government plans to introduce a modernized Mining Act during the coming session of the legislature. It is intended to ensure the regulatory regime is the most agile, predictable and timely in Canada.

“Our goal is ambitious, but it is clear: to become the top jurisdiction in Canada for competitive, sustainable exploration and development,” said Herron.

There has been renewed interest in the province’s mineral development potential due to the proposed Sisson tungsten and molybdenum mine north of Fredericton, along with deposits of zinc, lead, copper and silver at Murray Brook near Bathurst, and manganese deposits in the Woodstock area.

Recently recognized occurrences of gold and lithium highlight the potential for new discoveries. Record claims staked in the past year also point to a resurgence in the province’s mining industry.

“New Brunswick’s renewed focus on critical minerals comes at exactly the right moment, and the Government of Canada is proud to partner with our colleagues in the government of New Brunswick, to get shovels in the ground, new minerals to market, and generate economic opportunity in the province,” said federal Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson. “Around the world, demand for the minerals that power clean technologies, advanced manufacturing and modern defence systems is accelerating, and New Brunswickers and Canadians are ready to meet that demand with world-class, sustainably produced minerals. By advancing mining in New Brunswick, in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, we can unlock economic prosperity and new jobs, enhance our national security, and move towards net-zero by 2050 as a clean energy superpower and the strongest economy in the G7.”

“With decades of geoscientific data, skilled workers, top-tier infrastructure and clear regulatory pathways, New Brunswick is more competitive and investment-ready than ever before,” said Herron.

02-03-26