Manitoba Government Invests $3.4 Million in First Nation-Owned Minago Mine

Press Release

March 2, 2026

TORONTO—The Manitoba government is investing $3.4 million to accelerate new mining projects and strengthen Manitoba’s role in Canada’s critical minerals supply chain, Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses announced here today at the 2026 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference.

The Manitoba government is providing $2 million to support the first phase of development for a first-of-its-kind low-emission magnesium processing facility in Canada. Owned by Norway House Cree Nation, Minago is the first 100 per cent First Nation-owned critical minerals project in the country. The first phase of development is expected to create more than 20 permanent jobs, provide training for over 50 First Nation participants and strengthen Manitoba’s domestic processing capacity in a mineral essential to clean technology and advanced manufacturing.

“Manitoba has the critical minerals the world is looking for, and we are focused on turning that advantage into real projects, real jobs and long-term growth,” said Moses. “This investment strengthens Manitoba’s mining sector, supports Indigenous-led development and sends a clear signal that our province is ready for responsible investment.”

The investment also includes $1.4 million for eight new exploration projects through the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (MMDF). Through a partnership with the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, the MMDF’s February intake will leverage $16.8 million in private-sector investment and create 102 jobs across the province.

The MMDF supports Manitoba’s critical minerals strategy by providing targeted investments that accelerate early-stage exploration and development of minerals essential to a low-carbon economy. Since its launch in 2020, the program has approved 139 projects and invested more than $24 million, supporting mining and Indigenous enterprise initiatives that have created 787 short-term jobs, 543 long-term jobs, 288 partnerships and leveraged $157 million in private capital.

Today’s announcement builds on Manitoba’s recent agreement with Vale Base Metals securing up to US$200 million in new investment in the Thompson Nickel Belt to protect jobs and secure the future of nickel mining in northern Manitoba, as well as the signing of a Western Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy memorandum of understanding with British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, positioning Manitoba as a key player in a co-ordinated national approach to critical mineral development.

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For more information:

Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: mgi@gov.mb.ca or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

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