New Report Outlines How First Nations can Participate Across Canada’s Critical Minerals Value Chain

Press Release

Toronto, ON — The First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) has released a new plain language report, The Critical Minerals Value Chain: What First Nations in Canada Need to Know, providing a clear overview of how the sector works and where First Nations can participate as decision-makers, partners, and owners.

The report is being released at the FNMPC 2026 Conference, where First Nations leaders, industry, and governments are meeting to discuss the future of major projects and Indigenous economic participation.

Global demand for critical minerals is accelerating, driven by the energy transition, advanced technologies, and defence needs. Canada is well positioned as a supplier, but the structure of the sector is shifting quickly. This report responds to that shift by outlining how value is created across the full chain, from early exploration through to processing, manufacturing, and infrastructure.

It also addresses a gap identified by FNMPC members: the need for practical, accessible information on how First Nations can engage in the critical minerals’ economy on their own terms.

“First Nations are not approaching these projects as stakeholders on the sidelines,” said Mark Podlasly, CEO of FNMPC. “They are participating as rights holders, governments, and economic partners. This report reflects that reality and provides a clearer view of where and how that participation can happen.”

The report explains how critical minerals projects move from exploration to production, including permitting, financing, and long-term operations. It also outlines the structural challenges slowing development in Canada, including capital gaps, infrastructure limitations, and global supply chain dependencies.

Importantly, it highlights the range of roles First Nations are already taking on, including project proponents, equity investors, and partners in impact and revenue agreements.

As interest in critical minerals continues to grow, the report emphasizes that lessons from past resource development must guide what comes next. Economic benefits, decision-making authority, and long-term value must be structured in a way that reflects First Nations rights and priorities.

The report is intended as a practical starting point for First Nations leadership considering opportunities in the sector, as well as for governments, investors, and industry seeking to better understand how projects are evolving.

Read the report:

https://fnmpc.ca/conference/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/FNMPC_Critical_Mineral_Value_Chain_04152026-1.pdf

Media Contact:

Jennifer Storm, Communications Manager
First Nations Major Projects Coalition
E: media@fnmpc.ca

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