Expansion Strengthens Canada’s Arctic Trade Corridor and Supports Future Export Growth
Hudbay and Arctic Gateway Group to double critical mineral shipments from Churchill, expanding Arctic trade
TORONTO, March 3, 2025 – The Arctic Gateway Group (AGG) and Hudbay Minerals Inc. are set to double critical mineral shipments from the Port of Churchill in 2025, reinforcing Churchill’s role as a key export hub for Western Canada.
Building on last year’s successful zinc concentrate exports, Hudbay and AGG’s increased shipments will be supported by expanded infrastructure, including a planned tripling of the port’s mineral storage capacity.
Strengthening Canada’s Arctic Trade Corridor
AGG has significantly upgraded the Hudson Bay Railway (HBR), completing extensive track improvements and investing in advanced railway monitoring technologies like drones, LiDAR, and AI. These efforts have already reduced transit times by 10% between The Pas and Churchill.
Chris Avery, CEO of AGG, emphasized the long-term vision:
“We’ve restored the Hudson Bay Railway to its best condition in over 25 years. Our commitment to upgrading Churchill’s export capacity is unlocking new economic opportunities for Indigenous and Bayline communities.”
Critical Minerals Key to Future Technologies
Rob Carter, Vice President of Hudbay’s Manitoba Business Unit, highlighted the region’s potential:
“These minerals are essential for the technologies that will power our future. We are committed to leveraging the Port of Churchill and Hudson Bay Railway as a vital export gateway.”
Government and Private Sector Support
The Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba continue to back AGG’s expansion efforts, with 2025 investments planned for:
- Wharf rebuilding and dredging preparation
- Grain elevator maintenance and upgrades
- New facility investments and site design improvements
Avery reaffirmed Churchill’s growing importance:
“The Port of Churchill and Hudson Bay Railway are open for business. We are strengthening Canada’s supply chains and ensuring Western Canada’s vast resources reach international markets.”
About Arctic Gateway Group
AGG is an Indigenous- and community-owned company operating the Port of Churchill, Canada’s only Arctic seaport connected by rail, and the Hudson Bay Railway, linking Churchill to The Pas.
Hudbay, Arctic Gateway, Port of Churchill, critical minerals, Manitoba, Hudson Bay Railway, exports, mining, infrastructure, Indigenous business, Canada trade corridor
