Thunder Bay – MINING – Thunder Bay is set to host the 2025 CEN-CAN Mining Expo, Central Canada’s largest and most influential mining showcase, amid unprecedented global demand for critical minerals. Taking place September 10–11 at Fort William Gardens, the event will bring together a record number of indoor exhibitors alongside mining leaders, Indigenous representatives, policymakers, and investors focused on securing Canada’s role in the global energy transition.
Demand Surges for Strategic Minerals
“This year, the question isn’t if Canada can deliver the minerals the world needs—it’s how fast,” said Glenn Dredhart, organizer of the Expo. “From lithium and nickel to rare earth elements, we’re no longer just a resource economy—we’re a strategic ally in global supply chains.”
As electrification efforts accelerate across the globe, nations are racing to lock in access to responsibly sourced copper, gold, lithium, and other essential materials. With geopolitical tensions rising and climate targets tightening, Canada—and particularly Northwestern Ontario—is in the spotlight.
Indigenous Leadership Now at the Forefront
One of the defining themes of this year’s Expo is the emergence of Indigenous economic leadership in mining. From new impact-benefit agreements to equity stakes and Indigenous-owned service ventures, these relationships are transforming project development.
“These are no longer pilot programs,” said Dredhart. “They are now the gold standard for planning, financing, and operating mines across Northern Ontario. To the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit leaders attending—we thank you for your leadership and your honest dialogue that pushes our industry forward.”
Government Backing Accelerates Development
Major funding from both Ottawa and Queen’s Park is aimed at reducing investment risk and shrinking project timelines:
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$1.5 billion – Canada’s Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund
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Indigenous Loan Guarantees – Supporting equity participation in projects
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$500 million Ontario Processing Fund – Targeted at in-province refining and value-added activity
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One Project, One Process – Ontario’s streamlined permitting model
These measures are designed to make Canada a top-tier investment destination for critical mineral projects—while keeping the focus on environmental and cultural safeguards.
Social License and Sustainability Still Key
Speakers at this year’s Expo will underscore that speed cannot come at the expense of stewardship. Indigenous communities across the north continue to assert the need to protect traplines, waterways, and cultural heritage as non-negotiables in mining development.
“These aren’t delays,” Dredhart emphasized. “They are the guardrails that ensure Canada’s supply chains are not just fast—but resilient and just.”
Expo Expected to Draw Global Attention
With over 250 exhibitors, live equipment demonstrations, and a robust conference schedule, the 2025 CEN-CAN Mining Expo is expected to attract thousands of attendees from across Canada and around the world. The event reinforces Thunder Bay’s role as a hub for mining innovation and collaboration—a city where mineral development meets Indigenous partnership and global ambition.
