In 2025, rare earth mineral mining in Canada is advancing with the Saskatchewan Research Council's new commercial-scale processing facility, the West High Yield (W.H.Y.) Resources Ltd. Record Ridge mine receiving a permit, and increased investment in exploration and processing technologies. While projects like the Strange Lake mine are still years away from commercial production, there is significant activity in exploration, processing, and technology development, supported by government initiatives like the Critical Minerals Strategy.
Key developments in 2025
Processing
facilities:
The Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) facility became the first in North America to reach commercial-scale rare earth production.
Cyclic Materials is building a $25 million plant in Kingston, Ontario, to recycle rare earths from products like wind turbines and hard drives.
Mine development: West High Yield (W.H.Y.) Resources received a permit to develop the Record Ridge Industrial Mineral Mine near Rossland, B.C., a project that will include critical minerals.
Projects like Torngat Metals' Strange Lake mine are still in advanced development, with construction and commercialization projected to take years.
Government
support and initiatives:
The federal government is investing in critical minerals through its Critical Minerals Strategy, which includes funding for exploration and processing.
The Critical Minerals Geoscience and Data (CMGD) Initiative aims to improve data access and generate insights to support responsible development.
The
UK and Canada have launched a science partnership to improve mining practices
and supply chains for critical minerals.
Exploration and research:
Saskatchewan's
exploration spending is projected to reach $408 million in 2025.
Research is focused on new geological tools, sustainable mining, and recycling technologies, notes DW.
Stock
performance:
Several Canadian rare earth stocks showed strong performance in 2025, with companies like Mkango Resources and Ucore Rare Metals listed as top performers by market cap, according to Investing News Network.
As of late 2025, Canada has no commercial rare earth mineral mines in operation, though it has several promising deposits and is developing processing facilities. The country holds some of the world's largest rare earth reserves and is working to become a stable, independent supplier through government-backed initiatives and partnerships. This effort is partly driven by increasing supply chain concerns due to China's control of the rare earths market.
Rare earth processing and recycling
Despite
the lack of active mining, Canada is advancing its capabilities in processing
and recycling rare earths in 2025.
Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC): In September 2024, the SRC facility in Saskatoon became the first in North America to reach commercial-scale rare earth processing. It aims to produce 400 metric tons of rare earth oxides (REOs) annually when fully operational.
Cyclic Materials: This Canadian company announced in June 2025 that it would open a new rare earths plant in Kingston, Ontario, by early 2026. This "Centre of Excellence" will focus on circular innovation, processing 500 tonnes of magnet-rich feedstock annually to produce recycled REOs for use in clean energy and technology.
Ucore Rare Metals: Ucore is operating a commercial demonstration facility in Ontario using its RapidSX technology to accelerate the separation of rare earth elements.
Key
development projects
Several advanced exploration and development projects are positioning Canada for future rare earth production.
Strange Lake (Quebec/Labrador): Torngat Metals is advancing this large heavy rare earth element deposit, with a pre-feasibility study planned for 2026. The company aims to begin operations by 2028.
Nechalacho Project (Northwest Territories): Operated by Vital Metals, this project has measured and indicated rare earth oxide resources. The company is advancing a pre-feasibility study, with production targeting the heavier elements.
Wicheeda Project (British Columbia): Defense Metals is aiming for a pre-feasibility study in 2025 for this high-grade deposit. It has the potential to add significantly to Canada's future rare earth oxide output.
Government support and strategy
In 2025, the Canadian government continues to invest heavily in the critical minerals sector.
Critical Minerals Geoscience and Data Initiative: This federal program provides up to $500,000 per project to support geoscience data projects related to critical minerals like rare earths.
Collaborative research: A UK-Canada partnership was launched in July 2025 to fund research addressing critical mineral challenges, including new extraction and processing tools for rare earths.
Rare earth diplomacy: A three-year research project, initiated in October 2025, is investigating Canada's strategy for critical mineral diplomacy to strengthen supply chains with allies like NATO members.
https://www.google.com/search?q=rare+earth+mineral+mining+in+canada+2025
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