Home / Business and Economy / Manitoba First Nation Project Nears Magnesium Hub Goal
Manitoba First Nation Project Nears Magnesium Hub Goal
10 Mar
Summary
- First Nation now fully owns Canada's first critical minerals project.
- Project aims to make Manitoba Canada's magnesium capital.
- Amended environmental license allows 10,000 tonnes production daily.
The former Minago nickel project, now rebranded and fully owned by the Norway House Cree Nation since November 2024, has received an amended environmental license from Manitoba. This development propels the project closer to its ambition of establishing Manitoba as Canada's magnesium capital. It is recognized as Canada's first critical minerals project wholly owned by a First Nation.
The amended license authorizes the project to produce 10,000 tonnes of materials daily, though planning and financing are still pending. This upgrade addresses environmental concerns raised over a decade ago by the Kinosao Sipi regarding watershed protection. The project's first phase involves quarrying dolomite for magnesium production, adhering to the First Nation's principle of utilizing all harvested resources.
With an estimated cost of $1.3 billion, the facility aims to commence magnesium production by 2027. The province has provided $2 million to support the development of a first-of-its-kind low-emission magnesium processing facility. This initiative is expected to generate hundreds of jobs, combat regional poverty, and foster First Nation economic empowerment while prioritizing environmental protection.
