Comprehensive Minerals Strategy Framework

New Brunswick is developing a Comprehensive Minerals Strategy to attract investment, support exploration and foster sustainable mineral development. This work reflects the province’s commitment to strengthening its mineral sector while ensuring environmental stewardship and collaboration with Indigenous communities.

The strategy aims to position New Brunswick as a leader in responsible mineral development, contributing to local economies and global supply chains for clean energy, defence and advanced technology.

The final strategy will be released in the spring of 2026, with input from stakeholders across the province.

New Brunswick is committed to reconciliation and recognizes the importance of Indigenous rights in mineral development. The new strategy aims to:

• build economic partnerships with Indigenous communities
• support environmental protection with Indigenous knowledge
• foster trust through transparent consultation and engagement

New Brunswick is rich in critical and strategic minerals like:

• zinc
• copper
• tungsten
• molybdenum
• manganese
• potash
• gold
• antimony
• indium

Many of which are essential for low-carbon technologies, national defence and modern manufacturing. With occurrences of 21 of Canada’s critical minerals, and deposits of 13 of those critical minerals, the province has a unique opportunity to play a key role in global supply chains.

New Brunswick’s compact geography, established road networks, and infrastructure support efficient mineral development. Past mining hubs like the Bathurst and Sussex areas highlight the province’s potential for future projects.

The strategy outlines five focus areas to grow New Brunswick's mineral sector responsibly:

• Streamlining regulatory and permitting processes
  • Simplifying rules while protecting the environment.
  • Making regulatory requirements clear for companies, Indigenous communities, and the public.
• Promoting awareness of New Brunswick’s potential
  • Raising the province’s profile as a destination for mineral development.
  • Improving public understanding of mining’s economic and social benefits.
• Strengthening Indigenous partnerships
  • Supporting meaningful engagement and collaboration with Indigenous communities.
  • Encouraging shared opportunities and environmental stewardship.
• Enhancing investment environment
  • Ensuring investment readiness by creating clearer processes and lowering barriers for companies.
  • Leveraging New Brunswick's strong transportation, power, and workforce networks.
• Planning for local benefits
  • Focusing on workforce development and community-level planning.
  • Ensuring economic opportunities are distributed across New Brunswick.

The Comprehensive Minerals Strategy framework was presented at the Exploration, Mining and Petroleum Conference on October 27, 2025 in Fredericton.

The final strategy, incorporating broader feedback and focused on New Brunswick's goals, will be published in the spring of 2026.