The Manitoba government is providing funding to 12 projects through the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (MMDF) to help drive sustainable economic growth, create good jobs and build resilient communities, Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses announced today.

“Manitoba continues to be a national and global leader in responsible mineral development,” said Moses. “Investing in these 12 projects will enhance Manitoba’s competitive advantage over other jurisdictions around the world, which is more important now than ever before.”

Twelve companies and organizations were approved for funding under the MMDF, representing a total investment of over $2.5 million with 66 new short-term jobs and 132 long-term jobs expected to be created, noted Moses. These projects will leverage approximately $11.9 million of investment in Manitoba resource development.

“Mineral exploration and development here in Manitoba continue to create economic benefits for the province and for northern Manitoba,” said Chuck Davidson, president and CEO, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce (MCC), and board chair, Manitoba Mineral Development Fund. “Since the program launched in July 2020, the fund has approved 108 projects and invested more than $18 million towards a range of mining, community economic development and Indigenous enterprise and partnership projects – which in turn have created 522 short-term jobs, 373 long-term jobs, 222 partnerships and leveraged investments of $128 million.”

Managed by the MCC, the MMDF supports northern economic development and mineral exploration projects that create Indigenous partnerships, increase local employment and stimulate provincial investments. A two-year extension to the fund was also announced by the MCC to support mineral exploration activities and community engagement in the province.

Home to 30 of the 34 minerals on Canada’s 2024 critical minerals list, Manitoba’s natural resources provide significant opportunity for economic growth in the province, noted Moses. These critical minerals are crucial for Manitoba’s growth as a low carbon leader and are essential to developing clean technologies that promote green energy and sustainable economic success, the minister added.

For more information on critical minerals in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/iem/index.html. For more information on the MMDF or to apply for funding, visit mmdf.ca.