Manitoba can land mining investment if we strengthen the front end

Manitoba has something many mining jurisdictions would like to have: real mineral potential.

Nickel, lithium, copper and other critical minerals are present across the province. Geologically, Manitoba should be well positioned in Canada’s exploration economy.

Yet investment decisions are not made on geology alone.

The 2025 Fraser Institute Annual Survey of Mining Companies highlights the importance of clear policy and engagement processes in attracting exploration investment. While Manitoba’s mineral potential remains strong, investors also look closely at how consultation, permitting and land access processes are understood and communicated.

For investors deciding where to deploy exploration capital, those factors matter.

Exploration investment is highly mobile. Companies look for jurisdictions where they understand how projects will proceed, who they need to engage with and what expectations exist at each stage of development. When those pathways are well understood, companies are more confident investing in exploration programs.

The issue is not a lack of resources. It is ensuring that processes and expectations are clearly understood by everyone involved.

In reality, engagement between exploration companies and First Nations often begins earlier than many people assume. After claims are staked and before field work begins, companies commonly reach out to nearby First Nations, even for early stage activities such as airborne surveys.

However, the process that follows can still involve several moving parts.

Exploration companies may be working to understand what level of engagement is appropriate at different stages of work. Communities may be determining what type of agreements or participation they want before exploration proceeds. At the same time, the province carries legal consultation responsibilities that exist alongside the discussions already taking place between First Nations and companies.

It’s encouraging to hear that government has begun to hold information sessions in multiple First Nations communities to provide information on mineral exploration, permitting, consultation and local mineral resources. We would encourage government to continue with this important work.

When multiple participants are involved, the process can sometimes become complex.

Questions sometimes arise around how provincial consultation processes interact with agreements being discussed between First Nations and exploration companies, and what expectations exist for early stage activities. In other situations, communities may feel they have not been engaged early enough or in the right way.

Despite these challenges, there is an important point that should not be overlooked. Many First Nations across Manitoba want economic development that benefits their people. They are looking for opportunities that create jobs, support local businesses and strengthen long term economic self determination. At the same time, they want development carried out in a respectful, informed and responsible way.

These priorities are not barriers to exploration. In many ways, they strengthen the foundation for successful projects.

Much of Manitoba’s mineral potential lies on or near the traditional or ancestral lands of First Nations. When communities have clear information about exploration activities, environmental practices and potential economic opportunities, discussions can begin from a place of shared understanding.

What the sector needs most is not fewer rules, but clearer pathways so that communities, companies and governments understand their roles from the earliest stages of exploration.

This is where the Manitoba Prospectors and Developers Association is working to contribute.

MPDA represents the exploration sector, the earliest stage of mineral development and the stage where confidence and relationships are first established. Our programs focus on practical engagement and education. Short courses delivered in partnership with communities explain exploration practices, environmental safeguards and monitoring approaches. They also connect students and local workers with training and employment opportunities related to exploration.

These efforts help reduce misunderstandings and build confidence between communities and companies.

The association itself is evolving as well. For the first time in our history, MPDA is led by an Indigenous Chief Executive Officer, Renee Greyeyes, and our board now includes a majority of Indigenous members. This reflects a growing recognition across Manitoba that responsible resource development benefits from Indigenous leadership and industry working together from the beginning.

There are also encouraging signs that Manitoba is continuing to support innovation in the mining sector. A recent provincial announcement supporting research into new mineral processing and smelting technologies highlights the importance of developing better ways to unlock and process mineral resources in the future. Advancing these kinds of technologies can help strengthen the long term competitiveness of Manitoba’s resource sector.

As global demand for critical minerals continues to grow, jurisdictions that combine strong geology with clear engagement processes and collaborative relationships will be best positioned to attract exploration investment.

Manitoba has an opportunity to continue building that environment through cooperation between government, communities and industry.

As the newly elected president of the Manitoba Prospectors and Developers Association board, I believe Manitoba can become known not only for its mineral potential but also for how development is carried out.

When companies engage early, when communities have access to information and economic opportunities, and when governments provide clear and predictable processes, everyone benefits.

Later this month MPDA will host its fifth annual Reconciliation Gala, bringing together Indigenous leadership, students, educators, industry and public officials to continue building those relationships.

Manitoba has the resources and the opportunity.

By strengthening the front end of exploration through clarity, engagement and partnership, we can rebuild investment confidence and ensure that responsible mineral development benefits communities across the province.

Terry Brown is president of the Board of Directors, Manitoba Prospectors & Developers Association.