Quebec and UK Partner to Secure Critical Minerals for Defence Industry
Quebec and the United Kingdom have joined forces in a groundbreaking agreement signed on Monday to ensure a stable supply of essential minerals crucial for the defense industry.
Minister of International Relations Christopher Skeete ventured to London to formalize the pact, sealing the deal with British Minister of State for Industry, Chris McDonald.
The primary goal of this agreement is to establish Quebec as a reliable ally in today’s complex geopolitical landscape.
Highlighting the significance of this partnership, Minister of Natural Resources Jean-François Simard expressed, “Europe now views us in a new light.”
He emphasized the rarity of finding such a rich concentration and variety of critical and strategic minerals in a politically stable region governed by the rule of law, outside of China.
In a bid to decrease reliance on China, which dominates the critical mineral market, Western nations are actively seeking alternative partnerships.
With escalating defense expenditure prompted by the Russian threat, the European Union and the UK are in need of substantial quantities of critical minerals.
Minister Skeete underlined that Quebec boasts no less than 10 of the 40 critical minerals identified by the European Union, underscoring the region’s potential.
Using titanium as a case in point, Minister Skeete illustrated the vital role these minerals play in defense equipment. While a civilian aircraft requires 10% titanium, a French Air Force Rafale fighter jet necessitates a significant 35% titanium in its production.
Despite having the resource within its borders, Quebec currently exports titanium to Asia for refining. However, there is a mutual desire to establish a supply chain with Europe to enhance the value-added processing of these minerals.
In 2024, the United Kingdom ranked as Quebec’s fourth-largest trading partner in Europe, with trade exceeding $5 billion. Over the last five years, Quebec’s exports to the UK surged by 41%, securing its position as the province’s second-largest European client and sixth-largest globally.
