In Hybrid and Electrical Mechanic Training? The Importance of Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy
The world has been consistently trying to shift its focus from traditional fossil fuels to more renewable and environmentally friendly options for several years now. The auto sector is no different and has seen a rise in hybrid and electric vehicles. However, the batteries required in these vehicles are made from minerals that are now in short supply due to increased hybrid and EV production. Canada believes it can help fill this gap in the market with its critical minerals strategy, involving investment in mining, processing, manufacturing, and recycling of minerals and metals utilized in the production of EVs and hybrids, including their batteries. This focus on increasing minerals and metals for EV production will also benefit you as someone in hybrid and electrical mechanic training. Read on to learn more.
What Critical Minerals are Involved in Canada’s Strategy
Canada is a global leader in responsible mining and producing several critical minerals. There are over 60 minerals and metals being mined in 200 Canadian mines. Critical minerals available in Canada include nickel, graphite, lithium, manganese, copper, and cobalt. As you know from hybrid and electrical mechanic training, these minerals and metals are required for advanced batteries utilized in EVs and hybrids. These minerals are also necessary for the healthcare, aerospace, and computing industries. Regarding EV motors, Canada has several Rare Earth Elements utilized in their production. Through mining these minerals and metals across Canada, the intention is to help meet growing domestic and global demand.
How Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy Works
Canada is looking to expand its involvement in the critical minerals sector with a $3.8 billion investment according to the 2022 budget. This investment will be utilized across the supply chain, including geoscience, manufacturing, mining, processing, and recycling. The critical minerals strategy outlines six focus areas that will help create jobs, strengthen Canada’s economy, and help in the fight against climate change:
- Driving Exploration, Research & Development, and Innovation
- Accelerating Responsible Project Development
- Building Sustainable Infrastructure
- Advancing Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
- Growing a Diverse Workforce and Prosperous Communities
- Strengthening Global Leadership and Security
Canada believes that expanding its critical mining infrastructure and focusing on technological developments presents a generational opportunity for its workers, economy, and future. Aside from the large initial investment, there has also been additional federal investment into Rio Tinto Fer et Titane, amounting to $222 million, to increase its production of critical minerals. This significant push for critical minerals to be mined, processed, utilized, and recycled in Canada, presents a unique opportunity for you as a hybrid and electric vehicle mechanic.
What This Means When You Become a Mechanic
As a hybrid and electric vehicle mechanic in Canada, the focus being placed by the Canadian Government on critical minerals and becoming a leader in this sector is a great opportunity. To produce more EVs and hybrids in Canada, as that is where the raw materials are, there will likely be more EVs and hybrids on the roads in Canada. Auto manufacturers Honda, General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford, amongst potential others, have invested or indicated their intention to invest in producing vehicles in Canada.
EV and hybrid sales in Canada are rising and are expected to continue rising in the coming years. These vehicles will require servicing and repair work, and this is where your role as a mechanic will benefit from Canada’s critical minerals strategy. As you can see, Canada’s strategy for its critical minerals has long-term implications that will benefit the whole industry and country.
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