Nouveau Monde Graphite (NMG) has been given the green light to begin construction of the second phase of the Matawinie mine, 120 kilometers north of Montreal, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced earlier today.
When completed, the mine will be the largest graphite mine in the G7, producing up to 106,000 tonnes per year. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the site will create more than 1,000 new jobs, attract more than $2 billion in investment, and “will help position Canada as a trusted and preferred partner for Asia, Europe and beyond.”
“Canada has what the world wants — and we are moving quickly to get it to market,” Carney said in a news release. “This will create more than a thousand good jobs, strengthen our supply chains and build a stronger, more competitive and independent Canadian economy for all,” he added.
This announcement comes on the heels of NMG recently reaching $96.5 million in guarantee and comes just six months after the project was referred to Canada’s Major Projects Office (MPO).
“This achievement reflects the steadfast collaboration between our partners, the trust of local and Indigenous communities and a shared commitment to sustainable development. We are also grateful for the continued support of the Government of Canada, whose financial investments are set to support the advancement of our electrification strategy and strengthen Canada’s leadership in the integrated value chain of critical minerals. Together, we are laying the foundation for a cleaner, more resilient future,” said Eric DeSaulnier, CEO of NMG.
In addition to Carney, three Cabinet ministers praised the announcement, including Julie Aviva Dabrosin, Minister of the Environment, who hailed the announcement as a pivotal moment in Canada’s clean energy future. “By developing projects like the Matawini mine, we are supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy, promoting resilient supply chains and ensuring Canada remains a world leader in clean growth,” she said.
The announcement comes as global demand for graphite used in batteries accelerates amid trade uncertainty and new US tariffs. Governments are looking for reliable sources of battery materials to support the growth of electric vehicles. With the start of construction at Matawini, Ottawa positions Canada to play a larger role in North America’s expanding supply chain.
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