Canada and Germany Deepen Critical Minerals and Energy Partnership with New Joint Declaration
Canada and Germany Sign Agreement to Secure Critical Minerals, Hydrogen Trade and Energy Supply Chains
BERLIN – Canada and Germany signed a joint declaration on critical minerals and energy cooperation on Tuesday, strengthening ties between the two countries as demand surges for materials vital to electric vehicles, clean energy, and advanced technologies.
The agreement, announced during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s official visit to Germany, commits both countries to securing supply chains, expanding R&D collaboration, and co-funding projects across industries such as defence, aerospace, and clean energy.
“Canada has immense potential to be a leading and reliable global supplier of critical minerals, and Canada and Germany are natural strategic partners in this mission,” Carney said in a statement.
Carney, who took office earlier this year, launched the Canada-led Critical Minerals Production Alliance at the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, with the goal of building trusted international partnerships in mineral supply chains.
As part of the Berlin declaration, Isabella Chan, a senior official at Natural Resources Canada, was appointed Canada’s special envoy for the partnership.
Matthias Koehler, Germany’s deputy director-general of raw materials policy, will serve as Germany’s envoy.
“Canada and Germany share a deep commitment to democracy, security, and sustainability – and German industry needs resources Canada can offer amidst global uncertainty,” said Canada’s Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson. “We are seizing this moment to build, secure, and compete together.”
Carney also held talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on energy security, including potential Canadian exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydrogen under the Canada-Germany Energy Partnership.
Both governments agreed to explore a transatlantic hydrogen trade corridor to support Europe’s transition away from fossil fuels.
The discussions also touched on Russia’s war in Ukraine. Carney reiterated Canada’s strong support for Kyiv following his weekend meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlighting Canada’s $2 billion in military assistance.
“No decisions about Ukraine should be taken without Ukraine, and no decisions about Europe should be taken without Europe,” Carney said.
Industry Deals Strengthen Economic Ties
The government-to-government announcement was accompanied by new industry agreements:
Troilus Gold signed a supply deal with Hamburg-based Aurubis for future copper concentrate.
Torngat Metals (Québec) signed an MoU with Germany’s Vacuumschmelze for rare earth supplies.
Rock Tech Lithium agreed an MoU with Enertrag to power its German lithium conversion plant with renewable energy.
“Canada is an ideal strategic partner – we have the critical minerals and natural resources, as well as the workers, businesses, and know-how to get them to market,” said Industry Minister Mélanie Joly.
The partnership builds on commitments made at the G7 summit earlier this year, where leaders endorsed a Critical Minerals Action Plan.
