Dig deep: 10 massive mining projects across Canada

Canada’s mining sector is in the midst of a transformative boom, with record investments powering some of the largest construction projects ever undertaken in the country. As global demand accelerates for critical minerals—nickel, copper, potash, lithium, and more—Canadian mining companies and their construction partners are advancing multi-billion dollar projects from coast to coast. The past year has seen major groundbreakings, timely completions, and crucial permitting milestones, reflecting Canada’s central role in the future of clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable resource development.

BHP Jansen Potash Project – Saskatchewan ($14 Billion)

Led by BHP, the Jansen project represents the world’s largest potash mine under construction and Canada’s biggest private sector investment. Located 140 kilometers east of Saskatoon, this massive development will produce 8.5 million tonnes of potash annually once fully operational. The project has faced cost overruns, with Stage 1 now estimated at $7-7.4 billion compared to the original $5.7 billion. Key partners include Worley, for construction services including fabrication, modularization, and field construction programs. BHP is also working with George Gordon First Nations to provide socio-economic benefits and Indigenous participation.

Seabridge Gold KSM Project – B.C. ($7.2B+)

The Kerr-Sulphurets-Mitchell (KSM) Project is one of the world’s largest undeveloped gold projects, containing 47.3 million ounces of gold and 7.3 billion pounds of copper in proven and probable reserves. Located in BC’s Golden Triangle, the project has a 50+ year mine life and has received environmental assessment approval. Seabridge has invested over $997 million in exploration, engineering, and environmental work since 2001. The company received “substantially started” status in July 2024, allowing the environmental certificate to remain valid permanently.

Vale Voisey’s Bay Expansion – Newfoundland and Labrador ($4B)

Completed late last year, this major project transitioned Voisey’s Bay from open pit to underground mining, developing two underground mines (Reid Brook and Eastern Deeps). The expansion, advanced by Vale Base Metals, increases nickel production to 45,000 tonnes per year, plus 20,000 tonnes of copper and 2,600 tonnes of cobalt annually. The project represents one of the largest mining investments in recent Canadian history and will supply critical minerals to global markets, including defense manufacturing and battery electric vehicles. Employment at Voisey’s Bay increased to 1,100 direct employees from 600 pre-expansion. Full project ramp-up is expected next year.

Teck Highland Valley Copper Mine Life Extension – B.C. ($2.1-2.4B)

Teck Resources’ Highland Valley Copper expansion, approved in July 2025 at a cost of $2.1–2.4 billion, extends BC’s biggest copper mine’s life to 2046, supporting 1,500 permanent jobs and generating 2,900 construction jobs while greatly increasing copper output to 132,000 tonnes a year. Permitting is complete and engineering is well advanced, with construction starting August 2025.

Canada Nickel Crawford Project – Ontario ($3.375B)

Canada Nickel’s $3.375 billion Crawford Project, located near Timmins, is set to be among the world’s largest new nickel producers, having wrapped up front-end engineering in 2025 and now awaiting its final permits. With engineering and construction support from Mattagami First Nation and major financial partners, the mine will also require extensive rail and highway building.

Generation Mining Marathon Project – Ontario ($1.445B)

Generation Mining’s $1.445 billion Marathon Palladium-Copper Project, northwest of Thunder Bay, is fully permitted and seeking financing after final provincial approval in spring 2025. Set to yield over 2.12 million ounces of palladium and 517 million pounds of copper over 13 years, it’s expected to break ground in 2025.

Wyloo Metals Eagle’s Nest Project – Ontario ($822M)

Wyloo Metals is progressing the Eagle’s Nest nickel-copper-PGM project in Ontario’s Ring of Fire, with costs estimated at $822 million (up from the earlier $609 million USD feasibility study). Construction is planned for 2027, pending the completion of vital access roads, and includes a proposed downstream processing facility in Sudbury.

Alamos Lynn Lake Gold Project – Manitoba ($853M)

Alamos Gold’s Lynn Lake project—at $853 million—will be the largest new mine launched in Manitoba since 2014. Construction will start in 2025, producing an average of 176,000 ounces of gold per year from two open pits, with Stantec as the primary environmental engineering services partner.

Artemis Gold Blackwater Mine – British Columbia ($730–750M)

Artemis Gold’s Blackwater Mine, southwest of Prince George, reached commercial production in May 2025 after a rapid 22-month build costing around $750 million. Sedgman Canada led much of the construction, with the project notable for Indigenous participation and an impressive safety performance.

Rio Tinto Complexe Jonquière Aluminum Expansion – Quebec ($1.1B)

Rio Tinto’s $1.1 billion expansion at Complexe Jonquière (Saguenay) will increase aluminum smelter capacity by 160,000 tonnes. Currently under construction with AtkinsRéalis and GE Vernova as key contractors, the project creates up to 1,000 construction jobs, supported by $113 million from the Quebec government.