On March 4, 2026, the provincial government announced a $2 million investment to support the first phase of a magnesium processing facility at the Minago critical minerals project in northern Manitoba. The project is owned entirely by the Norway House Cree Nation, making it the first critical minerals venture in Canada to be 100% owned by a First Nation.
The funding from the Manitoba government will help develop the first-of-its-kind low-emission facility. This stage of the project is expected to create more than 20 permanent jobs and provide specialized training for over 50 First Nation participants.
Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses said the project will help process minerals that are important for clean technology. This investment is meant to create new economic opportunities for the community and the surrounding region.
The Norway House Cree Nation took full control of the Minago site in November 2024 after purchasing it from Flying Nickel Mining Corp. for $8 million. Chief Larson Anderson has stated the ownership allows the First Nation to lead the development while ensuring environmental care for their traditional land.
