Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney offered Italy priority access to Canada’s critical mineral reserves during the G7 summit in France [1].
The agreement aims to reduce reliance on unstable global supply chains and secure the raw materials necessary for high-tech industries and green energy transitions.
The announcement took place June 17, 2026 [3], during a press conference held at the 2026 G7 Leaders' Summit [4]. Carney and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni agreed to boost bilateral ties across several strategic sectors, including energy, and defence [2].
Securing critical minerals is a central component of the broader strategy to enhance supply-chain security. By granting Italy priority access, Canada seeks to create a more resilient trade corridor for materials essential to modern manufacturing, a move that aligns with current Western efforts to diversify sources away from dominant market players.
Beyond mineral reserves, the two leaders discussed deepening cooperation regarding support for Ukraine [2]. The partnership extends into the defence sector, where both nations intend to synchronize their security strategies to counter evolving global threats [2].
The deal comes as Canada expands its own capacities in mineral extraction, including the expansion of graphite supplies [5]. This expansion allows Canada to leverage its natural resources as diplomatic tools to strengthen alliances within the G7 framework [1].
Carney said the move was intended to solidify the relationship between the two nations while ensuring that critical infrastructure remains protected from external disruptions [2].
“Canada grants Italy priority access to critical minerals”
This agreement signals a shift toward 'friend-shoring,' where democratic allies prioritize trade with one another to mitigate geopolitical risks. By linking mineral access to defence and energy ties, Canada and Italy are integrating their economic security with their national security strategies, specifically to reduce vulnerability to non-G7 monopolies over critical raw materials.
