Airplane Critical Minerals: 5 of Canada’s Strategic Role in Aerospace

Published on: August 10, 2025

Canada’s vast mineral wealth is not just an economic asset—it’s a strategic advantage in the global aerospace industry.

From the materials that make up aircraft to the planes that explore and service our mineral-rich regions, airplane critical minerals are the heart of aviation innovation and infrastructure.

Quick Data Points
1. Airplane Critical Components
2. Canada and Aerospace Supply Chain
3. Airplanes Vital Exploration, Logistics
4. Ring of Fire First Nations
5. Bombardier Global Mining Aerospace
Why It Matters to OROF Readers

Airplane Critical Minerals, Ontario Ring of Fire

Photo Credit: Alpen Air, Unsplash

Quick Data Points

Airplane Critical Minerals

Description	Data Points
Canada’s Global Position	Leading global supplier of nickel, cobalt, and aluminum
First Nations in the Ring of Fire	Webequie First Nation, Marten Falls First Nation, others involved in resource development
Role of Airplanes in Exploration	Over 50% of mineral exploration activities in remote regions are supported by aviation services
Bombardier’s Market Reach	Over 3,000 aircraft delivered to customers across 100+ countries

Canada’s critical minerals are not only foundational to the aerospace industry—they are key to the country’s long-term economic future. Our resources support everything from airplanes to air services that enable the development of Canada’s mineral-rich regions.

— Paul Gray, Director of Policy at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce

1. Airplane Critical Components

Modern airplanes are marvels of engineering, relying heavily on materials derived from airplane critical minerals. Canada is a leading global supplier of several of these airplane critical minerals:

Nickel: Crucial for high-performance alloys in turbine engines and structural components of airplanes.
Cobalt: Used in high-strength alloys and battery technologies for airplanes.
Copper: Essential for electrical wiring and avionics systems in airplanes.
Aluminum: A lightweight metal used extensively in airframes and various parts of airplanes.
Titanium: Known for its strength and resistance to corrosion, used in engine components and airframes of airplanes.

These materials are integral to the construction and operation of airplanes, underscoring the importance of Canada’s airplane critical minerals in the aerospace sector.

2. Canada and Aerospace Supply Chain

Several Canadian companies play pivotal roles in supplying the airplane critical minerals essential for airplane manufacturing:

Electra Battery Materials: Operates North America’s only cobalt sulfate refinery in Ontario, producing battery-grade materials crucial for electric airplanes and avionics. At full capacity, Electra‘s Ontario Refinery could produce enough cobalt sulfate to supply more than 1 million electric vehicles per year .
Fortune Minerals Limited: Developing a cobalt and bismuth project in British Columbia, contributing to the supply of airplane critical minerals used in aircraft manufacturing. The NICO Project consists of a planned mine and concentrator in the Northwest Territories and a hydrometallurgical process facility in Alberta .
Avalon Advanced Materials: Focuses on rare earth elements like neodymium and praseodymium, vital for airplane magnets and sensors. Avalon is re-activating its Nechalacho Rare Earth Elements Project in the Northwest Territories due to growing demand for magnet rare earths .

These companies are not only supporting the aerospace industry but also contributing to Canada’s position as a global leader in airplane critical minerals production.

3. Airplanes Vital Exploration, Logistics

Airplanes are indispensable in the exploration and logistics of Canada’s mineral-rich regions. In particular, remote locations like the Ring of Fire in Northern Ontario rely heavily on aviation services to connect to the outside world.

Surveying and Mapping: Airplanes equipped with advanced imaging technology are used for aerial surveying of mineral deposits, especially in difficult-to-access areas.
Transportation of Equipment: Helicopters and fixed-wing airplanes transport heavy equipment and supplies to remote mining sites, reducing reliance on ground transportation.
Personnel Movement: Airplanes facilitate the movement of mining crews, geologists, and engineers between urban centers and remote mining camps.
Remote Sensing: Aircraft are often equipped with remote sensing devices like LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) to map and assess mineral resources from the air.

Key Players in Airplane Operations for Mineral Exploration

Wasaya Airways: Provides essential air services for communities in Northern Ontario and for companies working in the Ring of Fire, including cargo and personnel transport. Wasaya Airways plays a critical role in supporting mining operations in this remote region.
Webequie First Nation: Through the Webequie Supply Road project, the Webequie First Nation is improving accessibility to the Ring of Fire, with aviation services being integral to facilitating transportation during construction.

Airplanes are used in various ways to support mineral exploration and logistical operations.

4. Ring of Fire First Nations

The Ring of Fire in Northern Ontario is rich in critical minerals like nickel, chromite, and copper. First Nations communities, including Webequie and Marten Falls, are playing an active role in the development of this region. Their involvement is essential to ensuring that mineral exploration and extraction are done responsibly and that local communities benefit from the economic opportunities created by these resources.

Webequie Supply Road: The project is a major infrastructure development led by Webequie First Nation, aimed at connecting remote communities to the Ring of Fire for easier access to mining sites. Aviation services will be crucial for accessing hard-to-reach areas during the construction phase.
Environmental Oversight: First Nations communities are actively involved in environmental and impact assessments, ensuring that the development of the Ring of Fire is done sustainably and responsibly.
Partnerships in Mining: First Nations businesses are entering joint ventures with mining companies to ensure that they have a stake in the economic benefits of mineral extraction.
Aviation Expertise: Companies like Wasaya Airways provide logistical support to First Nations communities, further solidifying the importance of aviation services in supporting mineral exploration and regional development.

5. Bombardier Global Mining Aerospace

Bombardier, headquartered in Montreal, is one of Canada’s largest and most influential aerospace companies. With a legacy of innovation, Bombardier manufactures aircraft that are integral to both commercial and private aviation. The company also collaborates with suppliers to enhance sustainable supply chain management and find alternatives to comply with changing regulations.

Sustainability Focus: Bombardier is committed to responsible sourcing of materials, including airplane critical minerals, ensuring that their supply chains align with environmental and social governance (ESG) standards.
Aircraft Manufacturing: Bombardier produces some of the world’s most advanced aircraft, including business jets and regional airliners. These aircraft rely on materials derived from airplane critical minerals.
Innovation in Aerospace: The company is at the forefront of advancing aerospace technologies, contributing to Canada’s reputation as a leader in the global aviation industry.

The company also collaborates with suppliers to enhance sustainable supply chain management and find alternatives to comply with changing regulations to create support the next generation of mining tech companies to get from “field to table”.

Why It Matters to OROF Readers

Understanding the role of Canadian airplane critical minerals in aviation is crucial for OROF readers, especially those interested in the intersection of resource development, technology, and Indigenous partnerships. As Canada continues to develop its critical mineral resources, the aviation sector will play a pivotal role in supporting and advancing these efforts. By recognizing the importance of these materials and the companies involved, readers can gain insights into the broader implications for Canada’s economy and its Indigenous communities.

Canada’s airplane critical minerals are not just foundational to the aerospace industry—they are central to the nation’s economic and strategic interests. From the materials that make up airplanes to the planes that explore and service our mineral-rich regions, these resources are integral to Canada’s future.

FAQs - Canada's Airplane Critical Minerals

How do Canadian critical minerals impact the global aerospace industry?

Canadian airplane critical minerals like nickel, cobalt, and titanium are essential in the production of aircraft components, from engine alloys to lightweight airframes. Canada’s position as a major supplier makes it a key player in the global aerospace supply chain.

How do airplanes support mineral exploration in remote regions like the Ring of Fire?

Airplanes provide critical support for surveying, transporting equipment and personnel, and conducting remote sensing in hard-to-reach areas. This is particularly important for the Ring of Fire, where traditional ground transportation is often not feasible.

What role do Indigenous communities play in mineral development in Canada?

Indigenous communities are key partners in the development of Canada’s mineral resources, ensuring that projects like those in the Ring of Fire are sustainable and beneficial to local communities. First Nations businesses are also increasingly involved in joint ventures with mining companies.

What is Bombardier’s involvement in Canada’s aerospace industry?

Bombardier is one of Canada’s leading aerospace companies, manufacturing aircraft for both commercial and private sectors. It also plays a crucial role in advancing technologies that rely on airplane critical minerals and maintaining sustainable supply chains in the industry.

How are Canadian critical minerals used in aviation?

Airplane critical minerals such as nickel, cobalt, and aluminum are used in the manufacturing of aircraft, particularly in engine components, airframes, and avionics systems. These materials are essential for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and performance of modern airplanes.