The Sisson Mine project in New Brunswick, home to the world's largest tungsten deposit, is being revived due to surging global interest in critical minerals and new funding from the US and Canadian governments. Despite past delays, the project is gaining momentum for its strategic importance in defence and green technologies, aiming to diversify supply chains from China, though it continues to face strong opposition from some First Nations communities.
Sisson tungsten mine one of several critical mineral projects eyed by N.B. government
CanadaNew BrunswickUnited StatesCanada governmentNatural Resources CanadaAndrew IngChief Ron TremblayJohn HerronPremier Susan HoltPrime Minister Mark CarneyEnvironment
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The Sisson Mine project in New Brunswick, home to the world's largest tungsten deposit, is being revived due to surging global interest in critical minerals and new funding from the US and Canadian governments. Despite past delays, the project is gaining momentum for its strategic importance in defence and green technologies, aiming to diversify supply chains from China, though it continues to face strong opposition from some First Nations communities.
Trending- 1 Late 1900s: Zinc, copper, and nickel were mined extensively in the Bathurst area.
- 2 2015: Northcliff Resources obtained provincial environmental approvals for the Sisson Mine project; tungsten prices slumped.
- 3 2017: The federal government green-lit Sisson; chiefs of Wolastoqey communities signed a deal to get a share of future provincial royalties (though some later opposed).
- 4 2023: Northcliff went to court to get injunctions against obstruction of preparatory work.
- 5 2024: A federal auditor general report found a lack of information on the adverse effects of mining on the environment and a lack of engagement with Indigenous communities.
- 6 Early May 2025: Northcliff Resources was awarded $20.7 million from the U.S. Defence Department and a conditional $8.2 million from the Canada government.
- 7 This week (June 2025): Prime Minister Mark Carney identified critical minerals as a sector targeted for growth at a first ministers' meeting.
- 8 Current: Northcliff was granted an extension to begin construction by December 2025.
- Potential creation of about 300 jobs (more during construction) and operation for about 27 years
- Strengthening and diversifying the global supply chain for critical minerals
- Environmental concerns, including potential damage to water and land (Nashwaak watershed)
- Ongoing legal and consultation challenges with First Nations communities
- Increased investment and exploration in other critical mineral projects in New Brunswick
What: The Sisson Mine project, a tungsten, indium, and antimony mining project north of Fredericton, New Brunswick, is being revived. This is driven by a surge of interest in critical minerals and new funding from the U.S. Defence Department and the Canadian government. The project aims to strengthen and diversify the global supply chain for tungsten, currently dominated by China. However, it faces ongoing opposition from some First Nations.
When: Northcliff Resources announced funding in 'early May' (2025). At a first ministers' meeting 'this week' (June 2025), critical minerals were targeted for growth. Provincial environmental approvals were obtained in '2015', and the federal government green-lit Sisson in '2017'. Tungsten prices slumped in '2015'. Northcliff went to court for injunctions in '2023'. A federal auditor general report came out 'just last year' (2024). Mining practices have changed in the 'last few decades'.
Where: New Brunswick, north of Fredericton, Napadogan, Stanley, Mount Pleasant (north of St. George), Bathurst area, Canada, United States, China.
Why: Critical minerals are essential for Canada's economic/national security, global supply chains, and transition to a digital, sustainable, and low-carbon economy. Tungsten is crucial for military applications, engines, turbines, and green transition technologies. The project aims to diversify the supply chain away from China, which produces 80% of the world's supply. The provincial government is working to identify resources and ensure needed infrastructure.
How: Northcliff Resources is updating feasibility studies using the new government funding. The provincial government has expressed support and is engaging in discussions with First Nations. The project involves open-pit mining and processing facilities. Legal actions (injunctions) have been taken against obstruction of preparatory work.