Sudbury BEV conference focuses on critical mineral supply chain

Leaders in mining, automotive and energy were in Sudbury this week for the annual BEV conference with a focus this year that shifted to critical minerals.

Leaders in mining, automotive, energy and government were in Sudbury on May 28 for a conference that normally focuses on the battery and electric vehicles.

But this year, the focus shifted to critical minerals.

Karen Speers, vice-president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, took some time Thursday to explain the features of one autonomous, zero-emissions prototype vehicle.

Speers said it’s an example of what’s possible from Canadian collaboration.

“There’s a lot of excitement around that Canadian innovation and being a little bit more boastful about what we can do and not being as shy to show it,” she said.

The prototypes were a big draw at the outdoor exhibit at the fifth annual BEV In-Depth Conference in Sudbury.

There were also indoor displays showcasing products and industries that use critical minerals.

“We have our critical minerals, we have some of the defence stuff with robotics,” said Devin Arthur, president of the EV Society Greater Sudbury.

“We have a look into the future with mining. So it’s really kind of a mixed bag, but I think the end result is critical minerals feed into all these different aspects -- all these different industries.”

The event also featured information sessions, including one focused on how Canada can build a sovereign critical minerals supply chain, from exploration and extraction to processing and manufacturing.

Panelist Jeff Gaulin from Vale Base Metals said before that happens, gaps in the chain need to be addressed first.

“The product needs to be turned into something like a battery, like a car, like a telecommunication satellite,” Gaulin said.

“So we need to have more manufacturers here in Canada or abroad that want those Canadian minerals. That’s where the gap is -- turning our finished nickel into final products.”

Allied supply chain

Abigail Hunter, from the U.S.-based Safe Centre for Critical Minerals Strategy, said she supports an allied supply chain.

“We’re trying to do as much as we can in the U.S., but Canada can be an incredible strength partner to us as we diversify away from adversaries in the critical mineral space, given the natural resource production that Canada has,” Hunter said.

The two prototype vehicles are part of a national initiative called Project Arrow, which is an example of Canadian innovation, capabilities and collaboration.

“What you’re seeing behind us is the combination of several dozen suppliers, partners, education systems and other members in the eco-system, bringing together the technology and the innovation to develop these two vehicles,” Speers said.

Given the broader theme this year of ‘Transforming the Critical Minerals Value Chain, organizers said they had different delegates attend the conference this year compared with past events.