The Canadian Government recently announced a new $4-billion fund to spur the exploration of the critical minerals needed to achieve their Net Zero Emission goal for 2050. Canada also joined a consortium of other G7 to work collaboratively to find more secure sources for these minerals.

On the latest "Insights" podcast, Sean Kirby, the Executive Director of the Mining Association of Nova Scotia, says the demand for critical minerals used in electric vehicles, solar panels and wind turbines will increase by six times the current demand.

The challenge is that the time required to explore, secure regulatory and environmental approvals, and develop a mine site can range from 5 to 25 years. There is now an urgency to streamline that process because provinces like Nova Scotia can play a critical role in supplying minerals critical to fighting climate change.

"We need a huge global effort in order to open hundreds of new mines to meet the mineral supply challenge that global climate plans require," says Kirby. "Nova Scotia has the potential to contribute to that and play a role. I think we have a responsibility to do so."

You can listen to their conversation in the player above or download the show on your preferred podcast platform.

The “Insights” podcast combines the experiences of an economist, David Campbell, and a social scientist, Don Mills, to explore the challenges and opportunities facing Atlantic Canada, promote data-driven decision-making among policymakers, and encourage a wider dialogue and debate leading to greater prosperity for the region.

Search for “Huddle Insights” on podcast platforms like Apple and Spotify, and follow the show so you don’t miss an episode. You can also listen to past conversations there.