Small modular reactors (SMRs) are expected to help decarbonise mining operations in Canada, according to speakers at PDAC 2025 in Toronto.
“The question is no longer if SMRs will play a role in powering mining, but really how quickly we can bring these projects online and scale their development,” said Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Electrification, Stephen Lecce, speaking at the SMR Forum co-hosted by the Canadian Association of Small Modular Reactors and the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA).
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Lecce explained that the mining sector is experiencing surging demand for critical minerals, bringing with it growing electricity demand.
“We have been told by the Independent Electricity Systems Operator that [by 2050] we are going to need 75% more power. Mining’s demand will be even higher in the north, growing by 81% by 2050,” he said.
“This means we need to act today to ensure we have the reliable and affordable power required to build out that demand.”
According to the Ontario Mining Association, there are currently 36 active mining operations in the province and 32 significant exploration projects, mostly focused on critical minerals.
John Arthur Gorman, president of Westinghouse Canada, also stated that the country’s “biggest challenge is decarbonising its heavy industry, mining and other natural resources sectors” for which “small modular reactors are so vitally important”.
Lecce said that the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission is expected to give the green light for construction of unit 1 of the Darlington new nuclear project “later this year”.
The project involves the construction of four General Electric Hitachi BWRX-300 SMRs, with the first unit set to be in place by 2030, followed by three more in the mid-2030s.
“This won’t just be a milestone for our province but a defining moment for the global nuclear industry,” Lecce said.
In subsequent remarks on the PDAC exhibition floor, Lecce pointed to Canada’s vision to export SMRs, pointing to commitments with the Estonia, Czech Republic and Polish governments.
Despite the opportunity, a recent report by the NEA identified several barriers to SMR adoption at mine sites, including uncertainty around cost, regulation, permitting and public perception.
When evaluating an SMR programme, organisations could be considering up to 50 attributes spanning technology, regulatory, operational, jurisdictional and social implications, according to Norm Sawyer, president of ION Nuclear Consulting.
He also pointed out that the life cycle of a nuclear project is “100 years, cradle to grave”, while mines do not necessarily operate for this long. Speakers at the event also agreed on the importance of engaging indigenous communities early in the process, as well as the need for effective workforce strategies for SMR deployment.
Mining Technology is in attendance at PDAC 2025, with editor Caroline Peachey available for interviews on the ground. Contact her at caroline.peachey@globaldata.com.
