Organization
Industry
Mining & Critical Minerals
Services
Government Relations
Ministerial Approval
Secured July 2023
$41M
From the Strategic Innovation Fund (Jan. 2025)
$20M
From the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (Dec. 2024)
Creating the Path for Progress
Canadian Strategy Group worked with Foran Mining to advance its McIlvenna Bay project by delivering a strategic government relations approach that aligned company priorities with provincial objectives. Our support included securing critical permitting milestones, facilitating infrastructure agreements with Crown utilities, and advising on funding applications. These efforts helped position McIlvenna Bay as Saskatchewan’s first base metals mine in 30 years and laid the groundwork for significant infrastructure investments in the region.
Challenge
Turning Potential into Progress
Foran Mining approached Canadian Strategy Group with a goal of advancing its McIlvenna Bay project, an underground critical minerals mine and surface processing facility located 65 kilometres southwest of Creighton, Saskatchewan.
As a greenfield mine, the McIlvenna Bay project posed many challenges, which were overcome by the Foran team in partnership with CSG. CSG played a critical role in assisting Foran in transforming their remote deposit to Saskatchewan’s first base metals mine in 30 years, including developing and implementing permitting and infrastructure strategies.
Approach
Advancing Foran Mining’s Vision with Strategic Support
Canadian Strategy Group developed a comprehensive government relations strategy to advance key Foran priorities with the Government of Saskatchewan and its crown utilities, including:
- Supporting Foran through the permitting process as mine development and construction progressed;
- Seeking an agreement between Foran and SaskPower on critical infrastructure to service operations;
- Helping to advance priority connectivity and highways infrastructure projects; and,
- Providing strategic advice and supporting Foran in applications for provincial and federal funding opportunities.
July 2023
Foran received Ministerial Approval under the Saskatchewan Environmental Assessment Act
June 2024
SaskTel and the federal government committed to major broadband upgrades to the McIlvenna Bay area.
December 2024
Foran received $20M from Natural Resources Canada through the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund.
January 2025
$41M in support from the federal government through the Strategic Innovation Fund announced.
Early 2025
Construction of the hydro electricity transmission line from Island Falls to McIlvenna Bay began.
Outcome
From Permitting to Progress: McIlvenna Bay Moves Forward
Canadian Strategy Group’s efforts helped Foran Mining achieve a series of significant milestones. In July 2023, the McIlvenna Bay project received Ministerial Approval under the Saskatchewan Environmental Assessment Act—clearing a key permitting hurdle. In June 2024, the federal government, alongside SaskTel, announced considerable funding to support regional broadband connectivity, including the Hanson Lake project that will service McIlvenna Bay and surrounding areas. Construction of a new hydroelectric transmission line to the site also began in early 2025, ensuring the infrastructure needed to support long-term development is underway.
“Canadian Strategy Group brought the strategic insight and guidance we needed to elevate the McIlvenna Bay project with key decision-makers. From securing EIS approval to advancing our priorities with Crown utilities, CSG played a pivotal role in helping Foran navigate Saskatchewan’s regulatory landscape.”
Dan Myerson
Executive Chairman & CEO