Canadians support mining despite Nimbyism: Survey

Canadians broadly support mining’s role in the energy transition but remain wary of new projects in their own regions, according to new national polling that highlights both opportunities and persistent trust gaps for the sector.

The Social Acceptability Barometer for Canada’s Mining Sector, released last week by Montreal-based consultancy Transfert Environnement et Société and Australian data firm Voconiq, surveyed more than 4,800 adults nationwide. The study measured public views on mining’s economic value, environmental performance and community engagement practices.

Respondents showed strong support for developing domestic critical minerals, with about 70% favouring Canadian production over reliance on foreign sources. But that backing did not extend as fully to new gold mines near their communities, signalling a divide between national priorities and local acceptance. Canadians placed high importance on environmental protection, site restoration and respect for workers’ rights, the researchers said.

“Trust lags behind acceptance, driven by perceptions that mining companies prioritize profit and efficiency over community well being,” the authors said. “Respondents express higher confidence in mining companies competence (‘the best at what they do’) than in their integrity (‘act responsibly’) or their humanity (‘value community needs’). “This trust acceptance gap remains a defining feature of Canadian public attitudes.”

Jobs

More than three-quarters of those surveyed saw mining as essential to jobs, regional growth and the transition to clean energy, and more than 60% said its benefits outweigh the costs. Still, companies scored lower on confidence than on acceptability, reflecting concerns that profits take precedence over community wellbeing.

Respondents said Canada has a solid regulatory system, but many questioned how effectively it is enforced. Confidence varied sharply across the country, with Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador showing the highest trust in the sector, and Yukon and Quebec showing the lowest.

Only one-third of Canadians felt they could meaningfully participate in decisions about new mines. Researchers called this a key weakness, noting that perceived fairness in decision-making is as important to social acceptability as environmental outcomes.

Environmental issues remained central to public opinion. About 70% of respondents said mining contributes to climate change, and nearly half cited concerns around water quality and reclamation. While acknowledging mining’s role in supplying materials for low-carbon technologies, Canadians said companies must demonstrate clearer efforts to protect biodiversity and natural resources.

First Nations

Indigenous respondents, particularly First Nations participants, expressed higher trust levels, which researchers said may reflect agreements such as impact benefit agreements. At the same time, 44% of the broader public felt Indigenous communities still lack sufficient influence over mining decisions, underscoring the need for stronger Indigenous leadership in resource governance.

The study arrives as Ottawa prepares a $2-billion Critical Minerals Sovereign Fund to boost investment in domestic supply chains and strengthen Canada’s position in global markets.

For miners, the barometer outlines areas where improvements could bolster public trust, including clearer communication, stronger community engagement and demonstrable commitments to environmental protection. The researchers said these steps will be essential as the country aims to expand critical-minerals production in line with national climate and industrial strategies.

Researchers used a specialized national panel for the survey, revealing the topic only after participants opted in. They conducted 5,490 interviews and retained 4,811 responses after data cleaning. Adults aged 18 or older from every province participated, with oversampling in major mining provinces such as British Columbia and Quebec to allow comparisons between mining and non-mining regions.