Research publications

Electrical and electronic equipment waste (e-waste) is made up of unwanted electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), such as large appliances, small devices (like telephones and computers), batteries, fluorescent light bulbs and used cables. Because e-waste contains precious metals, critical minerals and toxic substances (such as mercury and lead), it should not be disposed of with regular garbage. E-waste needs to be managed properly to protect the environment and to make better use of the raw materials it contains. This HillNote discusses the economic potential of e-waste.

Over the past few years, global demand for minerals and metals has grown significantly, primarily owing to an energy transition that is getting under way and to technological advances. Thanks to its vast mineral reserves and industrial capacity, Canada is well positioned to take advantage of the increase in global demand and to develop the associated value chains. To achieve that goal, however, Canada must first identify stakeholders that have an impact on the extraction and processing of its mineral resources.

In recent years, global demand for minerals and metals has grown significantly, driven primarily by an energy transition and technological advances. With vast mineral resources and a strong industrial capacity, Canada could position itself to take advantage of the increasing global demand for strategic materials and strengthen its position in global supply chains. To achieve this goal, multiple factors need to be considered, among them the security of the critical minerals supply. Securing critical minerals supply chains entails, among other measures, identifying the parties involved in extracting and processing critical minerals in this country.