Canada is sitting on a goldmine of critical minerals—essential to the energy transition—and positioning itself as a global leader in sustainable mining and mineral processing.
These minerals are the building blocks of clean technologies—from electric vehicles to wind turbines and semiconductors—and global demand is surging.
At Export Development Canada (EDC), Al Pritchard is helping lead the charge to ensure Canada’s critical minerals strategy is not only ambitious, but actionable.
From geophysics to supporting Canada’s critical minerals strategy
Pritchard’s journey to EDC began in the field—literally. A geophysicist by trade, he spent 12 years at Ottawa-based Sander Geophysics (SGL), leading airborne surveys for petroleum and mineral exploration across every continent, including Antarctica. His work supported major mining companies, junior and intermediate exploration firms and global government agencies to map the Earth’s subsurface, ultimately accelerating the discovery of critical minerals.
After leading SGL’s global operations and completing an MBA, Pritchard joined EDC in 2017, bringing deep industry knowledge to the Global Trade team. “They were looking for someone with both a business background and industry experience,” he says.
He quickly advanced to a director role on EDC’s Sectors and International Advisory team and the Business Connections Program, which fosters opportunities between Canadian companies and international clients in several sectors, including mining, forestry and infrastructure. Two years ago, he and his team began developing EDC’s critical minerals strategy, engaging with stakeholders across the ecosystem.
Looking ahead to 2026, Canada’s critical minerals strategy will unfold against a shifting global economy. To stay competitive, understanding the global economic outlook is essential
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