The Manitoba government says it wants to significantly increase the province’s critical mineral production over the next five years.

Premier Wab Kinew, along with Finance Minister Adrien Sala and Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses, announced the plan at the Canada Investment Summit in Toronto.

The province says Manitoba’s critical mineral production has averaged nearly 79-thousand tonnes over the last six years, but it’s looking to expand that by speeding up approvals for mining projects, improving hydro connections, and supporting exploration.

The government says part of that growth will include shipping more minerals through the Port of Churchill, creating what it calls more secure trading partnerships and northern jobs.

The announcement comes as Manitoba continues to look at ways to grow the Port of Churchill as a transportation and economic hub.