BlackBerry stock jumps 21% on QNX, cybersecurity beat
Critical minerals and cybersecurity dominate this week, with Canada accelerating mining projects and BlackBerry posting strong earnings. Meanwhile, Taiwan positions as a trusted AI hardware platform, and Earthworks moves into recycling to reduce reliance on China. Pay attention to the convergence of resource nationalism, technology sovereignty, and compliance-driven demand.
Thursday, Jul 2, 2026
Tracking: US Canada relations · cross-border trade · North American security · innovation policy · global technology competition · cybersecurity · defense cooperation · trade agreements · critical minerals · border security
Geography: United States, Canada, North America
1. BlackBerry stock jumps 21% on QNX and cybersecurity revenue beat
BlackBerry reported fiscal Q1 2027 revenue of $152. 9 million, up 26% year over year and well above the $138.
2 million consensus. Adjusted EBITDA surged 144% to $36.
3 million, and the company posted its first positive operating cash flow in a fiscal first quarter in nine years, excluding a prior patent sale.
Both the QNX automotive software division and the Secure Communications unit achieved the Rule of 40 benchmark, with QNX revenue rising 26% to $72. 3 million and Secure Communications revenue up 24% to $73.
6 million. The company guided for full-year revenue of $594 million to $621 million.
Key facts:
- Revenue was $152.9M, up 26% year over year, beating $138.2M consensus.
- Adjusted EBITDA rose 144% to $36.3M; adjusted EPS was $0.04.
- QNX revenue hit $72.3M, up 26%; Secure Communications revenue $73.6M, up 24%.
- BlackBerry guided for FY2027 revenue of $594M to $621M.
Why it matters: BlackBerry’s strong results show its QNX embedded system and Secure Communications businesses are gaining traction in automotive, industrial, and government markets.
QNX is a critical software layer in many North American vehicles and industrial control systems, while Secure Communications serves defense and enterprise clients.
The turnaround strengthens a Canadian tech anchor in cybersecurity and automotive software, both areas of strategic importance for supply chain resilience and North American technology independence.
2. Canada accelerates critical minerals mining with new minister push
Minister Hodgson announced an accelerated drive to develop Canada's critical minerals sector, stating the country "has what the world wants" and is acting with urgency to build major projects quickly.
The announcement, made by Natural Resources Canada in June 2026, signals a strategic bet on mining as a pillar of economic and security policy.
This move directly targets the growing demand for minerals essential to batteries, semiconductors, and defense systems.
By fast-tracking project approvals and investment, Ottawa aims to secure a leading role in North American supply chains, particularly as the US seeks alternatives to Chinese dominance.
Key facts:
- Minister Hodgson announced Canada will accelerate mining sector development.
- Canada aims to unlock critical minerals by building major projects quickly.
- Announcement made by Natural Resources Canada in June 2026.
- Focus is on critical minerals essential for technology and defense supply chains.
Why it matters: Canada's accelerated mining push positions it as a pivotal supplier for the US and allied nations, directly challenging China's hold on critical minerals.
For the US, this offers a reliable, near-shore source of lithium, cobalt, and rare earths, reducing supply chain vulnerability.
Expect faster permitting, increased bilateral investment, and tighter integration of Canadian resources into US defense and energy security frameworks.
The next step to watch is whether Ottawa pairs this with new export controls or joint infrastructure projects.
3. Ontario invests $4 million to accelerate critical minerals supply chain
The Ontario government is investing over $4 million through its Critical Minerals Innovation Fund (CMIF) to develop technologies for mining, processing, and battery supply chains.
Applications for up to $500,000 per project will open June 30 to August 25, 2026. Since 2022, the fund has backed 47 projects with $25 million, leveraging additional private investment.
Ontario now ranks first in Canada and second globally for mining investment attractiveness, driven by permitting reforms and accelerated access to the Ring of Fire region.
Key facts:
- Investment of more than $4 million announced through the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund.
- Applications open June 30, 2026 to August 25, 2026 for up to $500,000 per project.
- Ontario ranks first in Canada and second globally for mining investment attractiveness.
- 47 strategic projects funded since 2022 totaling over $25 million.
Why it matters: This investment strengthens Ontario’s position as a reliable supplier of critical minerals to the United States and allied nations, reducing dependence on Chinese-controlled supply chains.
The funding targets deep exploration, tailings recovery, and battery manufacturing—directly supporting North American defense technology, electric vehicle production, and energy storage.
The move also signals Ontario’s intent to compete with other G7 jurisdictions for mining investment, with implications for cross-border trade and critical infrastructure security.
4. Taiwan Positions as Trusted AI Hardware Platform; Canada Seeks Complementary Ties
Taiwan is expanding its role from semiconductor foundry to a full AI hardware ecosystem under its Five Trusted Industry Sectors plan, explicitly linking chips, AI, security, and next-generation communications.
The island aims to be an indispensable technological partner for democracies, moving beyond mere chip manufacturing. TSMC already produces roughly 90 percent of the world’s most advanced chips, and global semiconductor output is projected to reach US$1.
5 trillion in the AI era. For Canada, the opportunity lies not in replicating Taiwan's model but in building targeted partnerships around AI-semiconductor research, photonics, compound semiconductors, critical minerals, and clean technology.
This would shift Canada–Taiwan cooperation from broad supply-chain resilience toward technological complementarity, leveraging Taiwan’s platform manufacturing strengths alongside Canada’s adjacent capabilities.
Key facts:
- TSMC produces roughly 90% of the world’s most advanced chips.
- Global semiconductor output is projected toward US$1.5 trillion.
- Taiwan’s Five Trusted Industry Sectors plan links AI, chips, security technologies.
Why it matters: This partnership could strengthen democratic supply chains for AI hardware and critical minerals, reducing reliance on China. For Canada, it offers a focused industrial strategy without attempting to build domestic leading-edge fabrication.
The initiative also deepens Taiwan’s geopolitical positioning as a trusted partner amid escalating US-China technology rivalry. Watch for concrete bilateral agreements on critical minerals and AI research in coming months.
5. Earthworks closes critical minerals recycling acquisition for Western supply chain
Earthworks Industries Inc. has closed its acquisition of a 100% interest in a Critical Minerals Recycling and Recovery System from Wokaura Art & Innovations Inc.
, the company announced June 29, 2026. Earthworks issued 2,000,000 common shares to Wokaura, with an additional 2,000,000 shares held in escrow and released over 12 and 24 months.
CEO David Atkinson called the deal a transformative milestone as Western demand for secure domestic critical mineral sources accelerates amid constrained supply chains.
The system uses a modular, hub-and-spoke model to recover copper and other materials from secondary streams like electronics scrap and industrial byproducts.
Earthworks plans a pilot copper recycling facility in British Columbia's Lower Mainland, with future expansion into precious metals, battery metals, rare earths, and defense-related materials.
The company cites China's dominance in refining and processing as a vulnerability that recycling can help address faster than new mining projects.
Key facts:
- Deal closed June 29, 2026, after TSX Venture Exchange approval May 14.
- Earthworks issued 2 million common shares to Wokaura with a 4-month hold.
- 1 million escrow shares released at 12 months; 1 million at 24 months.
- Initial pilot copper recycling facility planned in Lower Mainland, British Columbia.
- System targets secondary streams: electronics scrap, industrial byproducts, legacy mine waste.
Why it matters: This acquisition positions Earthworks to capitalize on Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy and U.S. policy push under the Defense Production Act and CHIPS Act.
By recycling existing above-ground materials, the company bypasses the decade-long timelines of new mines, offering a faster path to reduce Western reliance on Chinese processing.
The deal signals growing private-sector investment in modular recycling networks; watch for feedstock sourcing, permitting, and strategic partnerships that could scale the model across North America.
6. Western and Northern Canada Launch Joint Critical Minerals Strategy
Western and Northern Canadian provinces and territories have agreed to collaborate on a critical minerals strategy, aiming to strengthen the region's position as a reliable global supplier.
The initiative focuses on coordinating resource development and supply chain integration to compete with China and support North American energy transition.
No specific minerals, timelines, or funding amounts were detailed in the reporting, indicating an early-stage policy alignment rather than a binding agreement.
The strategy aligns with broader US-Canada efforts to secure critical mineral supply chains for defense and clean energy technologies.
Key facts:
- Western and Northern Canada collaborate on a coordinated critical minerals strategy.
- Saskatchewan's Energy and Resources ministry states the approach strengthens reliable global supplier status.
Why it matters: This collaboration positions Western and Northern Canada as a unified bloc to attract US investment and counter Chinese dominance in critical minerals.
It signals intent to streamline regulatory frameworks and cross-border infrastructure, potentially reducing US dependence on rival supply chains.
The absence of hard commitments suggests an ongoing diplomatic process—watch for specific mineral lists and bilateral agreements with US counterparts in the coming months.
7. Italian cyber firm Cyberoo reports €27.7M revenue driven by NIS2 compliance demand
Cyberoo S. p.
A. , an Italian cybersecurity specialist, posted consolidated results for the 15-month period ending March 31, 2026.
Revenues from sales and services reached €27. 71 million, with Cyber Security and Device Security contributing €22.
35 million. The company activated over 200 vCISO contracts to help clients meet NIS2 compliance and improve security posture.
EBITDA came in at €8. 56 million (27.
4% margin), while liquidity stood at €17. 73 million and shareholders' equity at €27.
02 million. Cyberoo also reduced receivables from Sedoc Digital Group to €2.
56 million, strengthening working capital. The firm continues investing in its ORBIS ecosystem, AI tools, and international expansion.
Key facts:
- Revenues from sales and services: €27.71 million.
- Over 200 vCISO contracts activated for NIS2 compliance.
- Net cash position with €17.73 million liquidity.
- EBITDA of €8.56 million, margin 27.4%.
- Receivables from Sedoc Digital Group cut to €2.56 million.
Why it matters: Cyberoo's results signal growing corporate urgency around cyber risk management driven by European regulatory mandates like NIS2.
This trend is mirrored across North America as similar frameworks (e.g., CISA guidelines, state-level privacy laws) push organizations to invest in vCISO services and compliance advisory.
Watch for increased competition among mid-tier cybersecurity firms as demand for integrated risk platforms rises globally.
Generated by newsltr · 2026-07-02T14:02:47.506Z