Ontario Mines Minister George Pirie: “The Time is Now”
Ontario’s Minister of Mines, George Pirie, delivered a powerful and passionate State of Mining Address at the 2024 CEN CAN Expo in Thunder Bay, highlighting Northern Ontario’s critical role in the global economy, particularly as a major source of minerals essential for modern technology and clean energy.
Raised in Timmins and deeply connected to the mining industry, Pirie began by reflecting on his personal roots. “I grew up in the shadow of headframes,” he said, acknowledging his family’s history in Northern Ontario’s mining sector. His passion for the industry is clear, as is his concern for the future of the region.
“We dig holes in the ground—but they’re world-class holes,” Pirie declared, emphasizing the quality and importance of Ontario’s mining operations. Northern Ontario has historically been known for gold, but the province is now emerging as a powerhouse in critical minerals, particularly lithium, which Pirie sees as a cornerstone for the future. “Thunder Bay is going to be the center of the lithium processing facilities in North America,” he announced, signaling a shift in focus toward critical minerals essential for the electric vehicle revolution and battery economy.
A Shift to Critical Minerals
The minister spoke about the rapid growth of the critical minerals sector, noting that just six years ago, the conversation was primarily about gold and base metals. Today, the discussion centers on lithium, rare earths, and other critical minerals necessary for the transition to clean energy. “Six years ago, we weren’t talking about lithium or critical minerals. Now we are,” Pirie said, attributing this shift to bold investments by the provincial government.
Pirie underscored the importance of Premier Doug Ford’s decision to bet big on mining in Northwestern Ontario, a move that has positioned the region at the forefront of North America’s critical minerals supply chain. He also emphasized that Thunder Bay, with its strategic location and access to vast resources, is poised for immense success.
Partnerships with Indigenous Communities
Central to Pirie’s vision for the future of mining is the partnership with Indigenous communities.
He highlighted the critical role these communities play in every mining project in the region. “Nothing is going to happen in any other development without full partnerships with Indigenous peoples,” Pirie stressed, citing the success of collaborative projects that have provided both economic benefits and capacity-building opportunities for Indigenous communities.
He pointed to the Ring of Fire development as a prime example of this partnership in action, with Indigenous communities at the forefront of shaping the future of the project.
Accelerating Development
One of the key messages in Pirie’s address was the need to streamline processes and eliminate red tape to accelerate mine development. He shared his frustration with the lengthy timelines that have plagued projects in the past, noting that some mines have taken as long as 15 to 17 years to secure permits.
“When I became the Minister of Mines, the first thing we did was change the Mining Act to get permits faster,” Pirie said, acknowledging that while environmental standards and duty to consult with Indigenous communities remain priorities, the goal is to expedite the development process to meet global demand for critical minerals.
National Security & Global Leadership
Pirie framed Ontario’s mining sector as a matter of national security, particularly in the context of global competition for critical minerals. He highlighted the growing importance of critical minerals in the defense and technology sectors, noting that Ontario is in a unique position to supply the materials that Western democracies need to remain competitive.
“Mining is central to achieving our destiny,” Pirie said, calling for the mobilization of capital to support junior mining companies. He expressed concerns about the current challenges facing the sector, particularly in terms of financing, and committed to addressing issues like short selling that stifle growth.
A Future Built on Mining
Pirie’s vision for Northern Ontario is one of growth, prosperity, and global leadership. With a focus on critical minerals, partnerships with Indigenous communities, and streamlined development processes, he believes the region is on the cusp of something great.
“This is our time,” Pirie concluded. “The time is now. Mining is central to achieving our destiny, and I believe in the greatness of Northern Ontario.”
As Ontario positions itself as a global leader in mining, Pirie’s message is clear: the future is bright, and it’s rooted in the rich resources beneath Northern Ontario’s soil.
To read the Northern Mining Report for 2024, click on this link for your 128 page digital copy. https://issuu.com/canadiantradex/docs/ml_fall_2024
Tags: Northern Ontario / Government / Battery Metals / All Articles