Ontario’s Commitment to Mining Innovation and Exploration
The Honorable George Pirie, Ontario’s Minister of Mines, spoke at a recent announcement to reinforce the province’s commitment to supporting mining innovation and exploration. With new funding strategies, Ontario is driving investment in exploration projects across the North, aiming to establish a world-class critical minerals supply chain from extraction to advanced manufacturing.
“Ontario is home to some of the best miners in the world, and together we will unlock the mineral wealth in our own backyard,” Minister Pirie said. “Exploration is the lifeblood of mining—it’s how we find the next generation of mines that will strengthen communities and help build a cleaner, more sustainable future.”
Under Premier Doug Ford’s leadership, Ontario has introduced programs like the Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) to fuel early exploration efforts. Since its launch in 2021, the program has committed over $35 million to support companies investigating mineral-rich areas across the province. Minister Pirie highlighted that Ontario led Canada in exploration investment last year with nearly $1 billion, supporting roughly 200 companies and 400 exploration projects.
The OJEP initiative has reached its fifth round of funding with an additional $13 million committed this year. “Programs like OJEP ensure Ontario remains at the forefront of mineral exploration, with the aim to discover and develop new mines that fuel both Northern Ontario’s potential and Southern Ontario’s manufacturing might,” said Minister Pirie.
Addressing Ontario’s strategic goals, he added, “Our message to investors is simple: if you’re serious about the future of mining, Ontario is the place to be. By investing here, you’re joining a province committed to reducing reliance on external sources of critical minerals while upholding the highest standards of environmental stewardship.”
Minister Pirie highlighted Ontario’s achievements in reducing regulatory barriers to expedite mining project development. “Ontario is cutting red tape to make our province the most attractive place for mineral investment, from exploration to extraction and processing,” he said.
The Minister also recognized the importance of domestic critical mineral production for both Ontario’s economy and global supply chains. He noted, “Premier Ford’s government is laying the groundwork for a secure and self-reliant supply chain that spans from Ontario’s North to its manufacturing hubs in the South. We’re committed to achieving this without relying on other countries with poor human rights records for our essential resources.”
One example of the exploration success under OJEP is Galleon Gold, a company advancing the West Cache project near Timmins. Galleon Gold recently received OJEP funding and is preparing for bulk sampling with closure plans and permitting in place. Projects like these signal Ontario’s broader economic transformation, which has generated over 800,000 jobs since 2018, with more than 200,000 created this year alone.
Minister Pirie concluded by reiterating the government’s focus on supporting sustainable mining practices. “As we move forward, Ontario will remain a leader in exploration funding, mineral innovation, and sustainable development, building a strong mining sector for generations to come.”
Ontario’s investments and strategies, he affirmed, are pivotal in meeting both provincial goals and the critical mineral needs of Western democracies, positioning the province as a key player in the global mining landscape.
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