Message from the Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry
greg rickford
A
s we near the end of another year, it’s important to reflect on recent achievements and future opportunities in Ontario’s mining sector. 2021
markets. Ontario is blessed with an abundance of critical minerals, along with a competitive business climate, worldclass talent, and a track record of innovation. By developing
has been challenging, but our government has remained
this strategy, we will strengthen Ontario’s position as one
committed to our mining industry’s success, launching
of North America’s premier jurisdictions for responsibly
many industry-supporting initiatives.
sourced minerals that support the transition to a cleaner
In July, we announced the Ontario Junior Exploration
global economy.
Program (OJEP), a new cost-sharing initiative to assist junior
It is always an incredible moment when attending a
mining companies with financing early exploration projects
groundbreaking ceremony at a site where a new mine will be
in Ontario. Within days, OJEP received an overwhelming
built. This past summer, I attended a ceremony for Argonaut
response — an encouraging sign that companies are poised
Gold’s Magino Mine Project in Dubreuilville, Ontario. More
and eager to ramp up early exploration projects. Recently,
recently, I was pleased to put shovels in the ground for the
we also launched our new, state-of-the-art OGSFocus tool,
construction of the Greenstone gold mine, joint-owned
which allows exploration companies, mining companies, and
by Equinox Gold and Orion Mine Finance. In just over three
prospectors to rapidly identify areas for exploration.
years, our government has added seven mines to Ontario’s
As more governments and industrial sectors worldwide recognize the economic importance of critical minerals, demand for reliably, sustainably, and responsibly sourced minerals will continue to grow. Governments and businesses across the world are accelerating the adoption of innovative
roster of mining success stories that will revitalize the entire regional economy. These two projects join the likes of Harte Gold’s Sugar Zone, Newmont’s Borden Mine, Evolution Mining’s Cochenour Mine, Pure Gold Mining’s Red Lake Operation (former Madsen mine), and IAMGOLD’s Cote Gold
technologies including renewable energy and electric
Project.
vehicles that require specific minerals. For Ontario, this
Governments don’t build mines – we pull policy levers that
creates an opportunity.
create a competitive environment for the private sector to
This past March, our government announced Ontario’s
thrive and build the mines of the future. That’s why we have
first-ever Critical Minerals Strategy to generate investment and increase our province’s competitiveness in the global
been laser-focused on reducing red tape and regulatory burden for industry. We want to make it easier for mining companies, claimholders and stakeholders to navigate the mining sector. That’s why we passed the Better for People, Smarter for Business Act. As part of this legislation, we proposed several amendments to the Mining Act to increase business certainty and competitiveness, reduce red tape, and improve mining approval timelines. We’ve upheld our commitment to maintaining environmental protections and ensuring public health and safety throughout this process. I am proud of our government’s work stimulating growth and opportunities in Ontario’s mining sector. I am confident that together, we will help ensure Ontario remains a top-tier destination for mining.
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