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Message from the Ontario Minister of Mines, Honourable George Pirie

The world is racing to secure reliable sources of critical minerals for the electric vehicle revolution and to develop the technologies of tomorrow. However, nations that do not share our world-class human rights, environmental standards, and labour practices have a dangerous stranglehold on the supply of the minerals we need. Recent events around the world have highlighted weaknesses in global supply chains and an overreliance on others for what we have here in Ontario.

We do not want to build electric vehicles with nickel mined from countries that burn coal and dump the mine waste into the ocean. We have what the world needs right here in Northern Ontario – the minerals, expertise, and talent to become the foundation of the growing supply chain for critical minerals and clean technologies in North America and beyond.

That’s why we launched our Critical Minerals Strategy that includes $55 million in targeted investments in everything from exploration to innovation. Ontario’s Critical Minerals Strategy is laying the foundation for us to build an integrated supply chain for electric vehicles and other clean technologies by connecting mineral producers in the north with the manufacturing might of the south. Our made-in-Ontario supply chain starts with mining, and mining starts with exploration. That’s why our government is investing $35 million in the Ontario Junior Exploration Program to help junior companies find the mines of the future.

Our investments don’t stop with exploration; we are also investing in the downstream industries, like processing, to ensure we fill supply chain gaps. Our Critical Minerals Innovation Fund does just that – it helps organizations solve modern mining and supply chain challenges by leveraging Ontario’s highly educated and experienced workers. And, as announced in Ontario’s 2024 Budget, we are investing an additional $15 million over three years in the fund to support research, development, and commercialization of technologies, processes, and solutions for critical minerals. We have an obligation to produce the fuel of the future here in Ontario because we have the best miners in the world.

We know that our government must do more than invest to ensure we maximize the opportunity we have in the mineral exploration and mining sector. That’s why our government passed the Building More Mines Act – to cut the red tape that was holding the sector back. The Act ensures government can operate at the pace of business without sacrificing our world-class environmental protections or how we consult with Indigenous communities. This is an important piece of legislation that will help develop the mineral deposits in our province while bringing prosperity to everyone in Ontario, especially northern and Indigenous communities.

Developing the resources in the Ring of Fire is another key to building a stronger mining sector. At PDAC this March, I signed a Community Development Agreement with Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation. The agreement will support shovel-ready infrastructure projects, like new training facilities, that will create more local jobs and upskill individuals to prepare them for meaningful careers. Most importantly, the agreement is designed to improve the well-being and readiness of First Nations partners to participate fully in future economic development, including building roads and mineral development.

Mining is a pillar of our economy because it provides the materials we need for other sectors to thrive, such as the growing electric vehicle manufacturing sector. Ontario also benefits from being one of the largest producers of gold in the world, which is an important store of value during these times of economic uncertainty. Our government continues to demonstrate our commitment to the mining sector because we have an obligation to the people of Ontario to build a stronger economy. We know that this sector must thrive for us to accomplish that goal and create a better future for everyone in Ontario, especially for those of us who live in the north. I know we still have more work ahead of us, but I am excited to work with industry and Indigenous partners to get it done.

George Pirie, Minister of Mines