ONTARIO LAUNCHES NEW JOB-CREATING CRITICAL MINERALS STRATEGY
Province’s vision paper and consultation focused on jobs and Canadian
self-reliance
March 03, 2026
Ministry of Energy and MinesTORONTO – As part of its plan to protect Ontario’s economy and accelerate
growth, the Ontario government is cementing the province’s role as a secure,
reliable global supplier of responsibly sourced critical minerals. Today, at the
annual Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention,
Minister Stephen Lecce announced the government is releasing Fortifying
Ontario’s Economy: A Plan to Accelerate Responsible Resource Development, a
forward-looking vision to boldly overhaul and modernize Ontario’s Critical
Minerals Strategy. The government is inviting feedback to ensure the next phase
of the strategy can respond to a rapidly changing world, with a focus on
bolstering Canadian self-reliance, jobs and supply chains, to ensure Ontario
continues to be the most attractive place in the G7 to invest and create jobs.
Ontario is also announcing the addition of high-purity iron and aluminum to its
Critical Minerals List, the first expansion since its inception, underscoring a
firm commitment to bolstering end-to-end supply chains that support
manufacturing amid ongoing U.S. tariffs.
“In the fight for Canadian jobs, we transformed one of the slowest mining
permitting systems to one of the fastest, emerging in the top two globally for
attracting mining investment,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines.
“Our new Critical Mineral Strategy will send a signal to the world: Ontario has
a serious plan to build mines faster and create more jobs here at home. To
better protect Ontario’s vital manufacturing workers – from defense, automotive
and aerospace – Ontario is also adding high-purity iron and aluminum to the
Critical Minerals List. Ontario’s new strategy will accelerate momentum, unlock
opportunity, and attract the job-creating investments that will power growth
across the province.”
Ontario’s five-year Critical Minerals Strategy,
launched in 2022, laid a strong foundation. The previous strategy focused on the
electric vehicle market and emphasizing the need for clean technologies, but the
world has changed – fast and dramatically. Escalating geopolitical tensions,
supply chain disruptions, U.S. tariffs and rising trade protectionism demand a
shaper, more agile response focused on ending foreign dominance and protecting
Ontario’s vital industries and workers. Renewing the strategy will allow Ontario
to stay ahead of that change ensuring the province remains competitive,
resilient, and positioned to lead in a more uncertain economy.
The forward-looking vision paper invites feedback on key priorities to unlock
our critical mineral wealth to protect economic security, strengthen sovereignty
and lead as a trusted G7 partner, including:
* Planning for growth to reduce exposure to global shocks, ensuring Ontario is
never left vulnerable to unstable or untrusted supply.
* Building a future-ready workforce to ensure we have the skilled workers to
deliver.
* Continue delivering regulatory certainty and faster permitting delivery,
creating one of the most advantageous regulatory environments in the world.
* Support exploration to find the mines of tomorrow, today.
* Build, early, meaningful and mutually beneficial partnerships that support
reconciliation, equity participation, and shared prosperity with Indigenous
communities.
* Scale up innovation, attract global capital, and anchor critical mineral
supply chains here at home.
The new strategy will be shaped by direct input from industry, Indigenous
partners, communities, and the public – focused on strengthening domestic supply
chains, ensuring economic and national security, accelerating responsible
development, and building an economy that withstand today’s pressures and
capture tomorrow’s opportunities. The feedback received will be instrumental in
calibrating the next phase of the strategy to respond to a rapidly changing
world and ensure Ontario continues to be the most attractive place in the G7 to
invest and create jobs.
“Our updated Critical Minerals Strategy will strengthen Ontario’s reputation as
a leader in responsibly sourced minerals that power modern economies,” said
George Pirie, Minister of Economic Development and Growth. “By modernizing the
strategy, our government will attract new investment, create thousands of
good-paying jobs, strengthen communities, and position the North as a global
leader in developing the resources the world needs.”
Ontario is also updating the criteria for the Critical Minerals Listto better align with the strategic needs of the province, Canada and its allies.
Including high-purity iron and aluminum expands the number of critical minerals
in Ontario to 35. High-purity iron is essential for the transition to “green
steel” manufacturing using electric arc furnace technology in Ontario’s steel
mills, while aluminum is a cornerstone material for the province’s world-class
automotive, aerospace, and defence sectors. By adding these minerals, Ontario is
signaling to the world that it is a premier jurisdiction for investment in the
exploration and processing of materials vital to modern advanced manufacturing.
“Ontario’s Critical Minerals Strategy has played an important role in advancing
our government’s economic priorities and attracting job-creating investments in
the advanced manufacturing, life sciences, tech, and defence sectors,” said Vic
Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “By
modernizing the Strategy to include new metals and adapting the scope to meet
the demands of a changing geopolitical landscape, we’re positioning the province
for long-term resilience and ensuring Ontario workers stand to benefit from a
new wave of industry opportunity”.
Since launching its first Critical Minerals strategy, Ontario has made
significant progress in becoming a global mining powerhouse, including:
* Implementing the transformative ‘One Project, One Process’ framework
to cut red tape and target a 50 per cent reduction in government review
timelines, with 3 nation-building projects already designated, representing
more than 5,000 new jobs and $75 billion added to Canada’s economy.
* Launching the $500 million Critical Minerals Processing Fund
to
build domestic processing capacity.
* Investing $25 million through the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund to
support Ontario-based companies commercializing groundbreaking solutions for
the entire supply chain.
* Supporting over 213 projects through the Ontario Junior Exploration Program
with a $29.8 investment, driving the discovery of the mines of the future.
* Strengthening Indigenous partnerships by investing $70 million into the
Indigenous Participation Fund and sharing nearly $360 million through
resource revenue sharing agreements since 2018.
* Investing in new electricity transmission and generation, including
refurbishing and expanding northern hydroelectric stations, and new
transmission lines into the gateway of the Ring of Fire, Sudbury, Thunder
Bay, and Timmins and Dryden.
QUICK FACTS
* Ontario is recognized as the mining finance capital of the world with 40 per
cent of all publicly listed mining companies worldwide listed on the TSX and
TSX-V and having a combined market value of over $1.1 trillion in 2025.
* Ontario’s mining sector supports 28,000 direct jobs and 46,000 indirect jobs
through associated mineral processing and supply services.
* There are currently 37 active mining operations in Ontario, with the majority
located in Northern Ontario, of which nine are base metal (nickel, copper,
zinc) mines.
* Currently, there are 33 significant projects in the pipeline, reflecting
growing interest in Ontario’s predictable investment and permitting climate,
bolstered with proactive investments in transmission, clean energy
generation, and infrastructure.
* Since implementing the 1P1P framework Ontario has designated three projects
to benefit from the expedited process including: Frontier Lithium’s PAK
Lithium Project,
Canada Nickel Company’s Crawford Nickel Project,
and Kinross Gold Corporation’s Great Bear Project
.
* Key accomplishments under the current strategy include major legislative
reforms like the Building More Mines Act and the Protect Ontario by
Unleashing our Economy Act, and hundreds of millions of dollars in targeted
investments in exploration, innovation, and processing.
QUOTES
“The Ontario Mining Association welcomes the government’s commitment to updating
the Ontario Critical Minerals Strategy to reflect today’s geopolitical
realities. As this work advances, sustained and meaningful engagement with
industry, Indigenous partners, and stakeholders will be essential, alongside
policies that firmly position mining as a strategic priority. Taking continued
action and a whole-of-government approach to advance the mining sector will
strengthen Ontario’s prosperity, security, and innovation leadership for the
benefit of all Ontarians.”
– Priya Tandon
President, Ontario Mining Association
“Canada Nickel welcomes the government’s renewed vision for Ontario’s Critical
Minerals Strategy. At a time when secure domestic supply chains are essential to
our economic and national security, our province’s critical minerals – including
in the Timmins Nickel District – present an opportunity to anchor that supply
chain here at home. We look forward to working with the government to continue
advancing projects like our Crawford Project, which is shovel-ready,
Indigenous-partnered, and designed to be one of the world’s first net-zero
nickel operations.”
– Mark Selby
CEO, Canada Nickel Company
“Glencore Canada welcomes Ontario’s Critical Minerals Strategy, which lays the
groundwork for a stable and competitive ecosystem to support mining, processing
and recycling activities in the province. As part of the strategy, we are highly
supportive of programs like the Critical Minerals Processing Fund and the
recently expanded Critical Minerals Innovation Fund, which aims to bolster
Ontario’s critical minerals sector by de-risking larger investments needed to
develop timely and complex projects.”
– Peter Xavier
Chief Operating Officer, Canada Metals, Glencore Canada
“The Ontario Prospectors Association commends Minister Lecce and the Ontario
government for their leadership in renewing Ontario’s Critical Minerals
Strategy. The addition of high-purity iron and aluminum to the Critical Minerals
List is a timely and important next step in securing our domestic supply chains
and reinforcing Ontario’s position as a global leader in critical mineral
development. We look forward to actively participating in the consultation
process and working alongside government, Indigenous partners, and industry to
shape a strategy that meets today’s challenges and seizes tomorrow’s
opportunities.”
– Steve Virtue
President and CEO, Ontario Prospectors Association
“Green Technology Metals welcomes the Ontario Government’s vision paper and the
launch of consultations to renew Ontario’s Critical Minerals Strategy. As we
advance our integrated lithium development in Northwestern Ontario, we strongly
support a process shaped by industry, Indigenous partners, and communities,
focused on strengthening domestic supply chains, accelerating responsible
development and ensuring Canada’s economic and national security.”
– Cameron Henry
Executive Director, Green Tech Metals
“We welcome Minister Lecce’s leadership in expanding Ontario’s Critical Minerals
Strategy to include additional metals essential to our economic and national
security. Critical minerals, including lithium, underpin modern defence
technologies, from secure communications and advanced electronics to energy
storage, electrification of military vehicles and next generation aerospace
systems. They are equally vital to the global energy transition, powering EV
batteries, grid scale storage and resilient clean energy infrastructure. By
broadening the strategy, Ontario is reinforcing its role as a reliable, secure
supplier of responsibly produced critical minerals, supporting Canada’s economic
sovereignty and long-term competitiveness alongside its allies.”
– Trevor Walker
President and CEO, Frontier Lithium
“The mining industry in Ontario is at a crossroads, and Minister Lecce’s
commitment to renewing the Critical Minerals Strategy to accelerate responsible
development and strengthen our economy is the kind of leadership we need at this
exceptional moment in time.”
– Tim Hill
Chief Executive Officer, Impala Canada Ltd.
“Ontario’s Critical Minerals Strategy is a decisive step toward securing
industrial and economic sovereignty in an increasingly volatile global
landscape. This roadmap is a bold step forward in turning natural wealth into a
resilient, sustainable advantage for the Province of Ontario and Canada. Our
Victoria Project in Sudbury hopes to be part of this value-creation journey.”
– Marek Bednarz
President and CEO, KGHM International
“The inclusion of high-purity iron on Ontario’s Critical Minerals list is a bold
and forward-thinking step that underscores its vital role in clean steel
production, advanced manufacturing and next-generation technologies. Discoveries
such as Juno’s Vespa system demonstrate the immense, world-class potential of
the Ring of Fire to anchor secure, made-in-Ontario supply chains for iron,
titanium, vanadium, scandium and gallium — the very materials that will drive
innovation, strengthen our industrial competitiveness, and power Ontario’s
economy for generations.”
– Robert Cudney
Chief Executive Officer, Juno Corp.
“Much of Ontario’s manufacturing sector depends on critical minerals, which is
why we are delighted to see this first step in renewing a strategy our sector
relies upon. CME is also encouraged to see the addition of high-purity iron and
aluminum to the minerals list. Ontario manufacturers are hopeful that this added
focus will secure more resilient and globally competitive supply chains, keeping
them focused on making the incredible products that drive our province’s
economy.”
– Dennis Darby
President & CEO, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME)
“Ontario is sending a clear signal that the Province is serious about building a
resilient, end-to-end battery materials ecosystem. Our Georgia Lake and Red Rock
Converter projects are designed to anchor that vision by strengthening the
domestic supply chain from resource to refined product. By advancing responsible
development and establishing lithium processing capacity in Ontario, we are
supporting a sustainable and resilient critical minerals supply chain that is
better positioned to navigate global uncertainty while advancing long-term
economic growth.”
– Mirco Wojnarowicz
CEO, Rock Tech Lithium
“NioBay Metals welcomes Ontario’s renewed Critical Minerals Strategy. This
positive news sends a strong signal that the Province is serious about securing
Canada’s place in global critical mineral supply chains. It represents an
important step for industry, economic resilience, and national security. NioBay
remains committed to advancing responsible development in collaboration with
Indigenous partners and all levels of government.”
– Jean-Sébastien David
President & CEO, NioBay Metals
“Today’s announcement further demonstrates that Ontario understands what it
takes to build globally competitive supply chains. Jurisdictions that move with
clarity, consistency and coordination attract the capital required to build
strategic assets. When governments align policy with execution, the resulting
predictability reinforces North America’s position as a stable, trusted partner
in the broader critical minerals supply chain.”
– Trent Mell
CEO, Electra Battery Materials
“Avenir Minerals welcomes the Government of Ontario’s leadership in advancing a
forward-looking Critical Minerals Strategy. In a globally competitive market,
clear and transparent policy signals are essential to attracting investment and
strengthening supply chains. We welcome the Province’s focus on responsible
mineral development and look forward to contributing industry experience that
supports high standards, community benefits and long term competitiveness.”
– Alden Greenhouse
CEO, Avenir Minerals
“Renewing Ontario’s Critical Minerals Strategy is a smart and timely move.
Adding high-purity iron and aluminum to the Critical Minerals List sends a clear
signal that Ontario is serious about strengthening supply chains, attracting
investment, and competing in the industries that underpin our economic and
national security.”
– Daniel Tisch
President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
* Ontario’s Critical Minerals Strategy
* One Project, One Process framework
* Critical Minerals Processing Fund
* Critical Minerals Innovation Fund
* Ontario’s Junior Exploration Program
