Summary

As the ministry for the provincial minerals sector, the Ministry of Mines (MINES) strives to support Ontario’s economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and quality of life for the people of Ontario. Mines promotes economic growth and job creation by supporting the mines and minerals sector; conducts monitoring, research and planning for the management and use of Ontario’s mineral resources; and develops legislation, policies and implements programs to regulate the sustainable and responsible use and management of Ontario’s mineral resources. MINES’ Ontario Geological Survey promotes investment and exploration by providing geoscience information to clients on Ontario’s mineral resources. This supports a range of provincial development, planning, environmental, energy, and climate change policy priorities. The Ministry ensures safe, environmentally sound mineral development and rehabilitation of mining lands. The Critical Minerals Strategy is a comprehensive, five-year blueprint to strengthen Ontario’s position in supplying critical minerals, while supporting the transition to a greener, sustainable global economy. Initiatives within the strategy like the Ontario Junior Exploration Program and the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund help encourage exploration and innovation, grow the industry, and create new jobs.

MINES supports policy and program development for the Ring of Fire. The Ministry works with Indigenous communities, mining companies and other partners to encourage responsible, sustainable development. The Ministry engages with Indigenous communities to fulfill the Crown’s legal duty to consult, to inform the development and implementation of mining policies, programs, and initiatives, and to increase Indigenous partnership and participation in mining sectors. MINES ensures Indigenous communities share in the benefits of resource development from mining through the Resource Revenue Sharing for Mining program.

Ministry program summary

Vote Program

Estimates
2023-24

Estimates
2022-23

Difference
between
2023-24
and
2022-23

Actual
2021-22

Operating expense
4901 Ministry Administration Program $6,009,200 $6,052,800 ($43,600) $5,530,509
4902 Mines and Minerals Program $155,410,300 $124,829,200 $30,581,100 $129,941,038
  Total operating expense to be voted $161,419,500 $130,882,000 $30,537,500 $135,471,547
  Statutory appropriations $466,014 $401,000 $65,014 $55,903
  Ministry total operating expense $161,885,514 $131,283,000 $30,602,514 $135,527,450
  Consolidation adjustment - Ontario Clean Water Agency - - - ($3,348,991)
  Consolidation adjustment - General Real Estate Portfolio ($3,287,000) ($2,995,800) ($291,200) ($3,094,512)
  Total including consolidation & other adjustments $158,598,514 $128,287,200 $30,311,314 $129,083,947

Operating assets
4901 Ministry Administration Program $1,000 - $1,000 -
4902 Mines and Minerals Program $1,000 $1,000 - -
  Total operating assets to be voted $2,000 $1,000 $1,000 -
  Ministry total operating assets $2,000 $1,000 $1,000 -

Capital expense
4901 Ministry Administration Program $1,000 - $1,000 -
4902 Mines and Minerals Program $14,014,500 $10,925,700 $3,088,800 $189,884,312
  Total capital expense to be voted $14,015,500 $10,925,700 $3,089,800 $189,884,312
  Statutory appropriations $639,500 $567,300 $72,200 $515,808
  Ministry total capital expense $14,655,000 $11,493,000 $3,162,000 $190,400,120
  Consolidation adjustment - General Real Estate Portfolio ($993,600) - ($993,600) ($1,024,988)
  Total including consolidation & other adjustments $13,661,400 $11,493,000 $2,168,400 $189,375,132

Capital assets
4901 Ministry Administration Program $1,000 - $1,000 -
4902 Mines and Minerals Program $601,000 $800,000 ($199,000) $455,433
  Total capital assets to be voted $602,000 $800,000 ($198,000) $455,433
  Ministry total capital assets $602,000 $800,000 ($198,000) $455,433
  Ministry total operating and capital including consolidation and other adjustments (not including assets) $172,259,914 $139,780,200 $32,479,714 $318,459,079

Reconciliation to previously published data

Operating expense

Estimates
2022-23

Actual
2021-22
Total operating expense previously published footnote 1 - -
Government reorganization    

   Transfer of functions from other Ministries

 $131,311,900 $135,777,140

   Transfer of functions to other Ministries

 ($28,900) ($249,690)
Restated total operating expense $131,283,000 $135,527,450
Operating assets

Estimates
2022-23

Actual
2021-22
Total operating assets previously published footnote 2 - -
Government reorganization    

   Transfer of functions from other Ministries

 $1,000 -
Restated total operating assets $1,000 -
Capital expense

Estimates
2022-23

Actual
2021-22
Total capital expense previously published footnote 3 - -
Government reorganization    

   Transfer of functions from other Ministries

 $11,493,000 $190,400,120
Restated total capital expense $11,493,000 $190,400,120
Capital assets

Estimates
2022-23

Actual
2021-22
Total capital assets previously published footnote 4 - -
Government reorganization    

   Transfer of functions from other Ministries

 $800,000 $455,433
Restated total capital assets $800,000 $455,433

Ministry Administration Program - vote 4901

This program provides executive direction as well as strategic business and resource planning services to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of ministry programs. It supports ministry operations through the provision of advice and services in the areas of human resources, financial planning, accounting and administration, and professional support services such as legal and audit services. It also provides core strategic support in the areas of corporate policy and communications.

Vote summary

Item number Item

Estimates
2023-24

Estimates
2022-23

Difference
between
2023-24
and
2022-23

Actual
2021-22

Operating expense
1 Ministry Administration, operating expense $6,009,200 $6,052,800 ($43,600) $5,530,509
  Total operating expense to be voted $6,009,200 $6,052,800 ($43,600) $5,530,509
S Minister’s salary, the Executive Council Act $47,841 - $47,841 $19,383
S Parliamentary Assistant’s salary, the Executive Council Act $16,173 - $16,173 $8,334
S Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act $1,000 - $1,000 -
  Total statutory appropriations $65,014 - $65,014 $27,717
  Total operating expense $6,074,214 $6,052,800 $21,414 $5,558,226

Operating assets
2 Ministry Administration, Operating Assets $1,000 - $1,000 -
  Total operating assets to be voted $1,000 - $1,000 -
  Total operating assets $1,000 - $1,000 -

Capital expense
3 Ministry Administration, Capital Expense $1,000 - $1,000 -
  Total capital expense to be voted $1,000 - $1,000 -
S Amortization, the Financial Administration Act $1,000 - $1,000 -
  Total statutory appropriations $1,000 - $1,000 -
  Total capital expense $2,000 - $2,000 -

Capital assets
4 Ministry Administration, Capital Assets $1,000 - $1,000 -
  Total capital assets to be voted $1,000 - $1,000 -
  Total capital assets $1,000 - $1,000 -

Standard account by item and sub-items

Vote-
item
number		 Standard account by item and sub-items Amount Amount

Operating expense
4901-1 Ministry Administration, operating expense    
 

Salaries and wages

   $3,595,400
 

Employee benefits

   $439,000
 

Transportation and communication

   $267,200
 

Services

   $7,455,000
 

Supplies and equipment

   $120,200
  Subtotal   $11,876,800
  Less: recoveries   $5,867,600
  Total operating expense to be voted   $6,009,200
  Sub-items:    
  Main office    
 

Salaries and wages

 $375,200  
 

Employee benefits

 $43,100  
 

Transportation and communication

 $92,000  
 

Services

 $266,000  
 

Supplies and equipment

 $34,400 $810,700
  Finance and Administrative Services    
 

Salaries and wages

 $978,500  
 

Employee benefits

 $114,600  
 

Transportation and communication

 $68,000  
 

Services

 $5,251,000  
 

Supplies and equipment

 $39,800  
 

Subtotal

 $6,451,900  
 

Less: recoveries

 $5,000,000 $1,451,900
  Human resources    
 

Salaries and wages

 $477,800  
 

Employee benefits

 $116,800  
 

Transportation and communication

 $25,200  
 

Services

 $49,600  
 

Supplies and equipment

 $13,100 $682,500
  Communication Services    
 

Salaries and wages

 $701,400  
 

Employee benefits

 $70,500  
 

Transportation and communication

 $19,300  
 

Services

 $153,300  
 

Supplies and equipment

 $11,000 $955,500
  Analysis and Planning    
 

Salaries and wages

 $1,062,500  
 

Employee benefits

 $94,000  
 

Transportation and communication

 $48,200  
 

Services

 $44,700  
 

Supplies and equipment

 $14,400  
 

Subtotal

 $1,263,800  
 

Less: recoveries

 $631,700 $632,100
  Legal services    
 

Transportation and communication

 $14,500  
 

Services

 $1,260,300  
 

Supplies and equipment

 $7,500 $1,282,300
  Information systems    
 

Services

 $430,100  
 

Less: recoveries

 $235,900 $194,200
  Total operating expense to be voted   $6,009,200
  Statutory appropriations    
Statutory

Minister’s salary, the Executive Council Act

   $47,841
Statutory

Parliamentary Assistant’s salary, the Executive Council Act

   $16,173
  Statutory appropriations    
 

Other transactions

    
Statutory

Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act

   $1,000
  Total operating expense for Ministry Administration Program   $6,074,214

Operating assets
4901-2 Ministry Administration, Operating Assets    
 

Loans and Investments

   $1,000
  Total operating assets to be voted   $1,000
  Total operating assets for Ministry Administration Program   $1,000

Capital expense
4901-3 Ministry Administration, Capital Expense    
 

Other transactions

   $1,000
  Total capital expense to be voted   $1,000
  Statutory appropriations    
 

Other transactions

    
Statutory

Amortization, the Financial Administration Act

   $1,000
  Total capital expense for Ministry Administration Program   $2,000

Capital assets
4901-4 Ministry Administration, Capital Assets    
 

Machinery and equipment - asset costs

   $1,000
  Total capital assets to be voted   $1,000
  Total capital assets for Ministry Administration Program   $1,000

Mines and Minerals Program - vote 4902

This program encourages, promotes, and facilitates the sustained economic benefits of Ontario's mineral resources through its oversight of Ontario's mineral exploration and development sector. It promotes a strong, safe and sustainable Ontario by administering Ontario's Mining Act in a fair and consistent manner, to ensure sustainable and responsible development of our mineral resources. This involves ensuring equitable public access to Crown mineral rights, fair and efficient management of Ontario's mining lands as well as ensuring the safe, environmentally sound mineral development and rehabilitation of mining lands. It also has responsibility for encouraging and facilitating Indigenous participation in economic opportunities associated with Ontario's mining sector in a way that is respectful of Indigenous rights and culture and meets Ontario's consultation obligations.

This program generates and disseminates geoscientific data that attracts and guides mineral sector investment and informs a broad range of government policy priorities.

The program delivers on the commitments in the Critical Minerals Strategy including efforts to connect Ontario’s abundant critical minerals deposits, with our world-class manufacturing sector. The goal is to elevate and secure Ontario’s place as a globally competitive jurisdiction that is ready to meet increasing global demand for critical minerals.

This program also provides support for policy and program development and implementation on a range of issues and opportunities with respect to development in the Ring of Fire. A dedicated team works with all parties involved, consulting with Northerners including Indigenous people and the mining community to encourage the region's responsible, sustainable development.

Vote summary

Item number Item

Estimates
2023-24

Estimates
2022-23

Difference
between
2023-24
and
2022-23

Actual
2021-22

Operating expense
1 Mineral Sector Competitiveness $155,410,300 $124,829,200 $30,581,100 $129,941,038
  Total operating expense to be voted $155,410,300 $124,829,200 $30,581,100 $129,941,038
S Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act $401,000 $401,000 - $28,186
  Total statutory appropriations $401,000 $401,000 - $28,186
  Total operating expense $155,811,300 $125,230,200 $30,581,100 $129,969,224

Operating assets
3 Mines and Minerals, Operating Assets $1,000 $1,000 - -
  Total operating assets to be voted $1,000 $1,000 - -
  Total operating assets $1,000 $1,000 - -

Capital expense
2 Mineral Sector Competitiveness, Capital Expense $14,012,500 $10,924,700 $3,087,800 $6,425,112
5 Environmental Remediation for Mining, Capital Expense $2,000 $1,000 $1,000 $183,459,200
  Total capital expense to be voted $14,014,500 $10,925,700 $3,088,800 $189,884,312
S Amortization, the Financial Administration Act $638,500 $567,300 $71,200 $515,808
  Total statutory appropriations $638,500 $567,300 $71,200 $515,808
  Total capital expense $14,653,000 $11,493,000 $3,160,000 $190,400,120

Capital assets
4 Mines and Minerals, Capital Assets $601,000 $800,000 ($199,000) $455,433
  Total capital assets to be voted $601,000 $800,000 ($199,000) $455,433
  Total capital assets $601,000 $800,000 ($199,000) $455,433

Standard account by item and sub-items

Vote-
item
number		 Standard account by item and sub-items Amount Amount

Operating expense
4902-1 Mineral Sector Competitiveness    
 

Salaries and wages

   $25,061,600
 

Employee benefits

   $3,403,800
 

Transportation and communication

   $1,826,600
 

Services

   $11,586,500
 

Supplies and equipment

   $2,545,900
 

Transfer payments

    
 

Reporting Ontario’s Mining Activities

 $85,000  
 

Focused Flow-through Share Tax Credit

 $7,969,300  
 

Ontario Junior Exploration Program

 $10,000,000  
 

Critical Minerals Innovation Fund

 $5,000,000  
 

Mineral Development and Investment

 $100,000  
 

Indigenous Economic Development

 $45,661,400  
 

Resource Revenue Sharing for Mining

 $42,070,200  
 

Mapping Ontario’s Geological Opportunities

 $100,000 $110,985,900
  Total operating expense to be voted   $155,410,300
  Statutory appropriations    
 

Other transactions

    
Statutory

Bad debt expense, the Financial Administration Act

   $401,000
  Total operating expense for Mines and Minerals Program   $155,811,300

Operating assets
4902-3 Mines and Minerals, Operating Assets    
 

Deposits and prepaid expenses

   $1,000
  Total operating assets to be voted   $1,000
  Total operating assets for Mines and Minerals Program   $1,000

Capital expense
4902-2 Mineral Sector Competitiveness, Capital Expense    
 

Transportation and communication

   $50,000
 

Services

   $5,443,000
 

Supplies and equipment

   $367,500
 

Transfer payments

    
 

Indigenous Opportunities in Abandoned Mine Rehabilitation

 $1,000  
 

Matawa Broadband

 $8,150,000 $8,151,000
 

Other transactions

   $1,000
  Total capital expense to be voted   $14,012,500
4902-5 Environmental Remediation for Mining, Capital Expense    
 

Services

   $1,000
 

Transfer payments

    
 

Indigenous Partnerships – Environmental Remediation for Abandoned Mines

   $1,000
  Total capital expense to be voted   $2,000
  Statutory appropriations    
 

Other transactions

    
Statutory

Amortization, the Financial Administration Act

   $638,500
  Total capital expense for Mines and Minerals Program   $14,653,000

Capital assets
4902-4 Mines and Minerals, Capital Assets    
 

Machinery and equipment - asset costs

   $601,000
  Total capital assets to be voted   $601,000
  Total capital assets for Mines and Minerals Program   $601,000