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 in a manner consistent with the recognition and affirmation of existing Aboriginal and treaty rights (including the duty to consult). 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 including the management of Ontario’s Crown Lands and related land tenure for mining purposes. 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 partnerships 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
2024-25 $		 Estimates
2023-24 $		 Difference
between
2024-25
and
2023-24 $		 Actual
2022-23 $

Operating expense
4901 Ministry Administration Program 7,302,700 6,009,200 1,293,500 6,358,060
4902 Mines and Minerals Program 190,923,400 155,410,300 35,513,100 138,195,229
  Total operating expense to be voted 198,226,100 161,419,500 36,806,600 144,553,289
  Statutory appropriations 466,014 466,014 - 79,398
  Ministry total operating expense 198,692,114 161,885,514 36,806,600 144,632,687
  Consolidation Adjustment - Ontario Clean Water Agency - - - (2,145,119)
  Consolidation Adjustment - General Real Estate Portfolio (3,077,900) (3,287,000) 209,100 (3,331,177)
  Total including consolidation and other adjustments 195,614,214 158,598,514 37,015,700 139,156,391

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 2,000 - -
  Ministry total operating assets 2,000 2,000 - -

Capital expense
4901 Ministry Administration Program 1,000 1,000 - -
4902 Mines and Minerals Program 12,802,000 14,014,500 (1,212,500) 94,606,291
  Total capital expense to be voted 12,803,000 14,015,500 (1,212,500) 94,606,291
  Statutory appropriations 709,500 639,500 70,000 530,108
  Ministry total capital expense 13,512,500 14,655,000 (1,142,500) 95,136,399
  Consolidation Adjustment - General Real Estate Portfolio - (993,600) 993,600 (1,441,688)
  Total including consolidation and other adjustments 13,512,500 13,661,400 (148,900) 93,694,711

Capital assets
4901 Ministry Administration Program 1,000 1,000 - -
4902 Mines and Minerals Program 601,000 601,000 - 800,000
  Total capital assets to be voted 602,000 602,000 - 800,000
  Ministry total capital assets 602,000 602,000 - 800,000
  Ministry total operating and capital including consolidation and other adjustments (not including assets) 209,126,714 172,259,914 36,866,800 232,851,102

Reconciliation to previously published data

Operating expense Estimates
2023-24 $		 Actual
2022-23 $
Total operating expense previously publishedfootnote 1 161,885,514 -
Government reorganization    

Transfer of functions from other ministries

 - 144,835,429

Transfer of functions to other ministries

 - (202,742)
Restated total operating expense 161,885,514 144,632,687
Capital expense Estimates
2023-24 $		 Actual
2022-23 $
Total capital expense previously publishedfootnote 2 14,655,000 -
Government reorganization    

Transfer of functions from other ministries

 - 95,136,399
Restated total capital expense 14,655,000 95,136,399
Capital assets Estimates
2023-24 $		 Actual
2022-23 $
Total capital assets previously publishedfootnote 3 602,000 -
Government reorganization    

Transfer of functions from other ministries

 - 800,000
Restated total capital assets 602,000 800,000

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
2024-25 $		 Estimates
2023-24 $		 Difference
between
2024-25
and
2023-24 $		 Actual
2022-23 $

Operating expense
1 Ministry Administration, operating expense 7,302,700 6,009,200 1,293,500 6,358,060
  Total operating expense to be voted 7,302,700 6,009,200 1,293,500 6,358,060
S Minister’s Salary, the Executive Council Act 47,841 47,841 - 35,093
S Parliamentary Assistant’s Salary, the Executive Council Act 16,173 16,173 - 11,574
S Bad Debt expense, the Financial Administration Act 1,000 1,000 - -
  Total statutory appropriations 65,014 65,014 - 46,667
  Total operating expense 7,367,714 6,074,214 1,293,500 6,404,727

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

   4,697,200
 

Employee benefits

   540,700
 

Transportation and communication

   267,200
 

Services

   7,545,000
 

Supplies and equipment

   120,200
  Subtotal   13,170,300
  Less: Recoveries   5,867,600
  Total operating expense to be voted   7,302,700
  Sub-Items:    
  Main Office    
 

Salaries and wages

 1,101,900  
 

Employee benefits

 144,800  
 

Transportation and communication

 92,000  
 

Services

 356,000  
 

Supplies and equipment

 34,400 1,729,100
  Finance and Administrative Services    
 

Salaries and wages

 1,308,800  
 

Employee benefits

 114,600  
 

Transportation and communication

 68,000  
 

Services

 5,251,000  
 

Supplies and equipment

 39,800  
 

Subtotal

 6,782,200  
 

Less: Recoveries

 5,000,000 1,782,200
  Human Resources    
 

Salaries and wages

 487,400  
 

Employee benefits

 116,800  
 

Transportation and communication

 25,200  
 

Services

 49,600  
 

Supplies and equipment

 13,100 692,100
  Communication Services    
 

Salaries and wages

 715,400  
 

Employee benefits

 70,500  
 

Transportation and communication

 19,300  
 

Services

 153,300  
 

Supplies and equipment

 11,000 969,500
  Analysis and Planning    
 

Salaries and wages

 1,083,700  
 

Employee benefits

 94,000  
 

Transportation and communication

 48,200  
 

Services

 44,700  
 

Supplies and equipment

 14,400  
 

Subtotal

 1,285,000  
 

Less: Recoveries

 631,700 653,300
  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   7,302,700
  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   7,367,714

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 Duty to Consult 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
2024-25 $		 Estimates
2023-24 $		 Difference
between
2024-25
and
2023-24 $		 Actual
2022-23 $

Operating expense
1 Mineral Sector Competitiveness 190,923,400 155,410,300 35,513,100 138,195,229
  Total operating expense to be voted 190,923,400 155,410,300 35,513,100 138,195,229
S Bad Debt expense, the Financial Administration Act 401,000 401,000 - 32,731
  Total statutory appropriations 401,000 401,000 - 32,731
  Total operating expense 191,324,400 155,811,300 35,513,100 138,227,960

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 9,952,500 14,012,500 (4,060,000) 8,594,291
5 Environmental Remediation for Mining, capital expense 2,849,500 2,000 2,847,500 86,012,000
  Total capital expense to be voted 12,802,000 14,014,500 (1,212,500) 94,606,291
S Amortization, the Financial Administration Act 708,500 638,500 70,000 530,108
  Total statutory appropriations 708,500 638,500 70,000 530,108
  Total capital expense 13,510,500 14,653,000 (1,142,500) 95,136,399

Capital assets
4 Mines and Minerals, capital assets 601,000 601,000 - 800,000
  Total capital assets to be voted 601,000 601,000 - 800,000
  Total capital assets 601,000 601,000 - 800,000

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

   25,615,600
 

Employee benefits

   3,412,100
 

Transportation and communication

   1,093,500
 

Services

   16,773,700
 

Supplies and equipment

   1,454,700
 

Transfer payments

    
 

Reporting Ontario’s Mining Activities

 85,000  
 

Focused Flow-through Share Tax Credit

 18,147,200  
 

Ontario Junior Exploration Program

 10,000,000  
 

Critical Minerals Innovation Fund

 5,000,000  
 

Mineral Development and Investment

 100,000  
 

Indigenous Economic Development

 60,571,400  
 

Resource Revenue Sharing for Mining

 48,570,200  
 

Mapping Ontario’s Geological Opportunities

 100,000 142,573,800
  Total operating expense to be voted   190,923,400
  Statutory appropriations    
 

Other transactions

    
Statutory

Bad Debt expense, the Financial Administration Act

   401,000
  Total operating expense for Mines and Minerals Program   191,324,400

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    
 

Services

   5,530,500
 

Supplies and equipment

   260,000
 

Transfer payments

    
 

Matawa Broadband

 4,160,000  
 

Indigenous Opportunities in Abandoned Mine Rehabilitation

 1,000 4,161,000
 

Other transactions

   1,000
  Total capital expense to be voted   9,952,500
4902-5 Environmental Remediation for Mining, capital expense    
 

Services

   2,848,500
 

Transfer payments

    
 

Indigenous Partnerships - Environmental Remediation for Abandoned Mines

   1,000
  Total capital expense to be voted   2,849,500
  Statutory appropriations    
 

Other transactions

    
Statutory

Amortization, the Financial Administration Act

   708,500
  Total capital expense for Mines and Minerals Program   13,510,500

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