Published plans and annual reports 2024–2025: Ministry of Mines
Plans for 2024–2025, and results and outcomes of all provincial programs delivered by the Ministry of Mines in 2023–2024.
Ministry overview
Ministry’s vision
The Ministry of Mines (MINES) supports a strong and sustainable minerals sector and ensures the fair, effective and efficient administration of Ontario’s Mining Act for the protection of public health and safety, and the environment.
Ministry programs
The ministry carries out its mandate under two activities:
- Ministry administration, and
- Mines and Minerals program.
Ministry administration program
Ministry Administration Program provides executive direction and strategic business and resource planning services which is integral to effective and efficient ministry operations. Advice and services are provided in the areas of strategic human resources planning and management; fiscal controllership and financial governance. The program provides core strategic support in the areas of corporate/strategic policy, supply chain management, records and information management, communications (including French Language Services), and the administration of the Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection Act. Professional support services such as legal and audit services are supported by this program. The program measures success and achievements against performance indicators to ensure the ministry is meeting legal obligations to offer services in French, having a complete and updated emergency management program, and implementing opportunities to increase administrative efficiencies.
Mines and Minerals program
The ministry supports a strong and sustainable minerals sector by promoting investment and exploration, by providing information to global clients on Ontario’s wealth of mineral resources, and by the fair, effective and efficient administration of Ontario’s Mining Act, in a manner consistent with the recognition and affirmation of existing Aboriginal and treaty rights in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, and, protection of public health and safety, and the environment.
Regulatory administration of the Mining Act
The ministry administers the Mining Act through regulatory tools that promote and sustain mineral exploration and mining in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.
As part of this mandate, the ministry has transformed and modernized mineral tenure administration in Ontario by implementing an integrated, client-driven electronic system that enables clients to register mining claims and manage these claims online. This ensures mineral exploration and development in Ontario is undertaken in a manner that promotes a balanced approach that benefits all Ontarians, while registering claims in a manner that is respectful of private landowners and Indigenous communities. The system continues to be updated and improved in response to stakeholder feedback.
The ministry also invests in the rehabilitation of abandoned mine sites on Crown-held lands to ensure public safety, improve the environment, and make the lands available for productive use.
The ministry is in the process of exploring opportunities to improve the permitting process for mine development and operation, as part of its efforts to ensure the province’s mining sector remains competitive and attractive to investors.
Geoscience information
The Ontario Geological Survey (OGS) collects and disseminates geoscience information for all regions across Ontario to support investment decisions and policy development related to mineral exploration and development, public health and safety, the environment and land use planning. Geoscience products and services support economic development through source water protection, mineral, energy and groundwater-resource related development opportunities, land use planning, and safeguarding public health and safety related to geological hazards.
Mineral development investment and opportunity
The Mineral Development Investment and Opportunity program ensures Ontario receives a fair share of the value of mineral resources extracted from the province, identifies strategic investment opportunities, and influences policy issues that support Ontario’s mineral competitiveness.
Indigenous relations
This program encourages and facilitates Indigenous participation in Ontario’s economy in a way that recognizes and is respectful of Aboriginal and treaty rights and culture. The program develops and sustains productive and effective relationships among government, Indigenous communities, industry, municipalities, and other partners. Key activities include working with Indigenous Peoples to build partnerships that enable participation in the benefits from resource development.
Ring of Fire — Economic development and community readiness
Development of the mineral potential in the Ring of Fire focuses on regional infrastructure, such as all-season roads and broadband, required to advance Ring of Fire developments and support First Nation access and participation. Progress is being driven by key activities including building partnerships and working directly with interested First Nations communities through funding bilateral agreements that support each community’s unique needs and priorities, including all-season access to their communities and the Ring of Fire.
In March 2024, Ontario, Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation signed a Community Development Agreement to develop community infrastructure projects that could support future development opportunities in the Ring of Fire region. The agreement commits the province to supporting shovel-ready infrastructure projects. Those could include construction of health and training facilities, recreation centers, commercial buildings and labour force development programs. These projects would help improve the well-being and readiness of the First Nations to participate fully in the construction of road projects that would connect the Ring of Fire critical mineral deposits with manufacturing hubs in the south, paving the way for made-in-Ontario supply chains for batteries and electric vehicles.
Marten Falls and Webequie First Nations are currently leading three Environmental Assessments (EA) for the roads that would become the corridor to prosperity. The Community Development Agreement commits the province and the two First Nations to work together to make decisions about the construction, ownership, and operation of the road network, should the EAs be approved. This collaboration will ensure the communities are ready to participate in future economic development opportunities in the region.
The ministry continues to leverage federal, provincial, and industrial partnerships to enable the planning and implementation of infrastructure assets such as all-season roads and broadband.
2024–25 Strategic plan
The ministry’s strategic plan contains clearly focused long-term goals and desired strategic outcomes that will guide MINES and focus efforts to advance the achievement of our mandate priorities.
MINES is committed to supporting a strong and sustainable mineral sector and the fair, effective and efficient administration of Ontario’s Mining Act. MINES continues to use evidence-based decision-making throughout its strategic planning and priority setting. As a result of these efforts, the ministry is improving its ability to measure its performance more accurately in achieving outcomes and value-for-money.
| Key performance indicators | Indicator | Target value % | Current value % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Improving social outcomes for Indigenous Ontarians. | % of eligible First Nation and Métis communities covered by a Resource Revenue Sharing (RRS) agreement - First Nations and Métis communities participate in and benefit from resource management in their traditional territories. | 100 | 90 |
Ministry Core Commitments and Key Deliverables
As the ministry for the provincial minerals sector, 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 assisting 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 programs to regulate the sustainable and responsible use and management of Ontario’s mineral resources.
MINES supports a safe and sustainable minerals industry by promoting minerals sector exploration and investment. This includes collecting and distributing geoscience information, encouraging, and facilitating Indigenous participation in the minerals sector, administering Ontario’s Mining Act, and ensuring safe, environmentally sound mineral development and rehabilitation of mining lands.
MINES continues to deliver the Critical Minerals Strategy with a goal to elevate and secure Ontario’s place as a globally competitive jurisdiction that is ready to meet increasing global demand for critical minerals by connecting Ontario’s abundant critical minerals deposits with our world-class manufacturing sector.
MINES continues to work with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) to lead the implementation of Resource Revenue Sharing; enabling Indigenous communities to share in the economic benefits of resource development while advancing reconciliation, improving relations on a government-to-government basis, improving the economic and planning climate and providing funding that can support local economic and social priorities.
As the lead ministry responsible for development in the Ring of Fire, MINES engages and collaborates with Indigenous Peoples and communities, northerners, the mining industry, federal departments, and other provincial ministries to encourage responsible and sustainable development. Located more than 500 kilometers northeast of Thunder Bay, the Ring of Fire is one of the most significant mineral discoveries in the province.
MINES is undertaking an integrated, intra-and intergovernmental co-ordination and planning approach to advance the development of strategic transportation and community access and connectivity infrastructure in the Ring of Fire region in an environmentally responsible way.
Key Mines and Minerals Program initiatives in 2024–25 include:
- To promote economic growth and job creation by supporting the mines and minerals sector.
- To conduct monitoring, research, and planning for the management and use of Ontario’s mineral resources.
- To develop and implement legislation, policies, and programs to regulate the sustainable and responsible use and management of Ontario’s mineral resources.
- To continue to support the Critical Mineral Strategy and advance the Ring of Fire to make Ontario a Leading Mining jurisdiction.
- To continue to work with MNRF and Ministry of Indigenous Affairs to administer Resource Revenue Sharing with Indigenous communities.
- To position Ontario as the #1 jurisdiction in mineral development, MINES is undertaking improvements in permitting and assessment work processes.
To help Ontario attract mining investments to support the unlocking of critical minerals, MINES made amendments to the Mining Act, and introduced new regulations to improve timeliness and flexibility in mine closure planning.
Detailed financial information
| Cost type | Ministry planned expenditure ($M) |
|---|---|
| Operating | 195.6 |
| Capital | 13.5 |
| Total | 209.1 |
Total operating and capital summary by vote
Ministry administration
Mines and Minerals Program
Combined operating and capital summary by vote
| Votes/programs | Estimates 2024–25 $ | Change from estimates 2023–24 $ | Change $% | Estimates 2023–24 $ | Interim 2023–2024 $ | Actuals 2022–23 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ministry administration program | 7,302,700 | 1,293,500 | 21.5 | 6,009,200 | 7,713,300 | 6,358,060 |
| Mines and minerals program | 190,923,400 | 35,513,100 | 22.9 | 155,410,300 | 175,121,100 | 138,195,229 |
| Total operating expense to be voted | 198,226,100 | 36,806,600 | 22.8 | 161,419,500 | 182,834,400 | 144,553,289 |
| Statutory appropriations | 466,014 | 0.0 | 466,014 | 466,014 | 79,398 | |
| Ministry total operating expense | 198,692,114 | 36,806,600 | 22.7 | 161,885,514 | 183,300,414 | 144,632,687 |
| Consolidation adjustment - Ontario Clean Water Agency | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | (2,145,119) |
| Consolidation adjustment - General Real Estate Portfolio | (3,077,900) | 209,100 | (6.4) | (3,287,000) | (3,273,000) | (3,331,177) |
| Total including consolidation and other adjustments | 195,614,214 | 37,015,700 | 23.3 | 158,598,514 | 180,027,414 | 139,156,391 |
| Votes/programs | Estimates 2024–25 $ | Change from estimates 2023–24 $ | Change % | Estimates 2023–24 $ | Interim 2023–2024 $ | Actuals 2022–23 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ministry administration program | 1,000 | N/A | 0.0 | 1,000 | 1,000 | N/A |
| Mines and minerals program | 1,000 | N/A | 0.0 | 1,000 | 1,000 | N/A |
| Total operating assets to be voted | 2,000 | N/A | 0.0 | 2,000 | 2,000 | N/A |
| Ministry total operating assets | N/A | 2,000 | 0.0 | 2,000 | 2,000 | N/A |
| Total including consolidation and other adjustments | N/A | 2,000 | 0.0 | 2,000 | 2,000 | N/A |
| Votes/programs | Estimates 2024–25 $ | Change from estimates 2023–24 $ | Change % | Estimates 2023–24 $ | Interim 2023–2024 $ | Actuals 2022–23 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ministry administration program | 1,000 | N/A | 0.0 | 1,000 | 1,000 | N/A |
| Mines and minerals program | 12,802,000 | (1,212,500) | (8.7) | 14,014,500 | 345,618,500 | 94,606,291 |
| Total capital expense to be voted | 12,803,000 | (1,212,500) | (8.7) | 14,015,500 | 345,619,500 | 94,606,291 |
| Statutory appropriations | 709,500 | 70,000 | 10.9 | 639,500 | 639,500 | 530,108 |
| Ministry total capital expense | 13,512,500 | (1,142,500) | (7.8) | 14,655,000 | 346,259,000 | 95,136,399 |
| Consolidation adjustment - general real estate portfolio | N/A | 993,600 | (100.0) | (993,600) | (1,046,000) | (1,441,688) |
| Total including consolidation and other adjustments | 13,512,500 | (148,900) | (1.1) | 13,661,400 | 345,213,000 | 93,694,711 |
| Votes/programs | Estimates 2024–25 $ | Change from estimates 2023–24 $ | Change % | Estimates 2023–24 $ | Interim 2023–2024 $ | Actuals 2022–23 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ministry administration program | 1,000 | N/A | 0.0 | 1,000 | 1,000 | N/A |
| Mines and minerals program | 601,000 | N/A | 0.0 | 601,000 | 601,000 | 800,000 |
| Total capital assets to be voted | 602,000 | N/A | 0.0 | 602,000 | 602,000 | 800,000 |
| Ministry total capital assets | 602,000 | N/A | 0.0 | 602,000 | 602,000 | 800,000 |
| Ministry total operating and capital including consolidation and other adjustments (not including assets) | 209,126,714 | 36,866,800 | 21.4 | 172,259,914 | 525,240,414 | 232,851,102 |
| Historic trend analysis data | Actuals 2021–22 $ | Actuals 2022–23 $ | Estimates 2023–24 $ | Estimates 2024–25 $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ministry total operating and capital including consolidation and other adjustments (not including assets) | 318,459,079 | 232,851,102 | 172,259,914 | 209,126,714 |
| Percentage change | N/A | -26.9% | -26.0% | 21.4% |
Ministry organization chart
- Minister — Mines
- Parliamentary Assistant
- Deputy Minister
- Legal Services Branch
- Information Technology Services
- Communications Services Branch
- Corporate Management Division (supporting the Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Northern Development and the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs)
- Financial Planning and Controllership
- Strategic Human Resources Business Branch
- Mines and Minerals Division
- Ontario Geological Survey
- Indigenous Consultation and Partnerships Branch
- Strategic Services Branch
- Mineral Development Branch
- Information and Lands Branch
- Strategic Policy Division
- Ring of Fire Policy Coordination
- Sector and Intergovernmental Support Branch (supporting the Ministry of Mines and the Ministry of Northern Development)
Appendix: 2023–24 annual report
Support a strong and sustainable mineral development sector
Mining has long been the economic backbone of Ontario. Our province’s mineral exploration and mining sectors have a rich history and are responsible for building up our economy, especially in the north. The discoveries made by our tremendous minerals sector have led to stronger communities that rely on and benefit from mines, both new and existing. Thanks to our government’s efforts, our mining sector is thriving.
Mining industry
Ontario is a world-class mining jurisdiction and is among the top 10 jurisdictions in the world for mineral exploration spending. In 2023, Ontario was number one in Canada for mineral exploration investment totalling $952 million, making up roughly 24% of all mineral exploration investment in Canada.
Ontario is also one of Canada’s top mineral producers, generating $15.7 billion worth of minerals in 2023, which accounts for 26% of the country’s total mineral production value. Ontario’s mining sector, one of the nation’s largest producers of minerals by value, contributes about $12.9 billion to Ontario’s GDP annually. Mining in Ontario supports approximately 31,000 direct jobs and 47,000 indirect jobs associated with mineral processing and mining supply and services. Ontario’s mining sector has one of the highest proportions of Indigenous workers of all industries, at nine per cent.
Toronto continues to be the mining finance capital of the world — 36% of all global mining equity capital raised over the period of 2019 to 2023 came from the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and Toronto Venture Exchange (TSX-V). More than 1,100 mining companies were listed on the TSX and TSX-V in 2023, approximately 40% of public mining companies in the world. In 2023, the TSX and TSX-V raised $7.6 billion in new equity capital for mining. Capital investment in mining in Ontario has increased from $1.3 billion in 2010 to $4.8 billion in 2023.
There are about 200 companies actively exploring more than 400 projects in Ontario. In 2023, there were more than 380,000 active mining claims in Ontario. There are currently 36 active mining operations in Ontario, the majority of which are in Northern Ontario.
New mine construction is underway at five projects in Ontario. These projects include IAMGOLD's $2.5 billion Côté Gold project near Gogama, Gowest's $27 million Bradshaw gold project near Timmins, Greenstone Gold's $1.5 billion Greenstone gold project near Geraldton, KGHM’s $1.0 billion Victoria nickel project in Sudbury, and Glencore's $1.3 billion Onaping Depth nickel–copper project in Sudbury.
In addition, in 2023 Argonaut completed construction of its $422 million Magino gold project near Dubreuilville and declared commercial production in November 2023.
Critical minerals
March 2024 was the two-year anniversary of Ontario’s first-ever Critical Minerals Strategy — a comprehensive, five-year blueprint to strengthen Ontario’s position as a global leader in supplying critical minerals. This strategy is improving Ontario’s regulatory framework, building economic development opportunities with Indigenous partners, and supporting the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable economy. The progress is clear as it is already starting to pay dividends. The value of critical minerals exploration investment grew by $21 million in 2023 and totaled $349 million — an increase of roughly six per cent over 2022. By continuing to fulfill the commitments of the strategy, we are boosting the resiliency of our supply chains, unlocking exploration and development potential, and fostering innovation in technologies to benefit the global industry.
An important commitment in the Critical Minerals Strategy was the launch of the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund (CMIF) on November 24, 2022. Through this fund, the Ontario government continues to invest in the critical minerals sector and enhance research and development of new technologies. The CMIF connects critical minerals producers in the north with the manufacturing sector in the south to support innovative technologies, such as batteries and electric vehicles. The $5 million fund is supporting 13 Ontario-based companies that are leading the development of new mining technologies focused on building the critical minerals supply chain. These companies are doing ground-breaking work to solve challenges in exploration, mining, and processing. Based on the success of the first intake of CMIF, MINES was successful in securing an additional $15 million over three years to continue offering the CMIF, as outlined in the 2024 Ontario Budget.
Resource revenue sharing
Ontario currently has six Resource Revenue Sharing (RRS) agreements representing 41 First Nations, and two RRS agreements with organizations representing Métis communities sharing aggregate, forestry and mining revenues. Funding is designed to be flexible, and recipients can use RRS funds for a variety of objectives, including economic development, community development and education. For example, First Nations have used funding to hire staff to review permit applications and provide expertise to respond to requests from government or industry. Funds have also been used for workforce training and development to support filling industry jobs, and invested in community infrastructure, including building housing lots, improvement and maintenance of roads and repairing community buildings. The payments are made every December and are based on revenue collected in the previous fiscal year. To date, Ontario has shared approximately $1,250 million in resource revenues through these agreements, including $100 million from mining tax and royalty.
Early exploration is key to making promising geological discoveries that can lead to future mines and positioning Ontario to meet increasing global demand for critical minerals. That is why the government continues to invest in the Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP), which began in 2021. OJEP helps junior mining companies finance early exploration projects by covering up to $200,000 in eligible costs for critical and precious mineral exploration and development. As announced in the 2023 spring Budget, the government is investing an additional $3 million in 2023–24 and $3 million in 2024–25 into this successful program, which will help more companies search for potential mineral deposits and attract further investment in this growing sector. The total committed investment in OJEP is now $35 million, including a $12 million critical minerals stream.
Mining Act
The Building More Mines Act, 2023, which received Royal Assent on May 18, 2023, will help ensure Ontario has a modern and competitive regime for mineral exploration and development. The amendments aim to save companies time and money by reducing administrative burden, clarifying requirements for rehabilitation and creating regulatory efficiencies.
The new and amended regulations will help Ontario attract mining investments to support the unlocking of critical minerals and the Ring of Fire, while maintaining Ontario’s strong standards for environmental protection and meeting the Duty to Consult with Indigenous communities.
These changes, which came into effect April 1, 2024, include:
- Improve timelines for filing closure plans, reduce administrative burden and simplify the process for preparing a closure plan, including allowing qualified persons to certify plans and allowing phased Financial Assurance to fulfill proponent obligations.
- Increase flexibility for closure planning by amending the definition of “rehabilitate” to support the Minister of Mines’ ability to allow an alternate use, condition or feature to remain onsite.
- Exempting facilities that manufacture products needed for the development of batteries for the electric vehicle industry.
These legislative and regulatory amendments will support the unlocking of critical minerals, including those in the Ring of Fire, while maintaining Ontario’s strong standards for environmental protection and meeting the Duty to Consult with Indigenous communities. These critical mineral resources in the north are being connected to Ontario’s world-class manufacturing sector in the south.
Ring of Fire
The Ontario government has committed close to $1 billion to support critical legacy infrastructure such as all-season roads, broadband connectivity and community supports in the Ring of Fire region to keep moving forward on one of the most promising mineral deposits in Canada — one that will play a critical role in the manufacturing of batteries, electronics, electric vehicles (EVs) and other technologies.
The Terms of Reference for the Northern Road Link, an all-season, multi-use road connecting the two First Nations communities, and the critical mineral deposits in the Ring of Fire to the Ontario highway network, was approved in March 2023. In March 2024, the Ontario government, Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation signed an agreement to develop community infrastructure projects that could support future development opportunities in the area, including building all-seasons roads to the mineral-rich Ring of Fire region.
Marten Falls and Webequie First Nations are leading the planning of the proposed road projects in the Ring of Fire region. As the project proponents, the two First Nations are taking responsibility for thoroughly assessing potential impacts to Aboriginal and treaty rights and interests and maximizing opportunities for First Nations people. Ontario is committed to working with First Nation communities, supporting them to reach their goals, including all-season road access to their communities and the Ring of Fire, and meeting its duty to consult.
| Key performance indicators | Indicator | Target value | Current value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attracting new investments in the mining sector | Dollar value (in millions) of capital investment in Ontario | 2,500 | 4,042 |
| Unlocking economic opportunities through the Ring of Fire (RoF) | % of ROF all-season road development projects with annual progress rating of medium to high in Phase 1-planning and EA phase. | 75 | 100 |
| Increasing investments and economic opportunities in Ontario | Ontario's percentage of Canadian market share of exploration expenditure | 23 | 24.3 |
| Ontario is prepared for emergencies and natural disasters | Completion of emergency management program legislative requirements. | 100% | 100% |
| Cost type | Ministry interim actual expenditures ($M) 2023–24 |
|---|---|
| Operating | 180.0 |
| Capital | 345.2 |
| Staff strength | 314.29 |
For additional financial information, see:
Who to call
For questions or comments, please contact:
Office of the Minister of Mines
Whitney Block, Room 5520
99 Wellesley Street West
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 1W3
Further information about the ministry and its programs can be found on the ministry’s website.
We are committed to providing accessible customer service. If you need accessible formats or communications supports, please contact Marc.StLouis@ontario.ca.
Footnotes
- footnote[1] Back to paragraph Estimates, interim actuals and actuals for prior fiscal years are re-stated to reflect any changes in ministry organization and/or program structure. Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2024 Ontario Budget.
- footnote[2] Back to paragraph Estimates and Actuals for prior fiscal years are re-stated to reflect any changes in ministry organization and/or program structure.
- footnote[3] Back to paragraph Interim actuals reflect the numbers presented in the 2024 Ontario Budget
- footnote[4] Back to paragraph Ontario Public Service Full-Time Equivalent positions.