Ontario, Canada has a long and deep mining heritage,
spanning more than 200 years. As one of the
world’s leading mineral jurisdictions, the
province is renowned for its rich geology and diverse deposits
of minerals and metals. Recent discoveries include high grade
diamonds and one of the largest sources of chromite in the
world.
Ontario’s 42 underground and surface operations
cover a broad range of mineral commodities, from gold, nickel,
copper, diamonds and salt to a large array of industrial and
structural building materials such as stone, sand, gypsum,
lime, clay, graphite and talc-nepheline-syenite, for the
construction, chemical and manufacturing industries.
Over the last decade, more mines have opened in Ontario than
in any other Canadian jurisdiction, with further new mines
currently being developed; many of which are expected to start
producing within the next few years.
Despite a challenging global economy and a rapidly changing
mining landscape, Ontario remains a premier global destination
for exploration and mine development.
New demands and evolving world markets require the mining
industry to adapt to a fluctuating investment climate, rising
operating costs, stringent environmental and safety regulations
and ever-increasing international competition.
But, at a time when many global jurisdictions have been
slowing down, Ontario is forging ahead, positioning the
province to be a global leader in sustainable mineral
development. The Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and
Mines is working closely with industry partners, all levels of
government, communities and other partners to strengthen its
place as a frontrunner to serve emerging new markets with mined
commodities.
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Michael Gravelle,
Ontario’s Minister of Northern Development
and Mines, says that the government is determined to
maintain the province’s position as a
leading mining centre. (Source: Ontario
Ministry of Northern Development and
Mines)
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Government support for the mining
industry
The cost of conducting business in Ontario is among the
lowest in the G7 group of nations. The province also
outperforms most G7 countries (France, Germany, the UK, Italy,
Japan, the US and Canada) in venture capital investment
intensity. The province prides itself on operating a
progressive, competitive tax regime which helps maintain an
attractive investment climate.
It has also implemented a number of other initiatives to
support the mining industry. Ontario’s Northern
Industrial Electricity Rate Program helps large industrial
electricity consumers to reduce their energy costs by as much
as 25%.
Meanwhile, the Junior Exploration Assistance Program, funded
by the government’s Northern Ontario Heritage Fund
Corporation and to be administered by the Ontario Prospectors
Association (OPA), is a new programme that will provide
financial support for junior companies conducting or planning
mineral exploration work in Ontario.
The provincial government has a proud tradition of
collaboration with industry partners and organisations,
including the OPA, the Prospectors and Developers Association
of Canada (PDAC) and the Ontario Mining Association. These
relationships are crucial to strengthening the mineral
development industry, fostering research and innovation,
increasing investment and risk capital and ensuring Ontario
continues to enhance its competitiveness. The province recently
released a renewed Mineral Development Strategy – a
10-year vision to position Ontario as the global leader in
sustainable mineral development and a blueprint for building on
the region’s global reputation as a premier
mineral development destination.
The government is also encouraging exploration activities
through modernisation of Ontario’s Mining Act.
Proposed amendments will, if passed, foster greater operational
certainty, increase predictability and transparency and improve
regulatory efficiencies, all of which will help the mining
industry reduce time and costs incurred between early stage
exploration and production.
Modern, streamlined business practices are geared at
establishing a solid framework for progressive social and
environmental responsibility, clear roles and mutually
beneficial collaborative relationships.
Technological innovation
Backed by its legislative, R&D and export assistance
climate, Ontario is recognised as an international hub of
mining innovation.
The province has a world-renowned mining supply and services
sector, which sets standards when it comes to manufacturing
state-of-the-art automated equipment, providing unparalleled
technological expertise, enhancing productivity and
environmental and safety solutions.
The Ontario Geological Survey (OGS) studies the local
geology, collects and publishes world-class geoscience maps,
technical reports and digital open data sets used by the
mineral sector to select and assess exploration targets.
Exploration, mine development, pioneering research and
technological innovation in Ontario are a testament to the
value and potential of its mineral sector.
International presence
In addition to its longstanding participation in the annual
PDAC convention held every year in March in the provincial
capital, Toronto, the Ontario government will this year be
hosting and co-sponsoring Mines and Money Americas, also in
Toronto, in September – marking the first time the
mining investment event has been held in North America.
The Ontario government’s support remains a key
pillar in the future growth of the province’s
mineral sector, especially as the world’s need for
minerals expands and changes and the mining industry will
require leadership and innovation in resources, technology and
skills.