Ontario accelerates Kinross’ $5B Great Bear gold mine

Kinross Gold's Great Bear project has been designated for accelerated development under Ontario's 'One Project, One Process' (1P1P) framework. This gold mine, located 24 km southeast of Red Lake in northwestern Ontario, is the first of its kind and the third overall project to be accepted under the new framework launched in October.

The 1P1P framework aims to streamline permitting approvals and reduce government review time by 50 percent. This approach is designed to provide operators and investors with increased certainty and predictability in project development.

The Great Bear project represents a capital investment exceeding $5 billion and is expected to create 900 jobs during its operational life, with peak employment reaching 1,100 workers. Additional thousands of construction and indirect jobs are anticipated during the build-out phase from 2027 to 2029.

"The 'One Project, One Process' designation marks an important milestone for the Great Bear Project and reflects Ontario's leadership in creating the right conditions for responsible, long-term mining investment. For Kinross, this designation facilitates a more integrated and streamlined path forward as we advance the permitting of this world-class mine towards commercial production in consultation with Indigenous communities," J. Paul Rollinson, CEO of Kinross Gold, stated.

He added: "Great Bear is a generational asset and positioned to become one of Canada's largest and most profitable gold mines once operational. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with the province of Ontario and Indigenous communities to advance this project in a way that delivers significant economic and employment benefits for Indigenous communities, our stakeholders, and the broader economy."

The Great Bear project is designed as a high-grade combined open-pit and underground mine with an initial life of 12 years. Kinross' preliminary economic assessment outlines a production average of over 500,000 ounces of gold per year at its peak, with potential for 5.3 million ounces of initial production. The project also has long-term expansion potential supported by ongoing regional exploration.

Some mining organizations have already applauded the move. "The Ontario Mining Association welcomes this latest step toward a coordinated permitting approach, which will unlock economic opportunities in Northwestern Ontario, bolster investor confidence, and reinforce the many benefits of responsible mining, including job creation, local business growth, and regional economic resilience, while strengthening Ontario’s position as a global leader," Priya Tandon, president of the Ontario Mining Association (OMA), said.

Kinross has begun early on-site work and infrastructure planning, including connections to nearby power lines and a natural gas pipeline. Major construction is slated to start in 2027, with production planned for 2029.

Local tech players also said the move will advance the region. "The Great Bear Project’s designation under the ‘One Project, One Process’ framework will help unlock mineral development, create high-quality jobs, and drive economic growth in northwestern Ontario and beyond. At NORCAT, we are committed to delivering the skills development that will equip Ontario workers to succeed in projects like Great Bear and strengthen our province’s position as a global leader in responsible mining," Jason Bubba, chief operating office for NORCAT, said.

As part of the project's advancement, Kinross stated it is focusing on working closely with First Nations partners on baseline studies, site planning, and future opportunities. The company emphasized its commitment to meaningful participation through employment, training, and partnerships with Indigenous communities.

More information about Ontario’s'One Project, One Process' (1P1P) framework is available at www.Ontario.ca/page/mining-one-project-one-process-framework