Ontario backs 68 exploration projects to boost critical minerals supply

Ontario announced funding for 68 early-stage exploration projects through the Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) to strengthen the province’s critical minerals and mining sectors.

The province said the funding will cover up to 50% of eligible exploration and development costs, support about 71 jobs in northern and rural communities and generate roughly $18 million in economic output. Junior companies can receive up to $215,000 per project and licensed prospectors up to $65,000, including enhanced Indigenous Participation support.

Ontario opened the latest OJEP call for applications on July 3, 2025. The program builds on previous rounds that provided $30 million in provincial support to 213 companies, 165 of them focused on critical minerals. Officials said each dollar of public OJEP funding has leveraged more than $2 in private investment.

The government has also launched consultations to update its Critical Minerals Strategy and proposed a $500 million Critical Minerals Processing Fund to expand domestic processing capacity.

“To boost Canada’s self-reliance, Ontario is investing heavily in early exploration to build a pipeline for new mines and new jobs,” Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines, said. “Ontario’s new Critical Minerals Strategy will further double down on early exploration to lay the groundwork for the next generation of mines, good-paying jobs and economic growth across northern Ontario.”

He added, "We overhauled our permitting system, while investing heavily in early exploration, resulting in Ontario emerging in the top spot for early exploration investment and Canada’s most attractive mining investment jurisdiction. Ontario’s new Critical Minerals Strategy will further double down on early exploration to lay the groundwork for the next generation of mines, good-paying jobs and economic growth across northern Ontario. As we face headwinds of uncertainty, Ontario is accelerating responsible resource development to fortify our supply chains, workforce, and economy at this critical time.”

Industry groups and regional business leaders welcomed the announcement. “Ontario's mineral independence is a cornerstone of our economic sovereignty, and programs like OJEP are essential to maintaining it,” Steve Virtue, president and CEO of Ontario Prospectors Association, said. “By supporting the early-stage exploration work that drives discovery, this investment ensures our mining pipeline stays strong and our competitive edge stays sharp.”

“Greater Sudbury’s mining and mining supply and service sectors are vital to the northern economy and extend far beyond our region. We thank the Province of Ontario for recognizing the importance of early exploration and for investing in the companies and expertise that turn early-stage work into future opportunity and help advance the next generation of mine development," Marie Litalien, president and CEO of the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, commented.

“Early exploration is critical because it creates future opportunity for Ontario suppliers. Every project that advances generates demand for the specialized products, services, and expertise our members provide, while strengthening Ontario’s mining supply chain. A strong pipeline of exploration activity is essential to sustaining long-term growth and competitiveness across the province," Marla Tremblay, executive director of MineConnect, said.

The province cited roughly $1.1 billion in 2024 exploration and deposit appraisal spending and said about 200 companies are actively exploring more than 300 projects across Ontario, mainly in the north. Officials also cited the One Project, One Process (1P1P) framework, which they say has reduced permitting timelines by coordinating approvals across ministries.

For additional information, please visit www.Ontario.ca/page/ontario-junior-exploration-program and www.Ontario.ca/page/ontarios-critical-minerals-strategy-2022-2027-unlocking-potential-drive-economic-recovery-prosperity