TORONTO – The Ontario government has introduced legislation to amend the Mining Act,
that will, if passed, attract more investment in the province’s mining sector while
strengthening the made-in-Ontario critical minerals supply chains for batteries, electric
vehicles, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and other advanced manufacturing
technologies.

“It shouldn’t take 15 years to open a mine. This process is too time consuming and costly,
leading to project delays and lost opportunities for Ontario’s mineral exploration and mining
sector,” said George Pirie, Minister of Mines. “We need to get building. That’s why our
government is introducing changes to the Mining Act to help attract more investment and
secure the critical minerals that support the made-in-Ontario supply chain for new
technologies like batteries and electric vehicles.”

If passed, the Building More Mines Act, 2023 would save mining companies time and
money by:
 Advancing critical minerals projects by making it easier for companies to get a permit
to recover minerals from mine tailings and waste – materials left behind after the
targeted minerals are extracted
 Improving closure planning by having more qualified professionals available to
certify plans and allowing companies to conditionally file a closure plan while
deferring certain elements to a later date
 Allowing more flexibility in the techniques used to rehabilitate mines once they are
closed, while upholding Ontario’s world-class environmental protection standards
 Creating more options for companies to pay financial assurance. Instead of paying
financial assurance upfront, it could be paid in phases tied to the project’s
construction schedule.

At a time when Ontario is securing game-changing investments in its growing automotive
sector, these changes would benefit the entire minerals sector and advance Ontario’s plan
to build an integrated supply chain by connecting mineral producers in the north, including
those in the Ring of Fire, with the manufacturing sector in the south. The modifications to
the Mining Act would increase certainty for business planning and generate investment in
Northern Ontario to provide significant economic development opportunities for northern
and Indigenous communities.

All amendments will maintain Ontario’s strong standards for environmental protection and
meet the Duty to Consult with Indigenous communities. The proposed package of
legislative amendments will be posted on the Environmental Registry of Ontario on March
2, 2023 and is open for public comment until April 16, 2023.

Quick Facts
 In 2021, Ontario produced over $11.1 billion worth of minerals, accounting for 20 per
cent of Canada’s total mineral production and approximately $3.1 billion worth of
critical minerals.
 The Ontario government released its Critical Minerals Strategy last year, a five-year
plan that includes addressing regulatory challenges to get mines built more
efficiently.
 Ontario’s Ring of Fire region is one of the most promising mineral development
opportunities in the province, with multi-generational potential for critical minerals
production including chromite, nickel, copper and platinum needed for clean steal
and electric vehicle manufacturing.
 Minerals mined and processed in Ontario support strategic sectors including auto
manufacturing, telecommunications and national defence.
Additional Resources
 Mining Act
 Ontario’s Critical Minerals Strategy

Quotes
“Ontario has a proud history of exploration, mining and processing, which has generated
socio-economic benefits for multiple generations in communities throughout the province.
Vale welcomes the Ontario government’s review and modernization of the Mining Act,
which will enable the province and industry to remain at the forefront of the sustainable
production of critical minerals that are essential for the global energy transition that is
underway.” - Alfredo Santana, COO, North Atlantic operations, Vale Base Metals

“Glencore is committed to responsibly source the commodities that advance everyday life
and is very encouraged to see this modernization of Ontario’s Mining Act and the
government’s commitment to critical minerals development in the province. The
improvement of processes within the Ministry of Mines will strengthen our Ontario
operations and facilitate their expansion.” - Peter Xavier, Vice President, Sudbury
Integrated Nickel Operations

As the world shifts to a greener, more connected and more tech-driven economy, the
demand for Ontario’s responsibly mined minerals will continue to grow. This presents a
generational opportunity – to create rewarding jobs, build a strong domestic mining-to-
manufacturing supply chain, and be a key player in the global energy transition. Given that
we are competing with jurisdictions across the world to feed the decarbonization-driven
commodity super cycle, the government must take bold action to help Ontario succeed.
This includes addressing current challenges in the Mining Act and providing a regulatory
pathway forward for our industry leadership in the global marketplace.; -  Chris Hodgson,
President, Ontario Mining Association 

“Ontario’s mining industry provides safe, well-paid, skilled jobs for women and men across
the province, contributes to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, helps to meet the global
demand for minerals essential to our future, and contributes significantly to the economic
growth and prosperity of the province. Agnico Eagle is encouraged by the commitment of
the Ministry of Mines to review the regulatory framework around the mining sector in
Ontario to ensure continued protection of the environment and Indigenous rights, while
encouraging investment in this important sector.” - Natasha Vaz, Chief Operating Officer,
Ontario, Mexico and Australia, Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

“Mining is a cornerstone of the Ontario economy and Newmont is proud to operate the
Musselwhite Mine and Porcupine Mines, which continue to be major economic contributors
and job creators for the province of Ontario. We appreciate the Minister of Mines’ proposed
changes to the Mining Act that seek to provide industry additional clarity to support effective
planning for closure while upholding the rigorous environmental standards that the
Canadian mining sector is known for.” - Bernard Wessels, Regional Senior Vice-President
for North America, Newmont