Ontario implements ‘One Process’ framework for mine approvals

Key Takeaways:

• Streamlined Mine Approvals: Ontario’s new “One Project, One Process” framework aims to cut government review times for new mines by at least 50%, replacing a fragmented system that previously caused delays of up to 15 years for approvals.
• Coordinated Oversight and Indigenous Engagement: A dedicated Mine Authorization and Permitting Delivery Team will coordinate all provincial approvals while maintaining the Crown’s duty to consult Indigenous communities. The province is investing $70 million in an Indigenous Participation Fund and $3.1 billion through the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program to support participation and ownership.
• Boost to Critical Minerals and Jobs: The framework is designed to unlock Ontario’s critical minerals potential—including nickel, lithium, and cobalt—supporting the province’s critical minerals and EV battery strategy while reinforcing a sector that already sustains 74,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The Whole Story:

The Ontario government launched a new “One Project, One Process” framework that aims to reduce government review times for new mines by at least 50%, the Ministry of Energy and Mines said.

Mining companies can now apply to have advanced exploration and mine development projects designated under the framework, with the first designation expected within weeks. Designated projects will be managed by a dedicated Mine Authorization and Permitting Delivery Team, led by the Ministry of Energy and Mines, which will act as a single point of contact to coordinate all necessary provincial approvals.

The initiative targets Ontario’s fragmented permitting system, which has caused delays of up to 15 years to approve a single mine, the ministry said. The delays have held back investment and access to critical minerals including nickel, lithium and cobalt, particularly in the Ring of Fire region.

“Our new ‘One Project, One Process’ framework ends the era of unacceptable delays,” said Stephen Lecce, minister of energy and mines. “We are delivering a dedicated service that cuts government review times in half, giving operators and investors the confidence they need to hire, and helps us unlock the full economic potential of our province’s world-class resource sector.”

The framework maintains the Crown’s duty to consult with Indigenous communities while providing a more coordinated approach to project reviews, the government said. Ontario is investing $70 million over four years starting in 2025-26 in the Indigenous Participation Fund to help Indigenous communities in high mineral-activity areas build capacity to engage in regulatory processes and consultations.

A separate $3.1 billion in loans, grants and scholarships is being directed through the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program to support Indigenous equity and ownership in the critical minerals supply chain.

“This is about cutting delays, not corners – by removing red tape, we’re accelerating responsible development while maintaining strong environmental safeguards,” said Andrea Khanjin, minister of red tape reduction.

Ontario’s mining sector supports 28,000 direct jobs and 46,000 indirect jobs through mineral processing and supply services, with 36 active mining operations currently in the province, according to the ministry.

Industry representatives welcomed the announcement. “The ‘One Project, One Process’ initiative marks a meaningful step toward enhanced coordination, predictability, and efficiency,” said Priya Tandon, president of the Ontario Mining Association.

The framework supports Ontario’s critical minerals strategy by accelerating the development of a domestic supply chain for electric vehicle batteries and advanced technologies, the government said.