Ontario Implements “One Project, One Process” to Build Mines Faster
Press Release
October 17, 2025
New system halves review times for new mines to supercharge investment in Canadian minerals
TORONTO – Today, the Ontario government delivered another commitment in its plan to protect Ontario workers and communities by unlocking the full potential of Ontario’s metals and mining sector, including the Ring of Fire, through the launch of the new ‘One Project, One Process’ (1P1P) framework. Starting today, mining companies can apply to have advanced exploration and mine development projects designated under the 1P1P framework, with the first designation expected in the coming weeks. With the Ontario legislature set to return on Monday, the launch of 1P1P delivers on a key government initiative from the spring sitting.
“With President Trump taking direct aim at our economy, it has never been more important to protect Ontario jobs and build the mines that will power our future,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “Our new ‘One Project, One Process’ framework ends the era of unacceptable delays. 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.”
Ontario’s outdated, fragmented permitting system has caused delays of up to 15 years to approve a single mine. These delays hold back investment, job creation and access to critical and strategic minerals like nickel, lithium and cobalt, especially in high-potential areas such as the Ring of Fire, which is one of the most valuable untapped mineral regions in the world.
“With ‘One Project, One Process’, we’re taking a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to speed up approvals for advanced exploration and mine development projects,” said Andrea Khanjin, Minister of Red Tape Reduction. “This is about cutting delays, not corners – by removing red tape, we’re accelerating responsible development while maintaining strong environmental safeguards.”
Designated projects will be managed by a dedicated Mine Authorization and Permitting Delivery Team, led by the Ministry of Energy and Mines acting as a single point of contact to coordinate all necessary provincial approvals to reduce government review times by at least 50 per cent. This strategic shift will provide the certainty and predictability needed to get new mines open faster and secure Ontario’s position as a top destination for global mining investment.
The Crown’s duty to consult obligation remains fully upheld under 1P1P. While the previous process for consultation was often confusing and sporadic for both mining proponents and Indigenous communities due to lack of regulatory cohesion, this new model provides a more coordinated, transparent, and timely approach to project reviews with Indigenous communities and encourages participation in the mining sector including employment, training, community benefits, and equity partnerships.
Quick Facts
- Ontario’s mining sector supports 28,000 direct jobs and 46,000 indirect jobs through associated mineral processing and supply services. There are currently 36 active mining operations in Ontario.
- A key benefit of the 1P1P model is a clearer and more coordinated approach to consultation with Indigenous communities, where the duty to consult arises.
- The 1P1P framework directly supports Ontario’s Critical Minerals strategy by getting critical minerals to market faster, and the development of a secure, made-in-Ontario supply chain for everything from EV batteries to advanced technologies.
- Ontario is one of the most mineral rich areas in the entire world. This includes minerals such as nickel, titanium, cobalt and lithium which cell phones, computers, medical devices, energy and electric vehicles rely on.
- Ontario is investing $70 million over four years starting 2025‑26 in the Indigenous Participation Fund (formerly the Aboriginal Participation Fund) to help Indigenous communities and organizations in high mineral‐activity areas build capacity to engage in regulatory processes, consultations, and project development.
- A historic $3.1 billion in loans, grants, and scholarships is being directed via the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program and related measures to support Indigenous equity, ownership, and partnership in the critical minerals supply chain.
- Ontario’s Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) has enhanced funding for Indigenous participation: Indigenous participation support has been increased (for example – additions to the Prospector Stream), enabling Indigenous businesses and prospectors to receive higher levels of financial support per project.
Quotes
“First Nations business and political leaders have an increasing interest in the ‘One Project, One Process’ framework to advance their major projects. Central to this framework is robust consultation with First Nations, which we remain committed to.”
– Greg Rickford
Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships
“Ontario’s mining industry appreciates the government’s ongoing leadership in modernizing the permitting system for advanced exploration and mine development. The ‘One Project, One Process’ initiative marks a meaningful step toward enhanced coordination, predictability, and efficiency. We look forward to collaborating to develop and implement a framework that boosts investment, while upholding Ontario’s unwavering commitments to safety, environmental stewardship, and meaningful Indigenous partnerships.”
Priya Tandon
President, Ontario Mining Association
“The ‘One Project, One Process’ framework is a critical step forward for Ontario’s metals and mining sector. For Avalon and our Lake Superior Lithium refinery in Thunder Bay, this streamlined approach provides the clarity and confidence needed to move efficiently from development to production. It’s a strong signal that Ontario is serious about leading in the global energy transition.”
– Scott Monteith
President & CEO, Avalon Advanced Materials Inc.
“Frontier Lithium welcomes this government’s commitment to establishing a globally competitive, integrated permitting process through the new ‘One Project, One Process’ (1P1P) framework. This balanced approach fosters strong, respectful relationships with Indigenous rights holders while providing the certainty and predictability investors need to advance critical mineral development in Ontario.”
– Trevor Walker
President, Frontier Lithium
“The ‘One Project, One Process’ framework is a major step forward for Ontario’s mining supply and services sector. When mines advance, so do the thousands of suppliers that design, build, and sustain them. Streamlining approvals will mean faster projects, stronger supply chains, and greater opportunity for Ontario companies to compete and grow.”
– Marla Tremblay
Executive Director, MineConnect
“Minister Lecce’s announcement of the 1P1P framework is pure leadership in action! This is a game-changing moment that cements Ontario’s position as the best place in the world to start a new mine. By driving clarity, certainty, and momentum, this bold vision will unlock incredible opportunities for growth and innovation across the province — while maintaining and honouring the vital role of impacted Indigenous communities as the original rights holders of the land.”
– Mario Grossi
President & CEO, Technica Mining
“Story Environmental welcomes the launch of the ‘One Project, One Process’ framework as a critical step toward modernizing and streamlining mine development in Ontario. A dedicated Mine Authorization and Permitting Delivery Team, for each project, will enable holistic review and consultation of projects, rather than fragmented assessments and reviews, hopefully bringing clarity, consistency, and transparency to the permitting process. To responsibly shorten mine permitting and development timelines, it’s critical to clearly outline which key steps are pre-approved, streamline remaining approvals, and resolve conflicting directives across all ministries. A transparent process with clear oversight and a governing body empowered to fast-track decisions will not only accelerate the path from exploration to production but also unlock significant economic opportunities—creating jobs and attracting investment across northern Ontario.”
– Maria Story
President, Story Environmental
“The province’s ‘One Project, One Process’ framework represents a significant step forward in how Ontario advances critical mineral developments. By creating a single, coordinated approval process, Ontario is strengthening certainty and predictability for responsible projects like Crawford, which was developed from the outset with Indigenous co-development and environmental innovation at its core.”
– Mark Selby
CEO of Canada Nickel Company
“First Mining Gold welcomes this important initiative of the Ontario Ministry of Energy and Mines. As we work our way through the final stages of the Environmental Assessment process, we have encountered a lot of complexity with a fragmented and duplicative regulatory system. Done right, the path offered by 1P1P can hopefully deliver procedural clarity in support of sustainable long term economic development and in consultation with local and Indigenous communities who remain at the forefront.”
– Dan Wilton
CEO of First Mining Gold
“IAMGOLD welcomes the Ontario government’s launch of the ‘One Project, One Process’ framework as a meaningful advancement in modernizing mine permitting. A more coordinated and transparent approach will help ensure projects move forward responsibly and efficiently. We are especially encouraged by the framework’s emphasis on strengthening Indigenous engagement—creating clearer pathways for consultation, collaboration, and long-term partnerships that deliver shared value.”
– Renaud Adams
President and CEO, IAMGOLD
“Today’s announcement from the provincial government further highlights Ontario’s status as one of the best jurisdictions in the world to permit and develop mines. Magna Mining has an extensive portfolio of advanced exploration and development projects in Sudbury, so the new 1P1P framework will certainly support our efforts to quickly bring new critical mineral production on-line and create new jobs in Ontario.”
– Jason Jessup
CEO, Magna Mining
Additional Resources
Media Contacts
Isha Chaudhuri
Minister Lecce’s Office
isha.chaudhuri@ontario.ca
Robert Quartarone
Communications Branch
robert.quartarone@ontario.ca
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