Ontario Investing in Early Mineral Exploration

• In the global effort to secure critical minerals for thriving economies, Ontario is ready to provide for North America.
• Through programs like the Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) the Ministry of Mines is accelerating junior mining companies’ early exploration efforts whose projects drive industry growth and northern economic opportunities.
• Since launching OJEP in 2021, Ontario has committed $35 million over four years to the program. This includes $23 million for all types of minerals, and a $12 million stream dedicated exclusively to critical minerals discovery and development.
• Today, we are announcing the fifth round of funding through OJEP and investing $13 million to support 84 projects – 62 of them focused on the exploration of critical minerals.
• OJEP is just one way our Critical Minerals Strategy empowers Ontario businesses to grow and secure Ontario’s place in domestic and global supply chains that are fueling manufacturing, sustainable technologies, and economic opportunities for Northern and Indigenous communities.