Ontario Invests in 68 New Mines of the Future to Bolster Self-Reliance

March 19, 2026

In a time of growing global competition and geopolitical uncertainty, Ontario is taking decisive action to build a self-reliant economy, secure critical mineral supply chains and build a pipeline of future mines that will strengthen Ontario’s leadership and drive economic growth in the North.

Ontario is supporting 68 early exploration projects across the province through the Ontario Junior Exploration Program, helping prospectors and junior companies build a generational pipeline of future mines while generating an estimated $18 million in economic output.

Supporting early exploration helps unlock new mineral discoveries, attract global capital and reinforce Ontario’s position as Canada’s top mining jurisdiction and second in the world for attracting mining investment.

This investment delivers on Ontario’s Critical Minerals Strategy — Fortifying Ontario’s Economy: A Plan to Accelerate Responsible Resource Development — focused on strengthening the mining sector by reducing red tape and investing in early exploration to unlock economic potential, boost job creation and secure made-in-Ontario supply chains.

Under the leadership of Premier Ford, Ontario is accelerating early exploration to build a pipeline of new mines — strengthening our self-reliance, fortifying supply chains and driving long-term economic growth across the province.