Ontario Invests Over $7 Million to Expand Critical Minerals Supply Chain

Province accelerates mining innovation and economic resilience in response to U.S. tariffs

SUDBURY — The Ontario government is investing more than $7 million to expand the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund (CMIF), aiming to boost the province’s mining sector and secure a domestically controlled critical minerals supply chain.

With global demand for minerals like nickel, lithium, and cobalt surging — and new U.S. tariffs targeting Canadian resources — the investment is part of the Ford government’s plan to “protect Ontario” by advancing made-in-Ontario technologies and reducing foreign dependence.

“Ontario is taking action to accelerate growth and innovation in our mining sector,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “We are building a made-in-Canada supply chain that attracts investment and creates good-paying jobs here at home.”

New Call for Applications Now Open

Applications for this round of CMIF funding are open from July 23 to October 1, 2025. Eligible applicants can apply for up to $500,000 per project, with the fund covering up to 50% of eligible costs.

The program targets four strategic priorities:

• Innovative techniques for deep mineral exploration and mining

• Recovery technologies for critical minerals

• Battery supply chain development

• Mining innovation in commercialization and production

Since launching in 2022, the CMIF has already supported 29 Ontario-based projects with more than $20 million in funding.

Investing in Ontario’s Economic Future

Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy framed the investment as essential to provincial self-reliance and long-term competitiveness.

“This landmark investment will accelerate the creation of an Ontario-made critical minerals supply chain that grows our economy, creates jobs, and builds resilient communities.”

The CMIF is a pillar of Ontario’s broader Critical Minerals Strategy, which includes:

• A newly announced $500 million Critical Minerals Processing Fund

• Nearly $3.1 billion in financial tools — including loans, guarantees, and scholarships — to support Indigenous participation and ownership in the sector

A Global Opportunity Rooted in Northern Ontario

Ontario’s mining sector contributes $14.4 billion to GDP annually and supports around 74,000 jobs across the province. Sudbury, Timmins, and other Northern Ontario communities sit atop world-class mineral deposits vital to EV batteries, clean tech, and advanced manufacturing.

The province is positioning itself as a global leader in critical minerals — and a reliable supplier for key industries — by building an end-to-end supply chain rooted in Ontario soil, powered by Ontario workers.

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