Ontario Launches Job-Creating Critical Minerals Strategy to Strengthen Canadian Self-Reliance
Province expands Critical Minerals List and invites consultation to modernize strategy amid global trade pressures
TORONTO — The Ontario government has launched a renewed Critical Minerals Strategy aimed at accelerating responsible resource development, strengthening domestic supply chains and protecting Canadian jobs amid escalating global trade tensions.
Announced March 3 at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention, Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce unveiled Fortifying Ontario’s Economy: A Plan to Accelerate Responsible Resource Development, a vision paper outlining how the province plans to modernize its five-year Critical Minerals Strategy first introduced in 2022.
The government is inviting industry, Indigenous partners, communities and the public to provide feedback on the next phase of the strategy.
“In the fight for Canadian jobs, we transformed one of the slowest mining permitting systems to one of the fastest, emerging in the top two globally for attracting mining investment,” said Lecce. “Our new Critical Mineral Strategy will send a signal to the world: Ontario has a serious plan to build mines faster and create more jobs here at home.”
High-Purity Iron and Aluminum Added to Critical Minerals List
Ontario also announced the first expansion of its Critical Minerals List since its inception, adding high-purity iron and aluminum, bringing the total number of critical minerals recognized by the province to 35.
According to the Ministry, high-purity iron is essential for green steel production using electric arc furnace technology, while aluminum supports Ontario’s automotive, aerospace and defence sectors.
Ontario went from 15th to second in the world for attracting mining investment.
To get to number one, we’re launching a new Critical Minerals Strategy — to create jobs and end the ripping and shipping of Canadian resources abroad. pic.twitter.com/bnt7IHWJIn
— Stephen Lecce (@Sflecce) March 3, 2026
The move comes as governments across North America respond to supply chain vulnerabilities and U.S. tariffs impacting manufacturing.
Strategy Shift Reflects Changing Global Landscape
Ontario’s original 2022 strategy focused heavily on electric vehicle markets and clean technologies. However, the province now says escalating geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and trade protectionism require a broader approach centered on economic sovereignty and national security.
The renewed strategy outlines key priorities, including:
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Reducing exposure to unstable global supply chains
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Building a future-ready workforce
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Accelerating permitting through regulatory certainty
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Supporting exploration to identify future mines
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Strengthening Indigenous equity partnerships
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Scaling innovation and attracting global capital
George Pirie, Minister of Economic Development and Growth, said the updated strategy will “position the North as a global leader in developing the resources the world needs.”
Mining Sector Impact
Ontario remains one of the world’s leading mining jurisdictions:
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40% of publicly listed mining companies worldwide are listed on the TSX and TSX-V
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Ontario’s mining sector supports 28,000 direct jobs and 46,000 indirect jobs
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There are currently 37 active mining operations in the province
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33 significant projects are in the development pipeline
Since launching its first strategy, Ontario has implemented the “One Project, One Process” framework targeting a 50% reduction in review timelines, established a $500 million Critical Minerals Processing Fund, invested $25 million in innovation supports, and provided $70 million through the Indigenous Participation Fund.
Industry Reaction
Industry leaders welcomed the renewal of the strategy.
Priya Tandon, President of the Ontario Mining Association, said sustained engagement with industry and Indigenous partners will be essential to maintaining competitiveness.
Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, called the addition of high-purity iron and aluminum “a smart and timely move” that strengthens supply chains and attracts investment.
Several companies operating in Northern Ontario, including Canada Nickel, Frontier Lithium and Rock Tech Lithium, also voiced support, emphasizing the importance of secure domestic supply chains and Indigenous partnerships.
Looking Ahead
The province will use consultation feedback to finalize the next phase of the strategy. The government maintains its objective of positioning Ontario as the most competitive jurisdiction in the G7 for mining investment while strengthening domestic manufacturing supply chains.
The consultation process is now open through the Ministry of Energy and Mines.
For continued coverage on Ontario’s critical minerals sector, resource development and economic policy, visit GTAToday.ca
