Ontario Brings Mineral and Mining Sector Back to the Forefront

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TORONTO — Today, Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, met with the Ontario Mining Association and issued the following statement:

"Employing more than 72,000 people, Ontario's mineral exploration and mining sector is one of our province's greatest success stories. In 2019 alone, the industry produced more than $10 billion worth of minerals, accounting for 22 per cent of Canada's total production. While these are impressive numbers, they do not tell the whole story about Ontario's globally competitive mining industry.

Time and time again, Ontario's exploration and mining companies have led the way in corporate social responsibility and sustainability, and this has never been more apparent than during COVID-19.

I would like to thank the entire mining industry for its rapid and compassionate response to the pandemic, and for sharing our government's commitment to protecting the health and safety of workers, families and communities.

Because of this, our government was able to act quickly and decisively to designate the mining and minerals industry as essential during the height of the COVID-19 state of emergency.

Since being elected, our government has brought the mineral and mining sector back to the forefront. After years of government inaction, projects that were stalled for nearly a decade have been given new life.

Harte Gold's Sugar Zone Mine and Newmont's electrified Borden Mine have started production, and IAMGOLD's Côté Gold Mine project and Argonaut Gold's Magino project have been given the green light to proceed. I am proud to say all four projects are creating good jobs and economic opportunities for people in the North.

Additionally, Ontario is continuing down the path to economic recovery by reducing administrative burden. The latest iteration of our red tape reduction bill, the Better for People, Smarter for Business Act, if passed, will improve the administrative efficiency of the Mining Act.

The proposed changes will clarify and update the Mining Lands Administration System to fill gaps and create a better user experience for proponents. These proposed changes will also ensure the Minister can respond swiftly to future global or provincial crises.

While our work is far from over, I am confident that Ontario will continue to take our rightful place as a leading jurisdiction for global mining innovation and investment — helping to fuel our economic recovery while supplying the world with critical minerals that will power the technology of tomorrow."

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