The Ontario government is accelerating development of one of Canada’s largest proposed gold mines, fast-tracking Kinross Gold Corporation’s Great Bear Project under its new “One Project, One Process” (1P1P) permitting framework.
Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce announced the designation Tuesday in Toronto, marking the first gold mine and third overall project to be accepted into the streamlined approvals process since its launch in October.
The $5-billion capital project, located near Red Lake in northwestern Ontario, is expected to create 900 full-time jobs over its 12-year mine life, with peak employment reaching 1,100 workers. Thousands of additional construction and indirect jobs are projected during the build-out phase between 2027 and 2029.
“At a time of global economic uncertainty, Ontario is choosing to build — to build faster, to build more at home, and to build Canada’s self-reliance,” said Lecce. “Ontario is proud to designate this project under ‘One Project, One Process,’ unlocking one of Canada’s largest mines that will create over 1,000 jobs good-paying jobs. By fast-tracking Kinross Gold’s Great Bear Project, we’re getting shovels in the ground, proving that world-class projects can be built with speed and in partnership. Ontario’s accelerated permitting regime, reliable energy, and skilled workforce is positioning our province as the world’s most attractive and predictable investment opportunity.”
Strategic Asset in Red Lake
The Great Bear Project is located about 24 kilometres southeast of Red Lake, a historic mining community in northwestern Ontario. The proposed high-grade operation will combine open-pit and underground mining methods and is considered a cornerstone asset in Kinross’ global development pipeline.
According to a preliminary economic assessment, the mine could produce more than 500,000 ounces of gold annually at peak production, with initial output estimated at 5.3 million ounces. The company has indicated longer-term expansion potential through ongoing regional exploration.
“The ‘One Project, One Process’ designation marks an important milestone for the Great Bear Project and reflects Ontario’s leadership in creating the right conditions for responsible, long-term mining investment,” said J. Paul Rollinson, CEO of Kinross Gold. “For Kinross, this designation facilitates a more integrated and streamlined path forward as we advance the permitting of this world-class mine towards commercial production in consultation with Indigenous communities. Great Bear is a generational asset and positioned to become one of Canada’s largest and most profitable gold mines once operational. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with the province of Ontario and Indigenous communities to advance this project in a way that delivers significant economic and employment benefits for Indigenous communities, our stakeholders, and the broader economy.”
Kinross has begun early site work and infrastructure planning, including connections to nearby power lines and a natural gas pipeline. Major construction is expected to begin in 2027, with first production targeted for 2029.
Cutting Permitting Timelines
The province says the 1P1P framework replaces what it describes as an outdated and fragmented permitting system that previously caused delays of up to 15 years for new mine approvals.
Under the new approach, the Ministry of Energy and Mines acts as a single point of contact to coordinate provincial approvals and Indigenous consultation. The government aims to cut overall review timelines by 50 per cent, while maintaining the Crown’s duty to consult.
Ontario says the framework is part of a broader strategy to build a more integrated and self-reliant mining supply chain. The province generated $13 billion in mineral production in 2024, with gold representing a significant share. Ontario’s mining sector supports 28,000 direct jobs and 46,000 indirect jobs across processing and supply services, with 37 active mining operations currently in the province, including 19 gold mines.
The Great Bear designation complements other regional infrastructure initiatives, including consultations on the proposed Red Lake Transmission Line, which would run from Dryden to Red Lake to support new mines and growing communities.
Industry and Regional Support
Municipal leaders and industry groups welcomed the decision, citing its potential to drive economic growth and strengthen supply chains.
“Today’s announcement of Kinross Gold Corporation’s Great Bear Project through the ‘One Project, One Process’ framework reaffirms this government’s commitment to advancing mineral development in Red Lake and across Northwestern Ontario. This advancement will create hundreds of immediate full-time jobs through the construction phase and hundreds of more full-time employment opportunities once the mine is operational. Minister Lecce’s leadership and his continued efforts to support and advance important provincial developments with resources in the Red Lake District does not go unnoticed. The Minister’s work with the inclusion of new electricity transmission infrastructure to expand Red Lakes energy grid also represents a significant investment in the future of our region – supporting sustainable growth and resource development such as the Great Bear Project. We appreciate Minister Lecce’s leadership and continued efforts to advance these projects in collaboration with our First Nations partners. The Municipality of Red Lake looks forward with continuation of our work alongside the Province of Ontario, to unlock the full potential of our region and strengthen the foundation for long-term economic development.”
— Fred Mota, Mayor, Municipality of Red Lake
Industry associations also pointed to the broader economic implications of streamlined permitting.
“The Ontario Mining Association welcomes this latest step toward a coordinated permitting approach, which will unlock economic opportunities in Northwestern Ontario, bolster investor confidence, and reinforce the many benefits of responsible mining, including job creation, local business growth, and regional economic resilience, while strengthening Ontario’s position as a global leader.”
— Priya Tandon, President, Ontario Mining Association
The province says Indigenous participation remains central to the framework, supported by a $70-million Indigenous Participation Fund and $3.1 billion in available loan guarantees through the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program.
As global competition for critical minerals intensifies, Ontario is positioning projects like Great Bear as proof that large-scale resource developments can proceed more quickly while maintaining regulatory oversight and Indigenous engagement — a balance the government argues is essential to securing long-term investment and economic growth in the province’s north.