Province backs 18 projects aimed at boosting domestic processing, innovation and job creation amid rising geopolitical pressures
Funding supports made-in-Ontario technologies for mining, battery production and advanced manufacturing
TIMMINS, Ont. — The Ontario government is investing nearly $8 million in 18 critical minerals projects as part of a broader strategy to strengthen domestic supply chains, reduce dependence on foreign sources and position the province as a global leader in mining and mineral processing.
The announcement was made Tuesday at the Canadian Mining Expo in Timmins by Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, alongside George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. The funding will be delivered through the province’s Critical Minerals Innovation Fund (CMIF), which supports the development and commercialization of mining and mineral-processing technologies.
The province said the latest investments are expected to attract an additional $12.3 million in private-sector funding and help accelerate the development of made-in-Ontario technologies tied to critical mineral extraction, refining and manufacturing.
The move comes as Ontario seeks to strengthen domestic supply chains following the release of Premier Doug Ford’s Fortress North America Strategy, which emphasizes reliable and democratic supply networks in response to growing geopolitical tensions and U.S. tariff pressures.
“Premier Ford launched Fortress North America designed to strengthen the resilience of Ontario’s mineral sector as we work to strengthen democratic alliances as we face a common threat from China,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “In order to secure the resources essential for advanced manufacturing, energy security, and national defence, Ontario is stepping up with a plan to build mines faster and invest in made-in-Ontario innovation. We will bring further reform this year to build on our government’s accelerated permitting and the launch of the Critical Mineral Innovation Fund, securing Ontario’s position as Canada’s top destination for mining investment.”
Projects focus on safety, processing innovation and cleaner supply chains
The newest round of CMIF funding covers projects ranging from underground mining automation to cleaner lithium processing technologies.
Among the largest recipients is Vale Canada Limited, which will receive $500,000 to develop ClearZone, described as Canada’s first in-field robotic arm system for underground mines. The technology is designed to automate hazardous debris removal, improve worker safety and reduce operational downtime.
Destiny Copper Inc. has been awarded $400,000 to expand its patented low-energy process that converts mining and industrial byproducts into high-purity copper powder. The company plans to establish Canada’s first continuous copper powder production facility, helping strengthen domestic supply for electric vehicle and advanced manufacturing industries.
Rock Tech Lithium will receive $262,500 to test the use of crude tall oil — a byproduct from the pulp and paper industry — as a lower-emission flotation reagent in lithium processing. The province said the initiative could contribute to cleaner battery supply chains while creating additional demand for Ontario’s forestry sector.
Since its launch in 2022, the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund has supported 47 projects across Ontario’s mining and minerals sector. The province said the fund is intended to strengthen the full supply chain, from extraction and processing to advanced manufacturing.
Ontario has committed a total of $25 million through the CMIF and recently launched a separate $500 million Critical Minerals Processing Fund aimed at accelerating domestic refining and processing capacity.
Northern Ontario positioned as key driver of future growth
Government officials and industry organizations said the investments reinforce Northern Ontario’s role in Canada’s emerging critical minerals economy.
“Northern Ontario is well positioned to play a leading role in the economy of the future. As global demand for critical minerals continues to grow, our government, through initiatives like the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund, is making strategic investments that will help unlock new opportunities across the region creating jobs, driving innovation and supporting long-term prosperity. Together with our broader efforts to develop infrastructure, support communities and grow key industries, these investments are helping build a stronger, more competitive future for the North and all of Ontario,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth.
Industry groups also welcomed the funding announcement, citing the growing importance of domestic mineral supply chains for energy, manufacturing and defence sectors.
“The Critical Minerals Innovation Fund is key to supporting the development and adoption of innovative technologies, strengthening domestic supply chains, and supporting a more competitive and self-reliant economy. The Ontario Mining Association welcomes this funding which further supports the advancement of made-in-Ontario solutions across the mining and minerals value chain,” said Priya Tandon, President of the Ontario Mining Association.
Ontario’s mining sector contributes an estimated $14.4 billion annually to provincial GDP and supports approximately 150,000 direct and indirect jobs, according to provincial data.
Municipal and industry representatives said the province’s investments could help retain more value-added processing activity within Ontario while supporting long-term economic development in the North.
“Ontario’s investment through the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund sends a clear signal that the future of the mineral supply chain runs through Northern Ontario. Timmins sits at the heart of that story, with the workforce, geology, and industry expertise to turn these investments into lasting economic opportunity,” said Mélanie Dufresne, 2025-2026 President of the Timmins Chamber of Commerce.
The province said the funding initiative aligns with Ontario’s updated Critical Minerals Strategy, which aims to secure Ontario’s position as a reliable global supplier of responsibly sourced critical minerals as demand rises for battery materials, defence technologies and advanced manufacturing inputs.