TORONTO, The Ontario government has designated Mayfair Gold Corporation’s Fenn-Gib Gold Project for accelerated permitting under its One Project, One Process (1P1P) framework, advancing a $450 million mining investment expected to generate 700 jobs and contribute $3 billion to the provincial economy.
Announced by Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce, the designation makes Fenn-Gib the fourth mining development selected under the framework since its introduction in October 2025.
The initiative forms part of Ontario’s strategy to attract mining investment, strengthen domestic supply chains and protect employment amid economic pressures linked to U.S. tariffs.
Fenn-Gib Gold Project Expected to Create 700 Jobs
Located approximately 17 kilometres east of Matheson in northeastern Ontario’s Timmins gold district, the Fenn-Gib development is expected to create 250 permanent positions and an additional 450 construction jobs.
The proposed operation includes an open-pit gold mine, an on-site processing facility and supporting infrastructure, with an initial operating life estimated at 15 years.
Mayfair Gold’s preliminary economic assessment identifies approximately 4.3 million ounces of indicated gold resources and a planned processing capacity of 4,800 tonnes of ore daily.
Engineering work is underway, while permitting and site preparation are expected to continue through 2028. Construction and commissioning are scheduled between 2028 and 2030, with commercial production targeted for 2030.
Ontario Government Targets Faster Mining Approvals
The 1P1P framework aims to reduce duplication across provincial approval processes and shorten government review timelines by 50 per cent.
“For too long, permitting delays stood in the way of getting Ontario’s resources to market,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “One Project, One Process is singlehandedly changing that — cutting duplication by half and delivering a one-stop shop for mining permitting including for Mayfair Gold’s Fenn-Gib project that will create 700 jobs and add $3 billion to our GDP. To compete, we must be the best, which is why our government is planning to further accelerate permitting this fall, to get mines built faster, unlocking billions in investment to create more good-paying jobs right here at home. From second slowest jurisdiction to open a mine in the world to emerging as one of the best in the industrialized world, our government is challenging the status quo so that we emerge as the strongest and a more sovereign energy powerhouse.”
Under the framework, the Ministry of Energy and Mines serves as the central coordinator for provincial approvals and Indigenous consultation.
Mayfair Gold Welcomes Greater Investment Certainty
Mayfair Gold said the designation provides greater clarity for development planning and regulatory coordination.
“The One Project, One Process designation is an important milestone for the Fenn-Gib Gold Project and reinforces Ontario’s commitment to responsible, investment-ready mining development,” said Drew Anwyll, P.Eng., Chief Executive Officer of Mayfair Gold. “This framework provides greater coordination and predictability as we advance Fenn-Gib through permitting and development, helping move the project closer to construction and the significant employment and economic opportunities it can create for the region.”
Mining Industry Supports Regulatory Coordination
The Ontario Mining Association also welcomed the announcement.
“The Ontario Mining Association welcomes the addition of Mayfair Gold’s Fenn-Gib Project to the One Project, One Process framework. This is an important step toward a more coordinated and predictable approvals process that can help strengthen investor confidence, support good-paying jobs, and unlock Ontario’s mineral potential. This is about more than permitting – it’s about ensuring Ontario can responsibly develop the minerals that the world needs, while maintaining strong environmental standards and building meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities.”
— Priya Tandon
Ontario Strengthens Its Position as a Mining Investment Hub
Ontario produced $14.2 billion in minerals in 2025, supporting approximately 28,000 direct mining jobs and 46,000 indirect positions.
The province recorded $1.1 billion in mineral exploration expenditures that year, including approximately $807 million directed toward gold.
Three previously designated projects — Frontier Lithium’s PAK project, Kinross Gold’s Great Bear development and Canada Nickel’s Crawford project — could collectively generate 8,000 jobs and contribute $71.5 billion to Ontario’s GDP, according to provincial estimates.
The government maintains that streamlined permitting will preserve environmental requirements and the Crown’s duty to consult Indigenous communities.
For Mayfair Gold, the designation represents a significant regulatory milestone, although construction and production remain dependent on completing the necessary approvals and development work.
The Fenn-Gib project could strengthen northeastern Ontario’s mining economy while supporting the province’s broader ambitions for domestic mineral production and investment competitiveness.
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