Province Expands Junior Exploration Support to Strengthen Critical Mineral Supply Chains
Funding aimed at boosting exploration, job creation and economic growth across Northern Ontario
The Ontario government is investing $10 million through the newly revamped Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) as part of its broader strategy to strengthen the province’s critical minerals sector and support long-term economic growth in Northern Ontario.
Premier Doug Ford announced the investment during the Ontario Mining Association Annual General Meeting in Toronto, describing the initiative as a key component of Ontario’s efforts to build a more competitive and self-reliant economy amid rising global demand for critical minerals.
The funding will support junior exploration companies and licensed prospectors by covering eligible costs associated with mineral exploration and development projects. The province also confirmed the launch of a new Advanced Exploration Stream beginning next year to help move projects toward production more quickly.
“With the potential to add $22 billion dollars and 70,000 good-paying jobs to our province’s economy in the Ring of Fire alone, our critical minerals sector is key to building a stronger, more competitive and more self-reliant Ontario,” said Premier Doug Ford. “By investing $10 million to support early exploration, our government is helping unlock new mineral discoveries that will drive economic growth across northern Ontario for decades to come.”
Ontario Looks to Secure Leadership in Critical Minerals
The investment comes as jurisdictions across the globe compete to secure reliable supplies of critical minerals used in electric vehicle batteries, defence technologies and advanced manufacturing.
Ontario officials say the province is well positioned to capitalize on this demand due to its extensive mineral deposits, established mining expertise and large skilled workforce. The government also emphasized its ambition to strengthen made-in-Ontario supply chains while reinforcing Canada’s economic sovereignty.
According to the province, Ontario currently ranks as the leading jurisdiction in Canada for exploration and deposit appraisal expenditures. Since its launch, OJEP has committed nearly $45 million to 280 companies, including 201 projects focused on critical minerals. The program has also leveraged approximately $80 million in additional private-sector investment.
Expanded Support for Prospectors and Junior Mining Firms
Under the program, eligible projects can receive funding covering up to 50 per cent of approved exploration and development costs.
Licensed Ontario prospectors can access up to $65,000 per project, including enhanced Indigenous Participation Support, while junior mining companies may qualify for up to $215,000 per project under the same provisions.
Funding will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce, said the province is taking steps to improve investment conditions and accelerate mining development timelines.
“To ensure Canada is a more economically sovereign and strong country, we are investing in the next generation of mines to grow our economy and create jobs,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “Under Ontario’s plan, 35 significant mineral projects are underway with the potential to reach production over the next decade. Ontario slashed permit timelines by 50 per cent, emerging as Canada’s best jurisdiction and the second on earth for mining investment. We are building momentum today, announcing a dedicated Advanced Exploration Stream to get projects off the ground and get shovels in the ground faster.”
Industry Groups Welcome Provincial Investment
Mining and municipal leaders across Northern Ontario welcomed the announcement, noting the importance of supporting early-stage exploration projects in remote regions where costs and risks remain high.
“The Ontario government’s investment in the Ontario Junior Exploration Program is essential to advancing the mines of the future. By supporting junior exploration companies and prospectors, Ontario is strengthening its mineral supply chain, creating jobs across the province, and helping secure the minerals that Canada and global markets need to meet the demands of today and tomorrow.”
- Priya Tandon
President, Ontario Mining Association
Industry advocates also highlighted the importance of sustained investment in greenfield exploration to ensure the long-term viability of Ontario’s mining pipeline.
“Ontario’s economic sovereignty is forged in the field, long before a mine is ever built. This $10 million investment through OJEP reflects a fundamental economic truth: without sustained commitment to greenfield exploration, there are no discoveries, no deposits, and no critical mineral future. Jurisdictions that fail to invest at the earliest stages of the mineral development pipeline will be left behind. While the OPA believes more must be done, Ontario has made a smart and strategic move.”
- Steve Virtue
Interim CEO, Ontario Prospectors Association
Municipal organizations representing Northern Ontario communities also emphasized the broader economic benefits tied to mineral development.
“Northern Ontario has the resources, skilled workforce and expertise needed to help drive Ontario’s economic future. Programs like the Ontario Junior Exploration Program help support early-stage exploration, encourage investment in our northern communities and strengthen Ontario’s position as a global leader in responsible critical mineral development.”
- Dave Plourde
President of the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM)
“Ontario’s continued investment in mineral exploration is an investment in the future of Northern Ontario and in Canada’s economic resilience. Programs like OJEP help create the conditions for long-term growth by supporting prospectors and junior mining companies as they take on the significant risks associated with exploration in the North. As global demand for critical minerals continues to rise, Northwestern Ontario is well-positioned to play a leading role in building secure, made-in-Ontario supply chains, creating jobs, and strengthening communities across the region.”
- Rick Dumas
President, Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA)
Applications Open Later This Month
Applications for the next intake of OJEP will open through Transfer Payment Ontario on May 21 at 10 a.m. EST and close on June 26 at 4 p.m. EST.
Ontario’s mining sector currently contributes approximately $14.4 billion annually to provincial GDP and supports around 74,000 direct and indirect jobs. The province is also advancing broader Indigenous participation in the sector through nearly $3.1 billion in loan guarantees intended to support Indigenous partnerships and ownership opportunities within Ontario’s critical mineral supply chain.
The province’s long-term strategy continues to focus on developing the Ring of Fire region in Northern Ontario, which contains extensive critical mineral reserves across an area spanning nearly 5,000 square kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay.