Funding Aims to Advance Mining Innovation and Strengthen Ontario’s Resource Economy
SUDBURY, Ontario — The Ontario government is committing more than $4 million to accelerate the development of new technologies that support the province’s growing critical minerals sector, a move aimed at strengthening domestic supply chains, attracting investment and creating jobs across Northern Ontario and beyond.
Announced by the Ministry of Energy and Mines on June 30, the funding will be delivered through the province’s Critical Minerals Innovation Fund (CMIF), which supports projects focused on mineral exploration, extraction, processing and commercialization. The investment forms part of Ontario’s broader strategy to build a more self-reliant economy and establish a fully integrated, made-in-Ontario critical minerals supply chain.
The funding comes as demand for critical minerals continues to increase globally, driven by the rapid expansion of electric vehicle production, battery manufacturing, advanced technologies and defence industries. Ontario officials say the province is well-positioned to capitalize on that demand through its mineral resources, skilled workforce and expanding infrastructure network.
“Critical minerals are driving new jobs, investment and economic growth as the world turns to Ontario as its reliable partner,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “Our province has world-class mineral deposits, workforce and a new permit system that has transformed Ontario into Canada’s top jurisdiction for mining investment. After starting the road to the Ring of Fire five years ahead of schedule, Ontario is intentionally investing in made-in-Canada innovation and processing to strengthen our end-to-end critical minerals supply chain. At a time when countries around the world are competing for secure and reliable sources of critical minerals, Ontario is moving with speed to unlock the most ethical resources on earth.”
Focus on Innovation Across the Mining Value Chain
Under the latest intake of the CMIF, eligible businesses can apply for up to $500,000 per project. The funding is designed to support initiatives that contribute to four key areas of development.
These include building a domestic battery supply chain to support electric vehicle and energy storage markets, advancing deep exploration technologies that allow companies to access mineral deposits located farther beneath the Earth’s surface, improving recovery of minerals from mine tailings through advanced technologies, and accelerating broader mining innovation projects that enhance productivity and sustainability across the sector.
The government said the initiative is intended to help companies commercialize emerging technologies while strengthening Ontario’s position as a leading supplier of responsibly sourced critical minerals.
Ontario Seeks Leadership Position in Global Critical Minerals Market
Since 2018, Ontario has pursued an ambitious strategy to develop an end-to-end critical minerals supply chain, spanning extraction, processing and advanced manufacturing. Provincial officials point to permitting reforms and infrastructure investments, including accelerated road development in the Ring of Fire region, as key factors helping attract mining investment.
The province now ranks first in Canada and second globally for mining investment attractiveness, according to government figures cited in the announcement.
Since the CMIF was launched in 2022, Ontario has invested more than $25 million in 47 projects aimed at advancing mining technologies and mineral processing capabilities. The government says those investments are helping companies move innovations from the research phase toward commercial deployment while attracting international capital.
The CMIF also plays a central role in Ontario’s updated Critical Minerals Strategy, which seeks to establish the province as a dependable global supplier of minerals required for batteries, advanced manufacturing and defence technologies.
Industry and Regional Leaders Welcome Investment
The announcement received support from industry organizations and regional economic leaders, who emphasized the importance of innovation in maintaining Ontario’s competitiveness.
“Ontario’s critical minerals supply chain plays an integral role in fueling the resilience and competitiveness of our battery manufacturing, defence and technology sectors. Through the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund, our government is helping local companies research, develop and commercialize their breakthrough technologies, further ensuring that Ontario workers stand to benefit from emerging opportunities and investment at all stages of the supply chain,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
Industry groups said sustained investment is critical to securing long-term economic benefits from growing global demand for critical minerals.
“The Ontario Mining Association applauds the Ontario government for investing in the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund to help advance the next generation of mining technologies. Continued investment in innovation is essential to building a resilient, made-in-Ontario critical minerals supply chain. This commitment reinforces Ontario’s leadership in supplying the responsibly produced minerals that are essential to advanced manufacturing, economic security and emerging technologies,” said Priya Tandon, President of the Ontario Mining Association.
Regional leaders echoed those sentiments, highlighting opportunities for Northern Ontario communities.
“Northern Ontario is at the centre of Canada’s critical minerals future, and investments that help companies develop new technologies, unlock mineral resources, and strengthen processing capacity will create lasting opportunities for our communities,” said Dave Plourde, President of the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities.
Applications Open Through August
Applications for the latest round of CMIF funding are open from June 30 through August 25, 2026, and can be submitted through Transfer Payment Ontario.
The announcement follows the province’s recent third CMIF intake, which provided nearly $8 million to 18 projects and leveraged an additional $12.3 million in private-sector investment.
Ontario’s mining sector contributes approximately $14.4 billion annually to provincial GDP and supports around 150,000 direct and indirect jobs. The province has also committed $500 million to a new Critical Minerals Processing Fund and nearly $3.1 billion in loans, grants, guarantees and scholarships intended to support Indigenous participation and ownership across the critical minerals supply chain.
With global competition for critical mineral resources intensifying, Ontario is positioning itself to capture a larger share of investment while building a domestic supply chain capable of supporting Canada’s long-term industrial and economic priorities.