Ontario has marked a major milestone in the expansion of its critical minerals sector, with Glencore Canada reaching first nickel ore at the Onaping Depth Project in Greater Sudbury, a nearly $2 billion investment expected to extend production beyond 2040 and support hundreds of permanent mining jobs.
The project extends the existing Craig Mine to a depth of approximately 2,600 metres and is expected to become a significant source of high-grade nickel and copper. Construction generated approximately 7,000 jobs, while the operation is expected to support up to 400 full-time positions when it reaches full production in 2027.
Ontario Targets Stronger Domestic Critical Mineral Supply
The provincial government is positioning the project as part of its broader effort to expand domestic mineral production, reduce supply-chain vulnerabilities and attract additional mining investment to Northern Ontario.
“We’re making historic progress on our plan to secure our domestic supply chains and protect workers from President Trump’s tariffs by creating thousands of good-paying jobs in Ontario’s mining sector,” said Premier Ford. “With access to first ore at the Onaping Depth Project, we’re strengthening Ontario’s global advantage as a supplier of the high-grade nickel the world needs. Congratulations to Glencore Canada and the City of Greater Sudbury on this important milestone for the workers of Northern Ontario and the future of Ontario’s mining sector.”
At full scale, Onaping Depth is projected to produce about one million tonnes of ore annually. Under the current mine plan, approximately 280 kilotonnes of nickel and 145 kilotonnes of copper are expected to be produced over the life of the operation.
“A massive signal of confidence as Glencore invests nearly $2 billion to bring a significant new source of Ontario nickel to market — a boost for Canadian workers and sovereignty,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “Ontario is working to disrupt supply chain dominance of adversarial regimes, by moving with unrelenting speed to open mines faster. We cut permit timelines in half, with Ontario emerging as Canada’s number one jurisdiction for mining investment. To safeguard Canadian jobs and sovereignty, our government will take additional action this fall to boost the competitiveness of Ontario’s mining and made-in-Canada supply chains.”
Nickel Demand Drives Strategic Importance
Nickel is widely used in stainless steel, electronics, advanced manufacturing and vehicle batteries. Global nickel demand is projected to increase by as much as 90 per cent by 2040, according to the province, adding strategic importance to new Canadian sources of the metal.
Ontario produced $14.2 billion worth of minerals in 2025 and ranks as Canada’s largest mineral-producing province. The broader provincial mining industry supports approximately 28,000 direct jobs and another 46,000 indirect positions through mineral processing and related supply services.
“Our government is proud to support investments that unlock Northern Ontario’s incredible potential and build a more competitive and resilient future for the North, Ontario and Canada. The start of first ore at Onaping Depth is a major milestone that highlights the strength and potential of our mining sector. Glencore’s investment will maintain and help secure Ontario’s role in the global critical minerals market while creating new opportunities for workers, businesses and communities,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth.
Electric Fleet Brings New Technology Underground
The expansion incorporates an all-electric fleet of 66 vehicles. Compared with an equivalent diesel-powered operation, the equipment is expected to reduce underground diesel emissions, heat and noise while cutting ventilation energy requirements by approximately 40 per cent and cooling requirements by about 30 per cent.
“The Onaping Depth Project at Craig Mine reflects Glencore Canada’s commitment to sustaining our integrated operations in Sudbury,” said Peter Xavier, Chief Operating Officer, Glencore Canada Metals. “Together with our concentrator and smelter, Onaping Depth supports our long-term presence in the region and strengthens the future of mining in the Sudbury Basin. By extending mining activities to greater depths, we are unlocking new opportunities and resources that will contribute to the continued success of our operations. Operating at this depth has been made possible through our commitment to innovation, including investments in battery electric equipment, remote operations and automation technologies.”
Sudbury Operations Support Ontario Supply Chain
Ore extracted from Onaping Depth will be processed at Glencore’s Strathcona Mill into nickel-copper concentrate before further processing at the Sudbury Smelter, keeping more stages of the mineral supply chain within Ontario.
Glencore’s integrated Sudbury nickel operations employ more than 1,000 people. In 2024, the operations contributed nearly $400 million in direct GDP to Ontario and purchased more than $650 million in goods and services from provincial suppliers.
“I want to thank Premier Ford, Minister Lecce and the Government of Ontario for celebrating and supporting this incredible milestone in the Sudbury Basin. This significant investment demonstrates the importance of critical minerals in the province and the hundreds of good-paying jobs that strengthen our local economy and helps to secure our mining sector for decades to come,” said Paul Lefebvre, Mayor, City of Greater Sudbury.
“Accessing first ore at the Onaping Depth Project is a significant milestone for Ontario’s mining sector and a powerful example of what can be achieved when industry, workers and government collaborate. Congratulations to Glencore Canada on this nearly $2 billion investment that will strengthen Ontario’s critical mineral supply chain, support hundreds of good-paying jobs and drive innovation and prosperity at home. Today’s announcement further reinforces Ontario’s position as a trusted global supplier of nickel,” said Priya Tandon, President, Ontario Mining Association.
With first ore now accessed, the Onaping Depth expansion moves closer to full production in 2027, positioning the Sudbury operation to remain an important source of Canadian nickel for decades.