One Project, One Process

Build Mines faster new system halves review times for new mines to supercharge investment in Canadian minerals

The Ontario government delivered another commitment in its plan to protect Ontario workers and communities by unlocking the full potential of Ontario’s metals and mining sector, including the Ring of Fire, through the launch of the new ‘One Project, One Process’ (1P1P) framework. Starting today, mining companies can apply to have advanced exploration and mine development projects designated under the 1P1P framework, with the first designation expected in the coming weeks. With the Ontario legislature set to return on Monday, the launch of 1P1P delivers on a key government initiative from the spring sitting.

“With President Trump taking direct aim at our economy, it has never been more important to protect Ontario jobs and build the mines that will power our future,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “Our new ‘One Project, One Process’ framework ends the era of unacceptable delays. We are delivering a dedicated service that cuts government review times in half, giving operators and investors the confidence they need to hire, and helps us unlock the full economic potential of our province’s world-class resource sector.”

Ontario’s outdated, fragmented permitting system has caused delays of up to 15 years to approve a single mine. These delays hold back investment, job creation and access to critical and strategic minerals like nickel, lithium and cobalt, especially in high-potential areas such as the Ring of Fire, which is one of the most valuable untapped mineral regions in the world.

“With ‘One Project, One Process’, we're taking a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to speed up approvals for advanced exploration and mine development projects,” said Andrea Khanjin, Minister of Red Tape Reduction. “This is about cutting delays, not corners – by removing red tape, we’re accelerating responsible development while maintaining strong environmental safeguards.”

Designated projects will be managed by a dedicated Mine Authorization and Permitting Delivery Team, led by the Ministry of Energy and Mines acting as a single point of contact to coordinate all necessary provincial approvals to reduce government review times by at least 50 per cent. This strategic shift will provide the certainty and predictability needed to get new mines open faster and secure Ontario’s position as a top destination for global mining investment.

The Crown’s duty to consult obligation remains fully upheld under 1P1P. While the previous process for consultation was often confusing and sporadic for both mining proponents and Indigenous communities due to lack of regulatory cohesion, this new model provides a more coordinated, transparent, and timely approach to project reviews with Indigenous communities and encourages participation in the mining sector including employment, training, community benefits, and equity partnerships.

Quick Facts

• Ontario’s mining sector supports 28,000 direct jobs and 46,000 indirect jobs through associated mineral processing and supply services. There are currently 36 active mining operations in Ontario.
• A key benefit of the 1P1P model is a clearer and more coordinated approach to consultation with Indigenous communities, where the duty to consult arises.
• The 1P1P framework directly supports Ontario’s Critical Minerals strategy by getting critical minerals to market faster, and the development of a secure, made-in-Ontario supply chain for everything from EV batteries to advanced technologies.
• Ontario is one of the most mineral rich areas in the entire world. This includes minerals such as nickel, titanium, cobalt and lithium which cell phones, computers, medical devices, energy and electric vehicles rely on.
• Ontario is investing $70 million over four years starting 2025‑26 in the Indigenous Participation Fund (formerly the Aboriginal Participation Fund) to help Indigenous communities and organizations in high mineral‐activity areas build capacity to engage in regulatory processes, consultations, and project development.
• A historic $3.1 billion in loans, grants, and scholarships is being directed via the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program and related measures to support Indigenous equity, ownership, and partnership in the critical minerals supply chain.
• Ontario’s Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) has enhanced funding for Indigenous participation: Indigenous participation support has been increased (for example – additions to the Prospector Stream), enabling Indigenous businesses and prospectors to receive higher levels of financial support per project.