(TORONTO — December 9, 2025) — Ontario needs to make policy changes, regulatory reforms and strategic shifts to achieve its ambition to be a leader in the global race for critical minerals, according to a new report from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC).
In its new report, Mining 2030: Unearthing Ontario’s Potential, the OCC identifies a narrow window for action amid global competition and recommends reforms to strengthen Indigenous partnerships, consolidate permitting processes, reduce investment risk, improve energy affordability and reliability, and develop long-term Northern infrastructure and workforce strategies.
“The Ontario Chamber welcomes today’s strong provincial and federal leadership on critical minerals, and there’s more to do to ensure Ontario is fit to race and win against global competitors,” said Daniel Tisch, president and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “Investors still face too much risk, employers struggle to find talent, and mines take decades to develop. The window for action is narrow, but the solutions are clear and the rewards are rich for Ontario’s economy.”
Ontario’s $23.8 billion mining economy is a catalyst for climate action, advanced manufacturing, national security and Indigenous economic reconciliation. While both the provincial and federal governments have invested in critical mineral supply chains and regulatory modernization, and have committed to advancing nation-building projects, persistent challenges still deter investment and delay development.
The report highlights mounting pressures, including high and volatile energy prices, rising project costs, regulatory complexity, infrastructure gaps, and a shortage of skilled labour, particularly in Northern communities. Only through strategic, coordinated action can Ontario realize its potential and secure leadership in global critical minerals supply chains.
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Full Media Release: https://occ.ca/mediareleases/ontario-chamber-report-calls-for-urgent-action-to-secure-ontarios-critical-minerals-advantage/
“As Co-Chair of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s Mining Council and Executive Director of MineConnect, I welcome this report’s clear call for urgent action. Ontario has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to solidify its critical minerals advantage. To seize it, we need predictable permitting, modernized infrastructure, and a coordinated approach that strengthens the thousands of mining supply and service companies that power this sector.”
— Marla Tremblay, Executive Director, MineConnect & Co-Chair, OCC Mining Policy Council
The report provides valuable insight on emerging trends, workforce needs, and opportunities across Ontario’s mining ecosystem. We encourage our network to read the report and stay informed on the sector’s evolving landscape.
