TIMMINS – As part of its plan to protect Ontario and build a stronger, more competitive and self-reliant economy, the government is taking action to secure the critical minerals supply chain needed to power the economy of the future. Following the release of Premier Ford’s Fortress North America Strategy that prioritizes reliable, democratic supply chains over foreign adversaries, Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines, was joined by George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth, at the Canadian Mining Expo to announce that the Ontario government is investing nearly $8 million in 18 innovative projects through the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund (CMIF).

This plan will accelerate homegrown technologies, strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce reliance on foreign sources of critical minerals. These projects are expected to leverage $12.3 million in private-sector funding to accelerate the research, development and commercialization of made-in-Ontario technologies to help strengthen the province’s position as a global leader by ensuring critical minerals mined in Ontario are processed and refined in Ontario, by Ontario workers.

“Premier Ford launched Fortress North America designed to strengthen the resilience of Ontario’s mineral sector as we work to strengthen democratic alliances as we face a common threat from China,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “In order to secure the resources essential for advanced manufacturing, energy security, and national defence, Ontario is stepping up with a plan to build mines faster and invest in made-in-Ontario innovation. We will bring further reform this year to build on our government’s accelerated permitting and the launch of the Critical Mineral Innovation Fund, securing Ontario’s position as Canada’s top destination for mining investment.”

This latest round of CMIF funding supports a wide range of projects including:

• $500,000 to Vale Canada Limited to develop ClearZone, Canada’s first in-field robotic arm system for underground mines, automating hazardous debris removal to enhance worker safety, reduce operational downtime and advance mine automation.
• $400,000 to Destiny Copper Inc. to scale up its patented low-energy process that transforms mining and industrial byproducts into high-purity copper powder, establishing Canada’s first continuous copper powder production plant and strengthening domestic supply for our EV and advanced manufacturing industries.
• $262,500 to Rock Tech Lithium to validate the use of crude tall oil, a pulp and paper byproduct, as a low-cost, low-emission flotation reagent for lithium processing, creating cleaner battery supply chains while opening new markets for Ontario’s forestry sector.

…

“Ontario’s mining supply and service sector is recognized globally for its innovation and expertise. Investments through the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund help Ontario companies develop and commercialize technologies that strengthen domestic supply chains, create high-value jobs, and support the long-term competitiveness of our mining sector.”

– Marla Tremblay
Executive Director, MineConnect – Ontario’s Mine Supply and Services Association

[More]