Ontario Takes Action to Build Critical Minerals Supply Chain
June 17, 2026
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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.
Since its launch in 2022, the CMIF has invested in 47 strategic projects that are transforming Ontario’s mining and minerals sector from extraction to processing and advanced manufacturing. By helping companies commercialize breakthrough technologies, the fund is a tangible action to position the province as a global mineral powerhouse.
The CMIF is a key initiative in the government’s plan to update its Critical Minerals Strategy to position the province as a reliable global supplier of responsibly sourced critical minerals and build fully integrated, made-in-Ontario supply chains. As the global demand for critical minerals needed to manufacture batteries, modern defence technologies and advanced manufacturing continues to grow, Ontario has the deposits, skilled workforce, expertise and business-friendly investment climate to secure the province’s place as the most competitive jurisdiction in the G7 to invest, create jobs and do business.
Quick Facts
- Ontario has invested a total of $25 million through the CMIF, supporting a total of 47 projects that advance domestic innovation in the critical minerals sector.
- The government has also launched a $500 million Critical Minerals Processing Fund to accelerate the development of domestic processing capacity.
- Ontario’s mining sector is a significant economic driver, contributing approximately $14.4 billion to Ontario’s GDP annually and supporting around 150,000 direct and indirect jobs.
- This initiative supports Ontario’s Critical Minerals Strategy which seeks to secure the province’s position as a reliable global supplier of responsibly sourced critical minerals.
Quotes
“Northern Ontario is well positioned to play a leading role in the economy of the future. As global demand for critical minerals continues to grow, our government, through initiatives like the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund, is making strategic investments that will help unlock new opportunities across the region creating jobs, driving innovation and supporting long-term prosperity. Together with our broader efforts to develop infrastructure, support communities and grow key industries, these investments are helping build a stronger, more competitive future for the North and all of Ontario.”
– George Pirie
Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth
“The Critical Minerals Innovation Fund is key to supporting the development and adoption of innovative technologies, strengthening domestic supply chains, and supporting a more competitive and self-reliant economy. The Ontario Mining Association welcomes this funding which further supports the advancement of made-in-Ontario solutions across the mining and minerals value chain.”
– Priya Tandon
President, Ontario Mining Association
“Northern Ontario is blessed with the critical minerals, skilled workforce, and expertise needed to help power Canada’s future economy. Investments through the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund help turn that potential into opportunity by supporting innovation, strengthening domestic supply chains, and creating good-paying jobs in our communities. FONOM welcomes this investment and the continued commitment to growing Ontario’s mining sector.”
– Dave Plourde
President, Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM)
“Ontario’s continued investment in critical minerals innovation is an important step toward building a stronger, more competitive, and self-reliant economy. Northern Ontario has the resources, workforce, and expertise needed to help power Canada’s future supply chains for energy, advanced manufacturing, and defence technologies. Investments through the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund will help create jobs, attract investment, and ensure more value-added opportunities remain here in Ontario.”
– Rick Dumas
President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA)
“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
“Ontario’s investment through the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund sends a clear signal that the future of the mineral supply chain runs through Northern Ontario. Timmins sits at the heart of that story, with the workforce, geology, and industry expertise to turn these investments into lasting economic opportunity. We’re pleased to see the province backing homegrown innovation and look forward to watching these projects strengthen the broader mining and minerals sector we depend on.”
– Mélanie Dufresne
2025-2026 President, Timmins Chamber of Commerce
“AEM applauds the Ontario government’s investment in critical minerals innovation, recognizing the vital role it plays in building integrated, made-in-Ontario supply chains. Equipment manufacturers, and the 59,000 jobs the industry supports across the province, are at the heart of this ecosystem, powering every stage of the critical minerals lifecycle. By accelerating the development and commercialization of new technologies, Ontario is not only strengthening its mining sector but also driving job growth and reinforcing its position as a global leader in responsible critical minerals development.”
– Kip Eideberg
Senior Vice President, Government & Industry Relations, Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)
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