Mining is one of Ontario’s most important economic drivers, contributing over 75,000 jobs and $11 billion in GDP.
As the global mining finance and expertise hub, Toronto is home to almost half of the world’s publicly listed mining companies. Mining activities continue to foster economies of scale and drive regional economic development, spurring job creation and growth across Northern Ontario. In 2014, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) published a landmark study, Beneath the Surface: Uncovering the Economic Potential of Ontario’s Ring of Fire, which estimated an untapped $25 billion of economic opportunity. Since then, interest in the region has grown as federal and provincial governments seek to catalyze development through Ontario’s Critical Minerals Strategy and the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy.
These strategies aim to bolster Canada’s EV supply chain capacity by ensuring that raw materials mined in the north can quickly and efficiently be transported to industrial facilities in the south. To seize this opportunity, Ontario must foster a policy and regulatory environment that capitalizes on the sector’s growth. It must also ensure the province has the workers, capital, energy transmission and distribution, infrastructure, and social license from communities necessary to build producing mining assets by 2030. As we work towards the net-zero transition, the OCC is partnering with industry experts on a policy initiative, “Ontario’s Mining Future 2030”.
Through the OCC’s Mining Initiative, we are bringing together a diverse range of industry stakeholders from across the province to better understand the challenges and opportunities to unlock Ontario’s mining potential.
To learn more about the OCC’s Mining Policy Council members, click here.
Contact Mason Ainsworth, Senior Policy Analyst, to learn more or to join the OCC’s Mining initiative.
Anchor Partner
Presenting Partners
Supporting Partner
Quotes from our partners and council members
“The mining industry is the backbone of the Ontario economy. Agnico Eagle is excited to be working with the Ontario Chamber’s Mining Council to develop recommendations to ensure the sector continues to grow and power our economy into the future,” Andre Leite, Vice President, Ontario Operations, Agnico Eagle Mines Limited.
“IAMGOLD is pleased to join the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and other industry peers as a founding member of the newly created Mining Council. We look forward to contributing to the Ontario’s Mining Future 2030 initiative, bringing our sustainable mining approach to the Council’s work to support further unlocking the potential of Ontario’s mining industry,” Renaud Adams, IAMGOLD President and CEO.
“Mining plays a vital role in driving Ontario’s economic growth, and PRA Communications is proud to collaborate with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Mining Council. We are committed to shaping the industry’s future and showcasing its full economic potential across the province,” Michael MacMillan, Managing Partner, PRA Communications.
“As one of Ontario’s key mining hubs, Timmins has long been a driver of economic growth and innovation in the sector. The Timmins Chamber of Commerce is proud to work alongside the Ontario Chamber’s Mining Council to unlock new opportunities for investment, remove regulatory barriers, bolster workforce development and reinforce Indigenous partnerships. We look forward to working with our partners to strengthen this industry and drive long-term sustainable resource development for all communities,” Tom Faught Jr., President, Timmins Chamber of Commerce.
“Ontario’s mining sector plays a pivotal role, not only in Canada but also across numerous industries and economies globally. At Sussex Strategy Group, we are pleased to support the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Mining Council. Now, more than ever, it is essential to unlock Ontario’s substantial mining strength to enable Canada’s long-term growth,” Giancarlo Drennan, Vice President Ontario, Sussex Strategy Group