This article is based on public comment from the government of Ontario, and is not financial advice. Talk to a registered financial expert before making investment decisions.
In mid-October 2025, the government of the Canadian province of Ontario introduced a new system of reviewing and approving exploration and mine development projects. Called ‘One Project, One Process’ (1P1P), the new system aims to dramatically reduce the time needed for new projects to receive official approvals.
The aim is to boost certainty and predictability for exploration and mining companies to open new mines more quickly. This, in turn, should reinforce Ontario’s status as a top destination for global mining investment.
“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,” says Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines.
“1P1P 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.”
“With 1P1P, we’re taking a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to speed up approvals for advanced exploration and mine development projects,” says Andrea Khanjin, Minister of Red Tape Reduction.
1P1P replaces an outdated and fragmented permitting system that had resulted in delays of up to 15 years in the approval of a single new mine.
What is different?
Previously, mining companies had to deal with five different ministries, and co-ordinate with the First Nations communities affected by new projects through each of these ministries.
With 1P1P, though, there is just one primary contact within the government of Ontario who provides concierge services to the company that is looking for a new permit.
The new Mine Authorization and Permitting Delivery Team (MAPDT) navigates the permitting and authorisation system across ministries. Service standards are clearly defined – improving predictability and accountability.
“We look forward to collaborating to develop and implement a framework that boosts investment, while upholding Ontario’s unwavering commitments to safety, environmental stewardship, and meaningful Indigenous partnerships”
Crucially, the MAPDT coordinates all discussions with First Nations communities. At any point in time, the status of any project for which a permit is being sought is made available through the MAPDT.
Initial reactions have been extremely positive. Notes Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships: “First Nations business and political leaders have an increasing interest in the 1P1P framework to advance their major projects. Central to this framework is robust consultation with First Nations, which we remain committed to.”
Adds Priya Tandon, President of the Ontario Mining Association, a trade body: “Ontario’s mining industry appreciates the government’s ongoing leadership in modernizing the permitting system for advanced exploration and mine development. The 1P1P initiative marks a meaningful step toward enhanced coordination, predictability, and efficiency.”
“We look forward to collaborating to develop and implement a framework that boosts investment, while upholding Ontario’s unwavering commitments to safety, environmental stewardship, and meaningful Indigenous partnerships.”
What’s next?
The government of Ontario describes the province as being 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.
In 2024, Ontario produced C$13.0 billion ($14.3 billion) of minerals, or 24% of the national total for Canada. This included C$7.0 billion ($7.7 billion) in gold, contained in 2.5 mineral ounces. Ontario is also a substantial supplier of nickel (C$1.0 billion or $1.1 billion), copper (C1.6 billion or $1.8 billion), cobalt ($31 million or $34 million) and of platinum group elements (PGEs – worth C$789 million or $870 million). Output of non-metallic minerals, including aggregates, amounted to C$2.4 billion ($2.7 billion).
Exploration spending in 2024 across the province amounted to C$1.1 billion ($1.2 billion), or 9% more than in 2023. Some 57% of this was focused on gold. There are currently more than 200 companies exploring in excess of 300 projects. At the end of May 2025, there were 357,015 active mining claims.
Of 32 exploration projects described by the government as being significant, 22 are focused on critical minerals – nickel, PGEs, lithium, graphite, copper-nickel, zinc-copper, silver-cobalt, and phosphate.
In other words, the potential impact of the new 1P1P system is potentially huge. Over the course of 2026, it should become clear that 1P1P is dramatically shortening the approvals process. Exploration activity and development of new production should increase. General perceptions of Ontario as a place in which to invest in mining and minerals should improve further.
Write to Andrew Hutchings at Mining.com.au
Images: iStock & Unsplash
