The province is hoping a new critical mining strategy will be a historic project for the industry.
Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines and Minister of Inidgenous Affairs along with Vic Fedeli, Nipissing MPP and Minister for Economic Development, Job Creation and trade were joined on the media conference done via Zoom by stakeholders.
The Ontario government is developing its first-ever Critical Minerals Strategy to help generate investment, increase the province's competitiveness in the global market, and create jobs and opportunities in the mining sector.
Rickford said it will also support Ontario's transition to a low-carbon economy both at home and abroad.
"By developing this strategy, we will strengthen Ontario's position as one of North America's premier jurisdictions for responsibly-sourced critical minerals, including rare earth elements," said Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines and Minister of Indigenous Affairs.
"We are confident this will generate investment, reduce red tape, create jobs and advance Indigenous participation in the sector. Local and global markets, including Ontario-based industries, are looking for reliable, responsibly-sourced critical minerals and we are ready to capitalize on this growing market demand.
"We are sending a strong signal to the world that this province is open for business and open for jobs. We are developing this strategy to advance our provincial status as a supplier of choice for critical minerals and creating good-paying, high-quality jobs, particularly for northern and indigenous communities."
Fedeli notes that new technologies and high-growth sectors that rely on critical minerals include information and communications technology, electronics, energy, aerospace and defence, health and life sciences and transportation.
"With an abundance of the critical minerals in Northern Ontario, along with a competitive business climate, innovation and talent, Ontario is well positioned to become a leader in the future of electric vehicle and battery manufacturing," said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
"In fact, recent proposed investments of almost $6 billion over the last several months in Ontario's auto sector will make our province a global hub for EV manufacturing, making us stronger and more resilient as we continue to work towards economic recovery.
Fedeli believes the strategy will increase the competitive edge in Northern Ontario and beyond.
"With this strategy and critical investments like the cobalt investment that we made in December, we are securing key building blocks of the full-value chain that will help develop exciting economic benefits for the north and the whole province. With an abundance of critical minerals in Northern Ontario along with the competitive business climate; all of this helps position Ontario to become a leader in the future of electric vehicle and battery manufacturing."
To help develop the Critical Minerals Strategy, the province is releasing a discussion paper for public consultation on the Environmental Registry of Ontario.
A consultation with industry and Indigenous communities will also help guide the development of the strategy to be released this fall.
