miningOntario is supporting mineral exploration work by junior exploration companies and providing training opportunities for new and potential prospectors.

The province is partnering with the Ontario Prospectors Association and announced a $5 million investment, through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), to support the delivery of the Junior Exploration Assistance Program in the spring.

Following the program’s first round of applications the Ontario Prospectors Association has committed to support 32 exploration projects across Northern Ontario. A second round of applications will be accepted from May 30 to August 30, 2016.

The Junior Exploration Assistance Program is delivering on the province’s Mineral Development Strategy by providing financial support to increase mineral exploration in Northern Ontario. The program also provides incentives for mineral exploration companies to actively engage Indigenous skills training or capacity building.

Later this summer, the province and the Ontario Prospectors Association will also deliver the Prospecting Training Program, a five-day course, open to members of the public interested in becoming prospectors. Further training courses will also be delivered in 11 Indigenous communities across the province.

Investing in mineral exploration in Northern Ontario is part of the government’s economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in talent and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history and investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

Quick Facts

  • The Junior Exploration Assistance Program and Prospecting Training Program support Ontario’s Mineral Development Strategy, a 10-year vision to position the province as the global leader in sustainable mineral exploration and development.
  • The Mineral Development Strategy is a commitment of the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, which is driving a globally competitive economy, supporting people and communities, renewing and expanding modern infrastructure and supporting a healthy environment.
  • Ontario led Canada in mining exploration spending last year with over $390 million in expenditures, nearly one-quarter of the country’s total.
  • Ontario’s value of mineral production reached $10.8 billion last year.
  • Ontario accounts for approximately 25 per cent of mining jobs in Canada.
  • Mining is the largest private employer of Indigenous peoples in Ontario.

For a list of the companies getting the first round of funding, CLICK HERE.