In our May 7, 2025, blog, we discussed Ontario Bill 5, “The Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act 2025.” The action taken in Bill 5 was “in response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs and threats of economic force against Canada…” One of the Key Measures of Bill 5 is to “Accelerate mining development in every part of the province.”
With the recently announced investment in the infrastructure related to Ontario’s Ring of Fire, it appears Ontario is wasting little time in accelerating mining development activity.
$61.8 Million Investment in the Ring of Fire
In September, Ontario Minister Greg Rickford announced a $61.8 million investment to begin construction of the “corridor to prosperity” to provide year-round access to the Ring of Fire Region. The September 10, 2025, announcement stated that, “As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, developing all-season, dependable road access is a critical step to unlocking economic opportunities and benefits in the Ring of Fire that will strengthen local economies in the North, support local First Nations, create jobs and build a secure supply chain for Ontario manufacturing.”
The announcement states that the project will connect Highway 11 at the south end to Highway 584 at the north, ultimately connecting the Trans-Canada, and will be the first segment on the road network to the Ring of Fire.
With the recently announced investment in the infrastructure related to Ontario’s Ring of Fire, it appears Ontario is wasting little time in accelerating mining development activity (Photo by Rose Butler on Unsplash).
According to the Northern Miner, to date, the Ring of Fire Region has yielded chromite, copper, zinc, gold, diamonds, nickel, and platinum group elements. Some of these minerals are used in cell phones, computers, medical devices, and energy.
Global Competition for Mining
The Fraser Institute’s 2024 annual survey of mining and exploration companies indicates that Ontario and some other Provinces in Canada have some work to do to attract more development.
According to the report, “The Republic of Ireland ranked first this year with the highest PPI (Policy Perception Index) score of 100, moving up from 15th place in the 2023 edition of the report. Finland took the second spot in 2024, moving up from 8th place in 2023. Along with the Republic of Ireland and Finland, the top 10 ranked jurisdictions are Saskatchewan, Nevada, Wyoming, Newfoundland & Labrador, Arizona, Utah, Alberta, and Northern Ireland.”
The Fraser Report states the reasons for lower grades for Ontario include, “Respondents expressed increased concern over the province’s taxation regime (+21 points), labor regulations (+11 points), and its political stability (+8 points). On the other hand, miners expressed decreased concern over uncertainty concerning environmental regulations (-13 points), the state of security (-2 points), and Ontario’s legal system (-2 points).”
Ontario Ranks Better than Neighbouring US States
According to the Fraser Report, Ontario ranked 15th on the Investment Attractiveness Index and 12th on the Policy Perception Index. However, Ontario compares favourably to neighboring U.S. states. For example, while Ontario is (globally) ranked as the 12th most attractive mining jurisdiction, Michigan ranks 48th, and Minnesota ranks 69th.
The survey was conducted from August 7, 2024, to December 15, 2024, so it would not have captured the recent developments in Ontario (i.e., Bill 5).
Bill 5 has faced opposition from environmental groups. However, with the announcement of the significant investment in the Ring of Fire, it appears Ontario is moving forward with more natural resource development projects.
Environmental Assistance
If you have questions about environmental protection as it relates to mining, contact Dr. Joel Gagnon.
If you need assistance with an environmental issue, contact Christopher Pare’, P.Geo., Q.P., at 519-948-7300, Ext. 114.
Dragun Corporation does not use artificial intelligence in drafting our blogs or any other material.
Alan Hahn drafted this blog. Alan has an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and completed a graduate program in Environmental Management. He has worked in environmental management for more than 45 years. He has written hundreds of blogs and articles. His published work includes HazMat Magazine, BizX Magazine, Michigan Lawyers Weekly, GreenStone Partners, Manure Manager Magazine, and Progressive Dairy.
Christopher Paré, P.Geo, reviewed this blog. Chris is a senior geoscientist and manager of Dragun’s Windsor, Ontario, office. Chris has more than 30 years of experience on projects ranging from environmental site assessments (Phase One/Two ESA), excess soils, remedial investigations, soil and groundwater remediation, Permits to Take Water, Records of Site Conditions, vapour intrusion, and site decommissioning. Chris is a frequent speaker, author, and expert witness. See Chris’ bio.
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