Ontario Securing a Critical Minerals Supply Chain
January 15, 2025
$7 million investment boosting research, development and commercialization of innovative critical mineral technologies
The Ontario government is investing over $7 million in 17 projects to accelerate research, development and commercialization of innovative technologies to help the province meet the increasing global demand for critical minerals needed to manufacture batteries and electric vehicles.
The funding, delivered through the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund, will help stimulate investment in Ontario’s critical minerals supply chain and create jobs in the mining sector.
“As our economy grows with an increased need for critical minerals, our government is strengthening a made-in-Ontario supply chain, ready to fuel the technologies of tomorrow,” said George Pirie, Minister of Mines. “Investments like this keep us competitive in global markets and ensure a stable supply chain for the manufacturing of cars, electronics and other technologies.”
The projects receiving funding span a range of focus areas such as mineral exploration, extraction, processing, advanced manufacturing, and recycling of minerals. Two local projects include:
- $495,740 to NetZero Metals to support low carbon, low-cost nickel processing capacity in Timmins.
- $223,552 to EV Nickel Inc. to advance its bioleaching process and prepare the final design for its pilot plant in Timmins to produce high-grade clean nickel to support the EV supply chain.
A secure critical minerals industry not only strengthens the EV sector, but our entire economy and national security. By ensuring consistent access to these essential materials, we are mitigating the risks of supply chain disruptions in important sectors such as aerospace and defence, health and life sciences, information and communications technology, and energy.
“I’m proud this initiative helps connect Ontario’s northern minerals sector with communities in the south, building a fully integrated supply chain,” said Stephen Crawford, Associate Minister of Mines. “It strengthens critical minerals production, drives innovation, boosts global competitiveness, and creates opportunities for workers, businesses, and Indigenous communities. Our government is making these investments to cement Ontario’s position as a leader in sustainable growth and advanced manufacturing.”
Quick Facts
- In November 2022, the Ontario government launched the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund as part of the Critical Minerals Strategy.
- As part of the 2024 Budget: Building a Better Ontario, the Ontario government announced an additional $15 million over three years to expand the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund. To date, Ontario has invested $20 million through the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund.
- The first two intakes of the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund supported 29 Ontario-based critical minerals innovation projects.
- CMIF is open to private-sector businesses or private sector businesses collaborating with a public sector academic or research institution/non-profit organization or association working in the critical mineral sector with a project in Ontario.
- Funding provided by CMIF contributes a maximum of 50 per cent of eligible project costs up to $500,000 per project.
Quotes
“We sincerely thank the Government of Ontario for their vital investment in advancing the development of our NetZero Metals facility. This support is pivotal in addressing the critical demand for domestically produced battery metals, while pioneering low-carbon, biochar-based processing technologies that will set a new standard for sustainability in stainless, alloy steel, and nickel production. Together, we are building a robust supply chain to drive the transition to a cleaner future.”
– Mark Selby
CEO of Canada Nickel Company, Chair of NetZero Metals
“The support of the Ontario government, through the CMIF program, has been fundamental to the advancement of our innovative processing techniques. Developing the critical minerals supply chain in Timmins using environmentally beneficial, green technologies will be a great benefit for both EV Nickel Inc. and the Province of Ontario.”
– Paul Davis
Vice President Exploration, EV Nickel Inc.
“Ontario’s strategic investments aimed at advancing Ontario’s critical minerals sector are ensuring we have access to the building blocks of innovation – enabling us to develop groundbreaking solutions that benefit our environment and accelerate the energy transition. Investing in the upstream critical mineral supply chain positions us as global leaders in responsible mining and paves the way for a prosperous and sustainable future.”
– Priya Tandon
President, Ontario Mining Association (OMA)
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