b'NEWS & UPDATESMESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER OFENERGY AND MINESP rospectors are the sparkcritical minerals into the supply chainsourced Canadian resources always that ignites discovery yourmoreeffectively. win the day over autocratic regimes efforts are essential toand geopolitical adversaries. Premier unlocking the resources thatThere can be no mining withoutFord and our government are doubling power our economy. Withoutexploration. Thats why our governmentdown on Canadian resources, Canadian prospectors, there is no mining. has committed an additional $10 million this year to the Ontario Juniorworkers and Canadian technology as The global demand for criticalExploration Program (OJEP) to continuethe foundation of Ontarios industrial minerals is rising rapidly, drivensupporting the brave and skilledpolicy and economic future. This is by the technologies that powerindividuals within junior explorationabout building a stronger, more self-electric vehicles, clean energy andcompanies who take on the high-riskreliant Ontarioone that controls its advanced manufacturing. Ontariowork of uncovering the next generationdestiny and powers the prosperity of faces uncertainty at the hands of ourof mines. Since launching in 2021, we biggest trading partner and ally, buthave committed $45 million throughgenerations to come.also remarkable opportunity thanksOJEP to help junior mining companies to our unparalleled geological wealth,finance early exploration projects Ontarios resource future starts our highly skilled workforce and ourand discover Ontarios untappedwith you. Your expertise and drive unwavering commitment to innovation.mineral potential. fuel the discoveries that power our To unleash Ontarios potential andeconomy. Together, well build the next protect our economy, we must actBut our governments vision goesgeneration of minesfaster, smarter on the growing global demand forbeyond exploration. Were buildingand build the strongest economy in the precious metals and critical mineralsa future where Ontarios mineral like Timmins gold and Sudbury nickel,wealth is realized through innovation,G7. Thank you for your dedication, your the very resources you discover. collaboration and sustainableskill and your vision. You are helping development. Additionally, the Criticalshape Ontarios resource-driven future, Since taking over this portfolio in theMinerals Innovation Fund is investingand I am proud to stand with you.springtime, our government has takenin Ontario-based initiatives developing tangible action to remove the barriersadvanced mining and processingKeep exploring, keep discovering and that slow down development, bolstertechnologies that strengthenkeep driving Ontario forward.our competitiveness and truly unleashour position as a global leader in Ontarios economic potential. With ourresponsible resource development.recently implemented One Project, One Process (1P1P) framework, weOntarios self-reliance is anchored are creating a white-glove conciergeby our plan to accelerate responsible service for designated mining projectsresource development across the that will reduce overall governmentprovince, and specifically in the Ring review time for mine approvals byof Fire. Our government is determined at least 50 per cent. This meansto unlock this vast resource wealth getting shovels in the ground faster,in partnership with First NationStephen Lecce creating jobs sooner and gettingcommunitiesensuring that ethicallyMinister of Energy and MinesONTARIO PROSPECTOR WINTER 2025/26 5'