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 $10workers and Canadian technology as million this year to the Ontario Juniorthe foundation of Ontarios industrial The global demand for criticalExploration Program (OJEP) to continuepolicy and economic future. This is minerals is rising rapidly, drivensupporting the brave and skilledabout building a stronger, more self-by the technologies that powerindividuals within junior exploration 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, wegenerations to come.biggest trading partner and ally, buthave committed $45 million through also remarkable opportunity thanksOJEP to help junior mining companiesOntarios resource future starts to our unparalleled geological wealth,finance early exploration projects with you. Your expertise and drive our highly skilled workforce and ourand discover Ontarios untappedfuel the discoveries that power our unwavering commitment to innovation.mineral potential. economy. Together, well build the To unleash Ontarios potential andnext generation of minesfaster and protect our economy, we must actBut our governments vision goessmarterand build the strongest on the growing global demand forbeyond exploration. Were buildingeconomy in the G7. Thank you for precious metals and critical mineralsa future where Ontarios mineralyour dedication, your skill and your like Timmins gold and Sudbury nickel,wealth is realized through innovation,vision. You are helping shape Ontarios the very resources you discover. collaboration and sustainableresource-driven future, and I am proud development. Additionally, the Critical Since taking over this portfolio in theMinerals Innovation Fund is investingto 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 Mines ONTARIO MINING AND EXPLORATION DIRECTORY AND RESOURCE GUIDE 2026 5'