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In 2023, the Ontario government introduced the Building More Mines Act (Bill 71), a bold legislative reform aimed at revitalizing the province’s mining sector and asserting its role in the global race for critical minerals. With global supply chains under strain, surging demand for electric vehicle (EV) components, and intensifying international competition, Ontario is positioning itself as a key player in the future of mineral production. So while the government and the industry as a whole see Bill 71 as a pivotal move toward economic opportunity, critics warn it may compromise environmental standards and Indigenous rights. As Ontario moves forward, stakeholders are watching closely to see whether the act will strike the right balance between development and responsibility.
Mining remains a cornerstone of Ontario’s economy and the province is Canada’s leading producer of non-fuel minerals, generating over $13 billion in production value in 2022 which was nearly a quarter of the national total (Natural Resources Canada). It hosts over 40 active mines and thousands of exploration projects, particularly in the north which is rich in gold, nickel, lithium, and other high-demand metals. According to the Ontario Mining Association (OMA), mining supports directly and indirectly over 150,000 jobs, with sector salaries averaging $150,000 annually, nearly twice the provincial average (OMA Economic Report 2024).
While bill 71 comes with some controversy, it would be huge for the mining industry in Ontario. At the core, the bill aims to reduce mine development timelines from an average of 15 years down to around 7.5 years. Through the streamlining of approvals for environmental permitting and more collaboration with first nations groups, the bill stands a chance to have a real impact On our economy. In 2023, junior mining companies made up 77% of exploration activity, with $2.1 billion invested (Natural Resources Canada). Reducing bureaucratic delays can accelerate the shift from exploration to production in mineral-rich areas like the Ring of Fire, which holds an estimated $60 billion in untapped resources. Premier Doug Ford recently called the delays “a chokehold on prosperity,” stating: “We’re going to get these mines built faster, create more jobs, and be a global leader in the energy transition.” But the big question is, what and how does Bill C-5 change the landscape while maintaining responsible practices.
Reduced Mine Approval Timelines
Phased Financial Assurance
Streamlined Environmental Permitting
Amended Closure Plan Requirements
Increased Mineral Recovery Flexibility
Third-Party Certification for Closure Plans
Changes to Consultation Triggers
Focus on Critical and Strategic Minerals
Support for Junior Mining and Exploration
Despite its economic promise, Bill 71 has drawn criticism from Indigenous leaders and environmental advocates who fear that faster development could sidestep critical safeguards. For instance, The Matawa Chiefs Council issued a formal response condemning the act’s rollout, citing a lack of consultation and warning that changes to permitting and closure plans could undermine the Crown’s constitutional duty to consult First Nations. “Recovery permits and changes to closure plans could result in decisions being made without our free, prior, and informed consent,” they stated. The Chiefs of Ontario echoed these concerns, emphasizing that “streamlining legislation does not absolve the Crown of its legal and moral responsibilities.” They have called for a pause and reassessment of the legislation in partnership with Indigenous communities.
Additionally, environmental organizations such as the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) argue that phased financial assurances and conditional closure plans risk transferring the burden of mine cleanup to the public if companies default. Without full closure plans and upfront funding, Ontario risks a new generation of abandoned mines.”
However, the Ontario government has maintained that Bill 17 is designed to modernize, not weaken regulatory oversight, and that environmental standards and Indigenous consultation remain a priority. In my opinion, implementing phased assurances and encouraging earlier-stage development creates opportunities for more inclusive economic participation, especially in northern and more remote regions within the province. As the legislation evolves, there is growing optimism that meaningful dialogue and adaptive policies can address concerns while advancing Ontario’s leadership in sustainable mining. Evidence of this can be seen in the negotiations for access to the ring of fire as they advance and in the Taykwa Tagamou First Nations agreement with Canada Nickel to build a large scale Nickel Mine in Timmins.
Several high profile Mining Companies and Industry leaders have come out in support of the act, saying that the act modernizes, rather than weakens, oversight. Allowing phased reclamation and independent closure plan approvals aligns with international best practices. “Investors are looking for certainty and speed,” said Chris Hodgson, President of the OMA. “If we want to attract investment in critical minerals, we need to act decisively, and that’s what Bill 71 delivers. It’s pro-growth, pro-environment, and pro-innovation.”
Supporters also highlight geopolitical dynamics. As the U.S., EU, and others seek alternatives to Chinese-supplied battery metals, Ontario is poised to become a trusted source of “friend-shored” critical minerals. In a notable example, the U.S. military has committed funding to a cobalt refinery in Northern Ontario, underlining the province’s strategic importance.
As global trade tensions rise, Bill 71 may serve as a buffer against economic risks posed by tariffs and shifting geopolitical alliances. Trade conflicts have disrupted mineral supply chains, placing a premium on domestic sourcing. With an escalating trade war between the U.S and China, a secure domestic supply is more important than ever. By fast-tracking mine development, Bill 71 strengthens Ontario’s ability to supply critical minerals to global markets while reducing reliance on volatile international sources.
Ontario already exports nearly $6 billion in minerals annually to the U.S., many of which are key to EV and battery production (Natural Resources Canada). As the U.S. reduces dependence on China, Ontario has a chance to deepen trade ties and elevate its role in the North American supply chain. By enabling quicker development, the province can better meet global demand for the raw materials powering EVs, solar panels, and clean energy infrastructure. This gives Ontario not only a defensive tool in the face of global trade conflict but a competitive edge in the emerging green economy.
Bill 71 marked a major shift in Ontario’s approach to resource development. For junior miners, it offers faster timelines and more flexible financing pathways. For the province, it could lead to thousands of new jobs, billions in investment, and a central role in the transition to clean energy. At the federal level, Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed support for the mining sector, recognizing its importance in Canada’s economic strategy. His government’s focus on green technologies aligns with Ontario’s efforts to develop critical minerals responsibly and build a critical mineral supply chain to reach global markets. This alignment between federal and provincial policies creates a cohesive approach to resource development, ensuring that economic growth is balanced with environmental stewardship and Indigenous consultation.
Ultimately, the impact of Bill 71 won’t be measured by how quickly mines are built, but by how responsibly Canada can align its economic, environmental, and social priorities to lead the world in sustainable resource development.
Authored By: Mike Coyle
