A bold declaration echoed from Mississauga this week as Ontario’s Energy and Mines Minister announced a landmark acceleration of the Great Bear Project, a colossal gold mine poised to reshape the province’s northwestern landscape. This isn’t just about unlocking a $5 billion investment; it’s a statement of intent.
The Great Bear Project, located near the historic mining town of Red Lake, is set to become one of Canada’s premier gold operations. Encompassing both open-pit and underground mining, the project boasts an initial lifespan of twelve years, with the potential for significant expansion through ongoing exploration.
The scale is staggering. Peak production is projected to exceed 500,000 ounces of gold annually, with an estimated 5.3 million ounces initially extracted. This influx of precious metal will solidify Ontario’s position as Canada’s leading mineral producer, a title it already holds with 37 active mines.
This ambitious undertaking promises over 1,000 well-paying jobs, a lifeline for communities and a boost to the provincial economy. Construction alone will require a peak workforce of 1,100, with thousands more jobs created indirectly throughout the supply chain.
The driving force behind this expedited development is the province’s new “One Project, One Process” framework. Designed to dismantle bureaucratic hurdles, the system aims to halve permit timelines, a critical step in attracting large-scale investment.
Previously, opening a mine in Ontario could take up to fifteen years. The government asserts that era is over. The new framework centralizes approvals and streamlines Indigenous consultations, creating a single point of contact for developers.
The province isn’t just streamlining processes; it’s actively investing in partnerships with Indigenous communities. A $70 million Indigenous Participation Fund and $3.1 billion in loan guarantees are designed to foster equity participation and collaborative ventures.
Kinross Gold, the company behind the Great Bear Project, has already begun early site work, including plans to connect to existing power and natural gas infrastructure. A proposed new transmission line from Dryden to Red Lake will further support the mine and surrounding communities.
The CEO of Kinross hailed the decision as a pivotal moment, recognizing Ontario’s commitment to responsible mining investment. He described the Great Bear Project as a “generational asset” with the potential to become one of Canada’s most profitable gold mines.
Beyond the economic benefits, the Minister framed the project as a crucial step towards national self-reliance. In a world grappling with uncertainty, Ontario is positioning itself as a stable and reliable partner, capable of delivering essential resources.
“Every worker, every resource, everything we touch in this technologically connected world… all paths lead back to the north,” the Minister stated, emphasizing the fundamental importance of resource development to modern life.
Construction is slated to begin in 2027, with gold production targeted for 2029. The Great Bear Project isn’t simply about extracting a valuable commodity; it’s about building a stronger, more resilient future for Ontario and Canada.
