New Support for Prospectors and Junior Miners Sets Stage for Growth in Northwestern Ontario

THUNDER BAY — The Ontario government has announced a new phase of its Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP), committing $10 million to accelerate early-stage exploration of critical minerals. With expanded support for licensed prospectors, enhanced Indigenous participation, and increased funding for junior mining companies, this initiative is set to benefit Thunder Bay and the broader Northwest region.

“Ontario is sitting on some of the most valuable critical mineral deposits in the world — and the global economy is knocking at our door,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “Supporting early exploration is how we unlock that potential. Ontario has an ambitious plan to accelerate responsible resource development along with cutting permitting timelines in half… identifying the next major Canadian resource projects that will create good‑paying jobs, strengthen our economy and deliver lasting prosperity for communities across the province.”

This year’s OJEP introduces two key enhancements:

• Prospector Stream: Licensed Ontario prospectors can now apply for $50,000 per project, with Indigenous Participation Support bringing the total to $65,000.

• Enhanced Indigenous Funding: Supplementing core program grants, Indigenous participation funding rises from $10,000 to $15,000 per project.

“Today’s announcement strengthens our commitment … to create lasting economic opportunities for First Nations communities across Ontario,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation. “By enhancing support through OJEP, we are empowering Indigenous partners to play a leading role in developing the province’s world‑class critical mineral resources — driving shared prosperity now and for future generations.”

“Today’s investment will help expand Ontario’s mining sector and support the growth and success of our workers and businesses as we work together to make Ontario the most competitive jurisdiction in the G7,” added Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance.

Local voices in Thunder Bay also welcomed the boost:

• Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay–Atikokan: “Our province’s investment in early‑stage exploration is a tremendous benefit for Northwestern Ontario… By supporting our local prospectors, junior mining companies, and Indigenous partners, we are laying the foundation for good‑paying jobs, economic growth, and long‑term prosperity in the North.”

• Charla Robinson, Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce: “We welcome the expansion of the Ontario Junior Exploration Program and its vital investment in early‑stage exploration to help unlock new opportunities, support Indigenous partnerships, and drive long‑term economic growth in Northwestern Ontario and across the province.”

Industry groups echoed the optimism:

• Priya Tandon, President of the Ontario Mining Association: “Supporting early exploration and increasing funding for Indigenous communities are key to building the mines of tomorrow, attracting investment, and strengthening our leadership in responsible resource development.”

• William MacRae, President/Interim Executive Director of the Ontario Prospectors Association: “We are very pleased with … the new and expanded Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP). The expansion … to include funding to prospectors is an exciting move to support the very basic efforts of individuals with ‘boots on the ground.’ You have to find it before you can mine it — and this support helps make that possible.”

• Marla Tremblay, Executive Director of MineConnect: “The Ontario Junior Exploration Program fuels more than discovery; it drives activity across the entire mining supply chain. This sixth intake reinforces the province’s commitment to building a strong pipeline of future projects that sustain jobs, businesses, and communities across Ontario.”

Participating companies shared their enthusiasm:

• Stefan Sklepowicz, CEO, Kirkland Lake Discoveries: “The targets we’re preparing to drill this year are a direct result of the groundwork made possible through last year’s OJEP funding… exploring for the critical metals that will fuel Ontario’s future.”

• Wesley Whymark, President, Inventus Mining Corp.: “This latest intake, with expanded access for prospectors and Indigenous participation, strengthens the foundation for discovery and responsible development.”

• Kerem Usenmez, President & CEO, Volta Metals Ltd.: “Programs like OJEP are critical to unlocking the province’s unique potential in strategic minerals… de‑risk exploration, build Indigenous partnerships, and attract global investment.”

• Marc Sale, CEO, First Class Metals PLC: “OJEP isn’t just an investment in prospectors and companies like ours, it’s an investment in Ontario’s future as a global leader in responsible mineral exploration and development.”

• William Love, CEO, New Break Resources Ltd.: “Since April 1, 2022, New Break has received aggregate grants under OJEP of $636,224.”

Local and Economic Significance

Thunder Bay is well positioned as a hub for processing critical minerals and supporting the infrastructure needed for downstream activity. With close proximity to the Ring of Fire—some 500 km away—the region is poised to capitalize on growing global demand for nickel, lithium, rare earths and more. Ontario’s mining sector already contributes $14.4 billion to the provincial GDP and supports about 74,000 jobs annually.

Applications for OJEP open July 3, 2025, at 10 a.m. EST, and close July 31, 2025, at 4 p.m. EST. Funding is allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis through Transfer Payment Ontario.