What have been some of the major OMA initiatives and achievements this year?

Our marquee initiative continues to be ‘This Is Mining’, our public awareness campaign highlighting career opportunities and modern mining in Ontario. Over the past year, the campaign has reached more than 19 million people, engaging youth and the general public through storytelling and in-person activations. Recent polling showed that 1.3 million young people in Ontario are interested in mining careers, and 69% of Ontarians now view mining as an industry of the future. Building awareness, driving inclusivity, and filling the talent gap remain at the heart of our mission.

How is the OMA working with the Ontario government on key initiatives?

Our role is to provide informed policy advocacy that reflects our members’ operational perspectives. We have been very encouraged by the strong leadership of both the current Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce and former Mines Minister George Pirie (now Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth), who have kept mining front and center in public policy discussions. The ‘One Project, One Process’ initiative is an important step toward modernizing permitting and reducing duplication across ministries. The government has been receptive to our input, and we are optimistic that this collaborative approach will improve project timelines while maintaining Ontario’s high standards.

How do programs like OJEP and the CMIF support your members?

Both the Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) and the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund (CMIF) play essential roles in strengthening Ontario’s mining ecosystem. OJEP supports the earliest stage of exploration, which is vital because no mines exist without exploration. CMIF complements this by enabling research, innovation and technology development in critical minerals processing and production. Many of our members have already benefited from CMIF, using it to advance R&D and pilot new technologies. 

How do you view the collaboration between federal and provincial governments under the new national leadership?

I see a strong alignment between provincial and federal governments in recognizing mining as a strategic priority. Coordination is essential to prevent duplication and ensure efficient approvals, particularly when impact assessments are required. Ontario already has a strong and comprehensive regulatory framework for mining oversight. Given this, the federal government should consider delegating mining compliance and permitting reviews to the province, which is closer to the projects and better positioned to evaluate their local impacts.

How can Ontario maintain its global leadership in mining amid increasing international competition?

We must continue to remind the world why Ontario is a top-tier, low-risk mining jurisdiction. Public awareness is critical, which is why we continue to invest in data-driven campaigns and reports, such as our annual State of the Sector, which now includes trade data. We also highlight Ontario’s reputation for safety, environmental standards, transparency and collaboration. Our goal is to showcase modern Ontario mining as innovative, responsible and globally connected, ensuring that we retain our leadership as competition grows.

How are OMA members advancing Indigenous partnerships and economic reconciliation?

Our members are deeply committed to strengthening partnerships with Indigenous communities. Currently, there are more than 140 active agreements in Ontario, ranging from exploration partnerships to impact benefit and government revenue-sharing agreements. We recently hosted our first Indigenous Procurement Workshop in Thunder Bay, which brought together Indigenous partners and industry to identify opportunities for greater participation in supply chains. Many members are moving beyond traditional agreements to focus on training, employment and Indigenous-led business development. Indigenous economic reconciliation is not a concept; it is a growing, active part of modern Ontario mining.

What progress have you seen in diversity, inclusion and workforce development in mining?

We are seeing real momentum in building a more inclusive and dynamic mining workforce. Approximately 12% of Ontario’s mining workforce is Indigenous, which is four times the all-industry average. Many of our members have become strong ambassadors, engaging with schools and communities to highlight the range of opportunities in mining. 

What are your priorities for the coming year at the OMA?

Looking ahead, we will focus on supporting the implementation of the ‘One Project, One Process’ framework to ensure it delivers meaningful results for our members. We are also planning several special projects for 2026, including initiatives in public awareness, economic indicators, health and safety, and Indigenous relations.