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- calendar_today November 2, 2026
Ontario Accelerates Mining Project Approvals with Fourth Major Designation
The Government of Ontario has designated Mayfair Gold Corporation’s Fenn-Gib Gold Project as the fourth major initiative under its ‘One Project, One Process’ (1P1P) framework. This move, announced by Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce on November 2, 2026, aims to streamline mining project approvals, reduce bureaucratic delays, and bolster the province's growing mining sector with significant economic and employment impacts.
About the ‘One Project, One Process’ Framework
Launched in October 2025, the ‘One Project, One Process’ approach seeks to consolidate and expedite the permitting process for mining projects in Ontario. Under the new framework, the Ministry of Energy and Mines serves as a single, coordinated point of contact, reducing government review time by 50 per cent and ensuring all necessary provincial approvals and Indigenous consultations are managed efficiently. The goal is to unlock Ontario’s mining potential and create a fully integrated mining supply chain, especially in response to external challenges like U.S. tariffs.
Fenn-Gib Gold Project: Key Details and Economic Impact
Located about 17 kilometres east of Matheson in the Timmins gold district, Mayfair Gold’s Fenn-Gib project involves a $450 million capital investment. Once operational, the new open-pit gold mine and its related processing facility are expected to support 250 long-term jobs, 450 construction jobs, and add $3 billion to Ontario’s GDP. The initial planned mine life is 15 years, with engineering currently underway and construction targeted to begin between 2028 and 2030. Production is expected to commence in 2030 at an estimated on-site processing capacity of 4,800 tonnes per day and an indicated gold resource of around 4.3 million ounces.
Commitment to Responsible and Predictable Mining Development
Drew Anwyll, CEO of Mayfair Gold, described the 1P1P designation as a decisive step forward for the Fenn-Gib Gold Project. He highlighted the benefits of the streamlined process, noting greater coordination and predictability from Ontario’s government as the project moves through permitting and development. This approach aims to deliver more timely economic opportunities for the region and reinforce Ontario’s commitment to responsible, investment-ready mining practices.
Supporting Ontario’s Mining Sector and Workforce
Ontario’s mining industry is a significant economic driver, supporting approximately 28,000 direct jobs and 46,000 indirect jobs through processing and supply chain services. The province currently has 35 active mining operations, 19 of which are gold mines. With mineral production valued at $14.2 billion in 2025 and $1.1 billion in exploration expenditures, Ontario holds the top spot in Canada for mineral exploration investment. Recent permitting reforms under the ‘One Project, One Process’ have positioned Ontario as the second most attractive jurisdiction for mining investment globally, according to the Fraser Institute.
Strengthening Consultation and Indigenous Participation
The 1P1P framework maintains Ontario's obligation to consult Indigenous communities, offering a more transparent and coordinated approach to project reviews, employment, training, community benefits, and possible equity partnerships. Mayfair Gold has committed to engaging with Indigenous communities throughout all stages of the Fenn-Gib project, including baseline studies, site planning, and future development opportunities.
Looking Ahead: Ontario’s Future in Mining Development
The Fenn-Gib designation follows three prior 1P1P projects: Frontier Lithium’s PAK Lithium Project, Kinross Gold’s Great Bear Project, and Canada Nickel Company’s Crawford Nickel Project. Collectively, these developments are estimated to potentially create 8,000 jobs and contribute over $71 billion to Ontario’s GDP. As the province continues to reform its mining permitting process, officials anticipate even greater investment, job growth, and global leadership in responsible, fast-tracked mineral development.
Source: news.ontario.ca.
