ARTICLE | February 27, 2026
Last week, Ontario’s Ministry of Energy and Mines accepted an additional mining project under the province’s new “One Project, One Process” (1P1P) framework, designed to accelerate the mining permitting process. This latest designation signals growing momentum for mining-led economic development in Northern Ontario.
As more mining projects are accepted under 1P1P, the implications extend well beyond the mine itself. Accelerated and more predictable project timelines for mine operations can strengthen regional supply chains and create meaningful opportunities for local businesses to expand their operations. In turn, local businesses are better positioned to pursue provincial and federal funding opportunities that support business growth, market expansion, workforce development, and long-term competitiveness.
What Is the “One Project, One Process” (1P1P) Framework?
In October 2025, the Province of Ontario launched the “One Project, One Process” (1P1P) framework to modernize and streamline the mining permitting process for designated projects, in response to the Protect Ontario by Unleashing the Economy Act (Bill 5).
The 1P1P framework seeks to reduce regulatory barriers for mining and critical infrastructure project proponents by addressing one of the sector’s long-standing challenges: a fragmented permitting process. According to the Ontario Chambers of Commerce, under the traditional system, mine operators may be required to submit hundreds of permit applications across multiple federal and provincial ministries over the lifecycle of a single mine, with approval timelines up to 15 years in some cases.
What This Means for Northern Ontario Businesses
When environmental stewardship, Indigenous consultation, and other environmental, social, and governance requirements remain at the forefront for mine operators, more predictable and coordinated permitting timelines increase the likelihood that projects move from exploration to active development. This progression, in turn, supports local businesses, as each phase generates demand for goods and services such as engineering, construction, environmental monitoring, ground support, logistics, equipment supply, camp services, and professional support.
This is particularly impactful for Northern Ontario businesses, given that all projects designated under the 1P1P framework to date are located in the region. These include Frontier Lithium’s PAK Lithium Project (accepted October 29, 2025), Canada Nickel’s Crawford Project (accepted January 13, 2026), and the recently added Kinross Gold Corporation Great Bear Project (accepted February 17, 2026).
As Maddie Lavergne notes, “as global demand for critical minerals such as lithium and nickel accelerates, driven by electric vehicles, energy storage, and the transition to a low-carbon, digital economy, Northern Ontario regions including the Sudbury Basin and the Ring of Fire are well positioned to support additional mining projects.”
Opening the Door to Government Funding Opportunities
As mining projects advance under the 1P1P framework, Northern Ontario businesses have an opportunity to leverage this momentum to submit competitive applications for government incentives. Improved clarity around project timelines and development activity supports stronger funding applications by helping businesses demonstrate demand and align investments.
These government incentives can take the form of provincial or federal non-repayable conditional contributions, repayable contributions such as loans, or tax credits, and may support equipment purchases, capital construction, leasehold improvements, wages, training, and research and innovation.
How FCR Can Support
Mining-led growth in Northern Ontario is accelerating, and whether this growth becomes an opportunity or a constraint will depend on how well businesses adapt.
FCR advisors work with organizations across Sudbury, North Bay, Espanola, and Northern Ontario to support business growth by assessing eligibility for government funding and providing guidance throughout the application and reporting process.
Early preparation positions Northern Ontario businesses to take full advantage of continued mining investment and available government incentive programs. Importantly, many government incentive programs are proactive, requiring businesses to apply for funding before costs are incurred.
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