Ontario places Kinross gold project on accelerated development path

Gold Bear is the first gold mine, and the third project overall, to be accepted under the regime launched in October.

The project is expected to become one of Canada’s largest gold mines, representing a capital investment of more than C$5-billion. It is forecast to create about 900 jobs during its operational life, with peak employment of 1 100 workers, as well as thousands of construction and indirect roles during the 2027 to 2029 build-out phase.

Announcing the move, Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce said on Tuesday the province was seeking to fast-track strategic mining developments amid global economic volatility.

“At a time of global economic uncertainty, Ontario is choosing to build – to build faster, to build more at home, and to build Canada’s self-reliance,” Lecce said.

“Ontario is proud to designate this project under ‘One Project, One Process’,  unlocking one of Canada’s largest mines that will create over 1 000 good-paying jobs. By fast-tracking Kinross Gold’s Great Bear project, we’re getting shovels in the ground, proving that world-class projects can be built with speed and in partnership. Ontario’s accelerated permitting regime, reliable energy, and skilled workforce is positioning our province as the world’s most attractive and predictable investment opportunity.”

The Great Bear project is located about 24 km south-east of Red Lake in a region with a long mining history. The development is planned as a high-grade combined openpit and underground operation with an initial mine life of 12 years.

Kinross has identified Great Bear as a cornerstone asset within its global development pipeline. A preliminary economic assessment outlines average peak production of more than 500 000 oz/y of gold and potential initial production of 5.3-million ounces, with longer-term expansion potential supported by regional exploration.

Kinross CEO Paul Rollinson said the 1P1P designation would help streamline the path to commercial production.

The 1P1P framework establishes the Ministry of Energy and Mines as a single point of contact to coordinate provincial approvals and Indigenous consultation, with the province aiming to reduce review timelines by up to 50%. The Crown’s duty to consult remains in place under the framework.

The designation also aligns with broader regional infrastructure initiatives, including consultation on the proposed Red Lake Transmission Line, which would run from Dryden to Red Lake, to support new mines and expanding communities.

Major construction at Great Bear is expected to begin in 2027, with first production targeted for 2029.