Ontario has officially opened applications for its new “One Project, One Process” (1P1P) framework, designed to cut mine permitting times in half. The move aims to streamline how exploration and mine development projects are reviewed, replacing the province’s fragmented approval system with a single, coordinated process led by the Ministry of Energy and Mines.
Minister Stephen Lecce said the approach ensures Ontario can advance new mines faster, particularly for critical minerals such as nickel, lithium, and cobalt in the Ring of Fire. Lecce noted that previous systems could take up to 15 years for a mine to receive full approval, discouraging investment and delaying job creation.
Applications for project designation under 1P1P are now being accepted, with the first approvals expected soon. Each designated project will be managed by a dedicated Mine Authorization and Permitting Delivery Team acting as a single point of contact across ministries. Lecce emphasized that the new model maintains Indigenous consultation and environmental safeguards while providing greater clarity and predictability for proponents.
Industry leaders welcomed the change, calling it a “game-changer” for Ontario’s resource sector and a crucial step in positioning the province as a global mining leader.