It was acknowledged that the biggest challenge to building a new mine is the regulatory red tape associated with mine permits and the high capital cost of projects. In this opening panel, leading mining executives will share their perspectives on the opportunities, constraints, and strategic choices shaping Ontario’s emergence as a global critical minerals supplier.

• What are the strategic opportunities and risks in advancing critical minerals exploration and production in Ontario?
• How are global trade dynamics, tariffs, and geopolitical shifts influencing Ontario’s critical minerals path to market?
• Where are current regulatory and funding mechanisms supporting progress — and where are they falling short?
• What is the incentive price that will allow companies to build projects?
• What’s needed to attract private capital and accelerate downstream investment in refining and processing?
• How is the push for early, meaningful Indigenous partnerships reshaping project development—and how can junior miners meet these expectations despite limited resources?
• Are Ontario’s strong ESG credentials helping to differentiate its critical minerals in the global marketplace — and how are buyers valuing those attributes?

SESSION LEADER