Mississauga, ON February 17, 2026: The Ontario Prospectors Association (OPA) applauds the Government of Ontario’s designation of Kinross Gold’s Great Bear Project under the One Project, One Process (1P1P) framework. This designation sends a powerful signal to global markets: Ontario is committed to eliminating regulatory duplication and accelerating the timeline for world-class mineral development.
“The Great Bear Project exemplifies the kind of opportunity that arises when exceptional geoscience, investor confidence, and effective policy align,” said William (Bill) MacRae, Chair of the OPA. “By advancing this project under the 1P1P model, the province is demonstrating leadership that reinforces Ontario’s standing as a competitive, responsible, and dependable mining jurisdiction. This approach not only streamlines approvals but also helps unlock the immense potential of our northern and regional economies.”
The OPA commends the government’s ongoing efforts and highlights that while 1P1P provides the regulatory certainty needed for advanced projects, the “pipeline” of discovery requires equal attention. There is a critical need to continue investing in the early stages of exploration, the foundation of all future mines.
Steve Virtue, Interim CEO of the OPA, added: “As projects like these move forward, it’s vital that we do not lose sight of the pipeline that makes these developments possible. Sustained support for grassroots exploration — through exploration incentives, access to modern geoscience, and policy stability — will ensure Ontario remains at the forefront of global mineral discovery and secure our economic and mineral sovereignty for generations to come.”
About the Ontario Prospectors Association (OPA)
The Ontario Prospectors Association is the recognized voice of Ontario’s mineral exploration sector. Representing prospectors, geoscientists, and industry partners, the OPA advocates for the policies and investments necessary to maintain a vibrant exploration ecosystem. By promoting responsible resource development and the advancement of geoscience, the OPA ensures Ontario remains a premier global destination for mineral discovery and investment.
The Honourable Stephen Lecce (King-Vaughan) – Minister of Energy and Mines
The Honourable George Pirie (Timmins) – Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth