Ontario has the geology. It has the expertise. What it’s missing is the investment, and the political will to match the moment. Steve’s presentation on June 16, Explore More. Find More. Build More., makes a direct case for why mineral exploration in Ontario is chronically underfinanced relative to its potential, and what needs to change.
The real deadline isn’t June 26. It’s whenever your “My Ontario” account is ready (setup takes up to five business days) plus the time to assemble two ministry-standard maps, your Certificate of Insurance, and your active plan/permit or submitted application. Start the paperwork now; first-come first-served, submit the moment the window opens… start now!
$10 million investment to help junior exploration companies unlock new mining development The Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP) is a provincial initiative designed to reduce the financial risk for junior mining companies and prospectors during early-stage exploration. Below are the funding details based on the May 2026 update: Funding Coverage The program covers up to …
Read more “Ontario Invests in Next Generation of Canadian Mines”
The Ontario Prospectors Association (OPA) is proud pleased to help promote the upcoming monthly meeting of the Sudbury Prospectors and Developers Association (SPDA). The SPDA continues to be an important voice for explorationists and junior mining companies in the Sudbury District. We encourage members and industry colleagues to attend this session, either in person or virtually, to support this longstanding regional …
Read more “Supporting Regional Industry Connections: SPDA April Meeting”
Restoring Purpose and Credibility After nearly two years and more than 1,300 volunteer hours, the Revitalization Committee has completed some of the most consequential work in the OPA’s history. Not simply by addressing immediate challenges, but by restoring the structural integrity that will allow the association to function with credibility and purpose. Our association needs …
The Ontario Prospectors Association (OPA) welcomes Minister Stephen Lecce’s announcement of renewed funding under the Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP). With $10 million awarded to 68 early-stage projects, this remains a cornerstone initiative of the province’s Critical Minerals Strategy. OJEP directly addresses one of the most persistent challenges in mineral development: the near-absence of private …
Read more “The OPA Commends $10M Government Investment in Junior Exploration”
The energy at the 2026 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention was unmistakable. With a record-breaking 32,155 participants from around the world, the atmosphere signaled a sector that has moved past resilience and into a high-velocity growth phase. Mineral exploration has reclaimed its spot at the heart in global economic and security discussions. …
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 …
Read more “OPA Applauds Ontario’s 1P1P Designation for Great Bear Project”
On January 9, 2026, the OPA held its first-ever Virtual AGM. The turnout and engagement were a clear sign of the support for the changes we are making to ensure the Ontario Prospectors Association is a modern, member-focused organization. This meeting was a productive step in our ongoing renewal. During the session, we approved the …
Read more “OPA AGM RECAP: New Directors and Membership Survey”
Today the OPA held its first-ever Virtual AGM with over 50 members participating! Thank you to all members who joined us online today. Your strong turnout and thoughtful engagement were valued and welcomed. It’s your support that allows the OPA Board to take on the important work of transforming the Ontario Prospectors Association into the …
Read more “The OPA Builds Momentum with New Directors and Strategic Direction at Virtual AGM”