The Ontario government has announced it will accelerate Kinross Gold Corporation’s Great Bear Project under its ‘One Project, One Process’ framework.

The decision means the project will be the first gold mine and the third project overall to be accepted under the new framework launched this past October.

The project represents a capital investment of more than $5 billion and is expected to create 900 jobs during its operational life, with peak employment reaching 1,100 workers. Thousands of additional construction and indirect jobs will also be created during the build-out phase in 2027 to 2029, delivering new economic opportunities to the region.

“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 jobs good-paying jobs,” said Energy Minister Stephen Lecce. “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.”

Located 24 kilometres southeast of Red Lake in northwestern Ontario, the Great Bear Project is designed as a large, long-life mine complex, with an estimated initial mine life of twelve years, consisting of both underground workings and two open pits. It has potential to become one of Canada’s premier gold operations.

Kinross’ preliminary economic assessment outlines a high-grade operation producing an average of over 500,000 ounces of gold per year at its peak and a potential for 5.3 million ounces of initial production, with longer-term expansion potential supported by an ongoing regional exploration program.

Kinross has already started early on-site work and infrastructure planning, including connections to nearby power lines and a natural gas pipeline. Major construction is expected to start in 2027, with production planned for 2029.

The ‘One Project, One Process’ designation complements other work underway in the Red Lake region to unlock economic growth and opportunity including the consultation on the Red Lake Transmission Line, a proposed line that would run from Dryden to Red Lake to power new mines and growing communities.

Ontario’s mining sector supports 28,000 direct jobs and 46,000 indirect jobs through associated mineral processing and supply services. There are currently 37 active mining operations in Ontario, 19 of which are gold mines.