The Ontario government is providing $11 million for the construction of Generation Mining’s $410 million copper and palladium processing complex in Marathon. The money is from the Critical Minerals Processing Fund and is the first project to receive support from the first recipient of the new fund. “The facility represents a significant milestone for the province’s plan to protect and expand Ontario’s domestic critical minerals supply chain,” said a Sept. 18 news release from the province. “It equips northwestern Ontario with the capability to convert raw ore into high-quality materials needed in a wide range of industrial applications in electrification, advanced manufacturing and defence.” Once fully operational, the Marathon Project will create more than 450 new jobs -- in addition to 800 jobs during the construction phase. Copper and palladium “As one of the most mineral-rich regions in the world, northern Ontario plays a critical role in supporting the economic objectives and industrial capabilities of Canada and its allies,” Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli said in the release. “By supporting Generation Mining’s Marathon Project, our government is protecting the resilience and self-reliance of the province’s critical mineral supply chain and delivering on its commitment to keep minerals mined in Ontario processed and refined in Ontario, by our world-class workers.” Copper and palladium hold a wide range of industrial applications, including power transmission systems, electric vehicles, clean energy infrastructure and defence technologies. “By expanding production capacity of these two critical minerals, Generation Mining will address a critical domestic and international need for secure, reliable access to responsibly sourced materials, while serving as a significant catalyst for job creation and retention in northwestern Ontario,” the release said. The processing facility will also play a critical role in advancing the company’s $992 million Marathon Project. Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines, said the project is key to Ontario’s response to the U.S. trade war. “As (U.S.) President Trump attacks our economy, Ontario is fighting back by ending the ripping and shipping of our critical minerals and building the capacity to mine and process them right here at home,” Lecce said. Opening mines faster “We are putting shovels in the ground faster, cutting through red tape and making sure Ontario’s critical minerals are mined, processed and kept in Canadian hands. No longer will it take 15 years to build a mine in Ontario -- we are moving faster to build Ontario’s economy and protect our economic sovereignty.” The new facility will attract new private capital projects to the province, while ensuring long-term employment and skills-development opportunities for local communities and partners. “Marathon is one of the most advanced undeveloped copper-palladium projects in North America, and this support helps us finance the construction of the Marathon Project,” said Jamie Levy, president and CEO of Generation Mining. “I want to thank the Government of Ontario for standing behind the Project. Minister Lecce, Minister Fedeli and their teams, together with Invest Ontario, have been true partners through this process. We look forward to working with the province and with Canada to build the next critical minerals mine in this country.” Ontario is one of the most mineral-rich areas in the entire world, with vast reserves of nickel, graphite, copper, cobalt and lithium found in the Ring of Fire, an area almost 5,000 square kilometres located about 500 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay. These critical minerals serve as key inputs in the manufacturing of electric vehicles, renewable energy solutions and other advanced technologies.
