Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government is fast-tracking Mayfair Gold Corporation’s proposed $450-million Fenn-Gib Gold Project near Matheson under its One Project, One Process (1P1P) framework.
The project is expected to create 250 permanent jobs and 450 construction jobs and contribute an estimated $3 billion to Ontario’s gross domestic product.
It is the fourth mining project designated under the framework since its launch in October 2025. The initiative is intended to streamline provincial approvals and reduce government review times by 50 per cent through a coordinated permitting process.
Located about 17 kilometres east of Matheson in the Timmins gold district, the project involves developing an open-pit gold mine, an on-site processing facility and associated infrastructure.
Mayfair Gold’s preliminary economic assessment estimates the mine will have an initial operating life of 15 years, with processing capacity of approximately 4,800 tonnes per day. The project has an indicated gold resource of approximately 4.3 million ounces.
Project engineering is underway, with permitting and site preparation expected to continue through 2028. Construction and commissioning are planned between 2028 and 2030, with production targeted to begin in 2030.
“For too long, permitting delays stood in the way of getting Ontario’s resources to market,” said Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce. “One Project, One Process is singlehandedly changing that — cutting duplication by half and delivering a one-stop shop for mining permitting including for Mayfair Gold’s Fenn-Gib project that will create 700 jobs and add $3 billion to our GDP.”
Mayfair Gold CEO Drew Anwyll said the designation will provide greater coordination and predictability as the company moves through permitting and development.
“The One Project, One Process designation is an important milestone for the Fenn-Gib Gold Project and reinforces Ontario’s commitment to responsible, investment-ready mining development,” Anwyll said. “This framework provides greater coordination and predictability as we advance Fenn-Gib through permitting and development, helping move the project closer to construction and the significant employment and economic opportunities it can create for the region.”
Under the 1P1P framework, the Ministry of Energy and Mines acts as a single point of contact to coordinate provincial approvals and Indigenous consultation. The government says the approach is intended to reduce duplication and provide mining companies with greater certainty about the approval process.
The framework does not remove the Crown’s duty to consult Indigenous communities. Mayfair Gold has committed to engaging with Indigenous communities on baseline studies, site planning and potential future opportunities.
The other projects designated under the framework are Frontier Lithium’s PAK Lithium Project and Kinross Gold Corporation’s Great Bear Project near Red Lake, and Canada Nickel Company’s Crawford Nickel Project near Timmins.
Ontario has 35 active mining operations, including 19 gold mines. The province produced $14.2 billion worth of minerals in 2025.
