Ontario streamlines permitting for proposed Fenn-Gib gold mine east of Matheson

Ontario has designated Mayfair Gold’s proposed Fenn-Gib open-pit gold mine, about 17 kilometres east of Matheson, for streamlined permitting under its “One Project, One Process” framework. The province announced the designation Nov. 2, 2026, with production targeted to begin in 2030.

The proposed development represents a $450 million capital investment, according to the Ministry of Energy and Mines. The province estimates it would create 250 long-term jobs and 450 construction jobs. Plans include an on-site gold processing facility and associated mine infrastructure, with an initial operating life of 15 years.

Project engineering is underway. Permitting and site preparation are expected to continue through 2028, followed by construction and commissioning between 2028 and 2030.

Under the framework, the Ministry of Energy and Mines serves as a single point of contact to coordinate provincial approvals and Indigenous consultation. The province says the framework aims to reduce government review time by 50 per cent.

Ontario says the Crown’s duty to consult Indigenous communities remains in place under the framework. Ontario says Mayfair Gold is committed to engaging Indigenous communities on baseline studies and site planning as the project advances.

Mayfair Gold’s preliminary economic assessment estimates a gold processing capacity of about 4,800 tonnes per day and an indicated gold resource of approximately 4.3 million ounces.

Fenn-Gib is the fourth project designated under One Project, One Process. Other designated projects include Canada Nickel Company’s proposed Crawford Nickel Project near Timmins.