NEW – ON: Ring of Fire Road agreement announced

On April 14, 2022, the Ontario government and First Nations announced the next important step in the development of the provinces’ Ring of Fire region.

Marten Falls and Webequie First Nations announced they will be submitting a Terms of Reference for the proposed Northern Road Link Environmental Assessment (EA). This proposed road is the final piece of critical road infrastructure needed to ensure reliable, all-season road access to potential mining sites in the Ring of Fire and connect both First Nations communities to Ontario’s highway network.

Ontario’s Ring of Fire region is one of the most promising mineral development opportunities for critical minerals in the province. Located approximately 500 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, it covers about 5,000 square kilometres.

The Northern Link EA is a vital step in making the region more accessible and available for mining and extraction operations, many of which power primary and secondary equipment with propane. 

The Ring of Fire has multi-generational potential for critical minerals production including chromite, nickel, copper and platinum. Exploration activity is underway in this region. As of January 2022, there were about 26,167 active mining claims held by 15 companies and individuals, covering approximately 4,972 square kilometres. 

According to the project timelines from Noront Resources, the leading mine developer in the Ring of Fire, all the road EAs are scheduled to be finished by the end of 2023. Noront is timing the start of construction of its Eagle's Nest nickel mine at the beginning of 2024 to be ready for commercial production by 2026.