Ontario Construction News staff writer
The federal government has approved construction of the Crawford Nickel Mine in northern Ontario, a project that could create $5 billion in investment and 4,000 new jobs.
“Today’s decision recognizes the strategic importance of responsibly developing Canada’s critical mineral resources in partnership with all levels of government and Indigenous Nations while maintaining rigorous environmental standards,” Canada Nickel CEO Mark Selby said in a statement. “I am very proud of our team, which completed this key federal permit in just four years.”
Ottawa referred the mine to the major projects office in November and the approval includes a requirement that fish be relocated and that Indigenous Peoples be consulted on the plan.
“As part of the protocol, the proponent shall identify opportunities for Indigenous groups to participate in the salvage and relocation of fish, including potential traditional use of salvaged fish,” the decision reads.
The proposal is for an open-pit, nickel-cobalt mine 42 kilometres north of Timmins.
Crawford is expected to become the Western World’s largest nickel sulphide operation and North America’s only primary source of chromium, metals that supply defence, aerospace, stainless steel, electric vehicle batteries, and advanced manufacturing sectors.
