Proposed northern Ontario nickel mine set to be declared 'nation-building project'

Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to announce Thursday a list of several “nation-building projects” that the federal government is fast-tracking.

And one of them is a proposed nickel mine in northern Ontario.

CBC News has learned that the Crawford open pit, which Canada Nickel Company is planning off Highway 655 between Timmins and Cochrane, is going to be added to the list.

Federal Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson is heading to Timmins for the announcement, but spent Wednesday meeting with mining officials, politicians, and Indigenous leaders in Sudbury.

“Why different projects might make the list is that they are bringing a new technology, a new way of doing things that is a lower carbon method, or there could be some significance to the end product, something to do with national security, “ he told CBC News.

“Or there may be some innovative ownership with Indigenous peoples involved in the ownership."

In March, Canada Nickel, announced it had agreements reached with three First Nations in the area for the development of the mine.

Hodgson said that Canada’s mining industry is having "a moment" right now.

”Because the world has realized it cannot operate its economies, or have the national security it needs, and it cannot achieve the green transition it wants to without these important minerals. And northern Ontario is blessed with them,” he said.

Canada Nickel has said the Crawford deposit is one of the largest nickel finds in the world, has a mine-life of over 40 years and it predicts it could employ as many 1,000 people.

The company has said it hopes to begin production, including the completion of two processing plants, by 2027.

After meeting with other mining companies in Sudbury, Hodgson said those who don't see their project on the federal goernment's list should not despair. He said this is an “evergreen” list and that there will be new projects added over time.  

“We’re doing a number of things to make all new mines more attractive, and part of that is the $2 billion critical minerals fund that was announced in this budget. It will be used to develop many new mines, and not just ones that are on a list," he said.

He said Ottawa’s fast tracking concept means the government will do everything it can to ensure any permitting needed is done as expeditiously as possible, while still making sure it does all the things needed from an environmental perspective, all in full partnership with the affected First Nations.