Ontario OKs $90M to upgrade Ring of Fire region

Ring of Fire Project OntarioThe Eagle’s Nest project in Ontario’s Ring of Fire. Credit: Wyloo Metals

Queen’s Park and Aroland First Nation have signed a multi-million-dollar agreement to plan a transmission line in the remote Ring of Fire area in the province’s north.

The deal also includes support for upgrades to Anaconda and Painter Lake Roads, which are important connections on the highway, which is under study, to the Ring of Fire, the government said Tuesday.

The Ring of Fire, known for vast potential but only a few projects, lies about 540 km northeast of Thunder Bay. The hydro line is planned near Aroland First Nation, located at what is known as the “gateway” to the Ring of Fire, 60 km north of Geraldton on Highway 584/643.

“With the risk of U.S. tariffs, it’s never been more important for us to work together to do everything possible to keep our economy competitive,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said in a statement. “At the top of the list is unlocking the economic potential of the Ring of Fire region. These partnerships will transform Northern Ontario with new jobs, growth and opportunities throughout the region.”

$93M

The funding, which totals about $93 million, is an initial step to open the muskeg region to development with a highway project that internal govermment memos a few years ago estimated would cost at least $2 billion. Local groups must still complete environmental studies ahead of any road construction and only the Eagle’s Nest project held by Wyloo Metals is considered advanced.

Wyloo, owned by Australian tycoon and former Fortescue Metals Group (ASX: FMG) CEO Andrew Forrest, could be the first to tap the potential billions of dollars of battery metals touted in the region’s swampy area. But the province’s road plans face some Indigenous opposition and could take a decade to implement judging by other projects.

Ford has been a big proponent of the development. On Tuesday, buoyed by consistently strong opinion polls, he called a snap election for Feb. 27. The Conservative Party leader has said he needs a new mandate from Ontarians in case he needs to spend billions of dollars to soften the blow of U.S. tariffs.

Transmission line

The Ring of Fire agreement includes a $70-million investment to advance route and design planning of the Greenstone electricity transmission line. Ontario is to work with Aroland First Nation, Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek, Ginoogaming First Nation, Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek, Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek and Red Rock Indian Band.

Another $20 million is to be invested in community infrastructure projects that support business development, boost community well-being and preparedness to participate in economic activities related to mineral development, the government said. Up to $2.3 million will be set aside for a plan to support business development and community wellness.

“Infrastructure partnerships with First Nations communities in the region are essential for advancing mining operations, including Greenstone Gold Mine and the Ring of Fire, while building long-term prosperity for First Nations,” Red Cloud Securities analysts said in a note to clients.

Ontario last year announced maintenance and upgrades to Highway 584 and Highway 11 in the region. Anaconda and Painter Lake Roads connect to these infrastructure links via Highway 643 and will one day connect to the proposed Marten Falls Community Access Road, Northern Road Link and Webequie Supply Road.

Smelter

Aroland First Nation has expressed an interest in acting as a proponent for the development of a transload facility and a host community for a smelter, the government said. Ontario will support Aroland in considering these opportunities.

Ontario government officials have stated they will be inviting Aroland First Nation and potentially other interested nearby First Nations to hold discussions over an agreement to share the economic benefits of forestry and mining operations in the region.

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada said recently it would engage with 15 First Nations in the region to determine ongoing issues related to the Ring of Fire mining development. Ontario and the federal government have been at odds over development in the region, with both sides blaming the other for not doing enough to invest in critical infrastructure and engage in Indigenous consultations.

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1 Comment on "Ontario OKs $90M to upgrade Ring of Fire region"

  1. Long overdue and needs to get fast approvals for these things; mining is critical to Ontario. Government needs to push harder to get this done.

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