Ontario fast-tracks nickel mine project in Timmins area

Canada Nickel's Crawford project is fast-tracked by Ontario, aiming to be a world-leading nickel mine with broad government and First Nations support.

Canada Nickel’s Crawford Project near Timmins is another step closer to becoming one of the world’s largest nickel mines. The Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines visited Timmins to add the venture to the province’s ‘One Project, One Process’ Framework, which will reduce permitting timelines.

Stephen Lecce said he wants to speed up the opening up of this mine to unlock 4,000 jobs and to add $70 billion to Canada’s economy as soon as possible.

“This is a company that has demonstrated a strong commitment to collaboration, both with First Nations and with community and so they have our endorsement,” said Lecce.

It’s the only mining company in the country so far to receive endorsement from both the provincial and federal governments for having a shovel-ready project.

“The transformation that we’ve seen with the regulatory authorities in terms of how they want to work collaboratively still is rigorous, but it’s collaborative to get permits done,” said Canada Nickel CEO Mark Selby.

Mattagami First Nation representatives said announcements like this one matter because they reflect how Indigenous partnerships are critical to advancing mining projects.

“It’s one that’s built on respect,” said Chief Jennifer Constant.

“Understanding and also knowing that there is a responsibility as we move forward with this project - long gone are the days where First Nation input in terms of sustainability and environmental issues are not factored in.”

Nickel is a critical mineral for the green energy industry, and Timmins MPP and provincial Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth George Pirie said that with 4 billion tons of it in the Timmins region – the city is the centre of the new economy.

“We’ve just recently seen what Trump did in Venezuela, embarking in the oil because he doesn’t have any. Well, he doesn’t have any nickel either, but he’s not going to be able to take our nickel underground. Not a bloody chance,” said Pirie.

“We got it right here and we’re going to process it here.”

Canada Nickel wants to begin construction on the Crawford Nickel Mine by the end of 2026 and open it in the fourth quarter of 2028.

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