Reports say Crawford nickel project to be added to Canada’s special projects list

Ontario’s Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce urges federal support for the Crawford nickel mine north of Timmins, Ont.

The Crawford nickel project, based near Timmins, Ont., is expected to be added to Canada’s special projects list that will be released on Thursday.

The federal government set up a major projects office in Calgary with the goal of identifying nation-building projects to fast-track, part of Canada’s response to the trade war launched by the United States.

According to multiple reports, Canada Nickel’s Crawford project is one of at least four projects likely to be announced Thursday by the Major Projects Office.

The Crawford deposit, located on Highway 655 near the Highway 11 intersection, is one of the largest nickel deposits in the world.

It would have a mine ore production capacity of 240,000 tonnes per day and a mill ore input capacity of 120,000 tonnes per day. The project would operate for about 41 years.

A feasibility study in 2023 concluded that Crawford is the second-largest nickel deposit in the world, is a low-cost, large-scale and long-life project that will generate $2.5 billion in net value for the company.

Once in production, it will provide nickel for the electric vehicle and stainless-steel markets.

It’s also expected to produce significant amounts of other critical minerals, including cobalt, palladium, platinum, iron and chromite.

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

The agreements include business and employment opportunities, as well as the construction of a 25.2-kilometre railway line, the relocation of Highway 655 and the construction of a temporary overpass on Highway 655.

A spokesperson for Canada Nickel said it has not yet received any confirmation that Crawford will be added to the special projects list.

“We will provide an update to both the market and the public if communication regarding the project’s designation is received,” Rebecca Bozzato said in an email.

“That said, inclusion on the list would represent an important recognition of the national significance of the Crawford nickel project … It would help ensure that projects like Crawford, which is Indigenous-partnered and designed to deliver net-zero nickel, can move forward with certainty and greater coordination across governments," she said.

“This kind of designation would support Canada’s global competitiveness in critical mineral production and help accelerate the development of the key infrastructure and supply chains needed to meet the growing demand for national defence, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and electric vehicles,” Bozzato added.

According to sources, in addition to Crawford, other projects to be added include the Ksi Lisims liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in British Columbia, the Sisson Mine in New Brunswick and a hydroelectric development in Iqaluit.

The list is also subject to change, the sources say.

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