'Landmark' agreement signed over Ring of Fire
Ring of Fire Metals is taking the next step toward critical mineral development in northern Ontario with Webequie First Nation.
The mining company and First Nation signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) Tuesday "outlining a framework for collaboration on the proposed development in the Ring of Fire," located in the James Bay lowlands.
Webequie First Nation Chief Cornelius Wabasse (left) and Ring of Fire Metals Acting CEO Stephen Flewelling (right) sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Ring of Fire mineral development in northern Ontario. Dec. 6/22 (Supplied)
"The MOU details how the two parties will work together to progress ongoing exploration activity in the region as well as negotiations on a partnership agreement for the proposed Eagle's Nest mine," Ring of Fire Metals said in a news release.
The landmark agreement is an "important step forward" in the long-standing relationships between the two groups, the company's acting CEO Stephen Flewelling said in the release, and "signifies a formal transition to a new phase of collaboration."
"As leaders and critical decision-makers, we have a social responsibility with our members and that is to find ways to sustain our community through long-term relationship agreements that will bring and foster livelihood," Webequie Chief Cornelius Wabasse is quoted as saying in the release.
"We are exercising our sovereignty and the right to pursue economic sustenance in a manner that respects the land and brings opportunity for our young people."
Flewelling said Indigenous communities should play a central role in the development of resource projects on their traditional territory.
"Canada has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to develop the critical minerals the world needs to decarbonize," he said.
The Eagle's Nest project is one of the largest undeveloped, high-grade nickel-copper-platinum-palladium deposits in the world and has an expected 11-year mine life, with the potential to extend an additional nine years.
In April, Ring of Fire Metals was officially sold by Noront Resources to Australian-based Wyloo Metals.
Also in April, Webequie completed terms of reference with Marten Falls First Nation on the proposed Northern Road Link environmental assessment.
The Northern Road Link would connect two proposed roads, the 200-kilometre Marten Falls to Aroland Community Access Road at the south end and the proposed 110-kilometre Webequie Supply Road to the Ring of Fire at the north end.
Proposed Ring of Fire access roads (Ontario Government)
"This proposed road is the final piece of critical road infrastructure needed to ensure reliable, all-season road access to potential mining sites in the Ring of Fire and connect both First Nations communities to Ontario’s highway network," the province said in a news release.
The two First Nations are leading the planning of the road project dubbed the 'Corridor to Prosperity' in partnership with the province, which has committed nearly $1 billion "to support critical legacy infrastructure such as the planning and construction of an all‑season road network, and investments in high-speed internet, road upgrades and other community supports."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Her fiance has been in prison for 49 years. She's trying to free him before it’s too late
She was lying in bed on a Thursday morning, thinking about the man she loved, hoping to win his freedom before time ran out.