Clement urges local engagement on Ring of Fire

Minister for FedNor Tony Clement urged the mining industry on March 4 to reach out and engage local communities on the Ring of Fire development's economic potential.

“Our government’s top priority is jobs, growth and long-term prosperity,” said Clement at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada’s (PDAC) annual convention. “The Ring of Fire is a generational opportunity to improve the economic prospects and quality of life for thousands.

“Much of Canada’s wealth is founded on mining and the Ring of Fire is a chance for the sector to leave a lasting legacy. That’s a story the mining industry needs to share.”

The Ring of Fire, located approximately 500 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, is potentially the largest mining development Northern Ontario has ever seen. The region has significant deposits of nickel and copper and represents North America’s single largest deposit of chromite, the main ingredient in stainless steel.

With mineral content worth an estimated $30-$50 billion, the Ring of Fire has the potential to create 5,000 direct and indirect jobs in Northern Ontario alone.

Clement said he welcomes the opportunity to work with all levels of government, as well as First Nations and industry stakeholders to prepare and implement the collaborative economic development approaches for the region.