Canada’s federal government has approved the Crawford Nickel Project in northeastern Ontario, a major mining development expected to add up to $70 billion to the country’s economy.
Owned by Canada Nickel, the project was one of several major developments fast-tracked by Ottawa last year as part of its response to the trade dispute with the United States.
Located about 42 kilometres north of Timmins, Crawford is expected to become one of the world’s largest nickel sulphide mines. The company says the project will produce low-carbon nickel for industries including electric vehicles, aerospace, defence and stainless steel, while using technology designed to permanently store carbon dioxide.
The federal government said the project will create thousands of high-paying jobs, strengthen Canada’s economy and support the country’s growing critical minerals sector. It also said the mine must still meet environmental conditions and obtain all required permits.
Canada Nickel said the mine is expected to attract about $5 billion in investment, create around 4,000 jobs and operate for about 41 years. The company has also signed agreements with local First Nations, including a $20 million investment from Taykwa Tagamou Nation.
CEO Mark Selby welcomed the approval, calling it an important step for developing Canada’s critical minerals while working with Indigenous communities and maintaining environmental standards.
Conservative natural resources critic Carol Anstey criticized the timeline, saying it took seven years for the project to receive federal approval and that construction has yet to begin.
