Exploration and Development

Current Exploration

Several significant new mineral discoveries have been made in the Ring of Fire over the past several years, including chromite, copper, zinc, gold and kimberlite.

Currently, 21 companies hold claims in the area. On April 10, 2018, Ontario implemented the third phase of Ontario’s Mining Act Modernization project that introduced online mining claim registration and launched a 24/7 online Mining Lands Administration System (MLAS). On that date, all active, unpatented claims were converted from their legally defined location by claim posts on the ground or by township survey to a cell-based provincial grid. The provincial grid is latitude- and longitude based and is made up of more than 5.2 million cells ranging in size from 17.7 ha in the north to 24 ha in the south. Each cell will have a unique identifier based on the cell’s position in the grid.

Where We Are in the Process

Currently, activities in the Ring of Fire mineral area are still in their exploration stage, with spending on exploration to date totalling in excess of $278 million.

In 2011, the federal and provincial environmental assessments commenced for both Cliffs Natural Resources’ proposed Black Thor Project and Noront Resources’ proposed Eagle’s Nest Project. Coordination of the assessment processes is key to  ensuring that the environmental assessment processes of both jurisdictions take place concurrently and meet all federal and provincial requirements, including those around Aboriginal consultation. On November 20th, 2013, Cliffs Natural Resources announced the indefinite suspension of its project in Ontario. The Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, through the Ring of Fire Secretariat, has the overall lead for proposed developments in the Ring of Fire and continues to play a coordinating role with respect to environmental assessments and Aboriginal engagement.

KWG Resources continues its geotechnical assessment of a potential rail corridor.