Feds approve Crawford Nickel Project in Ontario, promising it'll create 5,000 jobs during build

Feds approve Crawford Nickel Project in Ontario, promising it'll create 5,000 jobs during build

The open pit nickel-cobalt mine is the first mine approved through the Major Projects Office

The federal government has approved the Crawford Nickel Project in northern Ontario, saying the mine will draw in $5 billion in investment and create 5,000 jobs during its construction and another 1,300 when it is fully operating.

Located about 42 kilometres north of Timmins, Ont., the open-pit nickel-cobalt mine will have an extraction capacity of nearly 90 million tonnes of ore per year, contributing $70 billion to Canada's GDP over its expected 41-year lifespan.

The mine, which was referred to the federal government's Major Projects Office in November, is the first mine to be approved under Prime Minister Mark Carney's new impact assessment process.

The project was approved by Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin despite an impact assessment finding the project would negatively impact fish and bird habitats, water quality, Indigenous people and Canada's ability to meet its climate goals.

A news release explained Dabrusin's decision to approve the project came after determining that "the potential effects within federal jurisdiction are justified when taking into account the benefits this project will provide."

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That doesn't mean concerns are being ignored; the Liberal government attached a number of legally binding conditions to the project that must be followed for as long as the mine is in operation.

Those conditions include taking steps to reduce adverse effects of the project on Indigenous communities that live in the area where the mine will be built.

A government statement said those measures include reducing any negative impacts on health, socio-economic conditions, physical and cultural heritage and the current use of land and resources for traditional purposes.

Managing tailings and further permits

Canada Nickel, the project's proponent, will have to construct a tailings management facility and ensure it is managed and tested throughout the life cycle of the mine.

"Canada's impact assessment process is designed to support well-planned projects that benefit communities," Dabrusin said in a statement.

"Through meaningful Indigenous engagement and evidence-based decision-making, it helps create the conditions for job creation, economic opportunity and responsible development."

Mark Selby, CEO of Canada Nickel said the mine's approval is an example of the responsible development of critical minerals because it involves a partnership with all levels of government and Indigenous people and maintains environmental standards.

Now that the project has been approved, Canada Nickel will continue crafting its engineering plan, gathering project financing and applying for further provincial and federal permits required before construction can begin.

Peter Zimonjic is a senior writer for CBC News who reports for digital, radio and television. He has worked as a reporter and columnist in London, England, for the Telegraph, Times and Daily Mail, and in Canada for the Ottawa Citizen, Torstar and Sun Media. He is the author of Into The Darkness: An Account of 7/7, published by Vintage.