Northern Ontario is one of the few remaining refuges for Arctic Fox. The International Union for Conservation of Nature named the Arctic Fox one of 10 new climate change flagship species.

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Ring of Fire Mining

Over the past two years, there has been a surge in mining claims staked throughout Ontario.  In particular, there has been an escalation in the flurry of mining activity in the Far North in an area known as the Ring of Fire some 240 kilometres west of James Bay and northeast of Thunder Bay, shattering once pristine habitat and home to species found in few other places in the world.

Today, nearly 40 mining and exploration companies are active in the heart of the James Bay Lowlands where the Ring of Fire is located.  Cliffs National Resources Inc., a major U.S. mining company, is developing an open-pit mine and facilities. Rail corridors have been staked; roads and structures will be built. 

The rapid development is occurring faster than scientists and First Nations communities can record information on sensitive areas, such as eskers or on the fish, birds and other wildlife that live there.  The Ring of Fire threatens an environmental disaster that could be likened to a mini-Tar-Sands.

Ontario Nature Campaign Details

At Ontario Nature, we are deeply concerned that none of the massive projects surrounding the Ring of Fire are subject to full environmental assessments.  Without proper oversight, we anticipate negative impacts on the region’s hydrology, wildlife and boreal forest.  Habitat fragmentation, pollution and unchecked waste disposal will severely damage the integrity of the ecosystem.  There are also very real concerns that communities who bear the environmental brunt of development, may not share in the economic benefits.

We are asking for a moratorium on all mining operations, including staking and exploration, in the Ring of Fire until the Far North Act – the legislation that supports protection in the boreal region – and revisions to the Mining Act are passed and the government provides greater oversight of mining activities.  The ecological importance of the region must be acknowledged and respected.  Further, we are requesting:

• Full environmental assessments be conducted
• First Nations communities be allowed to lead the decision making process for land use
• Public consultations be undertaken
• Nuisance claims be withdrawn
• Transportation corridors be set in accordance with sustainable development and reviewed with a cost/benefit analysis
• Mining activities be considered as part of regional and community based land-planning

Campaign Status

Ontario Nature’s campaign is led by our northern office in Thunder Bay and supported by member clubs in the north.  We are currently:

• Compiling information from scientists and experts on the current and potential future impacts of the mining and conservation values of the area
• Requesting meetings with key decision makers and policy advisors
• Requesting a Policy Review which will be submitted in collaboration with Ecojustice
• Getting the word out through education, media attention and outreach to enhance public awareness and scrutiny
• Meetings with First Nations and environmental groups in Thunder Bay in collaboration with Mining Watch

Click here to see Ontario Nature’s open letter to Minister Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry with a map of recent development.

Background information

Click here for a PDF backgrounder on the Ring of Fire.

In 2008, the Ontario government pledged to protect at least half of the boreal region, an enormous carbon storehouse, while land-use planning that emphasized sustainable development would guide the future use of the other half.  Unchecked development in the Ring of Fire is in flagrant contravention of Premier McGuinty’s promise.  It also contravenes sound regional planning practice.

Ontario’s northern boreal region represents one of the last intact, original forests remaining on the planet, serving as an enormous carbon storehouse.  Beyond the northern reaches of the forest lies tundra, which supports one of the earth’s largest, continuous wetlands, and through which half of Canada’s largest dozen rivers drain.

Campaign Contacts

Victoria Foote
Director of Communications
t: (416) 444-8419 ext. 238
email: victoriaf@ontarionature.org

Peter Rosenbluth
Northern Connections Coordinator
t: (807) 474-2290
email: peterr@ontarionature.org

Jen Baker
Boreal Program Manager
t: (416) 444-8419 ext. 224
Toll free: 1-800-440-2366
email: jenniferb@ontarionature.org

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