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

Urgent: Ring of Fire in the Far North

You may have read in the news lately that there has been a flurry of mining activity in the Far North, in an area described as the Ring of Fire. Many people in Ontario aren’t aware that within the Ring of Fire, which lies northeast of Thunder Bay, thousands of mining claims have been staked, shattering a pristine habitat and home to species found in few other places in the world.

Ontario’s northern boreal region represents one of the last intact, original forests remaining on the planet. 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.

We want you to know that we are paying close attention to this issue. Ontario Nature is deeply concerned about the influx of seemingly unregulated activity in northern Ontario. We are committed to keeping you informed on these activities and our response to them.

Here is what we know 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 investing $800 million to develop an open-pit mine and facilities. Rail corridors have been staked; roads and structures will be built.
None of these massive projects is subject to full environmental assessments. 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.
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.

How can the boreal region be safeguarded from unchecked industrial development while mining activities continue to escalate there?

On your behalf and on behalf of the wild spaces and iconic species of Ontario’s Far North, we will work hard to make sure the northern boreal is protected. In the coming weeks, we will meet with ministers, policy advisors, and First Nations communities. We will continue to raise awareness about unchecked mining in the far north.

We will continue to keep you updated on this issue and offer opportunities for you to get involved.

We remain committed to holding our government accountable for safeguarding the boreal as they promised. The fate of this region is now being determined. The boreal must remain rich in biodiversity and meet the needs of the communities that live there through sustainable projects. As promised.

Caroline Schultz

Please support our work and help protect Ontario’s northern wilderness. You can reach us at: info@ontarionature.org
To read more about Ontario Nature and the Ring of Fire, click one of the links below.
To contact us for more information about the Ring of Fire, click here.

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Urgent: Ring of Fire in the Far North

How can the boreal region be safeguarded from unchecked industrial development while mining activities continue to escalate there?

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