Cliffs

Cliffs Natural Resources is proposing to develop a large chromite deposit in a remote area of northern Ontario that has been dubbed the Ring of Fire. Recognising that chromium is a toxic metal that has never been mined in Canada, MiningWatch has conducted a literature review of environmental and human health issues associated with mining and processing the metal. The complete literature review and three summary fact sheets are available here.

There has been a strong reaction to the Federal Government's decision to initiate a mid-rung environmental assessment process for the most advanced project in Ontario's Ring of Fire. On October 17 the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency announced that Cliffs' chromite project would begin a comprehensive environmental assessment process.

Unfortunately, neither the Ontario government nor the federal government are taking a leadership role in addressing the need for the fullest possible environmental assessment for the "Ring of Fire" projects. First Nations and public interest groups have been advocating for a strong and consultative process but there has been little concrete response to their input.

A new report, commissioned by MiningWatch Canada and written by Joan Kuyek, cuts through the hype and raises important questions about the viability and potential benefits of developing the Ring of Fire’s chromite deposits.