Ring of Fire Updates Uncategorized Weekly News Roundup

April 6-12, 2021 : Weekly News Roundup

On April 5, the Attawapiskat, Fort Albany, and Neskantaga Nations declared a moratorium on mining in the Ring of Fire region in the interests of working toward reconciliation and decolonization. Mining in the region has “hit a snag” according to Kitco news (a precious metal retailer with a media department). The moratorium will be in place until an Indigenous-led regional impact assessment is conducted.

Attiwapiskat First Nation also spoke out against a proposed waste site that DeBeers Canada has proposed dumping on their traditional territories.

Meanwhile, in Sault Ste. Marie, city residents are protesting the construction of the ferrochrome production facility that would process the minerals extracted from the Ring of Fire region. The organization “No Ferrochrome Plant Sault Ste. Marie” have produced lawn signs with messages like “Stop the smelter” and “Chromium VI causes cancer.”

April 6, 2021 (The Northern Miner)

Canadian First Nation challenges DeBeers’ mine waste plans

“Canada’s Attawapiskat First Nation it’s challenging the construction of a new mine landfill near the community in the province of Ontario, which is being proposed by diamond miner giant DeBeers.

The Anglo American unit has been seeking provincial approval for a place to dispose mine demolition waste from the Victor diamond mine, which is being decommissioned.” Read more here . . .

April 6, 2021 (The Northern Miner)

Three Ontario First Nations declare moratorium on Ring of Fire development

“The Attawapiskat, Fort Albany, and Neskantaga First Nations in the James Bay lowlands of Ontario, Canada have declared a moratorium on “any development in or to facilitate access to the Ring of Fire mining area,” stating that their territories and rights stand to be seriously and permanently desecrated by massive-scale mining in the minerals-rich region in the province’s north.” Read more here . . .

April 6, 2021 (Kitco News)

First Nation groups ask for Ring of Fire moratorium

“Ontario’s massive effort to unlock minerals in the James Bay lowlands through roads and infrastructure hit a snag.

Monday, the Attawapiskat, Fort Albany, and Neskantaga First Nations in the James Bay lowlands declared a moratorium on any development in or to facilitate access to the Ring of Fire mining area.” Read more here . . .

April 6, 2021 (CTV News)

Three northern Ontario First Nations declare moratorium on Ring of Fire development

“SUDBURY — Three northern Ontario First Nations located in the James Bay lowlands have declared a moratorium on the Ring of Fire development until the governments of Canada and Ontario honour the promise of meaningful Indigenous involvement in the regional impact assessment of the project.” Read more here . . .

April 7, 2021 (CBC)

3 northern Ontario First Nations declare moratorium on Ring of Fire development

Attawapiskat, Fort Albany, Neskantaga calling for thorough regional impact assessment

“Three First Nations in northern Ontario have declared a moratorium on all development in the Ring of Fire, out of concern that a planned regional impact assessment (RIA) won’t be thorough enough.” Read more here . . .

April 7, 2021 (Sault This Week)

Anti-smelter activists find way to campaign around pandemic

“Discussion of the proposed ferrochrome smelter for Sault Ste. Marie has gone quiet since the pandemic began, but those opposing it continue to lobby.” Read more here . . .

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