Ring of Fire Updates Weekly News Roundup

February 21- March 1, 2022: Weekly News Roundup

The Matawa Council, representing nine First Nations, said it’s pushing for the creation of a “Matawa/Canada Northern Development Table.” This Table arose in response to both the exclusion of Matawa from the draft agreement for the Regional Assessment in the Ring of Fire. It also likely arose in response to the unrest expressed by many communities around the mining proposals. Matawa stated that their involvement in the process will be crucial to provide “investor certainty”—a term sometimes used to talk about suppressing or calming unrest.

A court ruled in favour of the Attawapiskat’s request to reject two permits issued to Juno Corp when it was demonstrated that they ignored emails from Attawapiskat, and that the government neglected to adequately engage the community in the permit process. The government refused funding for an archaeological survey, and also dismissed Attawapiskat’s concerns as “general in nature.”

The Ontario government is putting $250,000 toward the development of two battery production lines in Northern Ontario with the intention of doing more business in electric vehicle production.

February 23, 2022 (Toronto Star):

Ontario puts $250K toward proposed EV battery production lines

“TORONTO – The Ontario government is putting $250,000 toward the development of two battery production lines at a proposed new facility in the province’s north.

Electra Battery Materials Corporation says its future facility in Cobalt, Ont., could supply more than 1.5 million electric vehicles and employ up to 250 people.” Read more here . . .

February 24, 2022 (TB News Watch):

Matawa calls for joint ‘northern development table’ in federal budget submission

Matawa tribal council says step will set the stage for economic development in the north, including of the Ring of Fire

“THUNDER BAY – The Matawa tribal council is asking the federal government to work hand-in-hand on economic development issues in Treaty 9 territory in Ontario’s north.

The council, representing nine First Nations, said it’s pushing for the creation of a Matawa/Canada Northern Development Table as it provides feedback on the upcoming federal budget.” Read more here…

February 28, 2022 (Turtle Island News):

Attawapiskat wins the case, Juno keeps the permits

Ontario court rules Ministry fell short in consultation process with James Bay First Nation

“An Ontario Superior Court of Justice said the provincial government fell short of carrying out its duty to consult and accommodate with Attawapiskat First Nation in granting permits to a junior mining exploration company operating in the Ring of Fire.

But a series of misunderstandings and inadequate communication that occurred in 2020 were not serious enough for the court to rule in favour of the First Nation’s request to quash two permits issued to Juno Corp.” Read more here…

February 17, 2022 (Turtle Island News):

Information set for ring of fire roads

“Information sessions regarding two proposed access roads in the Ring of Fire mineral belt are to be live-streamed next week.” Read more here…

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