Ring of Fire a hotbed of activity and controversy

Ongoing mineral exploration activity in an area known as the Ring of Fire in northern Ontario came under public scrutiny after Webequie and Marten Falls First Nations staged a protest Jan. 18.
The Ring of Fire is considered one of the largest potential mineral reserves in Ontario, by some estimates covering more than 1.5 million hectares in the James Bay Lowlands. It’s at the centre of a hotbed of activity in recent years because of the potential for huge deposits of chromite, a mineral used to create stainless steel.
The Ontario government is encouraging development in the area because of the potential for jobs and enhanced economic development. Michael Gravelle, minister of northern development, mines and forestry, said a mine could potentially open in five years.
“It would take everything to move forward perfectly (to meet the five-year timeframe),” Gravelle said in August.
More than 35 mining and exploration companies are active in the area. With all the activity, First Nations in the area started to express apprehension over environmental concerns. It prompted the blockade at Koper Lake near Marten Falls, the site of an airstrip being used by companies exploring the area.
“The purpose of this action is to draw attention to our concerns of what is happening here in our territory,” said Marten Falls Chief Eli Moonias during the protest.
Moonias also said he wanted to ensure his community benefited from the potential explosion of activity that could happen.
He and other Nishnawbe Aski Nation leaders have said they wanted to make sure any development or activity that occurs in the area must be with the consent of First Nations.
When it was announced early in the year that a railroad feasibility study into the area would be taking place, NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy said First Nations should provide consent before any work is done in the region.
“It’s exciting,” Beardy said, “but we have to take measures to make sure that we benefit but also protect the environment as much as possible. The most important thing is that this time around First Nation people must benefit.”
After the blockade ended in March, companies once again started drilling in the area.
Discussions between Marten Falls, Webequie and the province continued over the summer and in September, an agreement was signed to resolve issues around the Ring of Fire.
In October, Ontario also announced the hiring of Christine Kaszycki as coordinator for the Ring of Fire region.
It was a decision that disappointed Beardy. He said the province failed to consult NAN First Nations despite continuous talk of a new relationship with First Nations.
With files from Rick Garrick and James Thom