Ring of Fire development

It may be more than one thousand kilometres north of us, but our tax dollars will help build the infrastructure needed to support mining development in the so called “ring of fire.” In fact it’s estimated the province will need to spend $2.25 billion to develop the mineral rich area, which experts say contains enough “chromite” to meet North America’s needs for two centuries. Chromite is used in the production of stainless steel and coatings that protect auto parts, appliances and other products.

The “ring of fire” is located about one thousand kilometres northwest of Toronto and about 500 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, well above the province’s far north boundary. And there’s no main road going to the location. In fact, the nearest highway or rail line is about 300 kilometres away. It takes about two hours to reach the location by plane from Thunder Bay.

So a good portion of the money will be used to build all season roads, approximately $1.25 billion. And $1 billion is needed for “industrial infrastructure.” Premier Wynne is also creating a new development corporation for the area. It will bring private and public partners together including First Nations, mining companies and both levels of government.

“I’m optimistic. I believe that if government can be a facilitator catalyst that we will see the private sector step up to the plate. It’s why the ring of fire announcement was important Friday creating a development corporation. A devco that will bring together First Nations, aboriginal people, private sector, public sector and government I think that it is very important in order to make it clear that we are determined to move ahead.”

Wynne says the $2.25 billion for the “ring of fire” is a good investment because experts say the area is worth an estimated $60 billion. And the premier is calling on the federal government to help pick up the tab. Wynne says Ottawa has funded infrastructure projects in other provinces, including Alberta’s oil sector. She says Ontario is ready to make a “substantial contribution” but expects the Harper government to match those funds.