The estimated cost to construct the Crawford mine is around US$2 billion, but Canada Nickel will need to secure US$2.5 billion to manage interests and other expenses. (Credit: Supplied/Canada Nickel Company Inc.) Ottawa has given the go-ahead for a mine in Ontario that could become the largest nickel sulphide operation in the western world, an essential metal for making stainless steel and electric vehicle batteries. Canada Nickel Company Inc. has received approval from the federal government for its Crawford Nickel Project, situated about 42 kilometres north of Timmins in Ontario. The initiative is anticipated to draw $5 billion in investment and generate 4,000 new jobs, according to a statement released by the federal government on Friday. “Nickel is one of those commodities that China has been able to garner significant influence,” said Mark Selby, chief executive of Canada Nickel. “Two-thirds of the world’s nickel now comes from Indonesia through plants that are largely Chinese controlled.” The Crawford project is one of 18 initiatives referred to the Major Projects Office by the federal government, an agency established during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s administration aimed at expediting essential projects expected to enhance Canada’s economy while reducing reliance on the United States. This metal, utilized in aerospace, defense, and automotive industries, is recognized as one of Canada’s critical minerals. These minerals are projected to be vital as the global economy gradually shifts towards clean energy solutions. For electric vehicles, nickel plays a crucial role mainly in larger cars and luxury models since it serves as a battery cathode that supports longer driving ranges. Although Canada Nickel has secured approval from the federal government, it doesn’t plan to commence construction until late 2027. Once construction begins, it will take approximately two additional years to complete building the mine which is expected to operate for up to 41 years. “This is the main permit in terms of approval, but there’s a number of supplementary permits, both at the provincial and federal level that you require. They are not sort of a big yes or no permits, but we need to get through the work before we break ground,” said Selby. Mark Selby, CEO of Canada Nickel Company Inc., holds a core sample from a drilling program at its Crawford location. The total cost for building this mine would be around US$2 billion; however, Canada Nickel needs to raise US$2.5 billion for interest payments and other costs involved. According to Selby, US$1.5 billion will come from debt financing while another billion will be raised through equity sources. Julie Dabrusin, Canada’s environment minister remarked that any potential impacts resulting from this mine are justified when considering its benefits; this conclusion was based on scientific data and consultations with Indigenous communities according to a statement issued by the federal government.
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