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Canada approves Canada Nickel’s Crawford polymetallic mine in Ontario
The federal go-ahead clears a key regulatory step under Canada’s Impact Assessment Act, with construction targeted for a next-year decision after remaining permits and engineering progress.
Canada Nickel has received federal approval to proceed with its proposed Crawford polymetallic mine in Ontario, clearing a major permitting milestone as the country seeks to accelerate critical minerals development, Mining.com reported. Environment, Climate Change and Nature Minister Julie Dabrusin issued the positive decision, which the company said completes the federal portion of the approval process. With that step done, crews will continue detailed engineering, secure project financing, and obtain the remaining provincial and federal permits ahead of a planned construction decision next year. Mining.com notes the approval is the first time a mining project has been greenlit under Canada’s Impact Assessment Act since amendments in 2019. Ottawa routed the project to its Major Projects Office in late 2025 to speed permitting, while Ontario earlier designated Crawford under its “One Project, One Process” fast-track framework. Crawford, located about 40 km north of Timmins, is believed to have the world’s second-largest nickel reserves and resources. Canada Nickel estimates the project would cost $3.5 billion over two stages, produce 1.6 million tonnes of nickel over at least 41 years, and reports a post-tax net present value of $2.8 billion and an after-tax internal rate of return of 17.6%. The approval also leaves the company to assemble a multibillion-dollar financing package, with $2.5 billion already lined up, including $500 million in debt from Export Development Canada and an option agreement under which Samsung SDI could acquire a 10% interest for $100 million.