Canada Nickel has initiated the process of filing its federal environmental impact statement for the proposed Crawford open-pit nickel mine located north of Timmins. According to a news release dated October 2, this regulatory requirement will take approximately six weeks to complete, marking the second phase of the federal permitting process. The Canadian government now has 365 days to respond regarding the project’s feasibility—whether it can proceed as planned, requires revisions, or cannot continue at all.
The company is optimistic about obtaining both federal and provincial permits by mid-2025, paving the way for a construction decision shortly thereafter. Canada Nickel is aiming for a groundbreaking in 2026, with first production expected by the end of that year.
The impact statement will include environmental baseline data and an analysis of the social, economic and environmental effects of the proposed mining operation. Crawford is projected to be a large-volume, low-grade nickel mine with an estimated lifespan of 41 years and is expected to hold the second-largest nickel reserves in the world, following Norilsk, Russia, along with the third-largest nickel sulphide operation.
Mark Selby, CEO of Canada Nickel, emphasized that the submission of the federal impact statement is a significant milestone for the company, bringing them closer to securing the necessary permits targeted for 2025.
The Crawford project is being promoted as a net-zero emitting operation committed to responsible mining practices and includes measures to mitigate any potential negative impacts. Extensive consultations with Indigenous communities and other stakeholders have been conducted, which Canada Nickel claims were essential in shaping the submission.
“We’re grateful for the strong partnerships we’ve built with Indigenous Nations and community stakeholders, whose contributions have been essential in shaping the submission,” Selby stated. “Their input and advice helped ensure the project aligns with our shared values of sustainability and regional economic growth.”
On the financing front, Canada Nickel aims to assemble a $2.5 billion funding package for the Crawford project by early 2025. The company has made progress with recent developments, including a US$500 million ($670 million) letter of intent from Export Development Canada, which will act as the lead arranger for further investments. Additionally, Canada Nickel has announced a $500 million letter of support from an undisclosed leading financial institution.
The company is also seeking government backing, particularly millions in federal tax credits for critical minerals projects and carbon capture storage initiatives, as Crawford is designed to become one of Canada’s largest carbon storage facilities.
