First Nations Poised to Emerge as Leaders in Ring of Fire Development – Mining Life
In July, on the day after the Ontario Court handed a victory to Cliffs Natural Resources (NYSE: CLF) against KWG Resources (TSXV: KWG) regarding a potential road into the Ring of Fire, Cliffs’ legal representative flew to Marten Falls, an aboriginal community in the Ring of Fire region to explain the implications of the decision to the chiefs at their annual general meeting. After his presentation, Cliffs’ representative fielded his first question from one of the chiefs: “How can two mining companies fight in a Toronto court over land that is simply not theirs?” With that simple question, the chief underscored the challenges as to who can lead the development of a transportation corridor into the isolated but mineral-rich region.
Also last month, another potential challenge arose with the Supreme Court of Canada’s Tsilhqot’in Nation decision. It’s the first time that aboriginal title has been granted in Canada, and it could have implications for resource development in Ontario. So, what’s changed with respect to the Ring of Fire since Canada’s highest court handed down a major victory for aboriginal communities in the form of the Tsilhqot’in ruling?
Having spent the last month in the boardrooms of aboriginal organizations, project proponents and various Ontario ministries, it is fair to say that everything and nothing has changed. Ministries are currently at a standstill, reviewing aboriginal polices in light of the Tsilhqot’in decision. Proponents have now obtained their legal opinions on Tsilhqot’in implications and were likely told not to worry — the Ring of Fire is covered by Treaty 9.
