Ontario Fast-Tracks Western World’s Largest Nickel Project Under ‘One Project, One Process’
Press Release
January 13, 2026
Canada Nickel Company’s Crawford Nickel Project will create more than 4,000 jobs and supercharge made-in-Ontario supply chain
TIMMINS – Today, the Ontario government announced it is accelerating Canada Nickel Company’s Crawford Nickel Project (Crawford), the second to move forward under the new ‘One Project, One Process’ (1P1P) framework that was launched in October. As part of its plan to protect Ontario workers, and communities, the government is unlocking the full potential of the province’s metals and mining sector through the new framework, with this project marking another key step in building a fully integrated and self-reliant critical minerals supply chain. This designation will help unlock the world’s second largest nickel reserves in the resource-rich Timmins Nickel District, in addition to developing a nickel processing plant for stainless steel and electric vehicle markets; and planning to construct a stainless steel and alloy production facility. This project is expected to attract a total of $5 billion in investment.
“As President Trump takes aim at our economy, Ontario is moving at lightning speed to open this 100 per cent Canadian owned mine to create 4,000 jobs for Canadian workers,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “In 2026, our government is going full tilt to unlock one of the world’s largest nickel deposits that will supercharge our economy and help end China’s critical mineral dominance. ‘Made-in-Canada’ from start to finish, as we build a domestic supply chain that includes the Western world’s largest nickel mine, a new nickel processing plant and downstream alloy production facility.”
Located 42 kilometres north of Timmins, Crawford is one of the world’s largest nickel resources with a mineral reserve estimate of 1,715 million tonnes that will deliver high-quality nickel essential for Ontario’s electric vehicle batteries and green steel supply chains. The project will create up to 2,000 jobs during construction, and once complete, it will be one of the largest mine and mill facilities in North America with an expected mine life of 41 years that will support up to 1,300 direct jobs and 3,000 indirect jobs. It is also projected to add over $70 billion to Canada’s GDP and $67 billion to Ontario’s GDP alone, while providing a combined 185,000 person-years of employment. In addition to nickel, this project will be critical to securing a domestic supply of critical minerals, including cobalt and North America’s only domestic source of chromium.
If constructed as fully proposed, this project will include:
- A single large open pit mine with two access zones
- Two ore processing plants
- Mining and processing infrastructure
- Realignment of approximately 25 kilometres of Highway 655
- Relocation of an existing 500-kilovolt transmission line
- Two new electricity substations with an estimated demand and operating load of 230 kilovolts and 34.5 kilovolts
“Ontario’s ‘One Project, One Process’ framework reflects a clear commitment to getting important projects done the right way – that means clear accountability, strong coordination across government, and a high standard of environmental and Indigenous engagement,” said Mark Selby, CEO of Canada Nickel Company. “As the only mining project in Canada to date to secure this type of endorsement from both federal and provincial governments, the province recognizes the scale, strategic importance and advanced stage of the Crawford Nickel Project and the strong collaboration with the province. Crawford is a key part of Ontario’s emerging Critical Minerals Corridor in Northeastern Ontario, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the Province to unlock the financing and permitting necessary to break ground and begin construction on the project by the end of this year – responsibly advancing a project that supports critical minerals development, job creation, and long-term economic growth across the region and the province.”
Ontario’s outdated, fragmented permitting system previously caused delays of up to 15 years to open a mine – holding back investment, job creation and access to critical and strategic minerals. The 1P1P framework is a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to streamline permitting approvals, end bureaucratic delays and attract global investment. Through 1P1P, the Ministry of Energy and Mines will act as a single point of contact to coordinate all necessary provincial approvals and Indigenous consultation to reduce government review time by 50 per cent. This will provide operators and investors the certainty and predictability needed to get new mines open faster and secure Ontario’s position as a global leader in responsible, fast-tracked mining development.
“Fast-tracking the Crawford Nickel Project through the ‘One Project, One Process’ framework sends a strong message that Northern Ontario is open for business,” said George Pirie, MPP for Timmins. “With decades of production ahead, this project will support local businesses and suppliers, create economic certainty and strengthen Timmins’ role as a global hub for critical minerals.”
The Crown’s duty to consult obligation remains fully upheld under 1P1P. While the previous process for consultation was often confusing and sporadic for both mining proponents and Indigenous communities due to lack of regulatory cohesion, this new model provides a more coordinated, transparent and timely approach to project reviews with Indigenous communities and encourages participation in the mining sector, including employment, training, community benefits and equity partnerships.
The Crawford Project will produce high-quality, low-carbon nickel essential for batteries and green steel, with projected emissions 90 per cent below the global average.
Quick Facts
- Canada Nickel Company’s Crawford Nickel Project near Timmins is the second project to be designated under the province’s 1P1P framework, following Frontier Lithium’s PAK Project.
- This announcement directly supports Ontario’s Critical Minerals Strategy by getting critical minerals to market faster and developing a secure, made-in-Ontario supply chain.
- On November 13, 2025, the federal government referred the Crawford Project to the Major Project Office (MPO) for further review.
- Ontario’s mining sector supports 28,000 direct jobs and 46,000 indirect jobs through associated mineral processing and supply services. There are currently 36 active mining operations in Ontario, with the majority located in Northern Ontario, of which nine are base metal (nickel, copper, zinc) mines.
Quotes
“The Crawford Nickel Project is a significant critical minerals initiative for Timmins and Northern Ontario. The project will diversify Timmins’ mining sector, create skilled employment opportunities, and enable the City to better prepare for long-term growth through strategic infrastructure investment. Congratulations to Canada Nickel on their continued success in advancing their flagship project.”
– Michelle Boileau
Mayor of Timmins
“The Crawford Nickel announcement represents a significant economic opportunity and reinforces Timmins’ role as a hub for critical minerals, which are increasingly important to Canada’s economic future. This is the kind of nation-building project that defines our future, and the Timmins business community is proud to be at the heart of it.”
– Mélanie Dufresne
2025-2026 President, Timmins Chamber of Commerce
“The work being done to expedite the development and construction of mining operations in Ontario is welcome news for Colleges like Northern, where new job opportunities and economic stability are a sincere draw for existing and would-be professionals, seeking to acquire and develop the skills they need to enter the mining industry. Canada Nickel, its operations and employment capabilities will transform this community and region, providing economic stability for years to come and we are encouraged by the commitment from this government to support the success of mining operations like this and in turn, northern Ontario’s mining and mining supply industry.”
– Mitch Dumas
President & CEO of Northern College
Additional Resources
Media Contacts
Chelsea McGee
Minister Lecce’s Office
Chelsea.McGee@ontario.ca
Robert Quartarone
Communications Branch
Robert.Quartarone@ontario.ca
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