Earlier today, Premier Doug Ford, along with other government officials, gathered in Ontario’s nickel belt to commemorate two significant milestones achieved at the Craig Mine in Sudbury. The mine, which ceased operations in 2009, successfully reached ore for the first time and extended its shaft. The “Onaping Depth Project,” in the works for several years, is expected to commence operations in early 2027.
A key aspect of the mine’s revamp by Glencore Canada involves the installation of a new shaft to reach a depth of 2.6 kilometers, modernizing the infrastructure of the mine that dates back to the 1990s. The company highlighted the utilization of cutting-edge technology such as battery-electric underground mining fleets to enhance operational efficiency, accelerate drilling and extraction processes, and reduce environmental impacts like diesel emissions.
Premier Ford emphasized that the project aligns with Canada’s goal of fostering a resilient and self-sufficient economy within the G7 nations. He reiterated the province’s commitment to supporting workers and businesses affected by tariffs while focusing on long-term strategies to unleash Ontario’s full economic potential through expedited project approvals and infrastructure development.
The nearly $2 billion investment in the project, as stated by Glencore’s Vice-President of Integrated Nickel Operations Zachary Mayer, is expected to yield a new source of high-grade nickel ore beyond 2040, contributing to Ontario’s ambition to enhance its position as a reliable global supplier of critical minerals. The initiative is projected to generate employment opportunities, with Premier Ford expressing intentions to green-light more projects like Onaping Depth to bolster job creation in the region.
The mining endeavor in northern Ontario is anticipated to attract skilled workers, addressing the existing labor shortage in the industry. Mayer noted that over 7,000 workers and contractors have been involved in the project’s construction in recent years, with an additional 400 jobs expected upon the mine’s operational commencement in 2027. The project aims to extract approximately 280,000 tonnes of nickel, 145,000 tonnes of copper, and other essential minerals and precious metals over its operational lifespan.
Local officials, including Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas and NDP-MPP Sudbury Jamie West, recognized the mine’s achievements by presenting an honorary plaque, foreseeing positive economic impacts and sustainable employment prospects for the community. Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce, highlighted the mine’s potential to provide job opportunities for individuals in Sudbury, enabling them to work in their hometown.