http://ring-of-fire222.blogspot.ca/
We interviewed Dr. Andrew Bajc, a Quaternary Geoscientist from Sudbury, Ontario on issues regarding the Ring of Fire. In his occupation he studies the deposits and landforms left by the glaciers over the last few hundred thousand years in Ontario.
What is your involvement in Northern Ontario’s Ring of Fire?
I work for the Ontario Geological Survey, a branch of the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. Our branch undertakes geoscience projects in the Ring of Fire area to help understand the geology and setting of mineralization in the region. We also do baseline geochemical studies to obtain a picture of the environmental conditions of the region prior to development. This is important should there be impacts on the landscape and drainage systems from the mining operations. We also map the surficial geology of the region to provide information required for infrastructure development. Knowing the location of aggregate resources for road building, clay for tailings ponds as well as determining optimal routes for road construction is critical to the success of this project.
What do you believe is the biggest factor slowing the development of the mining operation?
First Nations issues and infrastructure development. Need all season access to the site to construct infrastructure and transport people and ore out from the deposit area. An all season road is required. Also need full buy in from First Nations. Revenue sharing and employment of first nations peoples needs to be negotiated.
What potential do you see in the area?
The chromite ores of this region are world class and will definitely be mined at some time in the future. There are also other commodities of interest in this area including nickel, copper, platinum group elements, etc. making the region all that more attractive to the minerals industry.
How will this affect northern Ontario in the long run?
The Ring of Fire development will have a huge impact on northern Ontario. Jobs will be created not only at the mine site but in locations that support the mining industry such as Thunder Bay, Sudbury, etc. The revenue gained for the province through the tax base will mean a stable economic condition. The mining camp is predicted to have a life of well over a half a century. This should help keep the northern economy going.
If you were in charge, how would you approach the situation? As in, what types of steps do you think need to be taken to get all parties involved to see eye to eye?
Form a corporation consisting of representatives from all parties involved to develop strategies for moving forward on this project. Tackle the revenue sharing issue as well as the road construction planning. The new all season road should also service the remote first nations communities of the far north to make the project more attractive to them.