The Ring of Fire

In far northern Ontario, on Treaty 9 territory, a vast deposit of critical minerals has come to be known as the Ring of Fire. It’s named for the Johnny Cash song and the crescent shape of the mineral deposits there, which cover about 5,000 square kilometres.

Mining companies first found the deposits in 2007, sparking a blitz of claims and rapture over its potential. At first, companies were excited about chromite, which is used to make stainless steel. But global markets changed over time, and more recently the focus has been the critical minerals needed for the clean energy transition, including for things like electric vehicle batteries. 

Thrice-elected Ontario Premier Doug Ford has long sought a way into the electric vehicle supply chain — and the Ring of Fire. He famously pledged in 2018 to make mining in the Ring of Fire happen even if he had to hop on a bulldozer himself — though this has not happened to date.

What is the Ring of Fire in Ontario and why does it matter?

The mineral-rich area played into Ford’s second and third platforms for re-election, in 2022 and 2025 respectively. In the latest election he vowed to designate “regions of strategic importance,” allowing the province to streamline permits for their development. A broad environmental and socioeconomic study of development including mining in the area — known as a regional assessment — is already in the works through the federal Impact Assessment Agency, and environmental concerns with development here are top of mind to many. 

The peatlands of northern Ontario sequester a huge amount of carbon, an estimated 35 billion tonnes (that’s equivalent to annual emissions from 39 billion cars). The peatlands also serve as critical habitat for wildlife including caribou, wolverines and many migratory birds. 

Mining development could bring enormous change for the environment and First Nations in this critical area. But there’s a long (and not yet constructed) road to get there.

One of the major holdups to mining in the Ring of Fire is access – there are no permanent roads to the area. Alongside Marten Falls and Webequie First Nation, the Ford government has been trying to build roads into the area, but the process hasn’t gone far, hence the bulldozer comment.

What are First Nations saying about Ring of Fire plans?

The elected chiefs and band councils of various First Nations — more than a dozen are near the Ring of Fire — also have differing opinions on mining and other development in their homelands and what it could mean. 

Attawapiskat, Fort Albany and Neskantaga First Nations issued a moratorium on development in the area in 2021, saying no projects should go ahead until they receive proper environmental scrutiny and First Nations are truly equal partners.

Interest in the region appears to be on the rise again, alongside tensions with the U.S. in a brewing trade war. Much has been made about the critical minerals within Canadian borders, and in Ontario in particular, and the need to start digging them up.

In response to many mentions of the Ring of Fire by Premier Ford and his challengers in the lead-up to the 2025 election, Grand Chief of Mushkegowuk Council Leo Friday sent out a letter reminding all party leaders that First Nations communities were not mentioned once in those discussions. “We recognize the urgency of Canada’s response to U.S. tariffs, including critical minerals and, particularly, the Ring of Fire. However, First Nations must not be excluded from this process,” Friday wrote. “Ontario cannot achieve its goals without working directly with the Mushkegowuk Nations.”

So, what’s going on and what’s at stake in this critical and remote region? The Narwhal’s got you covered: