The provincial government will continue to work with the First Nations and mining companies with interests in the Ring of Fire, but it‘s not going to step in and force a solution to the blockades in the area, a Northwestern Ontario cabinet minister says.

Northern Development, Mines and Forestry Minister Michael Gravelle said Wednesday his ministry, as well as others with roles to play, will continue to take a “positive approach.”

“This is a complicated matter, and one that requires, I think, sensitivity,” Gravelle said. “Our ministry, and certainly myself as minister, are continuing to work with those involved.”

Gravelle (Thunder Bay-Superior North) said he hasn‘t been contacted directly by any mining companies or First Nations since the blockade began Monday. Marten Falls and Webequie First Nations, with support from several others in the region, are shutting down two frozen airstrips, keeping mining companies out of the area, until their demands are met.

The Ring of Fire is the site of a potentially-massive chromite deposit – chromite is used to make stainless steel – and is located about 500 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay.

“That is not to say my ministry officials won‘t have been in touch, because certainly they are in touch on a regular basis with the communities,” Gravelle said. “We‘re also making sure the Ministry of Natural Resources is . . . up to speed.

“I am hopeful we can come to a successful resolution.”

When asked if the government would step in and force an end, given how major the chromite deposit in the area seems to be, Gravelle said that‘s not on the radar.

“We want to continue to work with all the interested parties,” he said. “There are discussions that are ongoing.

“We will do whatever we can to help make that happen.”