FP/CP say Noront hears study warn on Ring of Fire

2014-06-19 08:15 ET - In the News

The Financial Post reports in its Thursday edition that exploitation of Ontario's Far North offers the potential for huge economic benefits, but could also result in conflict and environmental degradation unless comprehensive, regionally based planning is used before development starts, a new scientific paper indicates. A Canadian Press dispatch to the Post reports that the paper, to be released today, warns piecemeal assessment tools are inadequate for the vast, unspoiled but mineral-rich region known as the Ring of Fire. The issue has taken on new significance with the province's newly re-elected Liberal government promising quick action on development in the region. "Ontario will have only one chance to get it right in the Far North," the paper states. "We simply will not be able to circle back and undo poorly considered decisions about development, infrastructure or ecological and social tradeoffs once plans are approved and shovels are in the ground." The paper by the Wildlife Conservation Society Canada and Ecojustice Canada advocates a holistic approach to development planning. Noront Resources aims to develop its Eagle's Nest and Blackbird mining projects, which are in the Ring of Fire region.