In an effort to speed up development in the mineral-rich Ring of Fire, the Ontario government has signed a community partnership agreement with Webequie First Nation.

The Ring of Fire, a crescent-shaped mineral deposit in the James Bay lowlands in northwestern Ontario, has long been eyed as a critical source for the province’s electric vehicle (EV) battery industry.

According to Premier Doug Ford, unlocking these critical minerals “will add $22 billion to Canada's economy and create 70,000 new jobs,” he said during a news conference at Queen’s Park on Wednesday.

The province has been working closely with both Webequie and Marten Falls First Nations to encourage development there through key road projects including:

The Webequie Supply Road , an all-season road that would connect the

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