Act
Addressing Changes to the Eagle's Nest Mine Project
Regulation Number(s):
N/A
Instrument Type:
Act
Bill or Act:
Environmental Assessment Act
Summary of Proposal:
Proposed legislation
As a result of significant changes to the scope of the Eagle's Nest mine project (the "Project"), the province is proposing to amend the Environmental Assessment Act to remove the current requirement that the Project undergo a comprehensive environmental assessment through the proposed Protecting Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025.
The Project is a proposed new underground metals mine in the area of Northern Ontario known as the Ring of Fire. The Eagle's Nest mine project became subject to a comprehensive environmental assessment through an agreement signed by Noront Resources Inc. under the Environmental Assessment Act in 2011, sometimes called a "voluntary agreement". The terms of reference for an environmental assessment was approved by the Minister of the Environment in 2015 with amendments.
The project scope has changed significantly since 2015 and the approved terms of reference is no longer aligned with the project as it is currently proposed.
If passed, the proposed legislation in relation to the Eagle's Nest mine project would:
• terminate the outdated voluntary agreement;
• revoke the terms of reference approval; and
• make other related amendments to the Environmental Assessment Act.
The proposed mine would continue to be subject to environmental oversight through environmental permissions, including any related public consultation requirements and obligations to consult with potentially affected Indigenous communities.
Proposed project
Wyloo is seeking to develop the Eagle's Nest Mine, a proposed new underground multi-mineral mine located in the Ring of Fire area near McFaulds Lake in northern Ontario, 530 km northeast of Thunder Bay.
The project involves the construction, operation, and closure of the mine and associated infrastructure.
Timelines
If the legislation is passed, it would come into effect on Royal Assent.
As a result of significant changes to the scope of the Eagle's Nest mine project (the "Project"), the province is proposing to amend the Environmental Assessment Act to remove the current requirement that the Project undergo a comprehensive environmental assessment through the proposed Protecting Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025.
The Project is a proposed new underground metals mine in the area of Northern Ontario known as the Ring of Fire. The Eagle's Nest mine project became subject to a comprehensive environmental assessment through an agreement signed by Noront Resources Inc. under the Environmental Assessment Act in 2011, sometimes called a "voluntary agreement". The terms of reference for an environmental assessment was approved by the Minister of the Environment in 2015 with amendments.
The project scope has changed significantly since 2015 and the approved terms of reference is no longer aligned with the project as it is currently proposed.
If passed, the proposed legislation in relation to the Eagle's Nest mine project would:
• terminate the outdated voluntary agreement;
• revoke the terms of reference approval; and
• make other related amendments to the Environmental Assessment Act.
The proposed mine would continue to be subject to environmental oversight through environmental permissions, including any related public consultation requirements and obligations to consult with potentially affected Indigenous communities.
Proposed project
Wyloo is seeking to develop the Eagle's Nest Mine, a proposed new underground multi-mineral mine located in the Ring of Fire area near McFaulds Lake in northern Ontario, 530 km northeast of Thunder Bay.
The project involves the construction, operation, and closure of the mine and associated infrastructure.
Timelines
If the legislation is passed, it would come into effect on Royal Assent.
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
There are no direct compliance costs or new administrative burdens associated with the legislative amendment.
Removing the requirement to complete a comprehensive environmental assessment for the mine project would result in time and cost savings for industry.
Removing the requirement to complete a comprehensive environmental assessment for the mine project would result in time and cost savings for industry.
Further Information:
Link to Environmental Registry
Proposal Number:
25-MECP004
Posting Date:
April 17, 2025
Comments Due Date:
May 17, 2025