A nickel mining district in southeastern Canada is poised to become a major player in the global nickel market, potentially rivaling Indonesia as the world’s largest producer of the battery metal. Canada Nickel Co.’s CEO, Mark Selby, shared this ambitious vision at a recent mining conference in Washington.
The company’s Crawford project near Timmins, Ontario, is being actively explored along with seven other resource targets in the area. Selby revealed plans for a drilling program that will continue into the third quarter of 2024, with the goal of publishing seven different resources within a year.
Canada Nickel’s Crawford property already boasts 3.8 million metric tons of proven and probable nickel reserves, making it the second-largest nickel mine in the world, behind one in Russia and ahead of three in Indonesia. However, production at the Crawford mine is not expected until late 2027, as the company still needs to secure permits from federal and provincial governments.
Despite the challenges ahead, if Canada Nickel successfully brings the Crawford mine into production, it would significantly contribute to establishing a North American battery supply chain that is less dependent on China. Nickel is a crucial component in batteries for electric vehicles, and Canada’s current production levels lag far behind Indonesia’s massive output.
The Timmins area has seen a surge in nickel exploration, with several companies hunting for the valuable metal. This shift from gold mining to nickel mining reflects the industry’s evolving focus on supporting the growing demand for electric vehicles and sustainable energy sources. With investments from major players like Agnico Eagle Mines, Samsung SDI, and Anglo American, Canada Nickel is well-positioned to make a substantial impact in the global nickel market.
