Share your ideas: Amendments to the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations for the Crawford Nickel Project
Current status: Open
This consultation is open from September 29 to November 29, 2026.
Background
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is seeking comments from the public and Indigenous Nations on a proposed authorization under the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations (MDMER) for the disposal of mine waste in fish-frequented water bodies at the Crawford Nickel mine site. This requires an amendment to Schedule 2 of the MDMER to list these water bodies as “Tailings Impoundment Areas” and the development of a Fish Habitat Compensation Plan to offset the loss of fish habitat resulting from the disposal of mine waste.
- Canada Nickel Company (the Proponent) is proposing to construct a new open-pit nickel-cobalt mine and on-site metal mill. The mine will be located 42 kilometers north of Timmins, Ontario
- The regulatory amendments, if approved, would list water bodies frequented by fish as “Tailings Impoundment Areas” for the Crawford Nickel Project.
Focus of this consultation
ECCC is consulting on the Fish Habitat Compensation Plan required under the MDMER.
- Summary of the Fish Habitat Compensation Plan (PDF) (prepared by the Proponent)
- Fishhook Lake Feasibility Review (PDF) (prepared by the Proponent)
- North Driftwood River Diversion Feasibility Review (PDF) (prepared by the Proponent)
- North End Diversion Feasibility Review (PDF) (prepared by the Proponent)
- ND-W-030 Bypass Feasibility Review (PDF) (prepared by the Proponent)
For your information
The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada has conducted an impact assessment on the Crawford Nickel Project to identify its impacts. As part of this assessment, the Proponent prepared an Assessment of Alternatives Report, in accordance with the Guidelines on the assessment of alternatives for mine waste disposal.
- Summary of the Alternatives Assessment (PDF) (prepared by the Proponent)
- Alternative Assessment (PDF) (prepared by the Proponent)
How to participate
Send a letter with your ideas and input to the address and contact information below.
Send an email with your ideas or comments using the contact information below.
Comments must be submitted by November 29, 2026.
Please read our privacy statement for this consultation.
Who is the focus of this consultation
ECCC would like to hear from:
- Indigenous Peoples
- provincial, territorial and local governments
- industry stakeholders and association members
- non-governmental organizations
- general public
Related information
- Tailings Impoundment Areas
- Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations
- Fisheries Act
- Guidelines for the assessment of alternatives for mine waste disposal
- Guide to the regulatory process for listing water bodies frequented by fish in Schedule 2 of the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations
Contact us
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Mining and Processing Division
Environmental Protection Branch
351 boulevard Saint-Joseph
Gatineau QC K1A 0H3
Email: mdmer-remmmd@ec.gc.ca