Cda Nickel's Crawford referred to Major Projects Office

Executive Summary

• Canada Nickel Company announced that its flagship Crawford nickel project has been officially referred to the Major Projects Office by the Government of Canada, a significant step in the regulatory and permitting process.
• The announcement was made by Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, highlighting the project's strategic importance for Canada's critical minerals supply and clean economy.
• The company aims to unlock financing and permitting to break ground and begin construction by the end of 2026, leveraging aligned federal and provincial support.

Key Details

• Regulatory Status: The Crawford project has been referred to the Major Projects Office by the Government of Canada.
• Announcement Details: The referral was announced by Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, on November 13, 2025, at the company's Timmins regional headquarters.
• Project Location: Located just north of Timmins, Ontario.
• Infrastructure: The project benefits from direct access to power, road, and rail infrastructure.
• Partnerships: Co-developed with long-standing First Nation partners in the region.
• Technology: Features proprietary IPT (in-process tailings) carbonation process for carbon capture; expected to become one of Canada's largest carbon storage facilities upon operation.
• Commodities: Produces nickel, cobalt, and North America's only domestic source of chromium.
• Economic Impact (Independent Assessment):
  • Estimated $70-billion in GDP for Canada over the life of the mine.
  • Supports roughly 185,000 person-years of employment.
  • Includes approximately 1,000 full-time jobs and 3,000 indirect and induced roles.
• Data Sources: Economic impact study based on information from the feasibility study published in November 2023; referenced news release dated October 15, 2025.
• Construction Timeline: Management targets breaking ground and beginning construction by the end of next year (2026).

Notable Quotes

• Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources: "Canada's future depends on delivery today. By investing in critical minerals and nation-building infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for an economy that is stronger, more resilient and built to lead in a low-carbon world... Projects like Crawford show how Canada can power the clean economy at home and for our allies, create thousands of high-paying careers, and do it in a way that respects the environment and indigenous rights."
• Mark Selby, CEO, Canada Nickel: "We are encouraged and deeply appreciative of this recognition of the strategic importance of the Crawford project... We look forward to working with the government and the Major Projects Office to unlock the financing and permitting necessary to break ground and begin construction on the project by the end of next year."