During the critical minerals announcement a PDAC I posed this question and got this answer sent to me yesterday.  Not something we don't already know but thought I would share:

Please see the Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines’ response to the question you posed during Ontario’s Critical Minerals announcement on March 10, 2021.

Question Posed:

Is it possible that the timeline for the EA in ROF area will be moved forward given the great demand for nickel and other minerals located there. I feel some great opportunities are passing us by.

Response:

All provincial environmental assessments related to developments in the Ring of Fire are at various stages of progress. The Marten Falls and Webequie First Nations’ proposed road projects, triggered a federal impact assessment. Where possible the federal impact assessment and provincial EA process are being coordinated. Both the federal and provincial assessment processes have timelines which must be strictly followed.

Individuals interested in Ontario’s Critical Mineral strategy can learn more by visiting Ontario.ca/CriticalMinerals. The ministry is planning further engagement on the framework and encourages interested stakeholders to reach out to criticalminerals@ontario.ca and let us know your thoughts directly. You are also welcome to submit comments on the environment registry here. The ERO posting closes on May 9, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.