The province has renewed a mining lease held by Flag Resources within the Wolf Lake Old Growth Forest Reserve, despite public protest.
A joint statement by Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci and Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle was released May 31.
“Under Ontario’s Living Legacy land use strategy, Wolf Lake’s Forest Reserve designation allows the mining claims and leases held by Flag Resources in the Wolf Lake area north of Greater Sudbury to continue,” the statement notes. “The company has met the renewal criteria established under the Mining Act and is entitled to have its lease renewed.
“Ontario’s Living Legacy has always indicated that areas being protected would allow for pre-existing mining claims and leases to continue,” the statement continues. “Our actions are consistent with long-standing practices. If Flag Resources’ claims or leases lapse, the affected area can then be added to the Forest Reserve area.”
Flag Resources has been conducting exploration activities in the area since the 1980s, with the belief that the area holds promise in gold, copper, cobalt and palladium mine development. Thursday’s decision means that the company’s lease will continue for an additional 21 years.
Local citizens had protested the lease renewal, expressing hope that if the 21-year lease was allowed to lapse, the area could be added to the Chiniguchi Waterway Park.