Title page 1

Contents 3

1.0. Introduction 5

2.0. Methodology 5

3.0. Context 6

3.1. Geological and Mining Context 6

3.2. Socio-Economic Profile 8

3.3. Governance and Regulatory Framework 9

4.0. Socio-Environmental Impacts of Nickel Mining in Ontario 13

4.1. Energy 13

4.2. Greenhouse Gas Emissions 13

4.3. Water Quality 15

4.4. Land Transformation 15

4.5. Mine Waste 16

4.6. Land Use and Indigenous Peoples' Rights 17

5.0. Strengths and Gaps 19

5.1. Strengths 19

5.2. Gaps 20

6.0. Conclusions 21

References 22

Appendix A 28

Tables 4

TABLE 1. Geographical distribution of Canadian nickel production by province in 2024 6

TABLE 2. Key permits required for development of a mine in Ontario 9

TABLE 3. CO₂ intensity of nickel processing routes 14

Figures 4

FIGURE 1. Map of nickel mines in Ontario 7

FIGURE 2. Flowchart of fresh nickel 8

Boxes 4

BOX 1. VALE'S CLEAN ATMOSPHERIC EMISSIONS REDUCTION PROJECT 14

Appendix Tables 4

TABLE A1. Federal and provincial laws and regulations relevant to environmental and associated social impacts of nickel mining in Ontario 28