Canada's Crawford Nickel Project Fast-Tracked for Green Future

TORONTO, ON – January 26, 2026 – Canada Nickel Company is accelerating its flagship Crawford Nickel Sulphide Project towards a year-end construction start, cementing a critical step in Canada's ambition to become a global leader in the green economy. The company announced today it has awarded the detailed engineering contract to Ausenco Engineering Canada ULC, a move that transitions the massive project from blueprint to the final stages before breaking ground.

This advancement comes on the heels of powerful endorsements from both federal and provincial governments, which have streamlined the project's regulatory path and signaled its national importance. The Crawford project, located in the prolific Timmins-Cochrane mining camp of Ontario, is not just another mine; it is being positioned as a cornerstone of the electric vehicle (EV) supply chain and a model for sustainable resource development.

Mark Selby, CEO of Canada Nickel Company, highlighted the significance of the moment. "After receiving significant endorsements from the federal government... and last week's announcement naming Crawford to Ontario's 'One Project, One Process' framework, we are very pleased to move to this next stage in Crawford's development with Ausenco," he stated.

Government Tailwinds Propel Project Forward

The Crawford project's rapid momentum is significantly fueled by unprecedented government support. In late 2025, it was referred to the federal Major Projects Office (MPO), a body designed to streamline regulatory processes and provide coordinated support for initiatives of national strategic importance. This federal endorsement aims to ensure that shovels get in the ground sooner while unlocking jobs and Indigenous equity opportunities.

Adding to this momentum, the Ontario government designated Crawford under its innovative 'One Project, One Process' (1P1P) framework in early January 2026. As only the second project to receive this status, Crawford will benefit from a coordinated provincial review system that consolidates fragmented approvals, aiming to cut timelines by nearly half. The framework targets the completion of all necessary provincial approvals within two years, a pace intended to make Ontario one of the world's fastest-permitting jurisdictions for critical minerals.

While these fast-tracking measures are designed to maintain high environmental and community standards, some observers have voiced concerns that such accelerated timelines could risk prioritizing speed over substantive consultation and environmental diligence. Proponents, however, argue the frameworks enhance efficiency by reducing duplication and improving coordination, particularly regarding Indigenous consultation, which is managed at a project-wide level rather than permit by permit.

Powering the Green Economy with 'NetZero Nickel'

At the heart of the Crawford project is the ambition to supply the surging global demand for nickel, a critical component in EV batteries and stainless steel. The project is strategically timed to capitalize on a market seeing prices climb to 19-month highs, partly due to supply uncertainties from major producers like Indonesia.

More importantly, Canada Nickel is aiming to set a new environmental benchmark with its trademarked 'NetZero Nickel' concept. The project's design incorporates innovative processes with the potential to make it a net-negative carbon operation. The bankable feasibility study projects emissions will be 90 percent below the global industry average, a compelling proposition for automakers and manufacturers under increasing pressure to decarbonize their supply chains. In November 2024, Crawford became the first mining project to submit an Impact Statement under Canada's amended Impact Assessment Act, signaling a proactive approach to regulatory and environmental stewardship.

Yan Jin, Vice President at Ausenco, noted the shared vision for the project's success. "We'll leverage our deep understanding of the project and proven experience delivering large-scale greenfield processing plants in Ontario to deliver a capital-efficient design that supports successful execution and long-term, sustainable operations," Jin said.

Forging Economic and Indigenous Partnerships

The 'nation-building' label attached to the project is backed by staggering economic projections and a modern approach to partnership. An independent analysis forecasts the Crawford mine will generate over $70 billion in total GDP over its 41-year life, with $67 billion flowing directly into Ontario's economy. The C$5 billion construction phase and subsequent operations are expected to create 1,000 direct jobs and an additional 3,000 indirect jobs.

Crucially, Canada Nickel has embedded Indigenous partnership into its development model from the early stages. The company has signed agreements with the Mattagami, Matachewan, and Flying Post First Nations to ensure early access to business and employment opportunities. In a significant vote of confidence, the Taykwa Tagamou Nation has made a $20 million investment in the company through convertible notes, a move that could translate into a meaningful equity stake in the project itself.

This collaborative approach extends to the project's financing and execution. The company has attracted a powerful roster of strategic shareholders, including industry giants Agnico Eagle, Samsung SDI, and Anglo American, validating the project's robust economics. The continued partnership with Ausenco, which has been involved since the 2020 Preliminary Economic Assessment, provides critical continuity.

Desmond Tranquilla, Canada Nickel's VP of Capital Projects, emphasized the value of this long-term collaboration. "I am excited to continue our long-term relationship with Ausenco as we build an Integrated Project Team to lead the delivery of the Crawford Nickel Project," he stated, referencing the successful delivery model used on other major regional projects like Detour Gold. With the detailed engineering phase now underway, the integrated team is focused on advancing this nation-building project toward its year-end construction goal.