Company: Ring of Fire

Wyloo has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Greater Sudbury to secure a parcel of land to build a downstream battery materials processing facility. The new facility will fill a critical gap in Canada’s electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain by establishing Canada’s first mine-to-precursor cathode active material (pCAM) integrated solution.

Wyloo CEO Canada Kristan Straub said the facility would provide the missing piece in Canada’s aspirations to develop a domestic EV battery supply chain, by producing low-carbon nickel sulphate and nickel-dominant pCAM, key ingredients for EV batteries.

“Recognizing the global demand for electric vehicles and other clean technologies, Canada has invested over $40 billion to date to establish the country as a global hub for the EV industry. While we commend this investment, it has exposed a significant gap in the North American EV supply chain, specifically, the conversion of ore to battery chemicals,” he said.

“The urgency to bolster North America’s capacity for processing metals – in particular, nickel – has never been more apparent. Our facility will be the missing piece that builds the capacity to process battery materials right here in Sudbury.”

Nickel for the facility will be supplied by Wyloo’s proposed Eagle’s Nest mine in the Ring of Fire region of northern Ontario, as well as other sources of third-party nickel-bearing feed and recycled battery materials.

“With Eagle’s Nest as our anchor, combined with third-party feed from other North American sources, we are building enough capacity to meet 50 per cent of the nickel demand from the announced EV investments,” said Mr. Straub.

“Our commitment is to deliver a responsibly sourced supply of high-grade clean nickel from extraction to processing. This commitment aims to enable Canada, known for its unparalleled environmental standards and sustainable practices, to be a leader in local investment in downstream processing, establishing a stable and ethical supply chain without relying on imports from overseas.

“I want to thank the City of Greater Sudbury for its vision in fostering local industry and also want to acknowledge the support of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and Wahnapitae First Nations who we look forward to partnering with as we progress this project.”

Quotes from Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and Wahnapitae First Nations

“We look forward to continuing the conversation and developing a partnership with Wyloo for this project,” said Atikameksheng Anishnawbek Gimaa Craig Nootchtai. “Working together ensures our traditions and culture are incorporated in the economic development of the lands.”

“Being involved in these conversations is vital to our communities,” said Wahnapitae First Nation Chief Larry Roque. “The partnership set to be developed with this project will showcase what needs to be done for other First Nations and private companies.”

Greater Sudbury was selected as the location for the facility due to its global leadership in the mining sector and forefront in the shift to clean technologies, as well as its commitment to Indigenous reconciliation with First Nation communities.

Quote from City of Greater Sudbury

“Greater Sudbury has the land, the talent and the resources that are needed for the future of mining and BEV technology, as demonstrated by Wyloo selecting our community for the first Canadian facility of this kind,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre.

“Our rich mining history, decarbonization efforts and sustainable mining practices set us apart, and have ensured that we are ready to support and drive innovation. We are a global mining hub that is investing in the future, and we look forward to working with Wyloo and local Indigenous partners as this project progresses.”

Quote from Ontario Government

The Honourable Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade of Ontario remarked, “Ontario’s critical mineral wealth sets us apart as a global destination for the production of EVs and EV batteries.

“We congratulate Wyloo on their MOU with the City of Greater Sudbury to build our nation’s first downstream battery metals processing facility, which will add another critical link in Ontario’s fully integrated, end-to-end EV supply chain,” said Minister Fedeli.

“I look forward to continued support by the Ontario and Canadian governments to expedite a path forward to production, which will create a truly North American supply chain from mine to EV batteries,” said Mr. Straub.

Wyloo is currently completing a Scoping Study for the project, with construction of the facility expected to commence following the construction of its proposed Eagle’s Nest mine. Mine construction is targeted to begin in 2027.

Wyloo and the City are committed to engaging with stakeholders, in particular Indigenous communities, to explore and identify potential partnerships to ensure shared economic, social and environmental benefits and other collaboration opportunities.

Wyloo is privately-owned by Tattarang, the private investment group of Andrew and Nicola Forrest.

A new leadership team including new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kristan Straub, and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Annie Sismanian, has been appointed at Ring of Fire Metals, bringing with them decades of mining industry experience at a critical time in the company’s history.

The new appointments follow the recruitment of Stephen Crozier, Vice President Sustainability in August last year and long-standing employee Glenn Nolan’s transition to the newly created role of Vice President Indigenous Enterprises. Ryan Weston continues as part of the leadership team in the role of Vice President Exploration.

Former Acting CEO, Stephen Flewelling, will continue at the company in an advisory capacity while former CFO, Greg Rieveley, moves on to pursue other opportunities.

Wyloo Metals (parent company of Ring of Fire Metals) CEO, Luca Giacovazzi, said the leadership re-shuffle had taken place as momentum built on development in the Ring of Fire.

“Kristan and Annie join us at a time when developing Canada’s critical nickel resources has never been more important,” he said.

“Kristan’s long career in nickel mining, having led global teams and delivered strong health and safety, exploration, sustainability and operational outcomes has prepared him well to lead Ring of Fire Metals in this next phase of the company’s growth.

“Annie comes to us with strong experience leading financial performance at a senior level and her contribution will be invaluable as we progress our mine and battery metal production projects.

“Both Kristan and Annie share the broader team’s passion and commitment to bringing Eagle’s Nest to fruition, and their wealth of experience will stand us in good stead for the path ahead.”

Mr Giacovazzi said the creation of the Vice President Indigenous Enterprises and Vice President Sustainability roles reflected the priorities of the company at the most senior level.

“Ring of Fire Metals, and Wyloo Metals, are committed to developing mining projects with the highest standards of environmental responsibility and in genuine partnership with First Nation communities – that’s why you see these priorities reflected in our senior management structure,” he said.

“We are already progressing plans to partner with Indigenous stakeholders on business and employment opportunities, and to develop Eagle’s Nest as a net-zero emissions mine with a small environmental footprint. Along with our promising exploration program, the leadership team is deeply committed to these priorities.”

Mr Straub and Ms Sismanian said they were thrilled to be joining the Ring of Fire Metals team.

“It’s an honour to be taking on the leadership role with Ring of Fire Metals and to lead one of Canada’s premiere undeveloped strategic metals projects,” he said.

“I look forward to working collaboratively with First Nations, local communities, the provincial and federal governments, the RoFM leadership team and our partners to realize the development of our projects and place them at the forefront of developing the critical minerals that Canada and the world need to advance the energy transition.”

Ms Sismanian said: “The culture at Ring of Fire Metals and the energy of the team we have here in Canada, backed by the vast mining experience of our Australian colleagues, was what excited me about joining the team.

“I look forward to progressing our projects, which will see Ontario take its place as a world-leader in producing the critical minerals needed for electric vehicles and clean energy production.”

Biographies

Kristan Straub – LinkedIn profile

Mr. Kristan Straub has more than 25 years of experience in the mining industry, having held various positions globally in mineral exploration, operations and management. Most recently, Mr. Straub served as a member of Glencore Nickel’s executive team as Vice President of Exploration, following his role as President of Koniambo Nickel SAS, New Caledonia. As Vice President of Glencore’s Raglan Mine in Nunavik (2014-2018) he worked as a member of the Raglan Committee, and also served on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for the Mining Association of Canada. Kristan is a proud band member of Henvey Inlet and French River No.13. Mr. Straub holds a B.Sc in Geology from Laurentian University.

Annie Sismanian – LinkedIn profile

Ms Annie Sismanian is a Chartered Professional Accountant with over 20 years of experience in finance, strategy and corporate development. She started her career at PriceWaterhouse Coopers and has held senior finance positions at Kinross Gold, Guyana Goldfields, Hydro One and Barrick Gold, most recently serving as Chief Financial Officer of Kuya Silver.

The MOU details how the two parties will work together to progress ongoing exploration activity in the region as well as negotiations on a partnership agreement for the proposed Eagle’s Nest mine.

Webequie Chief, Cornelius Wabasse, said “As leaders and critical decision makers, we have a social responsibility with our members and that is to find ways to sustain our community through long term relationship agreements that will bring and foster livelihood.

“We are exercising our sovereignty and the right to pursue economic sustenance in a manner that respects the land and brings opportunity for our young people.

“Our community encourages ongoing working relationships with Ontario and Federal Government, including First Nations, to work with us and support our community initiatives.”

RoFM Acting CEO, Stephen Flewelling, said the MOU was an important step forward in their long-standing relationship.

“We have worked well with Webequie for many years, but this MOU signifies a formal transition to a new phase of collaboration on the future of the Ring of Fire,” he said.

“Canada has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to develop the critical minerals the world needs to decarbonize, and it’s vital that Indigenous communities play a central role in how these projects are developed on their traditional territories.

“This MOU demonstrates our commitment to work together with Webequie to develop projects based on shared values, sustainable opportunities for economic and community development and collaborative decision making.

“It reflects our approach to developing critical mineral projects that deliver mutual, long-term benefits for Webequie community members with a deep respect for their culture and land.”

Ring of Fire Metals’ Eagle’s Nest project is one of the largest undeveloped, high-grade nickel-copper-platinum-palladium deposits in the world, located in the Ring of Fire region of Northern Ontario. Eagle’s Nest will have an initial mine life of 11 years with the potential for a nine-year extension.

Ring of Fire Metals (RoF Metals) has commenced two studies exploring the use of wind power and atmospheric carbon removal as part of planning for a net zero emissions mine in Northern Ontario’s Ring of Fire.

Stephen Crozier, RoF Metals VP Sustainability, said the findings from a study of the wind energy resource conducted by global renewable energy company Windlab earlier this year were promising.

“Our primary focus in the development of Eagle’s Nest is to implement low emissions technologies throughout the operation, wherever possible,” he said.

“We are encouraged by the results of the initial wind study and believe there is good potential to generate clean energy using wind turbines in the area, which we will further define with additional study in the near term.

“Other options for complimentary low and no-emission generation, including biomass, pumped hydro and solar, are also being investigated to supplement clean wind energy production if needed.”

Following completion of the Windlab study, RoF Metals installed a Vaisala WindCube® lidar for the collection of more detailed data.

“Unlike traditional tower installations, lidar devices obtain measurements throughout the air column from the base to the top of the turbine blades rather than just at the hub,” said Stephen.

“We have already started collecting detailed data using WindCube® and will continue throughout the seasons to track natural weather variability.

“Data from both studies will then be matched with projected power demand to guide modelling of power generation and storage options for the proposed Eagle’s Nest mine.

“Ultimately we would like to be able to draw upon and potentially supply to Ontario’s power grid when it is expanded to northern communities.”

RoF Metals is also participating in the DETAILS project with Dr Liam Bullock at Geosciences Barcelona, an institute of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (GEO3BCN-CSIC), to investigate the potential to use mine tailings to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

“The tailings from ultramafic nickel deposits have been shown to have the potential to absorb significant quantities of carbon dioxide, and there may be ways we can speed up the rate that this happens,” said Stephen. “We have provided Geosciences Barcelona with samples of tailings from the Eagle’s Nest project and they are evaluating their potential for carbon dioxide absorption. We hope to be able to use our tailings to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and safely and permanently store it underground.”

About our partners:

Windlab is a global renewable energy company and provider of the WindScape technology, a world-leading atmospheric modelling and wind energy assessment technology developed by Australia’s premier scientific research institute, the CSIRO. Windlab is majority owned by Squadron Energy, a member of the Tattarang group of companies.

WindCube® was provided by Vaisala, a global leader in weather, environmental and industrial measurements headquartered in Finland and providing a comprehensive range of innovative observation and measurement products and services. 

The CSIC (or Spanish National Research Council) is the largest public research institution in Spain. Dr Liam Bullock’s European Union-funded DETAILS (Developing enhanced weathering methods in mine tailings for CO2 sequestration, H2020-EU.1.3.2. Grant ID: 101018312) project is being hosted by Geosciences Barcelona (GEO3BCN-CSIC) and supervised by Dr. Jose Luis Fernandez Turiel, GEO3BCN-CSIC researcher.