Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation last week announced the contract for the environmental assessment, following a competitive request for proposal process.

The EA studies would take at least three years to complete, the First Nations said in a statement, noting that the proposed northern road link was a highly sensitive project that required “most rigorous” studies relating to its environmental, water and climate change effects.

In March last year, the Ontario government and First Nations signed an agreement to proceed with the planning and development of the road.

The area known as the Ring of Fire, about 500 km northeast of Thunder Bay, suggest multi-generational potential for chromite production, as well as production of nickel, copper and platinum.