Canada Nickel Company has signed an agreement with three northeastern First Nations, giving them preferred access to bid on, and negotiate construction contracts for the company’s Crawford Nickel Sulphide Project.

The Mattagami, Matachewan and Flying Post First Nations will be given preferential access to bid on and negotiate contracts for the estimated US$2.5-billion development.

The agreement includes commitments for open-book negotiations on key contracting opportunities, including the construction of a 25.2-kilometre railway line, the relocation of Highway 655, and the construction of a temporary overpass on Highway 655.

Scheduled between 2025 and 2029, the projects will prioritize First Nations’ businesses and promote own- source revenue, foster partnerships, and support regional growth.

"This agreement is a milestone in the development of the Crawford Project and reflects our commitment to meaningful partnerships with First Nations and our respect for the Traditional Territories in which we are fortunate to operate,” said Canada Nickel CEO Mark Selby. “We value our on-going work with Flying Post, Mattagami, and Matachewan First Nations, and the collective advocacy efforts of Wabun Tribal Council, and we look forward to building on this foundation to deliver long-term benefits for their membership, our project, and the region writ-large.”

Crawford is a proposed open-pit mine 40 kilometres north of Timmins. It could be the second largest nickel reserve and resource in the world, with first production expected in late 2026, early 2027.

The company has not yet made a decision to proceed with mine construction as it is still lining up financing and waiting on final government permits.

The three communities are members of the Wabun Tribal Council, and have experience in mining activity.

Matachewan has an impacts benefits agreement with Alamos Gold and its nearby Young-Davidson Mine as well as an agreement with Agnico Eagle regarding its Kirkland Lake mining assets.

Mattagami and Flying Post have similar agreements with IAMGOLD on the construction, servicing and job opportunities with the new Côté open pit mine between Sudbury and Timmins.