Mining claims in Ontario’s Ring of Fire up 66 per cent over past 3 years: environmental group [Video]

An environmental group says mining claims over the last three years in Ontario’s Ring of Fire region are up 66 per cent, representing an area 14 times the size of Toronto.

Wildlands League conservation director Anna Baggio says there are more than 43,000 claims in the area about 450 kilometres north of Thunder Bay.

The province has tabled legislation that would give cabinet the power to suspend any laws it sees fit when it comes to certain projects by creating so-called special economic zones.

Premier Doug Ford has said the Ring of Fire region would be the first such zone.

The bill has sparked anger and criticism from First Nations, environmental groups and civil liberty organizations while garnering support from the mining industry.

Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce says the province is working to support two main companies that hold the vast majority of claims in the area by …