Ontario to open Temagami to claim staking and mineral development

The Ontario government has announced a new land-use strategy aimed at developing the mineral potential of the Temagami area of central Ontario.

Beginning Sept. 17, more than 100 townships, covering about 6,000 sq. km, will be available for the staking of new mining claims.

The new round of claim-staking is the result of recommendations made by the government’s Comprehensive Planning Council.

Mineral activity in the Temagami region was halted in 1973, prior to which the area yielded more than $1.6 million of iron, silver, copper and other metals.

Excluded from mineral development are parks and some parts of the North Lady Evelyn River, situated northwest of the town of Temagami. Other areas excluded from claim-staking include lands deemed as sacred to Indians.

The Ministry of Northern Development and Mines estimates that half of the area has potential for mineral resources, including precious and base metals, diamonds and industrial minerals.