A major mining investment could be on the horizon for the Matheson area, with a proposed $450 million open-pit gold mine expected to create hundreds of jobs and bring significant economic opportunities to the region.
Mayfair Gold’s Fenn-Gib Gold Project, located 17 kilometres east of Matheson, has been designated under the provincial government’s One Project, One Process framework.
The project would include an open pit mine and an on-site mill. The province said the designation is part of its efforts to make Ontario more attractive to mining investment by streamlining the approvals process.
Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce said the initiative is intended to significantly reduce permitting timelines.
“We are, as you know, really helping to reshape the paradigm of speed by bringing forth one project, one process that is helping to really accelerate the permit timelines, cut them by half because we were among the slowest,” said Lecce.
“Today, we are among the fastest.”
For Mayfair Gold, the designation could provide a more predictable path toward construction.
CEO Drew Anwyll said the project is now looking at a permitting timeline of 18 to 24 months.
“So that’s huge, and what this really allows is improved certainty in that time frame,” Anwyll said.
The company is also hoping to take advantage of the region’s established mining workforce and network of local contractors.
Anwyll said the project is expected to create 250 permanent, long-term jobs once operational, along with another 450 jobs during construction.
“I’m keen on having as much local as we can,” said Anwyll.
“Now, what percentage is that? I don’t know just yet. But certainly, that’s the key thing. We’ll bring in as many folks as we can.”
For the Town of Black River-Matheson, the potential investment represents an opportunity for economic growth and community development.
Mayor Dave Dyment said the project could have a significant positive impact on the municipality and surrounding region.
“The opportunities for us are tremendous,” Dyment said.
“Not only are we talking jobs, but … our economy will be affected in a positive way. It’s going to give us opportunities for growth and development within our community and within our region.”
However, the mayor said preparing for that growth will also come with challenges.
“Housing would be the first one,” he said.
“Obviously, there’s going to be a great need for housing … I know we have the individuals in place to make this happen and Mayfair is working along with us all the way.”
The proposed mine will also require continued engagement with Indigenous communities in the area.
“With Abitibi, we want them to be partners. We want our success to be their success,” said Anwyll.
The company said discussions are ongoing, with a formal impact benefit agreement identified as an important next step.
Engineering and permitting work will continue through 2028, with production targeted to begin in 2030.
