Chinese rail money for Ring of Fire?

The plate tectonics for Ontario’s stalled Ring of Fire development project could significantly shift if Premier Kathleen Wynne’s visit to China pays dividends down the road.

The China Daily reported that the Far North mineral deposits could be cause for a constructive arrangement between the province and its second largest trading partner.

Fang Li, Chinese consul general in Toronto, who accompanied the premier on her first overseas trip was quoted as saying “Ontario is the most important for China among the provinces of Canada,” adding that the large, but inaccessible chromite and nickel deposits in the James Bay lowlands could lead to a cooperative arrangement between the two countries.

"The demand for the minerals is high in China; we can work together if the necessary infrastructure such as a rail line can be built in this area," Fang said.

Accompanying Wynne on the trip is Brad Duguid, minister of economic development, employment and infrastructure, and Michael Chan, minister of citizenship, immigration and international trade, and representatives of about 60 clean tech and science and technology businesses and organizations.

"The province needs to diversify its trade relationships to avoid [the decline due to rely on a single resource that] Ontario's manufacturing sector has suffered," said Duguid. "I hope the premier's visit can open more doors in China and ensure Ontario businesses access."

In 2013, Ontario goods exports to China were $2.2 billion, an increase of almost 10 per cent from 2012.