While the Ontario government chomps at the bit to get development of the Ring of Fire underway Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault says there is still a lot to be done.

He was questioned by reporters on the subject, while attending a climate conference in Brussels.

He says talks remain ongoing on a framework between the feds, the province and the Indigenous communities who would be closely affected by the development.

“Unfortunately we haven’t been able to agree yet, but we are still working on a proposal for a regional impact assessment.”

Guilbeault notes the First Nations in the area have agreed to move ahead with the regional impact assessment and all parties are now waiting on Ontario to respond on whether or not it wants to proceed.

He adds the public may not be able to see much activity on further developments, and that is due to certain conditions which still have yet to be met.

“Many of the projects that have been proposed, have not included the perspective of Indigenous nations. For any development to happen in the Ring of Fire, Indigenous nations will need be part of the discussion and decision making.”

Projects can come together quickly however according to Guilbeault, who referenced the approval of a Lithium mine in Quebec which all the impact assessment work was done by the Cree nations in the area.