Mining companies and Aboriginal leaders are coming together in Thunder Bay this week.

A two-day Ontario Mining Forum is discussing the latest developments from across the province.

Co-chair Michael Fox said it's important for share-holders and First Nations communities to be informed about mining activity in Northern Ontario. He said the mining sector in the North continues to evolve, but in order for growth, planning is key.

Fox added that a hot topic during the forum is the Ring of Fire mining development and its ferrochrome processing plant.

He said the people pushing these major projects need to identify how First Nation communities will be affected.

Fox said the two-day forum will help educate and inform people working in the mining sector.