Northern peatlands present a unique risk to air quality conditions as they: (i) store globally significant belowground carbon (C) stocks in peat; and (ii) are prone to smouldering combustion, which produces more smoke and particulate matter than flaming combustion. Historically, northern peatlands have been resistant to burning due to the high near-surface water content and low bulk density of peat; however, water table drawdown alters these ecological protections, rendering peatlands susceptible to increased wildfire frequency, severity, and areal extent. The Hudson Bay Lowlands (HBL) of Ontario represent one of the largest intact peatland complexes remaining on Earth, yet ~5,000 km2 has been claimed for mining of critical minerals. Dewatering, required to facilitate mine development and operations, can markedly reduce the water table in surrounding peatlands, increasing the risk of wildfire ignition and subsequent smouldering combustion. Therefore, the objective of this study was to estimate the impact of several mine dewatering scenarios on potential smoke emissions from HBL peatlands. We simulated the potential effect of mine dewatering on soil moisture profiles using Hydrus 1D with hydrophysical properties derived from HBL peat profiles. Simulations assessed susceptibility to combustion and consequently estimates of smoke emissions based on antecedent fire weather conditions. Preliminary results suggest that wildfire vulnerability will increase, leading to greater smoke emissions as a direct result of drying from mining. Legislation that protects these pristine ecosystems, specifically from the threat of dewatering, roadway development, and unnecessary ignition sources, should be prioritized by Canadian leadership, to meet globally recognized climate goals.