Vale issues update on momentous year in Thompson mining history – by Ian Graham (Thompson Citizen – September 27, 2018)

https://www.thompsoncitizen.net/

Vale Manitoba Operations’ 2017-18 update entitled “A New Era” comes at a time when the mining company has ceased smelting and refining operations in Thompson after nearly 60 years of integrated nickel production.

The first Bessemer nickel matte was produced in the smelter on Sept. 10, 1960 and the first official production of nickel cathodes from the refinery occurred on March 25, 1961. The last anodes were poured in the smelter on July 8 of this year and the last nickel cathode was pulled on July 16. By that time, the new concentrate load-out facility was already complete, with the first shipment of concentrate having been loaded onto a truck bound for Sudbury June 24.

Over their lifetimes, the smelter and refinery produced nearly than 2.5 million tonnes of electro-nickel. “The decision in 2010 to decommission the smelter and refinery gave plenty of time for our people, the company and
the City of Thompson to prepare,” said a message from North Atlantic and Asia refineries director Ricus Grimbeek in the report.

“Still, this transition has been an emotional time for our employees and the broader community of Thompson. I want to sincerely thank all of our people who, over the years, have made significant contributions to our smelting and refining operations in Thompson. We will pursue growth in Thompson by considering previously deferred studies and by expanding our exploration, development and capital investment in the near term.”

New ventures launched in the past year include a leadership training program in association with United Steelworkers Local 6166, with two new roles created to provided training and coaching on investigations and reporting. The mines training process also began a major overhaul and a five-year mental health strategy is being developed, with goals including the development of a curriculum for workplace wellness training and continued support for local mental health events like the Defeat Depression walk.

For the rest of this article: https://www.thompsoncitizen.net/news/thompson/vale-issues-update-on-momentous-year-in-thompson-mining-history-1.23444131