Manitoba Mining – Page 13 – Republic of Mining

Vale could keep smelter and refinery open until 2019 – John Barker (Thompson Citizen – May 14, 2014)

May 15, 2014

The Thompson Citizen, which was established in June 1960, covers the City of Thompson and Nickel Belt Region of Northern Manitoba. The city has a population of about 13,500 residents while the regional population is more than 40,000. editor@thompsoncitizen.net

‘Vale will continue to invest in Thompson without a strategic partner,’ spokesman says

Vale Canada Limited’s Manitoba Operations has a green light from federal environmental officials on keeping its Thompson smelter and refinery open until the end of 2015.

Pending new federal sulphur dioxide (SO2) emission standards, pursuant to The Canada-Wide Acid Rain Strategy for Post-2000, set to come into effect in 2015, could have required a reduction in airborne emissions of approximately 88 per cent from current levels at the Thompson operation.

The Canada-Wide Acid Rain Strategy for Post-2000 was agreed to in 1998 by federal, provincial and territorial ministers of energy and environment to fulfill an earlier commitment in their 1994 “Statement of Intent on Long-Term Acid Rain Management in Canada,” which in turn built on the 1985 Eastern Canada Acid Rain Program.

Mine promises hope for Thompson – by Jonathon Naylor (Brandon Sun – March 27, 2014)

March 28, 2014

http://www.brandonsun.com/

THOMPSON — As one door closes, will another open? That’s the fundamental question facing this hearty northern mining city.

Nickel giant Vale’s announcement that it will shut down its smelter and refinery at the end of 2014 (later revised to the end of 2015) raised grim speculation about Thompson’s future. But overlooked is the fact that while those surface operations are nearly tapped out, Vale is concentrating on its subterranean prospects.

“Our recent exploration activities have focused on increasing the confidence of near-infrastructure reserves and resources with the goal of maintaining current production levels from our existing mines,” says Ryan Land, the personable manager of corporate affairs for Vale’s Thompson operations. “This strategy will continue in the near term, and will be re-evaluated on an ongoing basis in response to nickel market conditions.”

Not only does Vale still run three Thompson-area mines — T-1, T-3 and Birchtree — there remains the irresistible promise of a fourth, known as 1-D, a $1- billion-plus mega-development.

First Nations opposing mining and exploration in Northern Manitoba – by Ian Graham (Thompson Citizen – February 21, 2014)

February 21, 2014

The Thompson Citizen, which was established in June 1960, covers the City of Thompson and Nickel Belt Region of Northern Manitoba. The city has a population of about 13,500 residents while the regional population is more than 40,000.

Northern Manitoba’s Manto Sipi Cree Nation and Mathias Colomb Cree Nation announced their opposition to mineral exploration in their traditional and ancestral territories this week.

Manto Sipi Cree Nation at Gods River issued a press release Feb. 18 stating that it would block mineral exploration and work permits on its ancestral lands in northeastern Manitoba and will not consult with the provincial government until all land disputes are addressed and settled. The press release said the province had recently sent three work permit applications for Mineral exploration to Manto Sipi Cree Nation.

“I have been given a strong mandate to initiate legal, political and defensive action against outside encroachment,” said Manto Sipi Cree Nation Chief Michael Yellowback in the press release. “Manto Sipi Cree Nation will stop all three work permit applications immediately. One of the main issues is that Manto Sipi Cree Nation has exhausted all avenues in dealing with [Mineral Resources] Minister [Dave] Chomiak on Manto Sipi Cree Nation’s land claim which is on an expired mineral claim purportedly held by Jim Campbell. The minister’s legal position and opinion on this Godslith Claim has been refuted by our lawyers, so we will challenge it in court.”

[Northern Manitoba] Students drill down into minerals and mining – by Ian Graham (Thompson Citizen – February 19, 2014)

February 19, 2014

Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada brings its Mining Matters to Thompson and Nelson House

Students and teachers in Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN) and Thompson learned about minerals and mining from Feb. 10-14 as Mining Matters, in partnership with Vale’s Manitoba Operations, swept through Northern Manitoba to present its Mining Rocks Earth Science program, sponsored by the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada in Toronto.

“This is incredible,” said Barbara Green Parker, the aboriginal education and outreach programs manager for Mining Matters, a charitable organization in existence since April 30, 1997 that seeks to spread knowledge about Canada’s geology and the careers available in the country’s minerals industry. “This is the largest Mining Matters program that we have ever done. We are maximizing our exposure in Northern Manitoba. It’s a phenomenal amount. We’re very pleased to be in such high demand.”

Parker was in NCN at Nelson House on Feb. 10-11, presenting the Mining Rocks program to students from Grades 4 to 8 at Otetiskwin Kiskinwamahtowekamik Elementary School on Monday and to high school students at Nisichawayasihk Neyo Ohtinwak Collegiate on the morning of Feb. 11, with the afternoon dedicated to a teacher training workshop.

Idle No More – Northern Manitoba: A year on – Thompson Citizen Editorial (January 29, 2014)

January 29, 2014

Last year was the winter of our discontent to borrow the famous line from William Shakespeare’s 16th century play, The Tragedy of King Richard the third. What about this year? Until last week, an eerie quiescence had walked this land for months.

No more. Not after legendary former Winnipeg rocker Neil Young brought his “Honour the Treaties” tour to Canada to raise funds for the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nations, who have filed a legal challenge to a multi-billion dollar proposed expansion of Royal Dutch Shell’s oil-sands Jackpine Mine, Fort McMurray, Alta., from 7,500 hectare to 13,000 hectares.

And not after former Assembly of First Nations National Chief Phil Fontaine, an Anishinabe from the Sagkeeng First Nation on the southern tip of Lake Winnipeg in Treaty Territory 1, who accepted a job in December with TransCanada Pipeline, a Calgary based natural gas and oil pipeline developer that wants to build the proposed Energy East Pipeline to transport oil from Western to Eastern Canada, postponed a scheduled talk Jan. 22 at the University of Winnipeg after being confronted with angry protesters, some armed with anti-oil sands signs, others with drums and some with their faces painted red and black.

Pioneering Manitoba woman to enter Mining Hall of Fame – by Chris Purdy (Canadian Press/Global – January 15, 2014)

January 15, 2014

http://globalnews.ca/toronto/

Kate Rice was so brilliant she could have done anything, and her family was so wealthy she could have done nothing at all.

The adventurous, tough-as-nails beauty from southern Ontario set out for the rugged Manitoba wilderness 100 years ago with a shotgun and snowshoes in search of treasure.

She never struck it rich, but she did discover the first nickel deposits in the province and made headlines across the continent as Canada’s first “girl” prospector.

“Living in the middle of nowhere, depending solely on yourself … I know how hard it is to work in a man’s world,” says Toronto businesswoman Linda Rice, 60, who recently found the mining legend’s name on a branch of her family tree.

She says she can’t even imagine what life would have been like for such a woman a century ago. “I was gobsmacked … I was very excited that I was related to such a pioneer.”

My Take on Snow Lake: Hard times on display at the Manitoba Mining and Minerals Convention – by Marc Jackon (Thompson Citizen – December 6, 2013)

December 6, 2013

From Nov. 20-22, mining people from around the province, and from across the land, gathered in Winnipeg for the 45th Annual Manitoba Mining and Minerals Convention. Included among them were mining experts, geoscientists, educators, community and aboriginal leaders, as well as resource and industry specialists, a number of them with a connection to the area.

Literature produced for the event advised that the convention highlights the value of minerals and petroleum to Manitoba’s economy and provides insight into the latest developments, opportunities and challenges facing the exploration and mining sector. Additionally, it provides an excellent opportunity for attendees to work together in order to advance Manitoba’s rich mineral potential and geologically diverse land base.

The convention also features a trade show, property showcase and presentations on recent geological findings and exploration projects from around the province. On Nov. 22 the public was invited to participate in various activities including digging for fossils with the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre in Morden, panning for gold with champion panner Yukon Dan, and visiting other mineral displays and activities with the Mineral Society of Manitoba.

Mega agreement signed for northern Manitoba gold mine – by Martin Cash (Winnipeg Free Press – December 6, 2013)

December 6, 2013

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/

Contract could inject $40M into Monument Bay project

A mineral exploration company trying to develop a gold reserve in northern Manitoba it believes could become “Canada’s next great gold mine” has landed financing that could see it through the development process.

Mega Precious Metals Inc. has signed a deal with Australian-based Pacific Road Resources Fund that could see the mining-focused fund invest as much as $40 million in the Thunder Bay-based exploration company.

The project in question is a gold resource called Monument Bay, located about 60 kilometres north of Red Sucker Lake, which is about 700 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg. The company’s exploration work to date estimates the resource could contain 3.6 million ounces of gold.

In February, Mega announced there may also be tungsten deposits. Tungsten is a rare metal with strategic value. Much of the world’s current supply comes from China. Glen Kuntz, CEO of Mega, said the arrangement with Pacific Road is the kind of deal junior mining companies dream about.

B.C. mining company faces multimillion-dollar class-action lawsuit – by Ryan Hicks (CBC News Manitoba – December 02, 2013)

December 2, 2013

http://www.cbc.ca/manitoba/

Most investors are from Saskatchewan and Manitoba

More than 460 investors from across the country hoped to cash in on undiscovered gold in British Columbia’s interior. But instead of striking it rich, they are suing the mining company for millions in a class action lawsuit after they say their money disappeared and the Canada Revenue Agency ruled their income tax deductions invalid.

“It’s affected my ability to enjoy some of my retirement plans in terms of travel, improvements around the house, acting as a safeguard for my old age,” Ed Walker of Winnipeg, who says he lost tens of thousands of dollars in the alleged scheme, told the CBC News I-Team in an interview. Reynold Robertson, the lawyer representing investors, estimates the lawsuit is worth at least $10 million.

The investors — who are mostly from Saskatchewan and Manitoba, with some from Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and New Brunswick — are suing Royal Crown Gold Reserve Inc., its president Douglas Stewart Scott and his associate Claude Taillefer for deceit, misrepresentation, and breach of contract. It also said the prominent legal firm, McMillan LLP, and one of its lawyers, Michael Friedman, were negligent.

Manitoba mining towns go boom or bust as industry taps resources (CBC News Manitoba – November 29, 2013)

December 2, 2013

http://www.cbc.ca/manitoba/

Lynn Lake, Thompson tell tale of two mining towns dealing with very different fates

A Manitoba town with a thriving mine is hoping to avoid the fate of another mining town not far away, which recently saw a mass exodus of people. Thompson is enjoying the benefits of a thriving nickel mine operated by Vale, but even the mine operators know that won’t last forever.

“All mines have a finite life, regardless of how good the resource is,” said Mark Scott, the manager of mining for Vale. That’s why the company, Thompson’s city leaders, First Nations groups and local business owners have come up with a diversification strategy called the Thompson Economic Diversification Working Group (TEDWG) to bring variation to the town’s economy.

“It’s important to make sure the economy can stand on its own two feet when life after Vale Manitoba operations eventually does arrive,” said Scott. Life after mining has already arrived in Lynn Lake, 322 kilometres away. Christine Shortt has lived in Lynn Lake for 55 years. Shortt works at the Bronx Motel in town and said the town is markedly different than it was when mining was at its peak.

North Western Ontario [and Ring of Fire] prime for Manitoba power – by Steven Fletcher (Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal – November 30, 2013)

December 2, 2013

Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal is the daily newspaper of Northwestern Ontario.

Steven Fletcher is the Conservative MP for Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia-Headingley and helped develop the Building Canada Fund.

Manitoba Hydro needs new markets for its electric power to help finance its current and future operations, and Northern Ontario would benefit from low-cost power to develop its mining resources. There is potential for mutual benefit if these two provinces worked to meet each other’s needs.

Northwestern Ontario is undergoing significant growth in mining exploration and development. The area is rich in deposits of chromium, palladium, nickel, gold and other base metals. Much of it is in a mineral-rich area known as the Ring of Fire, which is located northeast of Thunder Bay. It has been conservatively estimated this development could have an economic impact of up to $120 billion. The impact of the Ring of Fire on Ontario’s economy could be similar to the impact the Alberta economy has experienced due to the oil sands.

However, the mining development is far from Hydro One’s main electrical system and there are no transmission lines to that area. In addition, the cost of power throughout the province’s Northwest is so high, it is said the cost is a disincentive for mining developments which utilize large amounts of electricity.

Northern Manitoba chiefs representing First Nations on province’s new Mining Advisory Counc – by Ian Graham (Thompson Citizen – November 15, 2013)

November 28, 2013

Several Northern Manitoba First Nation chiefs as well as mining industry representatives from companies such as Vale, Hudbay Minerals and San Gold are members of Manitoba’s new Mining Advisory Council which aims to help First Nations benefit from the development of new mines, Mineral Resources Minister Dave Chomiak announced Nov. 8.

“First Nations that want to participate will be partners every step of the way as new mines are brought on line and they will share in the benefits of resource development,” said Chomiak in a press release. “There will be new training opportunities, good jobs, revenue sharing and a range of social and economic benefits for First nations communities. This will also send an important message to those who want to invest in Manitoba’s mining sector that we’re open for business.

First Nations representatives on the Mining Advisory Council include co-chairs Chief Donovan Fontaine of Sagkeeng First Nation and Chief Ron Evans of Norway House Cree Nation, along with Chief Philip Buck of Mosakahiken Cree Nation, Chief Clarence Easter of Chemawawin Cree Nation, Chief Jerry Primrose of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, Chief Andrew Colomb of Marcel Colomb Cree Nation, Chief Gilbert Andrews of God’s Lake First Nation, Keewatin Tribal Council Tribal Grand Chief Irvin Sinclair and Opaskwayak Cree Nation Chief Michael Constant.

Manitoba Prospector Kate Rice: Still making history – Thompson Citizen Editorial (OCTOBER 30, 2013)

November 25, 2013

On Jan. 16, Kate Rice, the “Red Lady” and “Lady of the Lake,” also known as “Mooniasquao”(White Woman) by her Cree friends, will become only the second woman ever inducted into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame in Toronto. For those of us here in Northern Manitoba, a land of “headframes, happiness and heartaches,” as the title of Jim Parres and Marc Jackson’s 2009 book goes, Rice’s induction is a very big deal.

After all, Inco came originally to Northern Manitoba as a result of her Rice Island copper and nickel claims, which were never developed but which Vale still owns today, although it would be the discovery on Feb. 5, 1956 of the Thompson ore body, known as Borehole 11962 – the so-called “Discovery Hole” at Cook Lake (later renamed Thompson Lake after Inco chairman John Fairfield Thompson for whom the City of Thompson is also named) that really got things rolling.

Viola MacMillan, mine finder and financier, as well as the driving force behind the transformation of the Prospectors and Developers Association from a small group of less than 100 to an organization of more than 4,000 internationally recognized association of professionals was the first woman inducted into the hall in 1991.

My Take on Snow Lake – by Marc Jackson (Thompson Citizen – October 25, 2013)

November 25, 2013

MARC JACKSON – EDITOR@UNDERGROUNDPRESS.CA

Mihychuk secures Kate Rice’s induction in Canadian Mining Hall of Fame

Kathleen “Kate” Rice; her name and exploits have long been a part of local lore, however, thanks to MaryAnn Mihychuk, many others throughout Canada will soon become familiar with her inspiring story. After hundreds of hours of research, performed with the help of dozens of analysts over a two-year, Mihychuk has accomplished a goal she set for herself upon taking the position of Community Development Officer (CDO) with the Town of Snow Lake. She has secured induction into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame for the “Lady of the Lake.”

Kathleen Creighton Starr Rice will be inducted with full flourish and formality into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame at a dinner and ceremony which will take place at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto on Jan. 16.

Rice was born in 1883 at St. Marys, Ontario. Schooled there, she graduated from the University of Toronto in 1906, with a bachelor of mathematics degree.

Thompson’s future looks up as Vale studies mine potential – CBC News Manitoba (November 25, 2013)

November 25, 2013

http://www.cbc.ca/manitoba/

The northern Manitoba city of Thompson could be home to a new mining mega-development from Vale, which is exploring minerals deep underground.

News of a potential big development is being cautiously welcomed in Thompson, which was devastated by news in 2010 that Vale — the city’s largest employer — would shut down its nickel smelter and refinery there by 2015.

Vale is currently testing ore samples in a project area it calls 1-D, about 3,800 to 4,200 feet underground in the company’s T-3 mine shaft. Preliminary testing in 1-D shows a deposit rich in nickel and copper deposits and also containing some cobalt and precious metals.

Vale says it has been mining in 1-D for years, but officials believe now is the time to dig deeper in an largely untapped section of the deposit extending as much as 6,800 feet underground in some places.

According to the company, geologists have been pulling up core samples containing extremely high-grade nickel. Based on their tests, the geologists believe there are at least 10 million tonnes of nickel present.