Canadian Regional Media and Web Publications – Page 245

Ring of Fire: Feds, province need to work together on Ring: Gravelle – by Carol Mulligan (Sudbury Star – December 2, 2013)

December 2, 2013

The Sudbury Star is the City of Greater Sudbury’s daily newspaper.

Nickel Belt MP Claude Gravelle wants the federal and provincial governments to stop playing the blame game and get on with the serious work of developing the Ring of Fire chromite deposits.

The New Democrat mining critic will introduce a motion at today’s meeting of the all-party Natural Resources Committee to invite representatives of the Ontario government to attend the committee and speak about its concerns regarding the Ring of Fire.

He wants provincial officials to outline exactly what it is they want from the federal government to help move the $60-billion chromite project forward. Cliffs Natural Resources, one of the biggest players in the Ring of Fire, announced Nov. 20 that it was indefinitely suspending work on its chromite project.

It has invested $500 million planning and developing a chromite mine at McFaulds Lake, about 500 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, as well as its plans for a ferrochrome processing plant near Capreol, in Gravelle’s riding.

Ontario’s Ring of Failure: Our provincial leadership is badly stricken by analysis paralysis – by Gary Laine (Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal – December 2, 2013)

December 2, 2013

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

Our governing Liberals have got it bad and that ain’t good. I’m talking about the debilitating case of analysis paralysis infecting our provincial leadership that has turned the much-heralded Ring of Fire into a Ring of Failure.

The online encyclopedia Wikipedia defines analysis paralysis as “the state of over-analyzing (or over-thinking) a situation so that a decision or action is never taken, in effect paralyzing the outcome. A decision can be treated as over-complicated, with too many detailed options, so that a choice is never made, rather than try something and change it if a major problem arises. A person might be seeking the optimal or ‘perfect’ solution upfront, and fear making any decision which could lead to erroneous results.”

Clearly, Kathleen Wynne and Michael Gravelle, who both repeatedly hide behind the phrase “we want to make sure we do things right,” are victims of this progress-preventing condition.

Mineral resources in the Ring of Fire (RoF) were first discovered in 2002. The Liberals took power in 2003. Ten years have gone by, in other words, and still no road and still no development.

Neutral ground for mine talks – by Pete Hollings and Peggy Smith (Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal – December 2, 2013)

December 2, 2013

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

Pete Hollings and Peggy Smith are with the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Mining and Exploration at Lakehead University.

Cliffs pulls out of Ring of Fire. First Nations demand full environmental assessment. Communities struggle to build capacity to participate in mining development. Where is provincial support for infrastructure to open new mining sites?

These headlines demonstrate the challenges in pursuing sustainable mining development in Northern Ontario. The competing plans of different companies, a need to address the concerns of First Nations and Metis communities, and a lack of clear government policy all bedevil mining projects in the region.

Lakehead University’s Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Mining and Exploration (CESME) was established to help address these issues and act as an honest broker among all the parties involved in the future development of Northern Ontario’s rich mineral resources.

On Dec. 5-6 CESME will be hosting representatives from all the major players at a conference to discuss The Role of Government Policy in Sustainable Mining Development.

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.

Canada’s Ontario joins global ‘war on coal’ – by Cecilia Jamasmie (Mining.com – November 28, 2013)

December 2, 2013

http://www.mining.com/

The Canadian province of Ontario may soon become the first place in North America to snuff out coal-fired electricity generation for good, as it is set to introduce next week legislation aimed to ban the burning of coal and the building of new such plants.

If the proposed Ending Coal for Cleaner Air Act is approved, it would means that no Ontario generating station will ever burn coal again, once this kind of facilities stop operating by the end of 2014, the government said in a press release.

The plan has been in the works for quite a while. The Liberals first promised to close the coal plants in 2007, then pushed back the timetable to 2009 and again to 2014.

In January this year, Chris Bentley —who was then Ontario’s minister of energy— vowed he would make coal account for less than 1% of the province energy supply by 2014.

He also said the province’s largest coal-fired electricity plants, Nanticoke and Lambton, would be shut by the end the year. And the province will likely deliver— it is finishing the conversion of Nanticoke to run on biomass.

Nickel Belt MP proposes “marriage counseling” for Ring of Fire – by Ian Ross (Northern Ontario Business – November 29, 2013)

November 29, 2013

Established in 1980, Northern Ontario Business provides Canadians and international investors with relevant, current and insightful editorial content and business news information about Ontario’s vibrant and resource-rich North. Ian Ross is the editor of Northern Ontario Business ianross@nob.on.ca.

Nickel Belt (Sudbury) MP Claude Gravelle thinks it’s time to open a new channel of dialogue between Ottawa and Queen’s Park on the Ring of Fire. The Ontario government’s pleas for the federal government to buy into mining development in the James Bay lowlands appear to have fallen on deaf ears.

Gravelle wants to stop the political rhetoric and dive into the details as to what exactly the Wynne government wants.

He’s bringing forward a motion before the federal standing committee on natural resources to call the Government of Ontario as a witness to better understand what their needs are to move the stalled multi-billion dollar chromite and base metal project forward.

“I want to try and understand their specific policy concerns and we can determine what federal policy actions we can take,” said Gravelle, a member of the committee which meets Dec. 2.

Dangerous, dirty legacy — arsenic found in [Sudbury’s] Long Lake – by Mary Katherine Keown (Sudbury Star – November 29, 2013)

November 29, 2013

The Sudbury Star is the City of Greater Sudbury’s daily newspaper.

A study ordered by the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines found elevated levels of arsenic in several areas of Long Lake. The ministry, which contracted Colorado-based consulting firm CH2M Hill. The firm conducted field work in July and August. The study was released this week.

A gold mine operated 1.3 km south of the southwestern end of Long Lake from 1909 to 1939. In 1912, it was Ontario’s largest gold-producing mine, but it left behind a dirty, and dangerous, environmental legacy, including three tailings areas.

A packed house of mostly Long Lake residents and cottagers attended a presentation this week at the Holiday Inn to hear the results of the study. Researchers found the concentration of arsenic in the lake’s surface water exceeded Ontario’s drinking water quality standards of 25 parts per billion (ppb).

“It’s a very serious problem and we’re glad to see the progress,” Stephen Butcher, chair of the Long Lake Stewardship Committee, said. “The stewardship initially thought removing the tailings would be the best idea, but after watching last night’s presentation, it’s obvious nobody else wants it in their backyard, either.”

New [Sudbury KGHM] mine to create 150-300 jobs – by Darren MacDonald (Sudbury Northern Life – November 28, 2013)

November 29, 2013

http://www.northernlife.ca/

If all goes according to plan, in five years, Greater Sudbury should have a new mine employing 150-300 people. City council approved a plan this week to cost-share $5 million in roads improvements with KGHM International, the company that’s building the mine in Worthington.

In exchange for paying 75 per cent of the cost of improving the four-kilometre road, KGHMI wanted the city to remove road restrictions on Fairbanks and Crean roads so they can haul construction materials in, and, in about five years, ore from the Victoria mine out to be processed.

Mark Frayne, KGHM’s manager of technical services, told councillors Tuesday the company aims to begin full construction in June, a process that would employ about 350 people.

“Once we go into initial stages of production, it will … be about 150 people,” Frayne said. “And if we go into full expansion, if everything is what we think it is, it will go to around 300 people.”

Editorial: The Cliffs Notes on the Ring of Fire – by John Cumming (Northern Miner – November 27, 2013)

November 28, 2013

The Northern Miner, first published in 1915, during the Cobalt Silver Rush, is considered Canada’s leading authority on the mining industry. Editor John Cumming MSc (Geol) is one of the country’s most well respected mining journalists. jcumming@northernminer.com

Dear Ontario, there’s been way too much off-base and irresponsible commentary in the province about Cliffs Natural Resources’ decision to shelve its Ring of Fire Chromite project. And so, in the spirit of afternoon reality TV and the very best perma-tanned psychiatrists with books to peddle, it’s time we both sat down and you got a little straight talk.

Cliffs is just not that into you — As with every breakup, Cliffs’ curt parting words masked so many true feelings and motivations. In all its various pronouncements this year regarding its work suspensions, Cliffs pinned all the blame on outside parties, and was silent on the biggest reason of all for the split: chromite is a lousy business to get into right now, and its Ring of Fire development proposal, as currently conceived, is uneconomic.

Who did Cliffs blame instead? The provincial government for “delays” in the environmental approval process and other agreements, and for its high energy rates. KWG Resources for daring to exert rights on its rival claims; Local First Nations for launching judicial challenges to development; and even the region itself, for being so remote and lacking in infrastructure.

Hoverbarge proposed for year-round access to Ring of Fire – by Norm Tollinsky (Sudbury Mining Solutions Journal – December 1, 2013)

November 28, 2013

Norm Tollinsky is editor of Sudbury Mining Solutions Journal, a magazine that showcases the mining expertise of North Bay, Timmins and Sudbury. This column is from the December, 2013 issue.

CEMI proposes novel means of transportation for construction material and equipment

While the battle over the mode and route of a fixed transportation link to Northern Ontario’s mineral- rich Ring of Fire drags on, a novel means of transporting construction material and equipment into the remote, waterlogged James Bay Lowlands is being proposed by the Sudbury-based Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI).

Hoverbarges, which travel on a cushion of air, can carry hundreds of tonnes of material year-round unlike ice roads, which can only be used seasonally, according to CEMI president Doug Morrison.

It will take years to build a road or railway to Cliffs Natural Resources’ massive chromite discovery and Noront Resources’ proposed nickel and PGM project 330 kilometres north of Ontario’s existing transportation infrastructure.

Mining suspension dubbed ‘Major setback’ – by Rob Learn (North Bay Nipissing News – November 27, 2013)

November 28, 2013

http://www.northbaynipissing.com/northbaynipissing/

NIPISSING – If Cliffs Resources and the provincial government are playing poker over the Ring of Fire development, Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli says the mining giant has decided to fold.

“It’s a major blow and a major setback for Ontario,” said the Progressive Conservative member. “…(Cliffs) have closed their Thunder Bay and Toronto offices. This is not a ploy… They have no confidence in this provincial government. They have waited for five years and there is nothing.”

Fedeli’s comments come on the heels of the announcement last week from Cliffs Resources that it was halting all work towards their Ring of Fire plans to develop a chromite mine in what has been called the biggest mining discovery in Canada in a century.

The consequences for Nipissing region could be devastating. “The North Bay area is involved in the exploration, the delineation of the ore body, the design of the mines and supplying the mines should they go forward. This is devastating,” said Fedeli.

Stop pointing fingers over Cliffs: Matichuk – by Darren MacDonald (Sudbury Northern Life – November 27, 2013)

November 28, 2013

http://www.northernlife.ca/

Urges major players to co-operate to get Ring of Fire back on track

Greater Sudbury Mayor Marianne Matichuk says she’s hoping for some announcements soon from the provincial government that will help get the stalled Ring of Fire project back on track.

Matichuk said Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne called her Tuesday afternoon to tell her the province is doing everything it can to deal with the problems delaying the $60-billion project.

“I’ve been assured that they are working on that right now, and we’ll be hearing announcements from the government soon,” Matichuk said at Tuesday’s city council meeting. “I’ve also been assured by Premier Wynne that she will keep our city informed about the progress.

“I told her everybody needs to basically stop pointing fingers, shake hands and start making deals because we need to get this done.”

Feds reluctant partners on Ring of Fire: Gravelle – by Staff (Northern Ontario Business – November 27, 2013)

November 28, 2013

Established in 1980, Northern Ontario Business provides Canadians and international investors with relevant, current and insightful editorial content and business news information about Ontario’s vibrant and resource-rich North.

The Ontario government’s repeated calls for Ottawa to buy into development of the Ring of Fire appear to have gone straight to voice mail.

Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle said it’s time for the feds to put its money where its mouth is by working with Queen’s Park on infrastructure and fully realize the 100-year potential of the mining district.

Gravelle fired off a Nov. 24 letter to FedNor Minister Greg Rickford, his federal Ring of Fire counterpart, asking that Ottawa participate in the province’s newly created Ring of Fire corporation.

“You’ve stated repeatedly that you know the significance of this project but we have yet to see that turn into action,” wrote Gravelle, in alluding to past statements by the Harper government that resource development is essential to Canada’s long-term economic growth.

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

November 28, 2013

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.

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.

Vale celebrates Totten Mine startup – by Norm Tollinsky (Sudbury Mining Solutions Journal – December 1, 2013)

November 27, 2013

Mine of the future brimming with state-of-the-art technology

It’s not every day that a new mine goes into production – not even in Sudbury, one of the world’s most important centres of mineral wealth – but, this month, Vale celebrates the official handover to operations at Totten Mine, 40 kilometres west of downtown Sudbury.

Hailed as “a mine of the future” by Kelly Strong, vice-president of Ontario and UK operations, Totten is brimming with advanced technologies.

“We’re very excited about this being our first new mine in over 40 years,” said Strong. “Totten demonstrates that we have this amazing resource under our feet here. Building Totten through some challenging economic times shows our commitment as a company to Sudbury. “One of the things you see in the mining industry is that the price cycle is shorter than the period of time it takes to complete a project,” noted Strong.