Ontario Mining – Page 245 – Republic of Mining

Ex-Solid Gold CEO demands apology for being called ‘racist’ – by Jonathan Migneault (Timmins Daily Press – December 18, 2012)

December 19, 2012

The Daily Press is the city of Timmins broadsheet newspaper.

TIMMINS – The former president of a gold prospecting company has accused two local First Nations chiefs of making “slanderous and defamatory remarks” against him.

Darryl Stretch, the former president of Solid Gold Resources Corporation, has demanded Dave Babin, chief of the Wahgoshig First Nation, and Harvey Yesno, grand chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation issue a public apology for comments they made at a press conference in Sudbury in early November.

The Aboriginal leaders referred to Stretch as a “racist” and urged the provincial government to withdraw its support from “radical industry representatives” such as those headed by Solid Gold.

“In the event that you do not respond to this notice, I will take whatever action is available to me,” Stretch said in his letter to Babin and Yesno. Earlier this month, Solid Gold’s board of directors removed as the company’s president and chief executive.

Babin has said he has no plans to respond to Stretch’s request for a public apology. Solid Gold Resources has been engaged in an ongoing conflict with Wahgoshig since the First Nation succeeded in having an injunction imposed against the exploration company, preventing further drilling near the Aboriginal community until a resolution between the parties is reached.

NEWS RELEASE: Rubicon remains committed to further discussions with Wabauskang First Nation

December 18, 2012

TSX:RMX | NYSE.MKT:RBY

TORONTO, Dec. 17, 2012 /CNW/ – Rubicon Minerals Corporation (TSX: RMX | NYSE-MKT: RBY) (“Rubicon”) has learned via press reports that, on December 17, 2012, Wabauskang First Nation (“WFN”) instructed its lawyers to file a lawsuit related to Rubicon’s Phoenix Gold Project in Red Lake, Ontario. At this time, since it has received no notice from WFN, the details of its lawsuit are unknown to Rubicon.

By way of background, Rubicon has been engaged in discussions and consultation with WFN since January of 2009. As part its Closure Plan obligations, Rubicon confirmed its intention to continue to consult with WFN with respect to the Phoenix Gold Project.

Rubicon has, in good faith, met with the community representatives of WFN and other Aboriginal Communities to ensure their interests have been heard and incorporated into the planning process. Some of the efforts made by Rubicon with respect to WFN are as follows:

as noted above, discussed and consulted WFN directly since January 2009;
provided funding to WFN pursuant to its Consultation & Accommodation Protocol for environmental reviews, legal assistance, financial analyses, a traditional use study, travel, per diems and honorariums;
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More support to revitalise ONTC – by Henry Lazenby (MiningWeekly.com -December 18, 2012)

December 18, 2012

http://www.miningweekly.com/page/americas-home

TORONTO (miningeekly.com) – The New Deal for Northern Ontario, an initiative to revitalise the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC), build a rail link to the Ring of Fire and create thousands of new jobs, on Monday said it is gaining traction as more role-players voice support for the initiative.

Liberal leadership candidate Harinder Takhar recently issued a policy statement calling for “Divestiture of the ONTC to an independent, self-sustaining organisation, and the development of a new rail line for the ‘Ring of Fire’ operations.”

Takhar’s statement is closely aligned with the New Deal plan to transfer ownership of provincially-held ONTC’s railroad and other assets to a new ports authority to be operated under the Canada Marine Act. ONTC operations will be strengthened, and a new rail line to the Ring of Fire mineral deposits will be developed to ship chromite, nickel and other minerals and finished products to markets around the world.

MPP Glen Murray, another Liberal leadership candidate, has called on the government to “pause” its plan to divest the ONTC, while Gerard Kennedy is seeking a “review” of the sell-off decision and further examination of ONTC’s potential role in developing the Ring of Fire mineral deposits. Candidate Charles Sousa, meanwhile, supports “a sustainable, reliable ONTC that connects the North and supports jobs.”

Ontario Mining Association says Key ministry gives mining its due

December 17, 2012

This article was provided by the Ontario Mining Association (OMA), an organization that was established in 1920 to represent the mining industry of the province.

Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation (MEDI) is now featuring mining on one of its marketing websites. Ontario’s mining sector and its contributions to the provincial economy are front and centre on MEDI’s website www.investinontario.com.

The industry is singled out in three sections: Mining in Ontario: Opportunities for growth; Mining in Ontario: What are the key activities? And; “Mining in Ontario: Who are the players?” The website touches on Ontario’s rich mineral endowment, its favourable access to capital, the strong mine supply and services sector, its fair mining laws and taxation and its skilled and educated workforce.

The site shows Ontario as home to 45% of Canada’s mine supply and services companies and that for attractiveness of mining policy, the province is ranked 13th out of 93 international jurisdictions, according to a Fraser Institute survey. The support of Ontario’s universities and colleges for mining is also demonstrated.

“It is most welcome to see an important ministry like MEDI feature the province’s mining industry on its website and showcase the attributes of our industry to the world,” said Ontario Mining Association President Chris Hodgson. “People in the sector know they are working in a world leading Canadian industry and it is good news to see MEDI help to share mining’s good news story.”

NEWS RELEASE: Support Builds for New Deal to Revitalize Ontario Northland, Connect Ring of Fire

December 17, 2012

• More stakeholders demand government pause its ONTC sell-off plan

• New website launches today to support the New Deal

NORTH BAY, ONTARIO (Dec. 17, 2012) – The New Deal for Northern Ontario www.newdealnorth.ca), an initiative to revitalize the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC), build a rail link to the Ring of Fire and create thousands of new jobs, has expanded its base of support among key stakeholders.

Liberal leadership candidate Harinder Takhar recently issued a policy statement calling for “Divestiture of the ONTC to an independent, self-sustaining organization, and the development of a new rail line for the ‘Ring of Fire’ operations.”

[Ontario] Grits extend energy rebate – by Sebastien Perth (Sudbury Star – December 15, 2012)

December 16, 2012

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

A provincial program that saves millions in energy costs for large industries in Northern Ontario has been extended for three years.

Northern Development and Mines Minister and Sudbury MPP Rick Bartolucci made the announcement Friday at Xstrata Nickel’s operations in Falconbridge.

The Northern Industrial Electricity Rate program can provide a company with a rebate of two-cents per kilowatt hour up to a maximum of $20 million a year. The program was set to expire in March, but will now be in effect until 2016.

To access Northern Industrial Electricity Rate funding, companies must provide a plan showing how they will reduce their energy consumption.

“They have to develop a plan that has to be in discussion with the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines and the ministry of Environment then they have to make sure that the plan is implemented and we follow to make sure that energy conservation is taking place,” Bartolucci said. “You see the success of the program and the importance of the program and if I am still where I am now (in the future), I’d be advocating for the program because it’s so good.”

OMA report gains broader exposure at economic conference

December 14, 2012

This article was provided by the Ontario Mining Association (OMA), an organization that was established in 1920 to represent the mining industry of the province.

The recently released Ontario Mining Association economic contribution study “Mining: Dynamic and Dependable for Ontario’s Future” was highlighted at an academic forecasting conference yesterday. The study was a component of the program at the University of Toronto’s Policy and Economic Analysis Program’s (PEAP) bi-annual conference.

The main part of the PEAP conferences involves model construction and explanation for predicting future growth and growth rates in the Canadian economy and where that growth will be derived. Members of PEAP are predominantly economists involved in forecasting, planning and marketing for both private sector and public sector organizations.

In attendance yesterday were representatives from the financial services sector and other industries, the ministry of finance, economists from other industry associations and academia. PEAP works closely with government finance officials, banks and Statistics Canada in developing its projections. Domestic factors as well as global economic trends, which affect the Canadian economy, are examined by this group of specialists. Of particular interest were current social and economic trends in China, Europe and the United States.

Ontario’s Ring of Fire could open economic door to locals – by Henry Lazenby (MiningWeekly.com – December 14, 2012)

December 14, 2012

http://www.miningweekly.com/page/americas-home

In the far-north muskeg of Ontario lies a chromite deposit that could potentially rival that of world No 1 producer South Africa, heralding the development of North America’s first significant chromite mine, a new era of prosperity for the region’s First Nations and millions in tax revenue for Canada’s capital province for many decades to come.

Discovered almost by accident in 2002 by diamond major DeBeers, which at the time was looking for diamonds, but instead found copper and zinc, the 5 000 km2 Ring of Fire deposit, which is about 1 000 km north-west of Toronto, is one of the most promising mineral development opportunities in Ontario in almost a century.

Tucked deep into northern Ontario, the Ring of Fire contains rich mineral deposits that could transform the region much as the oil sands have transformed Alberta. Named whimsically for a Johnny Cash song, the crescent-shaped arc of deposits has the potential to make Canada the world’s fourth largest chromite producer.

Only four countries account for about 80% of the world’s chromite production, with South Africa leading Kazakhstan, Turkey and India.

China’s resource-hungry economy buys half the world’s supply and the US buys about 15%. Chromite, when processed into an alloy, is used in the production of stainless steel, among other products and is valued for its ability to increase steel’s hardness, toughness and resistance to corrosion. In thin chrome-plated coatings, it protects auto parts, appliances and an array of other products, including weapons.

TOO HOT TO HANDLE? NORTHERN ONTARIO’S RING OF FIRE – by Nathan Elliott (Ontario Mineral Exploration Review – December 2012)

December 14, 2012

This article is from the Insightwest website. Insightwest offers strategic, compliance and technical-based solutions for the energy and resource sectors. http://www.insightwest.ca/

And it burns, burns, burns, the ring of fire

The ring of fire

On January 11, 1964, Ring of Fire: The Best of Johnny Cash became the number one record on Billboard’s new Country Album Chart. The collection featured some of Cash’s best material and its title track would become the biggest hit of the “Man in Black’s” career. The album, however, was more than a one hit wonder. Several of its songs would also climb the charts and connect with listeners worldwide. For example, Cash re-wrote what became the iconic television score for Bonanza, but its central messages remained the same – the pursuit of fortune, and the thrills of striking it rich. In the anti-war classic The Big Battle, Cash’s social conscience is front and centre, as is the old adage that a fight is not over until it’s over. (There’ll Be) Peace in the Valley (For Me) concludes the album. Its message is one of hope and possibility, rising from the ashes of conflict.

With the 50th anniversary of the Ring of Fire album release around the corner and the 10 year commemoration of Cash’s passing next year, it is timely that the northern Ontario geological discovery that bears the album’s name is front page news today. It is also fitting that the universal themes of hope, desire, war and peace that define the album can be used as frameworks for understanding the Ring of Fire mining developments, as well as the motivations of First Nations, industry, government and environmental groups with vested interests in the region today.

Ontario Program offers grants to prospectors – by Liz Cowan (Northern Ontario Business – December 12, 2012)

December 13, 2012

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.

Joseph Barr was one of the most popular exhibitors at a recent mining symposium since he was “giving away money.” As president of the Ontario Exploration Council (OEC), he set up a booth at the Ontario Exploration and Geoscience Symposium Nov. 6 and 7 in Sudbury to inform prospectors of available grants.

OEC is fully owned by the Ontario Prospectors Association (OPA) and the organization was created to replace a former grant program with the provincial government. “We have a three-phase program,” said Barr. “Prospectors can get up to $85,000.”

If a prospector stakes a claim, a $10,000 grant can be applied for. Half is given initially, and the remaining half is received once an assessment report is filed with the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.

After the $10,000 is spent, a further $25,000 can be applied for. The money must be spent on the claim, and if it looks promising, this second level of funding can be used for activities such as drilling or sampling. If the assay results are good from drilling and sampling, a further $50,000 can be applied for.

“It is totally interest-free, and there is no repayment. What we take on the first $10,000 is a one per cent net smelter return (NSR). On the second phase, we take another 0.25 per cent and on the third, another 0.25 per cent,” he said.

First Nations given tight deadline to respond to Cliffs new terms of reference – by Shawn Bell (Wawatay News – December 12, 2012)

December 13, 2012

Northern Ontario’s First Nations Voice: http://wawataynews.ca/

Cliffs Natural Resources has adjusted the terms of reference for its proposed Ring of Fire mine, meaning First Nations are again being asked to provide comments and concerns.

Yet at least one First Nation argues that the government should deal with an outstanding Treaty issue before expecting it to comment on the new terms of reference. First Nations were provided with Cliffs’ amended terms of reference on Nov. 30, and given 15 days to respond.

Neskantaga Chief Peter Moonias said that while he wants to respond to the terms of reference, situations within his community and his family mean there is not time to do so before the date that Ontario has set.

Moonias also said Ontario should deal with Neskantaga’s request for mediation on the terms of reference before expecting First Nations to respond to the amended version of the terms of reference.

“The government is trying to give its mandate (to consult with First Nations) to Cliffs,” said Neskantaga Chief Peter Moonias. “They are trying to make Cliffs look like the bad guy, but the government is the one that has a responsibility to come back to the table with First Nations.”

Building boom adds stress to public works – by Benjamin Aubé (Timmins Daily Press – December 12, 2012)

December 13, 2012

The Daily Press is the city of Timmins broadsheet newspaper.

TIMMINS – The city’s “building boom” is resulting in unprecedented work loads and stress levels for Timmins’ community development and public works employees, explained department head Mark Jensen. In pre-budget discussions with city council, Jensen said that many of the department’s challenges are caused by a mix a comparatively low staffing levels, a rapid increase in building permit applications, and a giant geographical area to cover.

To help with efforts such as cutting down on illegal building activity, keeping up with permit processing, and managing increasing administrative duties, Jensen recommended the creation of a new position in the building inspection division.

“A good amount of that demand is coming from our non-residential permit activity,” explained Jensen. “When I say that, we’re looking at the commercial and industrial sectors, and institutional as well. It’s not to say the residential sector isn’t also realizing notable increases over previous years, because it certainly has as well.”

He used the comparable municipalities of Cornwall (pop. 45,965), Belleville (pop. 48,821) and North Bay (pop. 53,980) to make his point. Belleville’s has 11 building inspection staff, Cornwall and North Bay each have eight, while Timmins currently has five-and-a-half full-time employees in the division.

Lake Shore Gold expands mill (Timmins Daily Press – December 12, 2012)

December 13, 2012

The Daily Press is the city of Timmins broadsheet newspaper.

TIMMINS – Officials with Lake Shore Gold Corp. announced this week it has achieved a processing capacity of 2,500 tonnes per day. This is following the completion of the first stage of its 50% mill expansion.

The mill’s new capacity represents an increase of 25% from the previous capacity of 2,000 tonnes per day. The second stage of expansion, to a capacity of 3,000 tonnes per day, is on track for completion during the second quarter of 2013.

“We are beginning to see the payback from a lot of hard work and investment over the last year,” said Tony Makuch, president and CEO of Lake Shore Gold “With increased mill throughput and improved grades, we are set to finish the year strong and to achieve full year production of over 85,000 ounces of gold.

“Equally important, with the progress being made at our mill and in completing our development and drilling programs at Timmins West Mine, we are looking to 2013 as a break-out year for the company, with significantly higher production, lower operating costs, and a sharp reduction in capital expenditures.

“Our balance sheet is strong and we are financed to take Timmins West Mine to full production at which time we will be generating positive free cash flow.”

BMO bullish on Sudbury, Canadian economies – by Laura Stricker (Sudbury Star – December 11, 2012)

December 12, 2012

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

In the next 12 months, Canada will see changes in the housing market, commodity prices and a focus on the big story – household debt — the managing director and deputy chief economist of BMO Capital Markets says.

But Douglas Porter has other concerns. “By this point, Dec. 11, I thought we’d have a lot more clarity on at least one critical issue for the Canadian economy. I thought we’d have more information on the NHL lockout,” he joked.

On Tuesday, Porter spoke to about 100 people at the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce luncheon about “Outlook 2013: looking beyond the cliff,” what the Bank of Montreal sees for the world’s major markets over the next 12 months.

Overall, Porter said, the outlook is positive. “If I were to speak to you just a little more than 12 months ago, the markets were actually in a fairly sour mood and we were worried about a downturn. But over the last year, the markets have swung much more to the optimistic end of the spectrum.”

The biggest risk for the global economy, he said, is still the European debt crisis. While great strides have been made on that front, there is still the possibility of a downturn.

First Nations using video game to attract youth to mining – by Lindsay Kelly (Northern Ontario Business – December 10, 2012)

December 10, 2012

In northwestern Ontario, mining companies struggling to find skilled workers may soon have a new recruitment ally on their side, and it comes in a most non-traditional package: a videogame.

Thunder Bay’s Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education & Training Institute (OSHKI) has commissioned Algoma Games for Health (AGFH) in Sault Ste. Marie to develop an online videogame that will grab the attention of First Nations youth, in an effort to translate their heightened interest into careers in the mining industry.

OSHKI serves the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), a collection of 49 First Nation communities located throughout the region.

Gordon Kakegamic, OSHKI’s e-learning co-ordinator, said information about the mining industry on the internet often uses tech-based language and ideologies, which is difficult for the average youth reader to understand.

“We want to present that same kind of information in a different approach using methods that gamers use,” he said. “There are different strategies that programmers use to interact and engage people, and we’re trying to apply those same principles to the portal. It makes learning fun.”