Ontario Mining – Page 317 – Republic of Mining

Lake Shore Gold plans $80-million expansion – by Ron Grech (Timmins Daily Press – September 21, 2011)

September 21, 2011

Ron Grech is a reporter for The Daily Press, the city of Timmins newspaper. Contact the writer at rgrech@thedailypress.ca

Lake Shore Gold is spending $80 million over the next 14 months to expand the processing mill at its Bell Creek complex near Timmins. Production for the mine has reached a level where it is exceeding the mill’s capacity.

“We need to expand the mill,” said Dan Gagnon, vice-president and general manager of Timmins operations for Lake Shore Gold.

Gagnon along with Brian Buss, Lake Shore’s director of project development and technical services, made a presentation to Timmins council Monday night, detailing expansion plans and targets for production growth.

Lake Shore has three key mining complexes — Bell Creek, Timmins West and Thunder Creek — west of the city plus some other properties just east of Timmins.

Northern Ontario needs a long-term energy strategy – by Keitha Robson (Timmins Daily Press – 2009)

September 21, 2011

The Daily Press is the city of Timmins newspaper.

Although this column is two years old, the opinion is very relevant especially during the current Ontario election.-Stan Sudol

Keitha Robson is the manager and CEO of the Timmins Chamber of Commerce.

Now, throw into the mix that our neighbours, Friendly
Manitoba and La Belle Province de Quebec have electricity
prices roughly 60% and 40% lower, respectively, than ours,
and it’s easy to see that Ontario may very well be losing
favour as the great place (which it undoubtedly is) in
which to set up shop. (Keitha Robson, 2009)

We’ve all heard about the trouble with energy: Some sources are running out; some sources are unclean and have negative impacts on the environment; some sources are great for the environment but just can’t produce what we need, affordably.

For Ontario, the plot is a little thicker. And in Northern Ontario, thicker still.

Ontario is the largest consumer of energy in Canada, accounting for 32.3% of total energy use and has one of the highest costs of energy, second only to Alberta. In a province whose bread and butter, the energy-intensive manufacturing industry, continues to be hard pressed by economic pressures, it doesn’t help that energy pricing adds more pressure to the mix.

Not to mention the amount of energy, particularly electricity, that is consumed by mining and forestry companies in Ontario, particularly in Northern Ontario.

[Northern Ontario] Caribou strategy draws substantial criticism – by Ron Grech (Timmins Daily Press – May 5, 2010)

September 21, 2011

Ron Grech is a reporter for The Daily Press, the city of Timmins newspaper. Contact the writer at rgrech@thedailypress.ca

By designating huge tracts of the boreal forest as caribou habitat, the Ontario government will be exposing forestry to a litigious, bureaucratic nightmare, say industry leaders and northern municipal politicians.

“If they define the entire range as caribou habitat, they will be turning forest management over to the court systems because if you want to operate anywhere that is considered habitat, you will have to go to the government to get a permit,” explained Scott Jackson, manager of forest policy with the Ontario Forest Industries Association. “That process is open to frivolous legal challenges. So anyone who wants to stop your operations can start a legal challenge that will probably end up being decided in a courtroom in downtown Toronto.”

The Woodland Caribou Recovery Strategy establishes a line roughly parallel to Highway 11, identifying much of the forest areas north of that as caribou habitat. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources has blocked off an expansive stretch that extends across Northern Ontario from the Manitoba border to Quebec.

The strategy clearly aims to not only preserve existing caribou habitat but expand their range and reintroduce them in more southerly regions where they haven’t roamed in decades.

GREENSTONE MUNICIPALITY MEDIA RELEASE: New report concludes Exton is viable site for Ring of Fire Refinery

September 26, 2011September 20, 2011

Click here for Technical Analysis Report: Energy Supply Related to Exton Ferrochrome Refinery Siting (September 14, 2011)

Click here for: A ‘Made in Greenstone’ Approach: A vision for the successful supply of energy to a ferrochrome refinery in Greenstone (Exton)

For the web’s largest database of articles on the Ring of Fire mining camp, please go to: Ontario’s Ring of Fire Mineral Discovery

THUNDER BAY – September 20, 2011 – A report released today concludes that siting a ferrochrome refinery at Exton for Ring of Fire minerals is technically, environmentally and economically feasible. George Smitherman and Don Huff were contracted by the Municipality of Greenstone to push for establishing a Chromite refinery at Exton. Exton is located adjacent to the railway in the Municipality of Greenstone between Nakina and the Aroland First Nation.

“Our analysis, with specific emphasis on the viability of supplying electricity to service the proposed arc furnaces concludes that Exton is well positioned to serve as the refinery site,” stated former Ontario Deputy Premier George Smitherman. Smitherman observed, “The Exton site has the significant advantage of fitting with the territorial expectations of First Nations and is economically feasible.”

The Municipality of Greenstone asked that three major themes be addressed:
1. The Exton site must mesh with First Nation aspirations;
2. The viability of supplying adequate power; and
3. Sustainability considerations.

OMA member Osisko builds First Nation knowledge into environmental approval process

September 16, 2011

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 Mining Association member Osisko Mining Corporation is reaching out to incorporate Traditional Knowledge into the Environmental Assessment of its Hammond Reef gold property in Northwestern Ontario. The company recently held an Elders Forum on site. More than 65 Elders from neighbouring First Nations, company staff and government officials participated. Nine First Nations communities were represented at the Forum.

Chiefs and councils of these First Nations made hearing from the Elders about this project a main concern. Elders, while not always the most senior residents of First Nations communities, are generally respected for their wisdom, patience and understanding. They value traditional teachings and passing them along to younger generations.

“The Elders Forum provided us with a unique opportunity to approach the Environmental Assessment process from a Traditional Knowledge perspective,” said Peter Hinz, Mineral Development Consultant with the Ministry of Northern Development Mines and Forestry. “This was an excellent opportunity to facilitate an open exchange of information and perspectives between First Nations, industry and government.”

Rail-Veyor Technologies Global Inc. System Overview and Description – Backgrounder

September 16, 2011

Overview and Description – Backgrounder

The Rail‐Veyor™ system combines the best of conventional railroads and conveyors to create a unique and practical alternative for materials transport. Systems are scalable and flexible and can economically move materials over distances of a few hundred meters to hundreds of kilometers.

To accomplish this, the Rail‐Veyor™ system incorporates the use of light rail track with a series of interconnected two wheeled cars creating an open trough capable of continuous movement. The cars are connected to allow articulated movement for curves and dumping and trough lengths are designed to meet tonnage requirements. Sealing of the gaps between cars is achieved using flexible flaps which prevent leakage of materials and forms a chute for product discharge.

Energy efficiency is achieved through a unique drive system incorporating stationary drive stations consisting of dual motors and gear reducers driving foam‐filled tires which contact the car side plates providing the forward thrust. Speed is controlled by an inverter, which allows for both forward and reverse movement and provides sufficient power to start loaded trains from any position on the track.

NEWS RELEASE: VALE ANNOUNCES $49 MILLION INVESTMENT IN NEW DEMONSTRATION PLANT FEATURING INNOVATIVE RAIL-VEYOR TECHNOLOGY

September 16, 2011

For Immediate Release

SUDBURY, September 16, 2011 – Vale today announced a $49 million investment in its Copper Cliff Mine 114 Orebody Demonstration Plant. The demonstration plant will feature innovative Rail-Veyor technology and offer opportunities to test safer and more efficient mining techniques and new, specialized equipment.

“The 114 Orebody Demonstration Plant is part of the $3.4 billion investment Vale announced for its Sudbury operations in November of last year,” said Alex Henderson, General Manager, Mines and Mill Technology, North Atlantic Region, Vale. “This investment allows us to test new and innovative mining technologies that could dramatically improve mining processes across our operations.”

New, innovative Rail-Veyor technology will be installed at the 114 Orebody Demonstration Plant later this year – the first installation of its kind at an underground mine in North America. The technology is currently being tested at an above ground site near Turner Road in Sudbury.

Sudbury officials ponder Cleveland visit [Ring of Fire smelter] – by Harold Carmichael

September 26, 2011September 16, 2011

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

For the web’s largest database of articles on the Ring of Fire mining camp, please go to: Ontario’s Ring of Fire Mineral Discovery

The city may be sending a team to Cleveland, the home base of Cliffs Natural Resources, to present Greater Sudbury’s case for landing a smelter to process ore from the company’s chromite deposits in northwestern Ontario.

“There is something in the works,” Mayor Marianne Matichuk said when reached Thursday. “I can’t get into details. We don’t have everything firmed up.”

The Star has learned a team that includes Matichuk and chief administrative officer Doug Nadorozny could be heading to Cleveland as early as Wednesday to present a study about a former industrial site just north of Capreol. “I will be fighting for our community and giving Cliffs a good case for our community,” Matichuk said.

Executive Terry MacGibbon of OMA member Quadra FNX to lead major university fundraising drive

May 7, 2013September 15, 2011

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.

Terry MacGibbon, Chairman of Ontario Mining Association member Quadra FNX, has taken on the volunteer role as chairman of Laurentian University’s Next 50 campaign. This fundraising effort, to date, has reached $39 million of its goal of $50 million.

“I am honoured to accept this important position and to be a part of the development of a university that I believe is on the cusp of greatness,” said Mr. MacGibbon. “Laurentian’s bold plans for the future speak to its desire to set the pace for educational excellence in Canada and projects like the newly announced Laurentian School of Mines and the Laurentian School of Architecture will surely attract some of the country’s brightest, most ambitious young minds.”

Also a donation of $1 million made by Quadra FNX to Laurentian University is being designated to the Laurentian School of Mines. “Quadra FNX is excited to invest in an institution that is set in one of the world’s great mining camps and that will play a vital role in developing the qualified professionals needed to sustain and grow our industry,” said Paul Blythe, President and Chief Executive Officer of Quadra FNX. “Laurentian’s School of Mines will undoubtedly become one of Canada’s premier centres for mining education.”

Asian economy strengthens Vale’s bottomline – by Carol Mulligan (Sudbury Star – September 15, 2011)

September 15, 2011

The Sudbury Star is the City of Greater Sudbury’s daily newspaper. cmulligan@thesudburystar.com

Despite economic troubles in Europe and the United States, Vale Canada Ltd.’s chief executive officer isn’t worried about the company’s financial future. Troubles in the U.S. and abroad aren’t directly affecting the Brazil-based nickel producer, said Tito Martins in Sudbury on Wednesday.

The economy of Asia — and its demand for Vale’s product — is “still very strong,” Martins said after an event at which he presented the Sudbury Food Bank with a cheque for $500,000.

“In general, the market is doing very well and we don’t believe that we will see a major drop in the economy as we saw in 2008,” Martins told reporters. “We may see some difficulties in specific markets, but, in general, we are very optimistic about the future.”

Martins said his company is hiring people in Sudbury and in Newfoundland and Labrador, and that is a good sign.

“If I could produce more, I would love to produce more, actually,” he said.

Are Ontario political party pronouncements echoing OMA’s vision for the future of mining?

September 14, 2011

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.

As we move closer to October 6 election day in Ontario, it is encouraging to see mining being part of the platform of all major parties. Many of the topics and positions being presented by the Liberals, Progressive Conservatives and New Democrats seem to reflect the OMA’s plan for the future of mining in Ontario. Last week, the OMA presented each party’s’ views on mining, however, the issues continue to develop. The full text of the OMA’s vision for the future “Action Plan for Ontario: Taking Advantage of a Critical Window of Opportunity” can be found on the OMA website www.oma.on.ca.

The Liberal document “Plan for Northern Ontario” has a lot of mining content. The OMA’s paper calls for “balancing conservation and development targets” and the establishment of a target for new mines in Ontario to demonstrate a commitment to the future success of the industry. The Liberal platform says “at least six mines are reopening and four new mines are expected to open by the end of 2012 and we’ll open at least eight new mines in the next 10 years.”

The OMA would like to see an engaged Ontario government working with the federal government, industry and First Nations to cut approval and permitting time lines in half. While the Progressive Conservatives and NDP have supported permitting improvements, the Liberals have said “we’ll also work to ensure the federal government is at the table for Northern communities and First Nations in planning for smart development of the Ring of Fire.

NEWS RELEASE: LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY JOINS FORCES WITH CANADIAN MINING EXECUTIVE – Terry MacGibbon announced as the new Chair of the Next 50 Campaign

September 14, 2011September 14, 2011

Terry MacGibbon, Chairman of Quadra FNX Mining Ltd. and Chair of Laurentian University’s Next 50 Campaign; Nawojka Wachowiak, Vice President, Investor Relations Quadra FNX Mining Ltd; Paul M. Blythe, President and CEO Quadra FNX Mining Ltd.; Tracy MacLeod, Laurentian University Campaign Director Development Office; Dominic Giroux, Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor

Toronto, ON (September 14th, 2011) On Tuesday evening, at Toronto’s National Club, an audience comprised of some of the biggest names in the mining industry listened as Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux and Paul Blythe, president and CEO of Quadra FNX Mining Ltd., introduced Terry MacGibbon, Chairman of Quadra FNX Mining Company as the new Chair of the university’s Next 50 Campaign. To date, the campaign has raised $39 million of its $50 million goal.

“I am honoured to accept this important position and to be a part of the development of a university that I believe is on the cusp of greatness,” said MacGibbon. “Laurentian’s bold plans for the future speak to its desire to set the pace for educational excellence in Canada, and projects like the newly-announced Laurentian School of Mines and the Laurentian School of Architecture will surely attract some of the country’s brightest, most ambitious young minds. I fully support Laurentian in its mission to provide these individuals with the highest quality educational experience available and am committed to helping the Next 50 Campaign reach its goal.”

Ontario Teachers take mining lessons back to the classroom

September 5, 2016September 12, 2011

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 Ontario Mining Association has helped 27 Ontario teachers gain a better perspective on the mineral industry through its participation in the second annual Teachers’ Mining Tour. This educational professional development program was held at the Canadian Ecology Centre (CEC) near Mattawa from August 15 to 19, 2011.

The program exposed teachers to all phases of the mining cycle, industry professions, Earth science and mineral education specialists, Earth science presentations, educational resources and numerous field trips. George Flumerfelt, President of North Bay-based mine contractor Redpath and an OMA Director, provided a “Mining 101” presentation for the educators to kick off the intensive week.

Tours included visits to Vale’s smelter complex in Sudbury and Xstrata Nickel’s Nickel Rim South Mine. In North Bay, the teachers toured Boart Longyear’s drill manufacturing facilities including a highly automated operation featuring robotics. Also, a representative of consulting engineering firm Knight Piesold made a presentation on the role of environmental assessments in resource development to this group of teachers.