Ontario’s Ring of Fire Mineral Discovery – Page 122

[Thunder Bay power plant] Gas conversion on hold – by Kris Ketonen (Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal – November 3, 2012)

November 3, 2012

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

The fate of the city’s OPG power plant will be clearer in a few months, the province’s minister of energy assured Friday.
Regional representatives were caught off-guard Thursday when the provincial government announced a hold on its plan to convert the plant so that it runs on natural gas instead of coal.

The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) — which is in charge of Ontario’s long-term power system planning — believes the loss in power generation could be made up elsewhere, and mothballing the local plant would save taxpayers up to $400 million (that number was highly disputed on Friday, however).

“If the plans will provide those power needs and save money, then we’ll take a look at them,” Ontario Energy Minister Chris Bentley said in an interview Friday. “If they won’t, then the conversion is back on.

“Look, anytime anybody tells me they can do something and save up to $400 million, they’ve got my attention. But right now, I’m at the ‘show me’ stage, and that’s why we’re waiting for the more-detailed approach and plan.”

Mines at risk in Thunder Bay power plant closure, officials say – by John Spears (Toronto Star – November 3, 2012)

November 3, 2012

The Toronto Star has the largest circulation in Canada. The paper has an enormous impact on federal and Ontario politics as well as shaping public opinion.

Suspending a project to convert Thunder Bay’s coal-burning power plant to natural gas threatens the well-being of northwest Ontario’s booming mining sector, according to local politicians. And the Ontario Mining Association is also taking a close look at the impact decision, a spokesman said.

They were reacting to the Ontario government’s decision to halt work on converting the Thunder Bay plant to gas. It now burns coal, but the province has pledged to shut down all coal plants by the end of 2014. The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association put out a sharply worded release on the news.

“These actions put at risk billions of dollars of investment in the mining sector by raising concerns that the required power may not be there when it is needed,” said Ron Nelson, president of the association.

The province says that converting the 300-megawatt Thunder Bay plant isn’t needed, because the area’s needs can be served by a new transmission line scheduled to go into service in 2017.

NEWS RELEASE: OPA Decision Puts Mining Growth at Risk [Northwestern Ontario]

November 3, 2012

Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA)

For immediate release: Friday, Novemver 2, 2012

THUNDER BAY – The Ontario Power Generation (OPG) announcement that they are suspending further work on the Thunder Bay Generating Station gas conversion is being met with anger and frustration by the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA). The announcement is a result of the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) informing OPG that it “needs to explore other options for energy supply in the northwest” despite personal assurances by the Minister as recently as August that the conversion would proceed.

For many years, NOMA and its partners have made energy a top priority in our meetings with Government. We have been calling on the OPA to undertake proper energy planning in the Northwest including repeated requests to meet with Northwestern Ontario leaders and experts to discuss the comprehensive energy needs of the region. These requests have fallen on deaf ears and this decision is an unfortunate example of the consequence.

“How dare the OPA ignore specific government direction by causing further delays to the Thunder Bay Generating Station conversion!” said NOMA President Ron Nelson. “These actions jeopardize the conversion and also put at risk billions of dollars of investment in the mining sector by raising concerns that the required power may not be there when it is needed.”

“Why is OPA determined to turn off the lights in our region?” questioned Nelson. “Why is the Ontario Government letting this happen?”

Cliffs eyes more delays [Ring of Fire chromite project] – by Sebastien Perth (Sudbury Star – November 2, 2012)

November 2, 2012

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

Cliffs Natural Resources admits it may have to delay production at its Black Thor project in the Ring of Fire to 2017. The news came out during a recent quarterly report conference call, nearly a month after Cliffs announced it was pushing back production in the Ring of Fire to 2016.

Cliffs director of global communications Pat Persico said the company is still aiming for 2016, but that could easily change based on the market situation.

“As noted during our earnings call, Cliffs’ CEO Joseph Carrabba had noted that the company has several options and levers we can pull should the market change. One of those levers is capital spending related to our chromite project. Officially, we are working toward the end of 2016, but this could push the production target date beyond 2017,” Persico said.

He said despite the “significant potential” the Black Thor project represents, iron ore prices have caused Cliffs to re-evaluate the project’s timeline.

Cliffs says it will include Neskantaga feedback in environmental assessment – by Rick Garrick (Wawatay News – November 1, 2012)

November 1, 2012

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

Cliffs Natural Resources is looking to include Neskantaga’s concerns about an important gathering place on the Attawapiskat River in the environmental assessment process for its Ring of Fire chromite mine.

“In terms of Neskantaga’s interest in the river, that is one of many aspects that has to be incorporated into the environmental assessment,” said Jason Aagenes, director of environmental affairs at Cliffs, during an Oct. 24 media briefing prior to a Cliffs open house in Thunder Bay. “We’re looking for feedback and input, not just from Neskantaga but all of the area First Nation communities, into the environmental assessment. The purpose of the environmental assessment is to take into account areas of cultural or archeological sensitivities and make sure that the project will not adversely impact those areas.”

A Lakehead University professor recently confirmed Neskantaga’s concerns about the gathering place after conducting a surface examination at the location where Ring of Fire companies are planning to build a bridge across the Attawapiskat River.

“It is a place of high archeological potential,” said Scott Hamilton, a professor in Lakehead University’s department of anthropology. Hamilton found evidence of occupation at the gathering place, including log tent frames, five gallon barrels cut into stoves, hide stretching racks and a metal pipe that he speculated could be the remnants of a musket dating back to the days of northern Ontario’s fur trade.

Ring of Fire on the backburner for Cliffs? – by Northern Ontario Business staff (November 1, 2012)

November 1, 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

Volatile commodity prices and cost pressures have Cliffs Natural Resources pushing back the start of chromite production at its Black Thor project in the James Bay lowlands Ring of Fire camp to 2017, or even beyond.

In the Cleveland miner’s Oct. 25 third-quarter conference call, Cliffs chairman and CEO Joseph Carrabba said the company is curbing capital spending and is holding off on early site construction at the remote location in the James Bay lowlands until a feasibility study is finished next summer.

It’s the second time in recent months that Cliffs has pushed back the start date at Black Thor by an additional year after steadfastly maintaining it was sticking to its original project startup date of 2015.

While Black Thor has great long-term potential, Carrabba said the sharp decline in prices of iron ore – Cliffs’ bread and butter commodity — has the company taking a serious re-evaluation of the massive $3.3-billion mine and processing development project.

“This includes delaying the major capital spending outlays and could push the production target date beyond 2017,” Carrabba told analysts.

NEWS RELEASE: Bold Ventures Receives Permission From Marten Falls First Nations to Explore on its Koper Lake Project in the Ring of Fire which Contains the Blackhorse Chromium Deposit Optioned From Fancamp Exploration Ltd.

October 31, 2012

Toronto, Ontario October 31 2012 – Bold Ventures Inc. (BOL:TSX.V) (“Bold” or the “Company”) is pleased to report that in keeping with its policy of positive First Nations relations, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Marten Falls First Nation (“MFFN”). Marten Falls is a First Nation community located proximal to the Company’s Koper Lake project optioned from Fancamp Exploration Ltd. (“FNC”).

The Koper Lake project is located in the Ring of Fire area of the James Bay Lowlands, northeastern Ontario. The MOU outlines an understanding between the parties to compensate MFFN for any impacts created by the project work within MFFN traditional territory. The MOU also provides for local job creation, respectful stewardship of the land and environment as well as the promotion of business partnerships with MFFN and local service providers.

About The Koper Lake Project

The property contains a known occurrence of massive chromite called the Black Horse occurrence. One drill hole intersected massive chromite interpreted to have a true thickness of approximately 35 to 55 m; a second drill hole intersected intercalated chromitite and peridotite beds followed by massive chromite over interpreted true thicknesses of 20 to 25 m. (Please refer to Fancamp press release dated December 27, 2011).

Cliffs criticized for[native] hiring practices – CBC Radio Thunder Bay (October 26, 2012)

October 29, 2012

http://www.cbc.ca/thunderbay/

Mining company responds to First Nations man’s concern about criminal record checks

A First Nations man in Thunder Bay says he is concerned that Cliffs Natural Resources is shutting out a large number of Aborginal workers from getting mining jobs in the Ring of Fire in Ontario because of criminal records.

Chris Towegishig is originally from Ginoogaming First Nation. Earlier this month Towegishig was told he wouldn’t have a job at Cliffs, despite receiving a written offer of employment from the company just days earlier. The offer had been for a field assistant position at the site.

“And she told me ‘no’ we’re not going to have you out there due to your criminal record,” Towegishig said, describing his interaction with a Cliffs human resources representative. Towegishig said he was told the other workers would be “scared for their safety.”

According to Towegishig, he had been honest about his criminal record from the start, and had been told by the company his history shouldn’t be a problem.

Toll road to the Ring of Fire? – by Ian Ross (Northern Ontario Business – October 2012)

November 3, 2015October 29, 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. Ian Ross is the editor of Northern Ontario Business ianross@nob.on.ca.

A provincial toll road may be in the offing for mining companies hauling ore out of the Ring of Fire. Noront Resources said in its discussions with the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, among the options on the table with Queen’s Park are a toll charge being assessed based on each company’s “proportional usage.”

That’s just fine with Noront since its concentrate shipments will be less than seven per cent of the road’s entire haul. The province has committed to financing a north-south haul ore road out of the James Bay lowlands’ mining camp, and has further assured Noront that the road will be open to all mining companies, not just Cliffs Natural Resources.

The other option under government consideration involves the companies ponying up money for the road corridor. The cash-strapped Ontario government has also appealed to Ottawa for infrastructure capital.

Noront president and CEO Wes Hanson said a final decision on how the road will be built and financed has yet to be decided.

No cash for new [Ring of Fire railroad] line – province – by PJ Wilson (North Bay Nugget – October 28, 2012)

October 29, 2012

http://www.nugget.ca/

The province doesn’t have the money to build a rail link connecting the Ontario Northland line to the Ring of Fire region, says to a spokeswoman for Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci.

Laura Blondeau said Friday neither she nor Bartolucci have seen anything from the General Chairperson’s Association about its proposal for a “new deal” to revitalize the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission which was announced last week.

“We have asked to see the proposal, and they have sent us the press release they issued and communications products, but we don’t really know the plan or how it will be implemented,” Blondeau said.

She said her office is looking to meet with them next week to discuss the proposal that would keep the ONTC alive, but stressed the province does not have the money to extend the track to the Ring of Fire, a remote area without rail lines, all-season roads, electricity or communications networks west of Moosonee.

The proposal was put forward by the GCA, which represents employees of the ONTC, which called for ownership of the Crown corporation to be transferred to a new ports authority which would be operated under the Canada Marine Act.

Cliffs holds open house to discuss [Sudbury] chromite smelter – by Carol Mulligan (Sudbury Star – October 26, 2012)

October 26, 2012

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

Interested residents who attended an open house Thursd ay in Capreol on had an opportunity to have their comments and complaints considered by Cliffs Natural Resources as it undertakes the environmental assessment for its chromite smelter project.

Cleveland-based Cliffs is about two years into collecting baseline data for its combined federal and provincial environmental assessment for development of its Black Thor deposit near McFaulds Lake in the Ring of Fire.

Jason Aagenes, director of environmental affairs for Cliffs’ ferroalloys division, briefed reporters on the environmental assessment of the four components of its Ring of Fire. Cliffs is looking to develop an open-pit mine in the James Bay lowlands, which will include a concentrator to crush chromite ore and a lined tailings pond.

It is also developing an integrated transportation corridor to move concentrated ore from the Ring of Fire to a ferrochrome processing plant it plans to build at the former Moose Mountain Mine site, north of Capreol.

Aagenes said the project is in the feasibility and environmental assessment stages, and said Cliffs is working on an aggressive deadline to begin mining and processing by 2016. Cliffs originally intended to be in production by 2015.

Cliffs in early stages of EA (Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal – October 25, 2012)

October 25, 2012

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

Cliffs Natural Resources is conducting an environmental assessment of mining activity in Northwestern Ontario as part of the potential Ring of Fire mining development.

While it is still too early to determine any negative impacts mining activity might have on the environment, Jason Aagenes, director of environmental affairs at Cliffs, said Wednesday the company is still in the early stages of an ongoing process.
“We have been collecting baseline data for a number of years,” Aagenes said.

“We will be starting the actual environmental assessment in the upcoming months.” The environmental assessment is collecting baseline data on the main aspects of the environment, including biological, physical and human, as well as traditional knowledge.

It is being conducted in consultation from First Nations and municipalities. It will examine environmental impacts of the four main components of the project, including the mine to be built near McFaulds Lake, an ore processing facility near the mine, the transportation system and the ferrochrome production facility.

[Ring of Fire] Selling out our kids’ kids – by Dave Dale (North Bay Nugget – October 24, 2012)

October 25, 2012

http://www.nugget.ca/

Desperation will make people do ill-conceived things. Some will even trade their own family members for a penny and promises when the wolves are at the door.

And during hard times, elected officials are quick to sell the farm — lock, stock and your mother thrown in — for short-term economic and political gain.

There’s no shortage of examples in Ontario, many recent and several ongoing. More about the recent pitch by the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission unions to become a federal port authority later.

First and foremost, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his Tory crew are at this very moment prostituting your children’s children on a long-shot global wager.

The Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, which becomes binding next week, allows China to crawl into our economic bed for a minimum of 31 years.

Neskantaga wants mediation on Ring of Fire environmental assessment – by Shawn Bell (Wawatay News – October 24, 2012)

October 25, 2012

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

Neskantaga First Nation is requesting mediation to resolve differences between the environmental assessment it wishes to see for Cliffs’ Ring of Fire mine, and the assessment process the company has proposed.

In a letter to Ontario’s Minister of Environment Jim Bradley dated Sept. 27, Neskantaga called on Bradley to refer Cliffs’ terms of reference to mediation.

“Our constitutionally protected aboriginal rights and title and treaty rights are not appropriately addressed in the terms of reference,” Neskantaga wrote. “Therefore, numerous fundamental issues of concern arise on the terms of reference as submitted. It is our strong view that these should be addressed in a mediation between Neskantaga and…Cliffs.”

Neskantaga’s legal council Greg McDade of Ratcliff and Co. LLP told Wawatay News that as of Oct. 19, the minister had not yet responded to the request. Under Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Act, the minister has the ability to refer a terms of reference to a mediator if requested.