Ontario’s Ring of Fire Mineral Discovery – Page 123

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.

[Sudbury Wahnapitae] Natives work with Cliffs – by Carol Mulligan (Sudbury Star – October 25, 2012)

October 25, 2012

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

Members of Wahnapitae First Nation regard plans by Cliffs Natural Resources to build a chromite smelter just 20 kilo-metres from their border as an opportunity.

But the president of the Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association, a Wahnapitae First Nation member, says they also view the plant as a threat. That’s why the First Nation, and the Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association, are working with Cliffs on a baseline environmental review of the project, getting involved on the ground floor.

Hans Matthews has been a member of his First Nation’s Mining Industry Working Group for a decade and president since the beginning of the association, which will mark its 20th anniversary with a conference in Toronto next month.

Headquartered in Wahnapitae First Nation, Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association drew a handful of guests to its first annual convention. Eight hundred delegates are expected to attend this year’s event, cochaired by Matthews and Bill Boor, Cliffs’ senior vice-president of global ferroalloys.

MUNICIPALITY OF GREENSTONE MEDIA ADVISORY: Northwest Kick Start plan featured at the Ontario Waterpower Conference in Niagara-on-the Lake

October 23, 2012

What: Northwest Kick Start plan featured at the Ontario Waterpower Association’s Power of Water Canada Conference in Niagara-on-the Lake, October 23, 2012.

Background: The Northwest Kick Start plan, unveiled by the Municipality of Greenstone on September 20, 2011, continues to influence the evolution of electricity-related planning in Northwest Ontario.

Today’s presentation at the Power of Water Canada Conference by Larry Doran, one of the plan’s authors, occurred at the same time as the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) outlined its current thinking on energy and transmission planning in the Region.

The Northwest Kick Start plan was conceived to show it was possible to provide a cost-effective power supply to a refinery for the Ring of Fire minerals in Greenstone. However, it evolved into a visionary power system enhancement plan, demonstrating region-wide benefits by facilitating a number of other longer term economic development and power system objectives, namely:

• Providing a grid connection to a number of First Nation communities currently supplied solely by diesel generation;

NEWS RELEASE: New Deal to Revitalize Ontario Northland, Connect Ring of Fire Receives Unanimous Employee Support

October 23, 2012

Plan will create economic opportunities and thousands of new jobs in Ontario’s North

NORTH BAY, ONTARIO (October 22, 2012) – The General Chairperson’s Association (GCA), representing employees of Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC), today announced that their members have voiced unanimous support for the proposed New Deal to revitalize ONTC.

About 530 current employees along with a number of retirees attended weekend meetings in North Bay, Timmins, Cochrane and Englehart to learn more about the New Deal from GCA representatives, following its public announcement on Friday.

The GCA-led plan calls for transferring 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 will be developed to ship chromite, nickel and other minerals and finished products to markets around the world.

“We are more energized than ever about the New Deal after receiving such enthusiastic support from our members,” said GCA representative Brian Stevens. “Their voices build on strong support from a growing list of key stakeholders, adding to our confidence in the plan’s success.”

New [Ring of Fire railroad] deal and port for ONTC? – by Liz Cowan (Northern Ontario Business – October 19, 2012)

October 22, 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.

A “new deal” for Ontario Northland has been proposed by the association representing unionized employees at Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC).

The proposal calls for transferring ownership of the railroad and other assets of the provincially-held ONTC to a new ports authority to be operated under the Canada Marine Act.

The first step in this process was recently completed with the creation of The James Bay and Lowlands Ports Trustee Corporation.

“Not only will we save transportation services and hundreds of existing jobs in the North, but our plan will also create thousands more jobs by providing access to the Ring of Fire,” said Brian Stevens, representative of the General Chairperson’s Association (GCA).

The Canada Marine Act allows the federal government to create port authorities which are a Crown corporation of the federal government.

Two approaches to northern [Ontario] mines – Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal Editorial (October 19, 2012)

October 22, 2012

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

IT has become standard procedure for campaigning politicians to change their minds once in office — if they ever had any intention of keeping some promises in the first place. “Read my lips, no new taxes,” was George H.W. Bush’s way of phrasing it, but many seeking office in Canada have done the same. Departing Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty said as much in advance of the 2003 election campaign, only to introduce the Ontario Health Premium, the largest tax increase in post-war Ontario.

Pauline Marois sees things another way, at least in so far as northern Quebec is concerned. Running against Liberal Jean Charest, the Parti Quebecois leader had little good to say about his signature regional development policy, Plan Nord, which seeks to stimulate industrial activity north of the 49th parallel. But now that Marois is premier, and with mining potential that may be on a par with that in Northern Ontario, Marois is allowing for the possibility of tax incentives to attract mining projects to Quebec’s Far North.

The difference between Quebec and Ontario’s approach is important because it signals the McGuinty government’s unwillingness to engage in hard bargaining in spite of holding the high cards.

Marois has stipulated that in order to be eligible for the tax credits she once eschewed, mining companies would have to process their ore in Quebec. This, of course, results in far greater economic benefit to the host region and province than if raw ore is shipped elsewhere — usually to low-cost, low-wage places chosen by companies to maximize profits.

ONTC unions pitch plan [Ring of Fire railroad] – by Jennifer Hamilton-McCharles (North Bay Nugget – October 19, 2012)

October 20, 2012

http://www.nugget.ca/

The General Chairperson’s Association is asking the province to consider a proposal that would revitalize Ontario Northland and keep hundreds of workers employed.

The plan was unveiled Friday at North Bay city hall in front of Ontario Northland Transportation Commission employees, CEO Paul Goulet, politicians and CAW Local 103 president Brian Kelly.

Brian Stevens of the General Chairperson’s Association, representing unionized ONTC employees, called the proposal “economically sustainable” and said it would provide a new future for Northern Ontario.

The proposal includes transferring ownership of the provincial Crown corporation to a new ports authority under the federal Canada Marine Act. The first step in that process was recently completed with the creation of the James Bay and Lowlands Ports Trustee Corp., which would become a port authority if approved by the federal government. The corporation has already had discussions regarding the proposal with First Nations in the James Bay Lowlands, ONTC unions and Ring of Fire claim holder Canada Chrome Corp.

Resource development puts Treaties to the test – by Harvey Yesno (Wawatay News – October 19, 2012)

October 21, 2012October 20, 2012

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

Harvey Yesno is the Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), an Aboriginal political organization representing 49 First Nation communities within James Bay Treaty 9 territory and the Ontario portions of Treaty No. 5.

In July of 1905 when the Treaty Commissioners began the process of securing signatures to the James Bay Treaty # 9, Chief Missabay and his men at Mishkeegogamang signed the treaty only after giving the request to enter into treaty with His Majesty due consideration, and he had determined that nothing but good was intended.

Resource development across the NAN territory (encompassing James Bay Treaty # 9 and Treaty # 5) will put the treaties to the test; as the future ahead for the families, people and communities of Nishnawbe Aski Nation is to participate in the economy and wealth that is contained within the lands and resources that surrounds us.

First Nations have been discussing the need for resource and economic development within our treaty territory for years. It has always been known by the people of NAN that one day Ontario will be on our doorstep; because the place we call home holds tremendous value and potential.

Today, however, the Province of Ontario is making significant changes in terms of legislation and policy with the passing of The Far North Act, Amendments to the Mining Act and now engaging First Nations on the Renewable Energy on Crown Land Policies.

Railroad proposed for Ring of Fire – by MM+D Staff (Materials, Management and Distribution Magazine – October 19, 2012)

October 20, 2012

http://www.canadianmanufacturing.com/distribution-and-transportation/news

NORTH BAY, Ontario—There may be a new railroad in northern Ontario, if a proposal being put before the federal and provincial governments is adopted.

The plan, which was unveiled by the General Chairperson’s Association, the organization which represents unionized employees at Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC), proposes that the assets and ownership of ONTC, a provincial agency that operates more than 1,100km of track and provides passenger and freight rail, bus and telecommunications services to northeast Ontario communities like North Bay, Cochrane and Moosonee, be turned over to a newly created ports authority, The James Bay and Lowlands Ports Trustee Corporation, which operates under the Canada Marine Act.

The plan was developed in response to the Ontario government’s March 23, 2012 decision to divest the ONTC, which was followed by the shutdown of ONTC’s Northlander passenger train service on September 28, 2012.

Under the new ownership, ONTC operations would be evaluated for economic sustainability, and where needed, improved and financially strengthened. In addition, a new Ring of Fire rail line would be designed and built in order to transport the thousands of tonnes per day of chromite, nickel and other minerals being mined in the James Bay Lowlands.

NEWS RELEASE: Employees Unveil Plan to Revitalize Ontario Northland, Connect Ring of Fire

October 19, 2012

Proposal includes new rail line to massive mineral deposits in James Bay Lowlands

NORTH BAY, ONTARIO (October 19, 2012) – The General Chairperson’s Association (GCA), representing unionized employees at Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC), today announced a plan to revitalize the company while creating significant new job and economic opportunities in Ontario’s North.

“This is a new deal for Northern Ontario,” declared GCA representative Brian Stevens. “Not only will we save transportation services and hundreds of existing jobs in the North, but our plan will also create thousands more jobs by providing access to the Ring of Fire.”

The proposal calls for transferring ownership of the railroad and other assets of the provincially-held ONTC to a new ports authority to be operated under the Canada Marine Act. The first step in this process was recently completed with the creation of The James Bay & Lowlands Ports Trustee Corporation.

ONTC operations will be strengthened to ensure that they are economically sustainable. The new Ring of Fire rail line will be designed and built to ship thousands of tons per day of chromite, nickel and other minerals and finished products to markets around the world. ONTC employees, with a long tradition of providing rail services in Ontario’s North, will provide their energy and leverage their position as a significant creditor toward this New Deal.

NEWS RELEASE: Trading in KWG Resources Shares Halted For Third-Party Announcement

October 19, 2012

TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Oct. 19, 2012) – KWG Resources Inc. (“KWG” or “the Company”) (TSX VENTURE:KWG) advises that trading in its shares was halted for an announcement this morning by the General Chairperson’s Association (GCA), representing unionized employees at Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC).

The GCA has announced a revitalization plan for ONTC that includes the proposed construction of a rail link to the Ring of Fire mineral deposits in the James Bay Lowlands, where KWG has extensive claims.

The new railway will form part of the Ring of Fire mining infrastructure and will be located within mining claims held by Canada Chrome Corporation, a wholly owned sub of KWG Resources. The GCA’s proposal calls for the railroad and other assets of the provincially-held ONTC, along with the new Ring of Fire railway, to be transferred to a new ports authority to be operated under the Canada Marine Act.

Canada Chrome has made a significant investment to study and secure mining claims.

KWG intends to continue discussions with the GCA and other stakeholders to advance this initiative, with the goal of creating the transportation links necessary for mining to proceed in the Ring of Fire, and thereby deliver new economic and job opportunities in Northern Ontario.

NEWS RELEASE: THUNDER BAY WINS STRATEGIC PROJECT OF THE YEAR AND JOB CREATION PROJECT OF THE YEAR AWARDS

October 19, 2012

Wednesday, October 17, 2012 – The Ring of Fire and NWO Mineral Deposits wins the Strategic Project of the Year and the Job Creation Project of the Year Awards at the 4th Annual North American Strategic Infrastructure Leadership Forum in Denver, Colorado on October 16, 2012.

The Forum is being held on October 15 to 17, 2012, with over 500 executives from the public and private sector in attendance. The Forum is a 2 ½ day conference, focused on infrastructure development in North America, designed to create business opportunities and promote projects across the region, as well as showcase the cities, states and provinces with the most innovative infrastructure plans. This annual event draws international investors, engineers and developers.

The Strategic Project of the Year award is the most prestigious prize awarded. The award is for projects which will generate a giant stride in a country or region’s productivity and/or competitiveness.

The Job/Opportunity Creation Project of the Year is for projects that will create the greatest number of jobs and/or businesses over the lifetime of the project. This award tabulates direct, indirect and induces job creation, over the 20 to 30 year life of the project.

Winners were announced yesterday afternoon at the Forum. Top projects are chosen by a jury of forum sponsors, with a wide representation across geographies and sectors.

Citizens form Cliffs watchdog group – by Heidi Ulrichsen – (Sudbury Northern Life – October 16, 2012)

October 17, 2012

http://www.northernlife.ca/

‘We only get one shot at doing it right’

There’s strength in numbers. That’s one of the ideas underpinning a newly-formed citizens’ group examining all aspects of the chromite smelting facility Cliffs Natural Resources wants to build near Capreol.

“People together are stronger than individuals,” Capreol resident Bob Johnson said. “The public have come here and said ‘Yes, these are the concerns that we have.’ They can’t be ignored, but individuals can be ignored.’” About 50 people gathered at the Capreol Millenium Centre Oct. 15 to learn about the new committee.

In the end, the group unanimously passed a mission statement to focus on ensuring the Cliffs plant, if it materializes, is safe and healthy and provides a net benefit for its workers, the surrounding communities and the environment.

Former Sudbury East NDP MPP and Capreol resident Elie Martel was elected chair of the committee, with Johnson as secretary and Black Cat owner and former Laurentian University professor John Rutherford as treasurer.

Martel said the idea for the committee started after he did a media interview where he talked about his concerns about the project’s potential environmental impact. He immediately started receiving phone calls from concerned citizens. Then he realized that the environmental assessment process for the project is already underway.

Aboriginal studies featured for mining institute – by Ian Ross (Northern Ontario Business – October 2012)

October 17, 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 proposed mining institute at Thunder Bay’s Lakehead University will place a strong emphasis on acting as an “honest broker” in dialogue between industry and First Nations.

If there’s one focus of study that will be addressed as a Centre of Excellence in Mineral Exploration and Sustainable Mining Development takes shape it’s the need to bridge the cultural gap often widened by the lack of communication and consultation.

Geology professor Peter Hollings, who’ll head up the institute, said the goal of the centre is to be a one-stop repository of experts and research for both companies and Aboriginal bands. “We want the natural answer to be Lakehead.”

For years, both industry and First Nations have chafed at the lack of definitive government rules on consultation in Ontario. Hollings knows the frustration that exists on both sides.

“We hear it a lot from industry and the First Nation communities who don’t fully understand the difference between a junior company coming in to do prospecting and drill a hole, as opposed to Cliffs Natural Resources coming to develop the Ring of Fire.

[Sudbury] Citizens question Cliffs – by Jonathan Migneault (Sudbury Star – October 16, 2012)

October 16, 2012

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

A group of citizens in Capreol voted unanimously Monday night to form a citizens’ committee to explore the net benefits and potential downsides of the planned Cliffs chromite smelter near the community.

Environmental concerns were front and centre at the meeting. Judy Sumner, a retired chemistry teacher at Cambrian, explained how chromite turns into a carcinogen when it comes into contact with oxygen.

That hazard was publicized in the case of Erin Brokovich and her fight against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company of California in 1993. Her exploits were later made into a film starring Julia Roberts.

Sumner said a modern closed smelter was built in Tornio, Finland that does not allow the burned chromite to escape into the surrounding air. She said her concerns about the project would be alleviated if Cliffs built a similar plant.

Elie Martel, who was voted the committee’s chair, said he attended an open-house meeting hosted by Cliffs, but the answers he received on environmental issues were not very forthcoming.