Ring of Fire coordinator never been at site, says energy critic Ring of Fire coordinator never been at site, says energy critic
Ian Ross
Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli said the provincially-appointed Ring of Fire coordinator admitted to him that she has never set foot on the burgeoning mineral exploration camp in the James Bay lowlands.
He is accusing the McGuinty governm
Timmins nickel miner seeks redemption in company overhaul Timmins nickel miner seeks redemption in company overhaul
Overhaul sets Liberty free
Lindsay Kelly
Liberty Mines is a dirty name in mining circles, and Chris Stewart knows it.
Following years of inconsistent production at its Timmins nickel operations, Liberty's tailings pond was declared full in Februar
Funding options available for mining ingenuity Funding options available for mining ingenuity
Keeping good company
Lindsay Kelly
Whether they've got a great idea and don't know what to do with it, need funding to move forward, or want to access training, mining companies looking to build on their innovative ideas are being encouraged to access a portfol
Agrium prepares to pack up in Kap Agrium prepares to pack up in Kap
Drawing to a close
Patrick Demers
For more than a decade, Agrium's open-pit phosphate mine operation in Kapuskasing has been supplying high-quality phosphate rocks to the company's Redwater facility in Alberta.
But come 2013, that will no longer be the case.
Calgary-b
Course reveals exploration secrets in Sudbury Course reveals exploration secrets in Sudbury
Unearthing new prospects
Lindsay Kelly
If you've ever dreamed of finding nickel in them thar hills—or you just want to know more about mineral exploration—the Sudbury Prospectors and Developers Association is hosting a series of workshops open to anyone with a l
Bonuses attracting skilled workers Bonuses attracting skilled workers
Playing favourites
Lindsay Kelly
Backed by a driving soundtrack, the commercial starts with a swooping aerial shot of the Canadian wilderness, the narrative alternating slow-motion shots of young people hard at work with massive machines biting chunks out of the rugged Ca
First Nations have final word on Ring of Fire, says ex-minister First Nations have final word on Ring of Fire, says ex-minister
Laying the groundwork
Ian Ross
A former provincial energy minister-turned-consultant said First Nations will have the ultimate say on how the Ring of Fire mineral developments will unfold, and that includes the location of a proposed ferrochro
Greenstone contends for chromite processor Greenstone contends for chromite processor 'On the cusp' Ian Ross When Greenstone Economic Development Corporation executive director Dina Quenneville wanted to show community and business leaders how their area can be transformed by mining, she took them on a road trip to the Red Lake gold camp. Mine
Zenyatta Ventures probes for base metals Zenyatta Ventures probes for base metals
In new territory
Patrick Demers
The Thunder Bay-based company is conducting an exploration program targeting nickel, copper, and platinum group metals (PGMs) in the James Bay lowlands, north of Hearst.
Three holes, testing three separate geophysical anomalies, h
Prospector's tale mines history of gold in North Prospector's tale mines history of gold in North Northern reflections Lindsay Kelly Adventurer. Womanizer. Prospector. Ernie Martin was perceived as many things during his lifetime, but his most remarkable achievement is one that's not known well at all. Martin was the co-discoverer of the gold deposit i
MINECAT manufacturer moves into new digs MINECAT manufacturer moves into new digs
On the prowl
Lindsay Kelly
Driving through the Fielding Road industrial park, an impressive new construction project is making an impact as it takes shape against the Sudbury skyline. It's just a skeleton now, but once the 33,500-square-foot manufacturing plant is co
Blitzes focus on underground air quality Blitzes focus on underground air quality Breath of fresh air Lindsay Kelly Between 2005 and 2009, 176 workers died and another 36 workers developed occupational diseases related to respiratory illnesses in the mining sector, according to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). The numbers are high,
Prospector find opens silver camp to gold Prospector find opens silver camp to gold
Midas touch
Liz Cowan
Sherry Swain didn't heed the advice she was given over the years to remain a “housewife” and not become a prospector. If she had, a junior mining company wouldn't be searching for gold in an area of northeastern Ontario that is historically ren
Environmental assessment begins on Ring of Fire project Environmental assessment begins on Ring of Fire project No announcement made on Cliffs ferrochrome furnace site Ian Ross The first stage of a federal environmental assessment on Cliffs Natural Resources' chromite project in the James Bay region began in October. The Canadian Environmental Assessment A
Gold project on track Gold project on track
Liz Cowan
The Detour Lake project is currently 40 per cent complete and remains on schedule for gold production in the first quarter of 2013.
Detour Gold commenced construction of the mine in November, 2010. As of October 31, 2011, $1 billion has been committed towards project expe
Rare earth miner establishes foothold Rare earth miner establishes foothold
Chinese squeeze on rare earth elements mean Northern Ontario opportunity
Patrick Demers
There's been a tremendous push in the last few years for rare earth elements, (REE), and in Canada, Thunder Bay-based Rare Earth Metals Inc., has made significant moves to mine them.
Sudbury brothers launch mine equipment auction Sudbury brothers launch mine equipment auction
On the auction block
Lindsay Kelly
Got a surplus jackleg you need to get rid of? How about a bulldozer you're no longer using? Or maybe you're in the market for a second-hand mucker bucket? If so, look no further than www.minesource.com, the eBay of mining.
Wawa gold miner ramps up exploration and production Wawa gold miner ramps up exploration and production
Deep drilling for Wesdome
Ian Ross
Unnoticed and largely unseen, Wesdome Gold Mines is the little operation near the shores of Lake Superior that just keeps producing.
Since pouring its first gold brick in October 1995, Wesdome has quietly gone about it
Quartet takes the reigns of RDH Mining Equipment Quartet takes the reigns of RDH Mining Equipment
Riding the wave
Lindsay Kelly
Last year, as Rick Lemieux neared retirement and succession planning became a priority, he opted to put his Alban business, RDH Mining Equipment, on the market. But he didn't have to look far to find a buyer.
Four of his long-
Ontario to benefit from investment billions Ontario to benefit from investment billions Lindsay Kelly Mine development times have to improve and more workers must be recruited in order for the province, and the country, to take advantage of the $130 billion worth of investment expected to take place across Canada in the next five years, according to
Paterson & Cooke pastefill firm opens Sudbury office Paterson & Cooke pastefill firm opens Sudbury office
Filling a niche market
Lindsay Kelly
Turkey, South Africa, Nevada, Mexico: the list of destinations Rob Brown travels to for business may be expanding, but the North remains home.
Raised in Massey, just over an hour west of Sudbury, Brown has spent
Have your say on Cliffs' EA Have your say on Cliffs' EA
Ian Ross
Oct. 17 will be the public's first crack to comment on Cliffs Natural Resources' massive integrated chromite project slated for the James Bay region.
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) will start taking written submissions only on the multi-billion d
Vale invests $49 million in demonstration plant Vale invests $49 million in demonstration plant
Northern Ontario Business staff
Vale will invest $49 million in a demonstration plant in Copper Cliff which will feature Rail-Veyor technology and offer opportunities to test safer and more efficient mining techniques and new, specialized equipment. The proj
Ignace likely home for iron ore processing Ignace likely home for iron ore processing
Ian Ross
An up-and-coming northwestern Ontario iron ore producer is “98 per cent” sure the processing for a magnetite deposit will be located near Ignace, rather than Atikokan.
Thunder Bay's Bending Lake Iron Group is evaluating two sites close to the northwes
Haileybury School of Mines plans for 100th anniversary Haileybury School of Mines plans for 100th anniversary
Haileybury hallmark
Liz Cowan
In 1912, mining companies in Cobalt were looking for trained technical workers but there weren't many in the area.
To address the need, part-time evening classes were started in the town, at the YMCA, but they didn't p
Cliffs endorses Ring of Fire railroad plan Cliffs endorses Ring of Fire railroad plan
Rails to the Ring
Ian Ross
Building a Ring of Fire railroad to move millions of bulk tonnes of chromite is a certainty, said a senior official with Cliffs Natural Resources.
Bill Boor, Cliffs' senior vice-president of global ferroalloys, who is overseeing the
Global demand for base metals strong Global demand for base metals strong Sudbury poised for prosperity Liz Cowan Canada's economy is benefiting from a global demand for natural resources which also bodes well for Sudbury's economy, says Dr. Sherry Cooper. “Three-quarters of all global growth in the last decade has been in the emerging worl
Junior miner proposes a separate James Bay lowlands power grid Junior miner proposes a separate James Bay lowlands power grid
Going off the grid?
Ian Ross
If the Ontario government can't supply competitively-priced industrial power, one Ring of Fire mining executive proposes going off the grid.
Moe Lavigne, vice-president of exploration and development for KWG Re
Zero in on expertise for Ring of Fire: Kaszycki Zero in on expertise for Ring of Fire: Kaszycki
Lindsay Kelly
Northern communities looking to cash in on the Ring of Fire development in Ontario's Far North should zero in on their areas of expertise to attract investment opportunities in the service and supply sector.
“There will be a huge opportunity
Ursa Major reports profit in 2010 Ursa Major reports profit in 2010 Northern Ontario Business staff Ursa Major Minerals reported a $2.4-million operational profit for the year that ended January 31, 2011, following its first year of commercial production. The miner operates the Shakespeare nickel-copper mine, located 70 km west of Sudbu
Cochrane's unprecedented growth creating 'good' problems Cochrane's unprecedented growth creating 'good' problems
Detour Mine construction gives town economic boost
Liz Cowan
The Town of Cochrane has sold all of its municipal residential lots, rental units are scarce and there is hardly any vacant office space available.
But Mayor Peter Politis welcomes th
Vale surrenders part of aggregate licence in Willisville area Vale surrenders part of aggregate licence in Willisville area Company should be 'congratulated' for decision: citizens' group Heidi Ulrichsen Vale should be “sincerely congratulated” for voluntarily surrendering portions of its aggregate licence near Willisville, Ont., according to the president of the La Cl
Ring of Fire chromite deposit shows good economic potential Ring of Fire chromite deposit shows good economic potential
Ian Ross
Break out the pick axes and shovels.
A preliminary economic assessment (PEA) prepared for KWG Resources recommends pushing their Big Daddy chromite deposit in the Ring of Fire closer down the path toward production.
The Montreal mi
Mining supplier on the move Mining supplier on the move
Ian Ross
A prominent North Bay mining supplier and global manufacturer of underground utility vehicles is moving into more expansive digs this spring.
Miller Technology acquired the former Stowe Woodward plant on Eloy Road in the city’s west end and is renovating the 43,000-
Unique partnership provides niche mine training Unique partnership provides niche mine training
Hard Rock Miner Training program in Northern College's Kirkland Lake campus is helping address shortage of skilled miners.
Adelle Larmour
With a helping hand from Kirkland Lake Gold Inc., Northern College is helping to address the industry's shortage of skill
Former Wawa gold producer may have new life Former Wawa gold producer may have new life
Northern Ontario Business staff
Prodigy Gold has received a positive preliminary economic assessment (PEA) to develop the former Magino underground gold mine near Wawa into an open pit.
The assessment indicates “strong economics” for a proposed open pit at th
Wesdome Gold gets aggressive in Wawa Wesdome Gold gets aggressive in Wawa
Northern Ontario Business staff
Wesdome Gold is planning an aggressive exploration program near its mining operations in Wawa.
The Toronto miner has earmarked $4.5 million for 63,000 metres of drilling at its Eagle River Mine and its nearby Mishi Project.
It's par
Kirkland Lake district seeing strong activity Kirkland Lake district seeing strong activity
Gold adding a shine to exploration
Nick Stewart
As a camp which has lived and died on the back of gold, it’s perhaps no surprise that the Kirkland Lake district is thriving on the fortunes of the precious metal.
Related exploration continues to shine in th
First Nickel aims to be a mid-tier producer First Nickel aims to be a mid-tier producer Northern Ontario Business staff First Nickel plans to restart its Lockerby mine, return it to production late next year and continue working toward a goal of becoming a mid-tier base metal producer. “First step is Lockerby, then it is hang on to your toque,
Growing volume prompts SPJ Labs’ move to larger shop Growing volume prompts SPJ Labs’ move to larger shop
Assay lab fires up expansion
Adelle Larmour
Business is heating up and expanding for SPJ Labs, Sudbury’s only privately-run fire assay laboratory.
When the doors opened for business on March 12, 2009, co-owners Jeff Fuller, Peter Larabie and Sav Dagos
Matawa First Nations appoints Ring of Fire Coordinator Matawa First Nations appoints Ring of Fire Coordinator
Building from the ground up
Ian Ross
Raymond Ferris hit the ground running in his new job.
He had barely settled into his chair as the new Matawa First Nations Ring of Fire Coordinator in late January when Marten Falls First Nation threatened to blo
Will Cliffs force Ontario to deliver a Northern industry power rate? Will Cliffs force Ontario to deliver a Northern industry power rate?
Power Play
Ian Ross
Cliffs Natural Resources is forcing the McGuinty government’s hand on the pricey issue of power in Ontario.
The Cleveland-based iron ore and coal miner has put the ball squarely in the provincial government’s cour
Treasury Metals proves up deposit Treasury Metals proves up deposit Northwest treasure chest Ian Ross Northern Ontario Business Scott Jobin-Bevans of Treasury Metals believes the Dryden area will someday be on par, and have the same longevity, as any of the major gold camps in Northern Ontario. Like many places in northwestern Ontario, t
Crossworks Manufacturing is the largest cutting and polishing manufacturer in North America Crossworks Manufacturing is the largest cutting and polishing manufacturer in North America Sudbury diamond polisher sparkles Adelle Larmour Would you believe that one of the largest diamond cutting and polishing facilities in North America is in Sudbury? While consumers view the stunning array of diamon
Goldeye Explorations Ltd. just one of the juniors in the Shining Tree district Goldeye Explorations Ltd. just one of the juniors in the Shining Tree district
Eyes on the prize in northeastern Ontario
Adelle Larmour
Goldeye Explorations is striking while the iron is hot and right now, gold is the mineral of choice in the emerging Shining Tree district.
Blaine Webster, president and
Sudbury could host Ring of Fire chromite processing Sudbury is the front-runner to host the ore processing from a chromite deposit in the Northern Ontario's Ring of Fire.
Pan-Northern initiative seeks Saskatchewan market More than $100 billion is expected to be invested in Saskatchewan over the next decade and some Northern Ontario businesses want a piece of the action.
Energy and mine engineering firms merge Canadian Shield Energy Solutions Inc (CSE) announced Jan. 3 that the company will merge with Sudbury's BESTECH, one of Canada’s leading mine engineering and automation firms specializing in software development and energy management.
Mine construction underway for Detour Gold Cochrane is one of the northeastern Ontario communities reaping spinoff benefits as the project site preparations begin for one of Canada’s largest undeveloped gold reserves.
Mining industry facing human resources challenges Finding new workers will be the biggest challenge facing the Canadian mining industry over the next 10 years as the majority of its workforce reaches retirement, according to a recent labour report.
