Ring of Fire sales mission set for March 9

Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli is leading a one-day sales mission to the Ring of Fire base camp March 9.

“Last fall, I pledged to lead a group of regional mining firms to see the potential of this once-in-a-century opportunity. Today, I’m making good on that promise,” Fedeli said.

The Ring of Fire is about 530 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay and is the site of a cluster of world class, multi-generational chromite deposits. Chromite is processed into ferrochrome which is used in the making of stainless steel.

Ohio-based Cliffs Natural Resources is the leading mining player in the region with its flagship Black Thor deposit.

The total cost of the trip will be divided among the tour’s private-sector participants. Fedeli’s decision to organize such a trip came after his own visit there last summer convinced him there were tremendous opportunities for the local mining supply industry, which boasts 70 companies.

“When I flew over for the first time, I immediately recognized the blue and white-striped tents from Canadian Can-Tex, located in Rutherglen,” Fedeli said. “I also saw stacks of drill rods – the same types that are manufactured by firms in North Bay and in Powassan,” he said.. “I knew immediately there was potential here that Nipissing companies have to take advantage of.”