Around the North

Premier Gold has tapped a major mining executive to spearhead the development of its projects in Northern Ontario and Nevada. Paul Andre Huet is the Thunder Bay miner's new chief operating officer.

Some Northern Ontario industries are receiving energy rebates through the Ontario government's Northern Industrial Electricity Rate program. Sault Ste. Marie's Flakeboard Company, Essar Steel Algoma and St.

Four First Nations close to the Ring of Fire chromite deposits have signed a 'landmark' agreement amongst themselves to pursue an east-west transportation, infrastructure and service corridor through their traditional territories.

The remote First Nation community of Webequie has appointed Michael Fox as its Ring of Fire senior director.

Wallbridge Mining has appointed Marz Kord as company president, while Alar Soevar will continue as CEO. “The addition of Marz to our management team is an important step in our growth strategy,” Soevar said in a news release.

A $1-million funding investment from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp. (NOHFC) will facilitate the development of a solar energy centre in Blind River.

The Town of Espanola has received the final piece of funding needed to proceed with the expansion of its industrial park. The provincial government is providing $525,000 to the project, which is estimated at $1.02 million.

Systex Engineering Inc. has been granted $100,000 to develop computer programs that will help to manage electricity use.

AuRico Gold and Northgate Minerals have entered into an acquisition agreement to create a new intermediate gold producer. Northgate is developing the Young-Davidson gold mine near Matachewan which is expected to begin production in 2012.

The province is hoping a new 16,000-square-foot water sports centre in Sudbury will boost tourism in the area, attracting competitive water sports events at an international level.