Around the North

Brazilian miner Vale has reported its best first quarter ever, earning net profits of $6.83 billion in 2011, compared to $1.604 billion during the same period in 2010, an increase of 326 per cent.

One of China's largest steel producers is buying into Noront Resources' big dig in the Ring of Fire. Baosteel Resources International is acquiring a 9.9 per cent interest in the Toronto-based nickel and chromite explorer.

An estimated 300 delegates converge on Timmins next week for a major regional conference on shaping the North's future.

International Master Blaster Pat O'Connell will be sharing his extensive expertise in explosives handling during a one week seminar at the Kirkland Lake campus of Northern College.

Porter Airlines made its inaugural flight to Sault Ste. Marie, May 4. The upstart business class air carrier offers two daily round trips between the Sault Ste. Marie Airport and Billy Bishop Airport in downtown Toronto.

Soo Mill has donated $50,000 to support Algoma University's Elements Campaign.

Truck and engine distributor Harper Power Systems has been acquired by Mississauga's Wajax Corporation's Power Systems division for $21.6 million.

EACOM Timber is reshuffling its senior management. The Montreal forestry company has appointed Mel Lemsky as its vice-president of operations for its Ontario sawmills, a newly created position.

Northern College may be expecting more students this fall. Applications to the college have increased by eight per cent over last year and more offers of admission have been made. Conformation of the offers is up by two per cent.

A dewatering company has opened a new branch in Northern Ontario, strategically located in Sudbury to serve the mining sector. Aquatech Dewatering Company and Aquatech Pump and Power opened the doors to their new facility on May 1st.