Around the North

The battle to seize ownership of the Big Daddy chromite deposit in the James Bay Lowlands rages on.

Leo Bernier, dubbed the 'King of the North,' died in a Sioux Lookout hospital, June 28. The former Ontario Progressive Conservative cabinet minister was 81.

Northern Gold Mining Inc., which is conducting exploration work in the Kirkland Lake region, has announced that its proposed $2.5-million private placement has been fully subscribed. Bayfront Capital Partners Ltd.

A new access ramp being dug from Lake Shore Gold's flagship Timmins Mine, 18 kilometres west of the city, has reached its Thunder Creek property, helping to set the stage for eventual production.

The exploration industry now has access to 13 more trained workers through the newest graduating class of Northern College's surface diamond driller assistant common core training program.

The shareholders of Linear Gold Corp. and Apollo Gold Corporation, whose Black Fox sits 65 kilometres east of Timmins, have approved the merger to create Brigus Gold.

Twenty First Nation communities in Ontario are receiving $14 million for housing on reserves through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Moose Cree First Nation received $3.4 million for new construction and home retrofits.

Osisko Mining Corporation has assumed control of Brett Resources by appointing a new management team. Sean Roosen takes over as president and CEO from Patrick Soares. Robert Wares is the new chief operating officer.

Chris Dougherty has been named the new president of MetalCORP. Dougherty has 22 years of experience as a consulting engineer, having designed and managed the development of underground and open-pit mines around the world.

North Bay is a provincial champion for immigrants. The North Bay Newcomer Network was among 13 individuals and organizations recognized for promoting diversity and helping immigrants settle and integrate into society.