Around the North

The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce held its 18th annual business awards gala, May 5, at the Valhalla Inn.

A northwestern Ontario First Nation leader said his concerns about mining development in the Ring of Fire are falling on deaf ears with Cliffs Natural Resources .

Northeastern Ontario mayors say the axing of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC) by the Ontario government hurts communities in attracting industry and investment.

The spring reopening of the St. Lawrence Seaway meant a flurry of activity at the Port of Thunder Bay. Cargo moving through the western Lake Superior port in April were up 34 per cent over last year, mainly due to higher outbound grain shipments.

An Ontario First Nation chief is asserting that consultation with the Anishinabek Nation is required before changes are made to the Ontario Mining Act.

Ursa Major Minerals has reported gross revenues of $11,162,363 for the year ended January 31, 2012, and an operating loss on mining activities of $171,838 at its Shakespeare Mine located 70 km west of Sudbury.

Belanger Construction will undertake road repair work on the Highway 17 interchange at Municipal Road 55 near Sudbury. The work, which includes upgrades to a nearby railroad overpass, is expected to create 40 jobs.

AuRico Gold celebrated the pouring of its first gold bar at its Young-Davidson mine in Matachewan , April 30. Commercial production at the northeastern Ontario operation is expected to start in the third quarter.

Tembec struck an agreement for a new five-year deal with its unionized workforce at its Kapuskasing operations.

Expanding industrial opportunity in northwestern Ontario was the impetus for the merger of Thunder Bay Insurance and Gillons' Insurance of Fort Frances.