Around the North

One of the world's leading Swiss-based commodities trade is looking to merge with Xstrata, a Swiss-headquartered international miner, in an all-share merger to become a global mining leader.

Operations at the Shakespeare Nickel Mine 70 km west of Sudbury, operated by Ursa Major Minerals, have been temporarily suspended, after the expiration of its processing agreement. The company's contract with Xstrata Nickel expired Dec. 31.

Quadra FNX and Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation, located 20 km southwest of Sudbury, are entering into negotiations towards an agreement for the future working relationship between the two parties.

Provincial Energy Minister Chris Bentley visited Sault College Feb. 2 for an introduction to the school's Renewable Energy and Green Construction Techniques program.

Cementation Canada is the only North Ontario company on this year's list

Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation and Quadra FNX Mining Ltd. have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU), agreeing to enter into negotiations to reach a final agreement.

Nominations are now being accepted for the Minister's Awards for Apprenticeship Training.

Colin Wilson has been hired as the new community economic development officer for the Town of Espanola. Wilson was formerly the economic development officer with the Municipality of Central Manitoulin.

Espanola's industrial park will welcome its first tenant in the light industrial park this spring, after council accepted an offer from Helios Storage Solutions to purchase eight of the park's serviced lots.

The Sudbury & District Home Builders' Association has elected its board of directors for 2012. Marc Levasseur, owner of MGL Drafting & Consulting, has been elected president.