Around the North

Vale's 2012 investment budget has been approved by its board of directors.

FedNor has announced funds to increase entrepreneurial opportunities for francophones who have immigrated to Northern Ontario from other countries.

The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) has recognized a Cambrian College teacher for his contributions to training and education.

Laurentian University is renaming its engineering department following a $10-million donation from a prominent Canadian banker. Stan Bharti, chair and CEO of merchant bank Forbes & Manhattan Inc.

Barrick Gold was recognized by an industry association for its corporate social responsibility at its Hemlo operations in northwestern Ontario.

Webequie First Nation, a remote community near the Ring of Fire mineral exploration camp, wants industry and the province to negotiate with them first, above their own tribal council. In a Nov.

A rash of injuries at two mines in Sudbury forced Xstrata management to temporarily stop operations and send its 300-employee workforce home, Nov. 21.

KWG Resources has appointed Theresa Okimaw-Hall to be executive director of its subsidiary company, Canada Chrome Corporation (CCC).

The operator of a Thunder Bay ski hill was fined $70,000 after one worker was killed and another injured in a 2009 accident. On Sept. 2, 2009, two workers were replacing shingles on the roof of the ski chalet at Loch Lomond.

Northern Ontario warranted two sentences in Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty's Nov. 22 throne speech.