Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal is the daily newspaper of Northwestern Ontario.
Northwest Bureau
A major player in the Ring of Fire mining camp likes provisions in the federal government’s budget for the area.
“It is clear after reading the Economic Action Plan that the minister responsible for FedNor and the Ring of Fire, Tony Clement, and the federal government have listened to our ideas based upon our experiences in the Ring of Fire,” Noront Resources CEO Paul Parisotto said in a news release.
The government budget allots $4.4 million, over three years, for the Ring of Fire’s capacity building initiative, to ensure that nearby First Nations benefit from resource development opportunities in the zone. The money is available for activities such as business skills development, strategic business planning and aboriginal youth engagement. Noront is focused on its Eagle’s Nest Mine in the James Bay Lowlands.
“The mining industry has proven it is a strong contributor to Canada’s long-term growth and prosperity, and continued investment by all stakeholders will allow the true growth potential of the industry, including the Ring of Fire, to be realized,” said Parisotto.
Noront Resources plans to begin mine development in 2015 of one of Canada’s highest-grade nickel, copper and platinum group element discoveries, and to be in commercial production by 2017.
Meanwhile, the company has implemented a program to benefit First Nations communities in the area, and has entered into a partnership with Matawa First Nations and Confederation College to support training initiatives.
Noront also supports youth educational camps which are held in area communities each year.
“Noront is here for the long-haul and want to be recognized as a good corporate citizen,” Parisotto said.
Bold Ventures awaits permit
Ring of Fire exploration company Bold Ventures says it plans to resume drilling on a potential chromite deposit when Aboriginal concerns have been satisfied under new mining regulations.
“To issue an exploration permit the (province) must be satisfied that appropriate consultation with identified Aboriginal communities has taken place,” said a KWG news release.
KWG is exploring the area around Koper Lake in conjunction with Bold Ventures.
“Discussions with (the province) are ongoing with respect to the issuance of the required permit, at which time drilling can resume,” the release added.
“In the meantime, geophysical data is being acquired and compiled before the spring break-up commences.” — North Shore Bureau