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Ontario Mining

“Our Resources, New Frontiers” Speech – by the Honourable Greg Rickford (Sudbury, Ontario – August 25, 2014)

Greg Rickford is Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources and this speech was given at the Energy and Mines Ministers Meeting in Sudbury, Ontario.

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Thank you, David [David Simpson, Vice-president, Union Gas], for those kind remarks. Let me welcome you all to Northern Ontario, our extraordinarily beautiful and vast region. I can’t think of a better place and a better time for us to be gathered here in Sudbury, the mining capital of the world and — more than that — the centrepiece for Canada on the global stage for perhaps the world’s best example of a fully integrated city.

We’re building a region here that has a lot to offer the world. So it’s fitting that we’ve got people from around the world and particularly from across the country and, in particular, my colleagues — ministers from across the provinces and territories — to join me at this conference. Over the next 24 hours, ladies and gentlemen, we’ll be discussing a wide range of issues and hearing from and engaging with industry. But this afternoon, I want to speak about the priorities that I believe are critical to an upward trajectory of expanding opportunity over the coming years and beyond.

We all know the importance of natural resource industries to Canadians. They account directly and indirectly for almost one-fifth of our GDP — as many as 1.8 million jobs in every part of the country. That resource development is the difference between communities surviving and communities thriving, and it helps pay for our social programs and education program and public infrastructure and the quality of our life — the things, as I said last evening, that define us as Canadians and tie together our social fabric.

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Feds say: Province needs to decide – road or rail – by Carol Mulligan (Sudbury Star – August 26, 2014)

The Sudbury Star is the City of Greater Sudbury’s daily newspaper.

The Ontario Government should stay focused on deciding on a transportation corridor to get to the Ring of Fire and reaching revenue agreements with first nations before worrying about striking deals with the federal government on infrastructure projects.

Natural Resources Minister Greg Rickford says the federal government is already involved in training and local infrastructure programs on first nations that will get people and communities ready when the area is opened to development.

Rickford is in Sudbury this week, attending the 2014 Energy and Mines Ministers Conference. Discussion is expected to focus frequently on developing the rich chromite deposits located 540 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay.

Liberal Premier Kathleen Wynne has pledged $1 billion to build infrastructure in the Ring of Fire, and is seeking a matching commitment from the Conservative government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Rickford has said, and he repeated it Monday in Sudbury, that the federal government has Build Canada Fund money available to share the cost of infrastructure, but only after the province makes decisions about what those specific projects will be.

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We can work with feds on Ring of Fire: Gravelle – by Jim Moodie (Sudbury Star – August 26, 2014)

The Sudbury Star is the City of Greater Sudbury’s daily newspaper.

While Michael Gravelle wasn’t ready to unveil a development corporation for the Ring of Fire yesterday, the Northern Development and Mines minister did tell an audience of policymakers and industry leaders from across Canada that action on this front is looming.

“We are working very hard, right now, to get a corporation established and I will have an update on that very, very soon,” said Gravelle, during a keynote address at the Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference at College Boreal.

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne earlier promised her government would create a corporation to guide development of the James Bay chromite deposits within 60 days of the July 3 throne speech — in other words, by early September — and Gravelle said this remains the plan.

“We will meet the commitment,” he pledged. Addressing federal colleague Greg Rickford, the Natural Resources minister and minister for FedNor, Gravelle said he looked forward “to having a more substantive conversation with you once we have the details in place on a development corporation.”

Such a creation “is of vital importance,” said Gravelle, “because it will bring partners together to make the infrastructure decisions — partners who live in and around the region who are closely affected, like the Matawa member First Nations.”

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FedNor hands out $1.9M to NORCAT and city – by Jonathan Migneault (Sudbury Northern Life – August 25, 2014)

http://www.northernlife.ca/

More export opportunities could create 40 jobs in Sudbury

Greg Rickford, Canada’s minister of natural resources and FedNor, announced Monday around $1.9 million in federal funding for the Northern Ontario Centre for Advanced Technology (NORCAT) and the City of Greater Sudbury’s Mining Supply and Service Export Assistance program.

Rickford made the announcement at NORCAT’s head offices, prior to his participation in the 2014 Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference, also in Sudbury. The conference is an annual meeting of Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial mines and energy ministers.

FedNor granted NORCAT $1.25 million to support three expanded programs. The first was the Fortin Discovery Lab – a new advanced manufacturing facility that will give local entrepreneurs access to the latest technology – such as 3D printers and injection molding – to develop prototypes and bring new products to market.

Through the Fortin Discovery Lab, mining supply and service companies will be able to connect with more service-oriented companies who can take on new product development. The companies will be able to access NORCAT’s lab, at a fee that has not yet been determined, to test and create new products for their clients.

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NEWS RELEASE: Canadian mining sector states its case to politicians

This article was provided by the Ontario Mining Association (OMA), an organization that was established in 1920 to represent the mining industry of the province.

The Canadian Mineral Industry Federation (CMIF) presented its strengths and concerns to governments today at the 71st Energy and Mines Ministers Conference in Sudbury. The Ontario Mining Association is a participant in CMIF, whose members represent the majority of companies engaged in mineral exploration, mining and processing in Canada.

At this gathering of the nation’s mining industry leaders and politicians, CMIF reminded the high-profile audience that the mineral sector contributed $53.6 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2013, employed 388,000 Canadians in mineral extraction, processing and manufacturing and has paid $71 billion in taxes over the past decade.

“As one of the only private sector actors that invests to such a large extent in remote and northern areas, the mineral industry is a logical partner to promote economic growth,” said the brief titled Searching for the Silver Lining. “Strategic investments in infrastructure would help unlock the resource potential of these regions, facilitating grassroots exploration and enhancing the economic viability of a host mining projects.”

“Because mining is primarily a provincial responsibility legislatively, it is important for representatives from national, provincial and territorial industry groups to share their successes and their hurdles,” said OMA President Chris Hodgson.

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Wynne, Couillard to push national energy strategy at premiers conference – by Jane Taber (Globe and Mail – August 25, 2014)

The Globe and Mail is Canada’s national newspaper with the second largest broadsheet circulation in the country. It has enormous influence on Canada’s political and business elite.

Bolstered by the new partnership with her Quebec counterpart, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne is eyeing Quebec’s abundant hydro power to light up Northern Ontario’s Ring of Fire development and reinvigorate talks for a national energy strategy.

She and Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard, both rookie premiers with majority mandates, recently forged a central Canadian alliance to co-operate on issues and bring prosperity back to their provinces.

Beginning on Aug. 26, all of the premiers will meet at the Council of the Federation in Prince Edward Island, and she and Mr. Couillard hope to come to the table with a “shared position” on a Canadian energy strategy. Under the previous separatist government – Mr. Couillard defeated Parti Québécois premier Pauline Marois in the spring provincial election – Quebec refused to participate in a Canada-wide strategy.

“It’s a different situation when there’s a strong federalist premier in Quebec,” Ms. Wynne said in an interview.

In addition, their new alliance calls for potentially increasing electricity trade between the two provinces. Northern Ontario is in dire need of infrastructure to help develop the Ring of Fire, which could provide thousands of jobs to the province and about $60-billion to its economy, according to the provincial government’s estimates.

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First Nations poised to emerge as leaders in Ring of Fire development – by Suzanne Leclair (Mining Markets – August 21, 2014)

 http://www.miningmarkets.ca/

Suzanne Leclair LL.B is the founder of Connect Counsel, a Canadian professional multi-disciplinary business advisory firm dedicated to developing major aboriginal and non-aboriginal partnerships in energy and natural resource related infrastructure projects. She is an infrastructure advisor to Mushkegowuk Council.

In July, on the day after the Ontario Court handed a victory to Cliffs Natural Resources (NYSE: CLF) against KWG Resources (TSXV: KWG) regarding a potential road into the Ring of Fire, Cliffs’ legal representative flew to Marten Falls, an aboriginal community in the Ring of Fire region to explain the implications of the decision to the chiefs at their annual general meeting.

After his presentation, Cliffs’ representative fielded his first question from one of the chiefs: “How can two mining companies fight in a Toronto court over land that is simply not theirs?” With that simple question, the chief underscored the challenges as to who can lead the development of a transportation corridor into the isolated but mineral-rich region.

Also last month, another potential challenge arose with the Supreme Court of Canada’s Tsilhqot’in Nation decision. It’s the first time that aboriginal title has been granted in Canada, and it could have implications for resource development in Ontario. So, what’s changed with respect to the Ring of Fire since Canada’s highest court handed down a major victory for aboriginal communities in the form of the Tsilhqot’in ruling?

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NEWS RELEASE: Toronto Star finds mine well worth its salt

This article was provided by the Ontario Mining Association (OMA), an organization that was established in 1920 to represent the mining industry of the province.

The world’s largest underground salt mine has been discovered by Canada’s largest daily circulation newspaper. The Toronto Star’s edition on Saturday, August 16, 2014 featured the Sifto Salt mine in Goderich with a two-page spread starting on the front of the Weekend Life section. Sifto Salt is a member of the Ontario Mining Association.

Toronto Star reporter and restaurant critic – who better equipped to write about salt? — Amy Pataki, traveled to the shores of Lake Huron at the mouth of the Maitland River and visited the mine, which is owned by Compass Minerals. Photographer Richard Lautens accompanied her on her recent underground expedition.

The mine has been operating since 1959 and it produces 6.3 million tonnes of salt annually. Most of the output from the 600-plus employees at Sifto is rock salt used for road safety. However, the company’s nearby evaporator plant turns out about 95,000 tonnes of food grade salt annually. This high-purity product is used as table salt – yes you do shake it on your fries – salt licks for farm animals and in water softeners.

Congratulations to Sifto for this extensive article and photography display and to the Toronto Star for reminding us that we cannot live without this valuable commodity.

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Salt at the source: A day in a Lake Huron mine – by Amy Pataki (Toronto Star – August 16, 2014)

The Toronto Star has the largest circulation in Canada. The paper has an enormous impact on federal and Ontario politics as well as shaping public opinion.

We visited the world’s largest salt mine, following the mineral from the tunnels under Lake Huron to our dinner tables and driveways.

GODERICH—Here’s a funny thing about road salt: In its rawest form, it is as slippery as ice. They know this down in the world’s largest operating salt mine, a four-hour drive from Toronto in the pretty town of Goderich.

The mine is 533 metres beneath the surface of the Earth, almost as deep as the CN Tower is high, and tunnels 7 kilometres underneath Lake Huron. It’s owned by Sifto Canada. Visitors are rare.

It’s a strangely beautiful environment, a crystal catacomb of glittering walls and surprisingly sweet air. Salt is everywhere, as thick pillars holding up the 20-metre ceiling and as floating particles that coat the skin and lips.
Salt is also thick underfoot. The exposed seam is rink slick. Miners lay down crushed salt for traction.

“We are standing on product,” says operations manager Mark Rowe. “It should be in a bag, and we’ll get there.”

Bagged or bulk, salt makes our winter roads safe and our summer barbecues tasty. The Goderich mine and its sister evaporation plant (where brine is turned into solid sodium chloride) meet age-old needs with modern technology. Here’s how the grains travel from the ground to your shaker or driveway.

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KWG subsidiary to appeal court order waiving its consent for land easement – by Henry Lazenby (MiningWeekly.com – August 14, 2014)

http://www.miningweekly.com/page/americas-home/

TORONTO (miningweekly.com) – Ontario-focused explorer KWG Resources on Wednesday announced that subsidiary Canada Chrome Corp (CCC) would seek permission from the Ontario Court of Appeal to overturn the July 30 ruling of the Divisional Court of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice that ruled that CCC’s consent should be waived in an application for an easement to build a road over its mining claims.

In its decision in the appeal brought by 2274659 Ontario Inc, a subsidiary of US-based Cliffs Natural Resources, the Divisional Court set aside the decision of the Ontario Mining and Lands Commissioner issued on September 10, granting the original application to dispense with CCC’s permission for an easement over its mining claims.

The Divisional Court, in part, said: “Whether or not it is in the public interest to grant an easement for a road is a matter for the Minister of Natural Resources to determine, after an environmental assessment and consultation with First Nations and other affected interests.

“It is for the Minister to determine whether the easement should be granted in the public interest and on what terms. CCC will be able to participate in that process.”

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NEWS RELEASE: KWG’s Canada Chrome Corporation to Seek Leave to Appeal Divisional Court Decision

http://www.kwgresources.com/

TORONTO, ONTARIO — (Aug. 13, 2014) – KWG Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE:KWG)(FRANKFURT:KW6) subsidiary Canada Chrome Corporation (“CCC”) has served notice of its intention to seek an Order of the Court of Appeal of Ontario granting leave to appeal the decision of the Divisional Court of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice released July 30, 2014.

As reported on August 1, 2014, the Divisional Court decision ruled that CCC’s consent should be waived in an application for an easement to build a road over its mining claims.

About KWG: KWG has a 30% interest in the Big Daddy chromite deposit and the right to earn 80% of the Black Horse chromite where resources are being defined. KWG has also acquired interests in provisional patents including a method for the direct reduction of chromite to metalized iron and chrome using natural gas.

KWG also owns 100% of Canada Chrome Corporation which has staked claims and conducted a $15 million surveying and soil testing program for the engineering and construction of a railroad to the Ring of Fire from Exton, Ontario.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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NEWS RELEASE: Ontario Coalition of Aboriginal People opposed to Goliath Gold Project Wastewater Plans

(WABIGOON, ON – August 11, 2014) The Ontario Coalition of Aboriginal People (OCAP) is strongly opposed to the plan of Treasury Metals’ Goliath Gold Project to discharge effluent into Blackwater Creek or pipe it directly to Wabigoon Lake through a submerged diffuser. The recent catastrophic spill of wastewater and tailings waste in British Columbia is a warning to everyone in this region of the importance of protecting Wabigoon Lake.

It has come as a surprise to many people in the Dryden region that Treasury Metals plans to submit their environmental impact study and that they don’t see any red flags concerning the project. These facts contrast strongly with the concerns about the health and environment from Aboriginal Peoples and others living in the region.

“Wabigoon Lake is of great importance to Aboriginal Peoples in this region and the name itself is Ojibwe for ‘flower’. The pristine waters of the lake are a major attraction for recreational boaters and anglers and this generates significant economic benefits. Allowing metal mining corporations to use our lake as a dump for their wastewater and tailings is a pollution risk that we should not be taking,” said Brad Maggrah, OCAP President.

The concerns and issues of Aboriginal Peoples about federal and provincial environmental policies, which allow mining companies to destroy lakes and waters with toxic tailings, have fallen on deaf ears. Aboriginal Peoples have a deep respect and spiritual connection to lands and waters, and the pollution of our freshwater lakes is of great concern.

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Aboriginal institute trains mining industry workers – by Ian Ross (Northern Ontario Business – August 13, 2014)

Established in 1980, Northern Ontario Business provides Canadians and international investors with relevant, current and insightful editorial content and business news information about Ontario’s vibrant and resource-rich North. Ian Ross is the editor of Northern Ontario Business ianross@nob.on.ca.

Seven Generations Education Institute is seeking to create a home grown workforce to position Aboriginal people in northwestern Ontario to take advantage of coming opportunities in the mining sector.

The Aboriginally run Treaty 3 organization, established in 1978, was the recipient of $5.2 million in federal funding last spring to provide training and real world experience to First Nation, Inuit and Métis participants.

The one-time grant funding will be spread out over 15 months. The money, which arrived last April through Ottawa’s Skills and Partnership Fund, is aimed at skill development of new workers coming into the mining sector and placing them in a position to fill vital support roles as development begins to unfold in the region.

“The goal is not to create miners,” said Brenda Cameron, project coordinator of the Mining Workforce Preparation Program for Seven Generations. “It’s to create a trained Aboriginal workforce where people can secure a job somewhere in the mining industry.

“You need people to staff the offices, build the mines, tradespeople, electricians, first responders and line cooks.” Those skills are also transferrable to other sectors as well.

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Sudbury mining deal worth $1.25 million – by Staff (Sudbury Star – August 13, 2014)

The Sudbury Star is the City of Greater Sudbury’s daily newspaper.

Sudbury Platinum Corporation has announced plans to purchase CaNickel Mining Company Limited’s 100% interest in the Aer-Kidd Project in Sudbury for $1.25 million.

“(Sudbury Platinum Corporation’s) interest in the Aer-Kidd Project has grown over a number of years as we continue to develop, pursue and evaluate (nickel, copper and platinum group metals) opportunities in the prolific Sudbury region,” company CEO Scott McLean said in a release.

“The targets that have been recently identified on the Aer-Kidd property are very compelling and have resulted in the company’s decision to purchase CaNickel’s interest.”

The Aer-Kidd property is located 20 km southwest of downtown Sudbury and covers a 1.4-km section of the Worthington Offset Dyke in an area with a rich mining history, dating back to the 1800s.

The property is close to Vale’s Totten Mine and KGHM’s Victoria Mine project. The Aer-Kidd property hosts the former producing Howland Pit, Robinson and Rosen mines, which were small deposits exposed at surface that were mined down to a maximum depth of 300 metres.

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Tsilhqot’in Nation case: What it means for resource development in Ontario – by Tracy A. Pratt and Neal J. Smitheman (Mining Markets – August 11, 2014)

http://www.miningmarkets.ca/

On June 26, 2014, the Supreme Court of Canada released its decision in the Tsilhqot’in Nation v. British Columbia case (2014 SCC 44). The Supreme Court of Canada upheld the British Columbia trial judge’s findings on Aboriginal title and granted Aboriginal title to 2% of the Tsilhqot’in Nation traditional territory. This is the first decision in Canada granting Aboriginal title.

Background

The Tsilhqot’in Nation commenced an action in British Columbia claiming, among other things, Aboriginal title to a large tract of land representing approximately 5% of its traditional territory. The Tsilhqot’in Nation was a semi-nomadic Aboriginal grouping of six bands which shared a common culture and history. The people of the Tsilhqot’in Nation lived in mountain villages. Within their traditional territory they hunted, trapped and collected roots and herbs. Approximately 200 Tsilhqot’in Nation members still live in the area.

After 339 days of trial over five years, and having heard voluminous evidence from Tsilhqot’in Nation elders, historians and other experts, the trial judge found that Aboriginal title was proven for 190,000 hectares. The trial judge ruled, however, that because the action was pleaded as an “all or nothing” proposition and Aboriginal title was not established over the entire claim area, the court could not make a declaration of Aboriginal title.

The British Court of Appeal overruled the trial judge by finding that the action was pleaded sufficiently to permit the court to declare Aboriginal title to less than the full area claimed. Unlike the trial judge, however, the appeal court found that Aboriginal title had not been established. The Supreme Court of Canada disagreed.

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