Two public sessions will provide opportunity for anyone interested in learning about the potential construction and operation of a ferrochrome production facility, or smelter, in the Thunder Bay area. Public information session details follow below:
- 6 to 8 p.m., Mon., Jan. 15, Fort William First Nation Community Centre, 400 Anemki Drive, Fort William First Nation
- 7 to 9 p.m., Wed., Jan. 17, Ballroom 1, Valhalla Inn, 1 Valhalla Inn Rd., Thunder Bay.
The sessions are hosted by Fort William First Nation and the Thunder Bay Economic Development Commission and will address the potential to process ore mined by Noront Resources in the “Ring of Fire” area, a mining district in the James Bay Lowlands, located some 500 km./311 mi. northeast of Thunder Bay. Noront acquires, explores and develops mineral properties with a focus on the Ring of Fire.
Ferrochrome is an alloy of iron and aluminum produced through a high temperature process called carbothermic reaction. The Ring of Fire is considered one of the largest mining reserves in Ontario and proponents cite massive economic potential for up to a hundred years, if mining goes ahead. The Ring of Fire project has seen extensive media coverage over many years, including a focus on potential economic benefits, environmental and social concerns, impacts on First Nations and transportation to and from the remote Ring of Fire area.
Related:
- Uncovering the Economic Benefits of Ontario’s Ring of Fire (Ontario Chamber of Commerce)
- Potential Environmental Impacts of Mining and Processing (Mining Watch Canada Chromite Series).
