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May 27, 1999
(Mines and Energy)


Minister states that government's bottom line position on Voisey's Bay has not changed

Minister of Mines and Energy, Roger Grimes, has reiterated that government's bottom line position on the Voisey's Bay project has not changed - no smelter and refinery in the province means no mine or mill at Voisey's Bay.

"Government's position is, and always has been, that smelting and refining of Voisey's Bay nickel must occur in the province or there will be no development at Voisey's Bay," said Mr. Grimes. "We are standing firm on this and we want the full and fair benefits from this project accrued to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."

Grimes noted that the province has not received any new proposal from INCO, although one is expected sometime during the summer.

"We welcome the opportunity to review any reasonable proposal from the company. INCO is well aware of government's position and our commitment to having a smelter and refinery located in the province and we hope to see this reflected in their next proposal."

Grimes also points out the environmental panel report has recommended a different approach to the mining project at Voisey's Bay. "We concur with the recommendation that the life of the project be extended and the economic benefits spread over a longer period of time.

"Government's bottom line has not changed. There will be no development at Voisey's Bay without further processing nickel in the province. Again, we are willing to listen to a reasonable proposal, but only if further processing in the province is part of that proposal."

Media contact: Carl Cooper, Communications, (709) 729-4890.

1999 05 27    3:50 p.m.


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