Minister visits Inco facilities in Ontario

Mines and Energy Minister Walter Noel today provided an update on his visit to Inco�s research and development facilities at Sheridan Park in Mississauga, Ontario.

Sheridan Park is home to Inco�s worldwide research facilities and as such will be home to the mini-pilot plant which will be utilized to test Voisey�s Bay concentrate using the hydromet process. This is a critical step in the design and construction of the demonstration plant at Argentia.

"Inco�s test facilities are truly impressive," said Minister Noel. "I had the opportunity to examine the mini-pilot plant modules, a smaller version of those that will be used at the demonstration facility to be constructed at Argentia, and speak to the scientists and engineers involved in the process. This current process will aid in the development of the research and development program to begin operations in 2006.

"Inco officials have also assured me that the project is on schedule and their work plan is where they estimated it to be at this point. Officials also indicated that between $100-120 million will be spent in Newfoundland and Labrador during the 2003-04 work season and employment will peak at between 500-600 people."

Media contact: Darrell Mercer, Communications, (709) 729-5777.

2003 03 11                                        4:50 p.m.