Iron Ore Company of Canada recipient of 2004 Great Blue Heron Award

The Minister of Environment and Conservation, Tom Osborne, today congratulated the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) for being among this year�s recipients of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan�s National Great Blue Heron Award.

The Great Blue Heron Award recognizes participants in the North American Waterfowl Management Plan who have made significant, long-term contributions that result in benefits to waterfowl and other migratory bird populations of North America. Recipients of this award are chosen from candidates located across North America.

In partnership with the North American Waterfowl Management Plan�s Eastern Habitat Joint Venture (EHJV) program, which is delivered by the Department of Environment and Conservation, IOC is leading the way, through its Tailings to Biodiversity project, in ensuring that a positive legacy remains long after the company ceases production at their mine-site in Labrador City. The IOC�s Tailings to Biodiversity project will result in a mosaic of habitats rather than a monoculture of grasses that is the traditional method of stabilization. Through a creative use of the inert tailings mixture of rock and sand wetlands, uplands and riparian areas are being created. Over the next 40 years, thousands of hectares of "new" habitat will be developed as a result of the project.

"The Tailings to Biodiversity project is an excellent example of what can be achieved through cooperation and partnership and with a strong vision. Indeed, IOC is setting an example for other resource-based industries and I hope that the recognition provided by this award will reinforce their commitment and encourage others to follow their lead," says Minister Osborne.

"The work we are doing and plan to do through biodiversity enhancement, partnerships with the communities and provincial governments, and increasing the awareness of wetlands is important to IOC�s overall sustainability. IOC is grateful for the recognition it has received for this award and it will serve as a reminder to balance social and environmental responsibility with its economical decisions," said Terry Bowles, President and CEO of IOC.

The company�s partnership with the EHJV has also resulted in the recent negotiation of a Municipal Wetland Stewardship Agreement with the Town of Labrador City. The EHJV�s Municipal Wetland Stewardship Program encourages municipalities to become active stewards of the wetlands within their jurisdiction.

Media contact:
Tina Coffey, Communications, Environment and Conservation, (709) 729-5783
Michel Filion, Director of Communications, Iron Ore Company of Canada, (514) 217-6253

2005 05 11                                               10:55 a.m.