NLIS 2
July 4, 2005
(Natural Resources)
Minister says no project proposal
submitted to government on Labrador ore
Ed Byrne, Minister of Natural Resources, said
today government has not received any proposal from New Millenium Capital Corp.
on the potential development of an iron ore project near in Labrador near
Schefferville. Minister Byrne responded today to media reports on the potential
development of this resource and the company�s plans to ship concentrated ore
from Labrador to a processing facility outside of the province.
"While New Millenium Capital did make a preliminary presentation to government,
the company has yet to come forward with a formal proposal for the development
of this resource," said Minister Byrne. "And I was very emphatic in my
discussion with this company that shipping iron ore concentrate out of Labrador
was definitely not in line with this government�s position on the exploitation
of our resources."
According to provincial government legislation, namely the Mining Act, when a
proponent receives a mining lease, it is required to receive ministerial
approval on how it proposes to develop any mining project in the province at
least six months prior to the start of production.
"At this point, we consider this project nothing more than an advanced
exploration project; there has not been any application for a mining lease.
Furthermore, there have not been any negotiations with my office nor with the
premier�s office on this project," said Minister Byrne.
"As a government, we have taken a firm stand on the development of our natural
resources - whether its our oil, natural gas, hydro or mineral resources," added
Minister Byrne. "Any company that has any intention to develop these resources
should clearly understand our government is committed to maximizing as many
benefits as we can from our renewable and non-renewable resources. We will not
accept anything less."
Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications, (709) 729-5282, (709) 685-4624
2005 07 04
11:55 a.m. |