Natural Resources
September 11, 2015
Supporting the Mineral Industry
Wabush 3 Open Pit Mine Receives Green Light for Development
The development of the Iron Ore of Canada's (IOC) proposed Wabush 3 Open Pit Mine Project in Labrador can now move ahead with today's announcement that it has been released from the Provincial Government's environmental assessment process.
"We look forward to the development of the proposed Wabush 3 Open Pit Mine Project in Labrador. Today's release from environmental assessment is an important announcement for IOC and a great opportunity for Labrador West - a region that has experienced its share of highs and lows in the mining industry. We are optimistic that in the long term the combination of high quality iron ore resources, stable and dependable regulation and taxation, and low cost power will continue to sustain the iron ore industry and communities in Labrador."
- The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources
The development of the Wabush 3 Open Pit Mine Project is estimated to generate over 2,400 person months of employment during the construction phase and will involve a variety of jobs of different durations, made up of a mix of contractors, sub-contractors and existing IOC personnel.
"This announcement is important for IOC's future and more importantly the future for the people of Labrador West. Wabush 3 can add to the sustainability of Wabush and Labrador City. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will always be there to facilitate, assist and do its part to maintain and build upon all the great communities in this province, in whatever way possible."
- The Honourable Keith Russell, Minister of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
The project will consist of an open pit containing 744 million tonnes of iron ore, an overburden storage area, a waste rock disposal pile, haulage roads, a pole line, a groundwater extraction system and a mine water collection, treatment and disposal system.
"The environmental assessment release for the development of the Wabush 3 Open Pit Mine Project in Labrador West is a significant announcement for the region. This project will strengthen a straining economy, and will provide security, sustainability and job opportunities for the residents of Labrador West."
- Nick McGrath, MHA for Labrador West
The Provincial Government continues to support mineral exploration and development through the mineral incentive program, state of the art public geoscience, efficient regulation and stable taxation.
"The receipt of all required environmental permits for the Wabush 3 Open Pit Mine Project is a milestone in IOC's history and the Provincial Government and our community stakeholders have been partners in our continued journey to increase sustainability. Wabush 3 is a critical piece of IOC's plan for the future, extending our mine life and providing ongoing employment within Labrador West - some very good news in what continues to be a challenging time for the region of Labrador West."
- Kelly Sanders, President and CEO of the Iron Ore Company
A copy of the Environmental Assessment Bulletin regarding the Wabush 3 Open Pit Mine Project is available at www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2015/env/0911n05.aspx
QUICK FACTS:
- The development of the Iron Ore of Canada's (IOC) proposed Wabush 3 Open Pit Mine Project in Labrador can now move ahead with today's announcement that it has been released from the Provincial Government's environmental assessment process.
- The development of the Wabush 3 Open Pit Mine Project is estimated to generate over 2,400 person months of employment during the construction phase and will involve a variety of jobs of different durations, made up of a mix of contractors, sub-contractors, and existing IOC personnel.
- The project will consist of an open pit containing 744 million tonnes of iron ore, an overburden storage area, a waste rock disposal pile, haulage roads, a pole line, a groundwater extraction system and a mine water collection, treatment and disposal system.
- The Provincial Government continues to support mineral exploration and development through the mineral incentive program, state of the art public geoscience, efficient regulation, and stable taxation.
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Media contacts:
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Diana Quinton
Director of Communications Department of Natural Resources 709-729-5282, 631-8155 dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca |
Vanessa Coleman-Sadd
Director of Communications Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs 709-729-1495 vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca |
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Marsha Power-Slade
Senior Advisor External Relations Iron Ore Company 709-722-4211 Marsha.power-slade@ironore.ca |
Linda J. Walsh
Communications Manager Government Members’ Office 709-729-0898, 691-2960 lindajwalsh@gov.nl.ca |
2015 09 11 12:15 p.m.