August 14, 2012

Iron Ore Company proposes explosives facility construction in Labrador City

The Iron Ore Company of Canada is proposing the construction of a new explosives facility in Labrador City, the Newfoundland and Labrador department of environment and conservation recently announced.

In an environmental Assessment Bulletin posted in early August, the province said the facility would be located within IOC’s existing boundaries and would be capable of producing 90,000 tons of bulk ammonium nitrate explosive per year.

“The proposed project will include the construction of a process building, an adjacent mobile mixing unit building, as well as associated supporting infrastructure, i.e., a 1,700-metre extension to the existing railway line, a 530-metre long gravel surface access road, and a new one-kilometre long electrical distribution line,” the province stated. “Work would commence following release from Environmental Assessment and after all approvals and permits are in place.”

The deadline for public comments is September 4 and the minister’s decision is due September 13.

Iron Ore Co. is operated by its major shareholder, Rio Tinto Group. It operates a mine, concentrator and pelletizing plant in Labrador City, near the Quebec border.

DCN DIGITAL MEDIA

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