LABRADOR CITY, N.L.
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
CANADA
A cold brisk wind and snow on the ground greeted officials to the opening of the newest mining pit at the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) site on Sept. 23.
High up in the hills above Labrador City special guests and workers gathered as IOC’s CEO and President Clayton Walker and Premier Dwight Ball cut the ribbon to declare the pit officially open.
The Wabush 3 project is named the Moss Pitt in honour of Dr. A.E. (Ab) Moss who played a pivotal role in the early exploration and development of the mine in the 1950s.
IOC president Clayton Walker called it a historic day for the company.
“The new pit will increase IOC’s production, extend the life of the operation to 50 years and reduce operating costs,” he said.
According to the company, the Moss Pit is a $79 million investment.
Premier Dwight Ball thanked IOC for its investment in Labrador, saying this newest project will mean more jobs and spinoff benefits for the local economy.
Siobhan Coady, the province’s minister responsible for natural resources, added the project will also benefit the provincial economy.
IOC’s Chief operations officer, Thierry Martel, said the project was achieved on time and on budget with a lot of co-operation.
It took 15 months and 70 people to complete the Moss Pit, he said, adding co-operation from the staff, the union, the towns, the province and the project team contributed to that achievement.
Toby Leon, President of the Labrador West Chamber of Commerce, said the project is good news for Labrador West .
“Increased production will mean more spinoffs for the business community, for suppliers and service providers,” he said.
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Labrador City Mayor Wayne Button added, “This project symbolizes just how far the community and IOC have come these last few years. The community now knows there is a long future in the world of mining.”
First Ore from the Moss pit is expected to ship the third quarter of this year.
