The head of mining services with Thunder Bay's Economic Development Commission says he's not panicking over news that a Ring of Fire mining project may be delayed even further.
Earlier this year Cliffs Natural Resources announced it was pushing back the targeted start date for production on its Black Thor deposit to the end of 2016.
Now, an official with the company says the production target date could be moved into 2017 or beyond, as Cliffs looks to reduce capital spending.
The chromite project was originally slated to begin production in 2015 but now has a floating timeline.
Cliffs is also a major player in iron ore and other commodities that have been taking a hit. The company's stock and bottom line have been battered as of late.
John Mason is the head of mining services with the CEDC. He says he's not concerned about Cliffs moving the start-up dates back, and feels the company is just being cautious.
Cliffs feasibility study on its Black Thor chromite project is expected to be complete by mid-2013.
A company spokesperson says in the meantime, they will explore the option of taking on a partner for the project.
(Thunder Bay Television)
