Cliffs gives overview of Ring of Fire project at conference

There was plenty of interest Wednesday at conference featuring the region's mining sector over a development that could provide more than 2,500 jobs. 

About a hundred people filled a room to hear Cliffs Natural Resources provide an overview of its project description for the Ring of Fire. The company released information on options for the chromite deposit in February and is preparing to file it with the province in the coming months.

Director of Environmental Affairs, Jason Aagenes said construction of the mine, processing facility, transportation system and production facility could create 1,300 jobs. 

Another 1,300 full-time jobs could be created when the operation is up and running. 

Aagenes also spoke about some of the challenges of the proposed 260-kilometre transportation link that would include upwards of 80 water crossings. 

Three different companies have all proposed different ways of moving materials in and out of the development.

Cliffs is not prepared to answer questions on what type of public funding should go into the transportation link, which is expected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars. 

Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce President Harold Wilson said if tax dollars are used for infrastructure, there must be a return on the investment.

Cliffs estimates that 50-to-100 truckloads of ore and concentrate daily would be sent to a trans-load facility that could be located in Nakina.