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I was just going through past presentations on the Noront Website to see if any of the additional information that was discussed on Friday was in these presentations. There was a whole second part on Friday about the construction plans that wasn't part of the Nov 22 presentation. He illustrated drawings of the proposed underground processing plant as well as the slurry pipeline and the permanent road from Webeque to the existing rail line. I guess this was important as he was presenting to some of the worlds best mining supply contractors who will be greatly needed in the construction phase.
I did see a curious little illustration on the Sep 13 presentation. Page 21 is very interesting to me. It shows three nickel resources and eagles nest being labeled as the first. Share price increases substantially with the third resource.
Does anyone know what this represents?
Wes did show one example of this being in use. He also said that a 12 inch pipe could handle all the nickel slurry and a larger pipe (I can't recall the size) can also handle all the chromite as well. He said this with a smile.
He showed examples of the slurry pipe as well as an underground processing plant already in use.
Just to begin I am very surprised that there has not been any commentary about Wes being in Sudbury yesterday. I was surrounded by some of Sudbury's top mining people as Wes spoke for nearly an hour.
Unfortunately I was not taking notes but I do remember some highlights.
- Wes stated that he anticipates the eagles nest to attain 30 mil tonnes but did state that we would indeed have a deep mine at that point.
- He continuously stated that he was very excited about AT-12 and that we need winter conditions to drill this and that he was very disappointed that the blockade disrupted their plans this pst winter. He actually stated that this "might end up being larger than eagles nest".
- He discussed how frustrating it has been with the deep drills. He eluded to the fact that the drilling competency may not be sufficient.
- He discussed the Slurry pipeline and that he is not worried about a railroad. The pipeline would cost 300 million compared to the billions the railroad would cost. The pipeline would go to Webeque and then build an all season road from Webeque to the nearest railroad.
I apologise if this is information that has already been discussed. He was actually pretty humorous taking some stabs at the premier and the passion that we shareholders have.
So Edgy what you are saying is this could be posturing for some gov't relief/support. Hopefully they are trying for some infrastructure assistance!!! I like your spin. This could be an important first step.
Ike
If Xstrata had any interest in the ring of fire why would they be closing a smelter that is so close to it?
The Canadian Press Xstrata Copper Canada plans to permanently close its Kidd metalurgical copper and zinc plants in Timmins, Ont., with the loss of 670 jobs. The shutdown is planned for May 1, 2010, in a rationalization of the company's Canadian metallurgical operations. The metals company, which was called Falconbridge before it was acquired by Swiss-based Xstrata PLC, said the Kidd mine and concentrator will remain in operation. Xstrata cited several underlying global factors for the decision, including poor market demand and a strong Canadian dollar. Ben Lefebvre, the chair of Canadian Auto Workers Local 599, called it a “devastating blow” to the union's members, “particularly at this time of year.” He added that hundreds of other jobs will be affected in Timmins and the surrounding communities. “You can rest assured that we are not going to sit idly by and let this happen without a fight,” Mr. Lefebvre said in a statement. “The federal government agreed to the takeover of Falconbridge by this foreign multi-national based on the fact that the deal would prove to be a net economic benefit to this country,” Mr. Lefebvre said. “Obviously that is not the case.” Xstrata said eligible employees will be offered early retirement incentives and where possible, the company will try to offer work for employees at its other operations. “Global smelting overcapacity is driving treatment and refining charges to record lows while the costs to operate and maintain these facilities continue to increase,” Claude Ferron, chief operating officer, said in a release. “Our situation in Canada is exacerbated by a strengthening Canadian dollar. The requirement for further capital investment in these plants and lower sale prices for some byproducts, including sulphuric acid, have also negatively impacted the viability of these operations.” © Canadian PressXstrata to shut Timmins smelter
‘Devastating blow' will cost 670 jobs in Ontario community; high Canadian dollar, low demand for metals blamed