Ring Of Fire office opens in Northern Ontario

NEWS RELEASE

PROVINCE OF ONTARIO

***************************** Ring Of Fire office opens in Thunder Bay

McGuinty government building a stronger minerals industry, economic growth

The Ring of Fire office is now officially open in Thunder Bay.

The Ring of Fire could become one of the world’s largest discoveries of chromite, and the only one in North America.

It has the potential to provide significant economic development opportunities in the province.

The new office will help promote these economic opportunities and help facilitate successful development of the Ring of Fire.

In addition, the first four members of a Ring of Fire Advisory Council have been appointed.

The council will provide external advice and recommendations in managing the process of mineral development in the Ring of Fire.

Helping build a stronger minerals industry is part of the McGuinty government’s plan to create and support jobs for Ontario families and to strengthen local economies.

Quotes

“This is one of the most promising mineral development opportunities in Ontario in more than a century. All aspects of development of the Ring of Fire will require careful co-ordination and planning over the long term. I’m delighted that Director Harvey Yesno and his staff are located in Northern Ontario for the convenience of all involved parties.” - Michael Gravelle, minister of northern development, mines and forestry

Quick facts

The new Ring of Fire office will be managed by Harvey Yesno, the newly appointed director for Aboriginal community and stakeholder relations.

The Ring of Fire is centered at McFaulds Lake, about 535 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, and covers about 4,000 square kilometres, roughly the size of Prince Edward Island.

- Currently there are approximately 25,000 claim units held by about 35 companies exploring in the Ring of Fire for chromite, nickel, copper, platinum, zinc, gold and diamonds.

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