Energy Minister Andrew Parsons got a chance this week to see first-hand some of the mining activity underway in Labrador West.

Parsons toured IOC’s mining facilities this week, calling Labrador West the engine that is fueling the province’s economy.

He says the number of jobs alone has a huge impact on the province and the economy as a whole.

IOC isn’t the only success story with many other companies working in the region including Tacora, Tata, and Champion, not to mention Vale on the coast of Labrador. With that success, however, comes challenges, but Parsons says there is a good working relationship in place to address existing issues, including housing, child care, and power to meet industry demand.