Mining is a cornerstone of the provincial economy, and the local industry is encouraged by a rosy future.

Newfoundland and Labrador punches well above its weight when it comes to the production of iron-ore in particular.

Iron is essential to the industrial world says Amanda McCallum of Mining NL, and Labrador alone boasts a number of major iron/ore mines. That includes IOC, Tacora and Champion Iron which is developing the Kami mining project.

The environment minister has approved final guidelines for preparation of Kami’s environmental impact statement, another step forward in getting the project off the ground.

That’s why expansion of the Upper Churchill and the development of Gull Island is so important, says McCallum.

She says a partnership arrangement, representing about $240 million in investment, was recently announced to help advance the Kami project. “So, really what’s important here is for these projects to advance, they need access to power, so it’s a pre-requisite.”