Premier Andrew Furey says this province’s critical minerals are causing a commodities commotion around the world.
And that was before it got high purity iron ore added to Canada’s critical minerals list, which is now up to 34, all of which this province has.
Furey told the Mineral Resource Review Conference yesterday that the potential development at Julien Lake in Labrador West made the move a no-brainer.
“That’s why we have designated high purity iron ore as a critical mineral, the first jurisdiction in the world to do so, which was a bold move and received a very positive international response,” he said. “Quebec even followed our lead, and designated high purity iron ore as a critical mineral as well.”
Meanwhile, federal energy minister Jonathan Wilkinson chose the conference to announce federal funding for related projects.
(Federal Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson)
There’s $1 million to carry out geological surveys and create a database including research on the geoscience of sites in Labrador.
And there’s $650,000 to help NL Hydro do a transmission study on the best source of more power for more iron ore production in Labrador West.
Wilkinson noted the significance with the timing of it all.
“Seems appropriate that this change is occurring exactly 70 years since mines in Labrador began shipping iron ore down through Sept-Iles,” he said. “As the demand for green steel, wind turbines and green hydrogen accelerates, I look forward to seeing the production of iron ore in this province grow to support even more good jobs and attract more high-value investment.”
The Julien Lake area is considered an “exempt mineral land,” meaning its mineral rights belong to the provincial government.
