Mayor Bigger to lead delegation to meet with mining leaders in Finland

Mayor Brian Bigger will lead a delegation to Tornio, Finland to meet with mining industry leaders from Outokumpu, a world class ferrochrome production facility. The delegation will also meet with municipal, public health and economic development officials. The visit is an opportunity to learn from what is considered the best ferrochrome production facility in the world.

Noront Resources has established a process to select one of four communities in Northern Ontario to build a ferrochrome production facility. In November 2017, Noront distributed packages to Greater Sudbury outlining criteria for a proposal to assist in the site selection process.

“The construction of a ferrochrome production facility is a great economic opportunity for Greater Sudbury,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger. “This trip will provide our project team and key stakeholders with the ability to visit a facility using the same technology as what Noront is proposing, while gaining valuable insight from company representatives and local officials for our proposal to Noront. I am also pleased that Wahnapitae First Nations Chief, Ted Roque, is able to join me for this important mission and to have the support of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek Chief Steven Miller.”

“I am pleased to be joining Mayor Bigger and his delegation to Tornio, Finland,” said Wahnapitae First Nations Chief Ted Roque. “Being engaged in this process from its initial stages of development showcases Greater Sudbury’s commitment to strengthening its relationships with First Nations. On behalf of Wahnapitae First Nations, we look forward to fostering these relationships as we continue to build a strong community.”

Greater Sudbury is home to the world’s largest integrated mining complex in the world, with eight operating mines, two mills, two smelters and a nickel refinery. It has the expertise in metal processing facilities however, ferrochrome production facilities would bring a new layer to the mining landscape of Greater Sudbury. With over 50 years of experience in processing ferrochrome, Tornio, Finland has expertise and knowledge to learn from.

“Greater Sudbury is a global centre for mining, minerals processing, and mining supply and services,” said Greater Sudbury Development Corporation (GSDC) Board Chair Wendy Watson. “In meeting with representatives from Outokumpu and the city of Tornio, we are creating global relationships that will only benefit our community today and for many years to come.”

Finland and the European Union have worked closely with Outokumpu to develop innovative ways to create a facility that is environmentally responsible and sustainable. Mayor Bigger and his delegation will be meeting with these leaders to gain first-hand knowledge of these best practices.

The Mayor’s delegation includes Wahnapitae First Nations Chief Ted Roque, City Councillor and Sudbury and District Health Unit Board Chair René Lapierre, Greater Sudbury Development Corporation Executive Board Member Paul Kusnierczyk, Greater Sudbury Director of Economic Development Ian Wood, and Greater Sudbury Mayor’s Chief of Staff Melissa Zanette.

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