Provincial Government Ensures Obligations at Scully Iron Ore Mine are Met

Press Release

October 31, 2014

Managing Mining Resources Responsibly

The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources, confirmed today that formal notification has been received from Cliffs Natural Resources that they intend to proceed with closure of its mining and processing operations at the Scully Iron Ore Mine in Wabush.

“We have all known for some time that the closure of the mine in Wabush was a possibility. However, this does not make it any easier for the workers of the mine and their families, as well as residents in the Labrador West area. Our government is aware of this and will continue to support those impacted. Cliffs Natural Resources is fully compliant with legislation and has a closure and rehabilitation plan and financial assurance in place, as specified by the Mining Act. Any company operating a mine in the province would have to meet the same requirements.”
– The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources

Mining and processing operations at the Scully Mine have been idle since February. Cliffs Natural Resources are obligated to implement its closure and rehabilitation plan, as specified by the Mining Act, as well as to provide the financial assurance needed to cover the costs of implementation. Financial assurance will only be released once closure is complete.

“While the closure of the Wabush mine is deeply troubling for many in the area, especially workers and their families, Labrador West has weathered challenges in this industry before and I am confident that the region will rise to this challenge as well. Labrador’s resource development potential remains great and our government will continue to work with municipalities and stakeholders to recognize and realize future opportunities.”
– The Honourable Keith Russell, Minister of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs

The Mining Act is available at http://www.assembly.nl.ca/Legislation/sr/statutes/m15-1.htm .

QUICK FACTS

• The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources, has confirmed that formal notification was received late yesterday from Cliffs Natural Resources that they intend to proceed with closure of its mining and processing operations at the Scully Iron Ore Mine in Wabush.
• Cliffs Natural Resources is fully compliant with legislation and has a closure and rehabilitation plan and financial assurance in place, as specified by the Mining Act. Any company operating a mine in the province would have to meet the same requirements.
• The Provincial Government has been active in its efforts to support communities and employees impacted by the idling of the Wabush Scully Iron Ore Mine.
• The Scully Iron Ore Mine has operated in Wabush since 1965.

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Media contacts:

Diana Quinton
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 631-8155
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca

Roger Scaplen
Director of Communications
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
709-729-1495, 697-5267
rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca

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