Investment in Labrador mining supports critical mineral development
News release
Government of Canada invests in manganese processing in Wabush, Labrador
June 27, 2023 · Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing mining industry is moving Atlantic Canada’s economy towards a more prosperous future. Critical minerals are essential to many renewable energy and clean technology applications and are vital to enhancing Canada’s global competitiveness and building a green and digital economy. That is why the Government of Canada is investing in the mining sector, to help meet an increasing global demand for critical minerals.
Federal investment in mining helps green supply chain
Today, Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, announced an investment of $1.25 million to Tacora Resources Inc. to assist with the research and planning of a manganese processing operation. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.
Manganese is one of 24 critical minerals found in Newfoundland and Labrador. With this Government of Canada investment, Tacora will research and plan the feasibility of a potential Manganese Sulfate Purification Plant to process the company’s manganese stockpile. The company currently uses Manganese Reduction Circuits (MRC) which remove manganese and silica from their products, resulting in a higher grade iron ore. The goals of this investment are to assess the mineral processing technology to be deployed at a new plant which will be built near the Scully Mine site in Wabush, while helping to meet Canada’s need for manganese.
Atlantic Canada is poised for exponential growth with a recent report by the Public Policy Forum stating that the region’s economy is bustling. Today’s announcement highlights the Government of Canada’s commitment to strenghtening the mining industry, one of Atlantic Canada’s most important economic sectors and an essential part of transitioning to a greener economy.
Quotes
“Atlantic Canada plays an important role in building a green and digital economy while enhancing Canada’s global competitiveness. This investment with Tacora Resources Inc. will help ensure that critical mineral development moves forward, contributing to clean growth within our region’s mining industry.”
- The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Newfoundland and Labrador is rich in critical minerals, having 24 on Canada’s list of 31 critical minerals. Our investment with Tacora Resources Inc. will assist critical mineral development in our region and help green our supply chain within the mining sector.”
- Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament, Labrador
“With its vast continuous supply of rich manganese tailings, Tacora Resources is working on a plan to become a major contributor to the global critical mineral supply chain that will play a vital role in the electrification of the auto industry. We are pleased to partner with ACOA to help facilitate the feasibility and development of a manganese sulfate quality product that will be sustainable for both Tacora and the electric vehicle market.”
- Joe Broking, President and CEO, Tacora Resources
Quick facts
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Tacora Resources Inc. is an international iron ore mining and mineral processing company. It operates the Scully Mine near Wabush, Labrador, which produces high grade iron ore concentrate that is sold on the global iron ore commodities market.
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Canada has a list of 31 minerals it considers to be critical for the sustainable economic success of the country and its trading partners. These minerals, such as manganese, are needed in many renewable energy and clean technology applications, such as advanced batteries and solar panels.
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The mining industry contributes significantly to Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy, especially in rural areas and Indigenous communities. It provides direct employment for more than 8,000 workers and contributes $4.1 billion to gross domestic product (2021).
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The funding announced today is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.
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Contacts
Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Julie Afonso
Manager, Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-743-5835
Julie.Afonso@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Graham Letto
Manager, Community and Government Relations
Tacora Resources Inc.
709-280-2489
Graham.Letto@tacoraresources.com
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