LB,

Quite significant development. Thanks for this info.

NOB report says: "The federal environmental assessment of Cliffs Natural Resources’ chromite project in the Ring of Fire has been terminated.

The Cleveland-based iron ore miner notified the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) on Jan. 5 that it wanted to halt the comprehensive study process that began in September 2011.
The CEAA posted the notice of termination on its website, Feb. 5." (underlined mine).

This is as clear (and as official) as it gets. It looks like CLF has been performing a slow dance of the seven veils, and this is presumably the 7th one, since this clearly shows that CLF has no intention whatsoever to have a (legal) business development for the RoF. In Canada EA is a key requirement for a mining project, especially project of this magnitude.

A $3.3B mining project proposal would perk up a few ears during the negotiation process with the governments with respect to potential incentives for a plan which would provide long-terms jobs for Canadians, and tax revenues. Incentives could include contribution for the building the proposed private road (some $600M) and electricity subsidy for the electric arc furnace (billions over the life of the mine).

This announcement along with recent comments made by CLF CEO Goncalves indicate to everybody, including our political leaders/Minister Gravelle, that CLF RoF project is now completely dead, and there is no hope for revival.

Bottom line: There would be no reason for CLF to contest KWG current Appeal with respect to CLF easement application on KWG esker corridor claims. However, if CLF is still adamant and submits responses to KWG submission then one may ask this question: what would be the basis for CLF continue interest for an easment over KWG claim for the esker corridor? Certainly not for building a private road to serve its (now dead) BT project. So, just to drag it out for some fun and game and to deny KWG and partners potential business opportunities? Frank may want throw in a claim for loss of business opportunities in KWG submission for the Appeal.

goldhunter