I also got a similar reply on Monday from the secretary to Rick Bartolucci MPP, Minister Community Safety and Correctional Services ( former Minister Northern Development & Mines).

Rick had a chance to see your e-mail and as he ran from one meeting to another today, asked me to pass on the following. He said to thank you for the e-mail, it sounds very exciting and he hopes all goes well with it. He said it is appropriate to work with Minister Gravelle but he will be watching it closely. He said to say hello to Chief Scott Jacob of Webiquie and to tell him that he misses him.

I suspect that local Sudbury politicians may see the RoF as a threat to employment in the Sudbury area. Ni grades are considerably higher in RoF but Sudbury has no Chromite.

Since xstrata has operations in Sudbury, I suspect they would like to take advantage of all the existing infrastructure, management, staff, labour force and mining supply companies that are already here in Sudbury.

I understand that Xstratas Sudbury Smelter uses more electricity to roast the feed as compared to Vale Inco's Sudbury Smelter. ( perhaps someone can confirm this). I believe I read that a ferrochrome smelter would require electricity.

At least this is one more poliytician that is aware of the potential for economic development that the RoF presents for the Province and Canada. When it comes up in discussion there will be more support for building the roads.

SN