http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/thunderbay-council-sept-11-1.4281129

Sounds like Thunder Bay better pick up their socks if they are serious about giving Noront what they need to accommodate a Ferrochrome Smelter in their community.  We all know how long studies can take and if Thunder Bay hasn't started yet then I wonder how much of a contender they will be.  Especially, when Noront has announced that their site location decision is expected sometime before the end of the year; or sooner.  If Marten Falls is as anxious to see the Ring of Fire become a reality as I think they are then I am anticipating that they are in close talks with Noront.  I am sure they are reminding Noront of their neighbour and business associate to the south, Timmins, who should receive preferential treatment in regards to the smelter's location.  IMO, Marten Falls' control and influence over the N-S route, coupled with their desire to cooperate has already given me the sense that Thunder Bay will not succeed in persuading Noront to build the Ferrochrome Smelter in their region.

 If the N-S route has already been decided to be the most direct route for transporting chromite from the Ring, then why would one decide to then transport it west to have it processed.  Not to mention the fact that past studies have shown that Thunder Bay lacks the power needed to keep the energy requirements of a Ferrochrome Smelter running at peak effeciency, which brings into question whether any further government funded studies will change this, or any other infrastructure deficiencies so that all of a sudden the trip to Thunder Bay becomes worthwhile.  No matter how you slice it, Southern Ontario has the advantage, with Timmins being the closest location to the Ring with shared MOUs either esatblished, or being established (I do believe), between both the Matawa (Marten Falls) and Mushkegowuk councils; Timmins has it all.  Shipping from Sault Ste. Marie can be done after Timmins once the Ferrochrome has been finally processed into stainless steel.

From Editorial:

Chromite

The Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) will ask council to lend its support for a study on locating a ferrochrome processor in the city.

The CEDC wants to complete a study that would highlight what is needed to get the plant built in the city, including land availability, utilities, and also needs like education and the labour market.

The support from council is needed to get provincial funding to pay for the study.

The hope is the province's Northern Communities Investment Readiness program would pay for some of the study.

The ferrochrome processor would be owned and operated by NorOnt Resources, and would convert chromite ore from the Ring of Fire area into chromite, to be used in stainless steel production.