~83 years ago, local Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario officials took part in ceremonies marking the launch of the first chromium smelting activity in the British Empire. The Chromium Mining and Smelting Corporation Ltd. was founded in 1934 with its head office in Hamilton, Ont. At that time the company had a drilling operation near Collins, Ont.(near Lake Nipigon) . By the following year the company had established a plant in Sault Ste. Marie.

Leo H. Timmins, of the Hollinger Gold Mine in Timmins, joined the company as president. The deposit at Collins did not produce as well as hoped, and in 1937 the company began purchasing ores in the open market, and concentrated on processing the ores to produce a chrome addition agent for steels and irons. By January 1959, chrome plant operations were winding down and forcing over 100 workers to look for alternatives.

References:

http://ao.minisisinc.com/scripts/mwimain.dll/1542348392/AUTH_WEB_NOSRCH/HEADING/Chromium~20Mining~20and~20Smelting~20Corporation?JUMP

http://archives.mcmaster.ca/index.php/chromium-mining-and-smelting-corporation-ltd-collection

https://www.sootoday.com/local-news/more-of-saults-industrial-past-disappears-10-photos-168694

I wonder how many of those in the Soo who have expressed opposition to the smelter were/are aware of the Sault's past history?

Cheers,

Luker