The United Steelworkers union has welcomed with open arms Cliffs Natural Resources' decision to build its $1.8-billion ferrochrome processing plant near Capreol.

“This project and its spinoffs will provide a much-needed boost to the hard-working families of Sudbury and northern Ontario,” USW International President Leo Gerard said, in a press release.

"Thousands of jobs will be created during development of the Sudbury smelter, the chromite mine and concentrating plant in northwestern Ontario and all the related infrastructure,” Gerard said. “Once operations begin, hundreds of family-supporting jobs will be maintained in the north for many years.”

The announcement will bring jobs and economic benefits to Northern Ontario, and that must include First Nations communities, Ken Neumann, USW National Director for Canada, said.

“The Steelworkers have worked for 30 years with First Nations and Aboriginal communities to ensure they also benefit from development of our natural resources,” Neumann said. “It will be incumbent on all parties involved in this project to reach agreements that ensure First Nations communities participate fully and share in its long-term benefits.”

USW District 6 Director Wayne Fraser added: “This is a tremendous opportunity to boost economic development that will benefit working families in many communities in northern Ontario.

"From mining and smelting to roads, railway and electricity infrastructure, this project will aid the economic development of the whole region," Fraser said.

The United Steelworkers and Cliffs Natural Resources have had a constructive relationship that dates back five decades, Gerard added.

“We enthusiastically look forward to working with Cliffs in this exciting new project," he said.

Posted by Arron Pickard