Tag Archives: Mike McCann

Rio Tinto’s IOC operations celebrate seven decades of iron ore production

Mine operation news, Steel and iron ore, ,

Rio Tinto’s Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) is celebrating its 70th anniversary, marking seven decades as a leading North American producer and exporter of premium iron ore pellets and high-grade concentrate.

Over its history, IOC has been a pioneer in responsible iron ore production, making substantial contributions to the economy and local communities. This milestone reflects a legacy of innovation, excellence and enduring commitment to the Labrador Trough region.

IOC President and Chief Executive Officer, Mike McCann, said: “As we celebrate 70 years of operations, we reflect on the remarkable journey that has shaped IOC into a leader in the iron ore industry. Our success is built on the dedication of our employees, the support of local communities and our commitment to responsible practices. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue driving innovation, fostering strong partnerships, and contributing to the future of the Labrador Trough with the same spirit of excellence and responsibility that has defined us for decades.”

To commemorate this occasion, IOC hosted a reception at the historic Quebec North Shore and Labrador Station in Sept-Îles.

Held near the old locomotive, which symbolises the importance of the rail line to IOC’s operations, the event featured key stakeholders including Chief Mike McKenzie of Premier Nation Innu Uashat mak Mani-utenam; Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency; Kateri Champagne Jourdain, Quebec’s Minister of Employment and Minister Responsible for the Côte-Nord Region; and Perry Trimper, MHA Lake Melville and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Employees, customers, suppliers and local community members were also in attendance. The celebration also featured a musical performance from renowned Innu singer-songwriter Florent Vollant, honoring IOC’s Indigenous relations.

IOC is a leading North American producer and exporter of premium iron ore pellets and high-grade concentrate. Its operations include a mine with five operational pits, a concentrator and a pelletising plant near Labrador City, Newfoundland and Labrador. These facilities are situated in the Labrador Trough, a significant basin with rich deposits of high-grade iron ore. High-grade iron ore, crucial for green steelmaking and decarbonisation, is now listed on Canada’s, Quebec’s and Newfoundland and Labrador’s Critical Minerals Lists, underscoring its pivotal role in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

IOC’s impact extends beyond its 2023 production of 9.7 Mt. Last year, IOC contributed $384 million to the federal, provincial and local economies, while also investing $1.12 million in community initiatives. With nearly 3,000 employees in Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec, Rio Tinto IOC remains an employer of choice in the Labrador West and Sept-Îles communities as it celebrates its 70th anniversary.

The Government of Canada awards Rio Tinto’s IOC funding for decarbonisation project

Environmental, Mine operation news, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, Sustainable mining, , , , ,

The Government of Canada has awarded C$18.1 million ($13.4 million) from its Low Carbon Economy Fund to Rio Tinto’s Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) to support the decarbonisation of iron ore processing at its operations in Labrador West, the mining company says.

The funding will enable IOC to reduce the amount of heavy fuel oil consumed in the production of iron ore pellets and concentrate, according to Rio Tinto. The company will install an electric boiler to displace emissions from the usage of the heavy fuel oil boilers, as well as instrumentation and fuel-efficient burners to further reduce heavy fuel oil consumption from induration machines.

Over the lifetime of this project, IOC will see a cumulative reduction of about 2.2 Mt of greenhouse gas emissions.

Installation of the new equipment will begin in the June quarter of 2024 and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2025. The project will create more than 100 jobs during the construction and implementation stages in Labrador West.

IOC President and Chief Executive Officer, Mike McCann, said: “Rio Tinto IOC has a plan to decarbonise and continue producing some of the lowest carbon-intensity high-grade iron ore products in the world, right here in Canada. This project alone will eliminate approximately 9% of IOC’s greenhouse gas emissions. We look forward to collaborating with the Government of Canada and other partners towards our goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.”

Labrador Member of Parliament, Yvonne Jones, said: “By working with organisations across Canada, such as IOC, we can help the community save money on monthly operating costs and grow the economy, all while fighting climate change. Through the Low Carbon Economy Fund, the Government of Canada is partnering with climate leaders nationwide to cut emissions. I applaud the leadership shown by IOC for helping to keep our air clean and build resilient communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

The Government of Canada’s contribution represents approximately 25% of the total cost of the project, with IOC funding the remainder of the investment, Rio Tinto clarified.