With financial backing from the Quebec government, a magnesium-talc project in Timmins may be closer to fruition.
Globex Mining Enterprises Inc. owns 100 per cent interest in a magnesite-talc-silica deposit 13 kilometres south of Timmins in Deloro Township. A study completed last fall suggested a full feasibility study be commissioned with intent to construct a $1.5-billion mining, milling and smelting complex with mine and mill facilities in Timmins and a smelter near Rouyn-Noranda, Que. The cost of a full feasibility study has been calculated at $17,709,000, says an official with Globex. The Quebec government has submitted a proposal to provide a non-recourse loan of about 25 per cent of the required amount, with another 25 per cent being sought from the federal government, and Globex contributing the remaining 50 per cent for the study. The company estimates about 530 jobs will be created at the smelter, with an additional 80 jobs at the mine and mill complex in Timmins, but predicts this stage is about five years away.
The envisioned project will produce 90,000 tonnes of magnesium metal annually with the entire complex requiring a capital expenditure of $966 million US. The life of the ore body is expected to last over 100 years at that rate of production.
The construction phase of the project would create up to 200 direct jobs in Timmins, and up to 1,500 direct jobs in Rouyn-Noranda.
A Timmins city council member has proposed the Timmins Economic Development Corp. become involved in the Globex project so that the city can benefit from the project in every possible way.
